How is water quality measured? (From EPA NSW)
Giardiasis?
What is Hard Water?
What is Chlorine?
What is In our Drinking Water!!
What are KDF® Process Media
and how do they work?
1. The KDF media is a pure bi-metal alloy of Copper & Zinc. Bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus and algae can¹t live in an environment with such elements, consequently it inhibits their growth in the unit.
2. Eliminating the microorganisms that cause the bad odor automatically eliminates the bad odor problem without the use of chemicals such as chlorine.
3. When water passes through the KDF flakes, the bi-metal create a potential difference causing the effect of a micro-electroplating which capture the contaminants like a magnet, this Electrolytic process is known as Reduction/Oxidation or the Redox potential, as well as Adsorption.
4. KDF also affects the chemical structure of lime in hard water. Without KDF calcium bicarbonate in its soluble state, is turned into calcium carbonate which solidifies and creates the lime scale due to the rough edges of the calcium crystals, requiring a chemical treatment using harsh acids and scraping to clean. However with the presence of KDF, the calcium
bicarbonate is turned into aragonite, which is different formation of calcium crystals with smooth edges, consequently the calcium remains suspended in the water as a soft film (or settles down at the bottom after some time) without attaching it self to the walls of the container. Cleaning the drain-pan or tank will not require scraping or acid treatment,
but rather a simple wipe with a wet towel or sponge.
Features of KDF-55 & 85
Removes: Chlorine, heavy metals, a large variety of non-organic contaminants
Inhibits: Bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus & algae growth
Controls: Lime scale, calcium build-up (calcinations)
KDF85: Removes Iron up to 5 ppm (Parts Per Million)
How is water quality measured? (From EPA NSW)
The presence of contaminants and the characteristics of water are used to indicate the quality of water. These water quality indicators can be categorized as:
- Biological: bacteria, algae
- Physical: temperature, turbidity and clarity, color, salinity, suspended solids, dissolved solids
- Chemical: pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, nutrients (including nitrogen and phosphorus), organic and inorganic compounds (including toxicants)
- Aesthetic: odors, taints, color, floating matter
- Radioactive: alpha, beta and gamma radiation emitters.
Measurements of these indicators can be used to determine, and monitor changes in, water quality, and determine whether the quality of the water is suitable for the health of the natural environment and the uses for which the water is required.
The design of water quality monitoring programs is a complex and specialized field. The range of indicators that can be measured is wide and other indicators may be adopted in the future. The cost of a monitoring program to assess them all would be prohibitive, so resources are usually directed towards assessing contaminants that are important for the local environment or for a specific use of the water.
This water quality information can then be used to develop management programs and action plans to ensure that water quality is protected.
Giardiasis
In the mid 1980s, several Pennsylvania communities experienced outbreaks of a waterborne disease called Ggiardiasis. Hundreds of citizens suffered with symptoms ranging from mild nausea to acute, severe intestinal distress.
Studies show outbreaks occur in communities with inadequate chlorination systems, improperly operated and maintained filtration equipment, and even unfiltered water supplies. Since water supplies are not regularly tested for Giardia, the contamination is not detected until it was too late and entire communities had been exposed to contaminated drinking water. Illness-causing cysts must be removed, and various applications of point-of-use (POU) technology can play valuable roles in this task.
Filtration is a key to trapping giardia
Removing Giardia cysts before they reach the tap usually involves dis-infection to inactivate the cysts and filtration through a fine media to physically remove the cysts from the water. Filtration is required because Giardia cysts are resistant to normal dis-infection. Cysts are large in comparison to bacteria and viruses and range from 7 microns to 10 microns in diameter. Consequently, they are more easily removed by filtration. Sand, diatomaceous earth, spiral wound fiber, ceramic and activated carbon are five common media used in this filtration application, with activated carbon being the most common.
The QUALICLEAN® filtration process works to trap Giardia and other water constituents.
What is Hard Water?
Water is considered "hard" if it contains excessive amounts of certain minerals - particularly calcium and magnesium. These substances tend to leave a hard scale on surfaces that come in contact with the water they infiltrate. You can tell you have hard water if there's build-up on your sinks and bathtubs, or if you have to use large amounts of soap to clean
dishes or wash your hair. In many instances, having hard water does not matter. For example, to put out fires, water your lawn, wash the mud off the streets or float your boat, water would have to be pretty hard to cause a problem. But for bathing, washing dishes and clothes, shaving, washing your car and many other uses of water, hard water is not as efficient or convenient as "soft water."
Specifically:
- You only use half as much soap cleaning with soft water.
- Because hard water and soap combine to form "soap scum" that can¹t be rinsed off, "bathtub ring" form on all surfaces and unsightly spots dry on your dishes.
- When hard water is heated, the hardness minerals are re-crystallized to form hardness scale. This scale can plug your pipes and hot water heater, causing premature failure and necessitating costly replacement.
- The soap scum remains on your skin even after rinsing, clogging your pores and coating every hair on your body. This crud can serve as a home for bacteria, causing diaper rash, minor skin irritation and skin that continually itches.
- For many industrial uses, the hardness minerals interfere with the process, causing inferior product.
Hard water is neutralized from your tap water with the QUALICLEAN®!!!!!
What is Chlorine?
Chlorine, which is used almost universally in the treatment of public water supplies, is not only absorbed through the skin but is also inhaled when in a hot shower. There is growing evidence that chlorine may actually pose serious health risks when it is absorbed or ingested over a long period of time. Studies have linked the element and its byproducts to cancer of the bladder, liver, stomach, rectum and colon, as well as heart disease, arteriosclerosis, anemia, high blood pressure and allergic reactions. There is also evidence that chlorine can destroy protein in our body and cause adverse effects on skin and hair. The presence of chlorine in water may also contribute to the formation of chloramines, which can cause taste and odor problems.
Since it is required chlorine be present in all public drinking water supplies, it is up to each individual to remove it at the point-of-use in the home. While many people filter the water they drink and use for cooking, they often overlook the importance of protecting themselves in the shower.
What is In our Drinking Water!!
Lead. Pesticides. Asbestos. We¹ve all heard these contaminants exist within our water supply. But what exactly are they, and why are they so dangerous?
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM & GIARDIA
Primary source is animal feces, which can contain harmful cysts. Land runoff carries cysts into lakes, streams and rivers where water treatment plants collect the water. The cyst microorganism is small (3-4 microns in size) with a hard shell that protects it from chlorine, the most commonly used disinfectant in water treatment.
Effect: The EPA estimates that 155 million people are potentially at risk from waterborne cryptosporidium. It can cause flu-like symptoms that can last one to three weeks in healthy adults. It can be life threatening for persons with suppressed immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer patients.
LEAD
Lead can leach into water from lead plumbing, lead solder and brass alloy faucets.
Effect: Long-term exposure can cause lower IQ, memory reduction and shorter attention spans in children.
LINDANE AND ATRAZINE
Lindane is a pesticide used on cattle, lumber and gardens. Atrazine is a herbicide used on corn and non-crop land.
Effect: Lindane can cause liver, immune, circulatory and nerve problems. Atrazine can cause mammary gland tumors.
ASBESTOS
Direct and indirect water contamination can result from natural deposits.
Effect: Can cause cancer.
CHLORINE
Disinfectants used by drinking water treatment plants.
Effect: Chlorine remains in the water in small amounts and can affect the flavor of the water. One possible side effect of chlorinating drinking water is that it creates trihalomethanes (THM¹s), which can be carcinogenic (cancer causing).
MERCURY
Direct and indirect water contamination can result from crop runoff, natural deposits, batteries and electrical switches.
Effect: Can cause kidney and nervous system disorders.
COPPER
Direct and indirect water contamination can result from natural/industrial deposits.
Effect: Can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
The Quality H2O, INC. QUALICLEAN® can help you remove these organic and inorganic impurities from your home tap water.
Sources:
"Cryptosporidium - Drinking Water Health Advisory" US EPA, December 1993
"Is Your Drinking Water Safe?" US EPA, May 1994
"EPA The Lead Ban" US EPA, August 1989
