Most water contains more than just water. Almost all of the water found in the U.S. is considered hard water. Hard water contains dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, lead, and limestone that can negatively affect your home, your water quality, and your monthly expenses.

If you are dealing with these problems locally, a professional water softener installation in Cape Coral can help protect your plumbing, improve cleaning results, and reduce scale buildup throughout the house.

Depending on where you live, additional contaminants from sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff can also seep into your water supply. If you notice stains or buildup on sinks and bathtubs, need large amounts of soap to wash dishes or your hair, or your water tastes or smells unusual, there is a strong chance you are dealing with hard water or other water quality issues. In some homes, odor problems may also point to sulfur contamination, which may require a sulfur water treatment system.

If left untreated, the minerals in hard water can create yellow stains on plumbing fixtures and build up as scale inside pipes. Over time, that buildup can clog plumbing and shorten the life of appliances like washing machines, water heaters, and dishwashers. Scale deposits also reduce efficiency, which can lead to higher utility bills and more maintenance costs.

Water softeners help eliminate the effects of hard water by removing calcium and magnesium from the water. A properly sized and professionally installed <a href="/water-softener-installation-cape-coral">Cape Coral water softener system</a> can help extend the life of water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, coffee makers, humidifiers, and household plumbing systems.

Hard water can also cause yellowish stains on toilets, bathroom fixtures, and clothing, making them harder to clean. It may even contribute to dry skin and irritation. If your home has broader water quality concerns beyond hardness alone, you may also want to learn about <a href="/whole-house-reverse-osmosis-cape-coral">whole house reverse osmosis systems</a> for more complete water treatment.

Soft water makes a difference you can feel and see all over the house.

In the bathroom, soap and shampoo lather better, hair and skin feel cleaner and softer, and there is less soap scum or mineral buildup to clean from sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets.

In the laundry, clothes come out softer, cleaner, brighter, and can last longer. Using soft water can also help reduce wear on towels, linens, and your washing machine.

In the kitchen, dishes clean more easily and stay spot-free, without the cloudy film glasses often get from mineral-heavy water. Hands feel softer, and cleanup becomes easier overall.

Throughout the home, water-using appliances last longer and perform better because they are not constantly battling hard water scale. That means better efficiency, fewer service issues, and longer equipment life.

If you are ready to improve your home’s water quality, contact <a href="/contact">Crystal Clear Water Purification Inc.</a> to schedule service or learn which system is right for your home.

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Hard water is one of the most common problems you will experience with your water supply. Water becomes hard when it contains too much calcium and magnesium. The problem may cause a few inconveniences or major plumbing issues. As you use this essential supply, you need to be aware of the hidden costs of hard water and how to deal with them. These costs include the following;

Higher electricity bills

Increased power bills are one of the costs of hard water you will discover. Your water heater is among the first to be affected by minerals. The heater is usually neglected until it develops serious problems. As minerals build inside the heater, it consumes more energy and takes time to warm your water. The end result is a breakdown that will require major repairs and high electricity expenditure. Both modern and old fashioned heaters are affected by the problem.

Clogged pipes

As water passes through the pipes, the minerals create sedimentation. The buildup of the minerals may not have serious effects, but you will notice reduced water flow from your taps. However, the problem can become far-reaching leading to complete blockage. If the problems really affect the flow of water, you may be forced to replace the pipes. Steel pipes are the most vulnerable as witnessed in old houses. Modern pipes made of copper and plastic are less prone to the problem of mineral sedimentation.

Laundry problems and Stains

When washing your clothes with hard water, you will be required to use more detergent than usual. Hard water does not lather easily, and people add more detergent to their laundry to get more foam for better cleaning.

The items cleaned using hard water get stains that cause discoloration. You may notice some discoloration on ceramic surfaces and also your clothes. These stains are as a result of the minerals and are difficult to remove.

Controlling the costs of hard water

Water is crucial in life, and you have no control on the water flowing in your pipes. Despite this limitation, you can reduce the costs of hard water in your home by investing in a water softener.

How a water softener works

A water softener contains negatively charged resin placed inside a tank. The negative charge in the resin is provided by sodium ions. The water in the tank has positive ions just like the calcium and magnesium. The positively charged ions of calcium and magnesium are strong and knock off the sodium ions off the resin and get attached to it in a process called ion exchange.

This process removes most of the hardness from the water but leaves small amounts of sodium which are harmless. After a period, the hard water ions saturate the resin and must be removed from the water. The hard water ions are detached from the resin by running it in a brine solution. The brine is then flushed down the drain.

Before buying a water softener, you need to determine how hard your water is. You can do this by flushing your heater and see the level of sedimentation. If it is severe, you need to go ahead and buy the softener to reduce the costs of hard water in your home you are yet to discover.

Over the past several months, there have been many reports on local news stations concerning the water levels in Cape Coral’s extensive canal system. The low rainfall levels that we have received this past year, combined with heavy use, has been a strain on the system. You may have heard that the city is ticketing people who are not abiding by the cities mandatory water restrictions, and water scheduling. You may have also heard that if the canal water levels drop much further they will start to effect the pumps that are used to pump the water out for irrigation. But does this affect our drinking water?

According to a report by the US Geological Survey, the principal source of freshwater for Cape Coral is the upper limestone of the Hawthorn Aquifer. This aquifer can be contaminated by both upward intrusion and downward intrusion. Upward intrusion, according to the report, is amplified in areas of heavy water withdrawals, and large water level declines.

Therefore, it seems reasonable that the low water levels in our canals would be causing both large water level declines and heavy water withdrawals from the aquifer system making it susceptible to upward intrusion.

This type of contamination could affect the drinking water that is being pumped to your house by the city. To make sure your drinking water is of the best possible quality, we recommend you have it tested. Crystal Clear water can come to your home and perform a simple water test to check for sulfur, iron, hardness, tannins, nitrates and pH. The results of this test can help us determine what type of water filtration system you might need to make your water clean and pure again.

Some people think that buying bottled water is a better alternative to getting an in home water purification system. But in fact, it is not. A whole house system can reduce maintenance costs on your home by reducing mineral build up in your pipes and reduce the risk of drain clogs. In addition, properly treated water prolongs the life of both your washing machine, and the garments that you wash in it. That’s right, pure water will give you cleaner smelling, longer lasting clothes.

Having good water will also lower maintenance on all your plumbing. Getting rid of hard water helps eliminate hard water stains on your shower, tub and sinks, and makes your toilets run better.

Additionally, having your water treated at your home will save you loads of money on bottled water costs. Many studies have shown that bottled water isn’t as pure as you would like to think. In fact, a properly maintained water system at your home will give you better quality water then most store bough bottled water at a fraction of the cost. Living in Southwest Florida, we have all seen the runs on bottled water at the store whenever there is a hurricane that is showing any possibility of hitting us. Wouldn’t it be better knowing that you can better quality water from your tap?

So stop worrying about bottled water prices, and canal levels and let Crystal Clear Water set your home up with the best quality water you can get.

Well water contamination

Ground water wells supply over 92% of the water we use in Florida to water our lawns, wash cook and drink. Most of these wells supply good water. Unfortunately, some wells have been contaminated by leaking gasoline storage tanks, pesticide applications, landfills, or poor disposal of toxic wastes.

If your home is serviced by a groundwater well, it is important to have your water tested to make sure that your family is getting safe drinking water that has not been contaminated. Testing of private water wells is the responsibility of the owner, and the state recommends routine testing.

The most common and widespread contaminants in Southwest Florida are bacteria, nitrates, and lead.

Bacteria is one of the most common types of contaminants in ground water. Diarrhea is a common symptom of drinking water that has been contaminated with bacteria. Most testing for bacteria is a test for Coliform. Although coliform itself isn’t dangerous, it’s presence indicates the presence of other bacteria. If you have had any well repairs, if your well was flooded, or if other wells in your area have been contaminated, you should probably have your water tested.

Nitrate in drinking water that is above acceptable levels is an immediate danger to children under 3 years of age. In some cases, nitrates from drinking water have reacted with hemoglobin in infants blood and produced an anemic condition known as “blue baby syndrome”. Nitrates can seep into ground water from fertilizers. So if you live in an agricultural area, or have an infant, it is important to test for nitrates.

Lead in drinking water is usually not a problem with the well water itself, but with the piping being used to get the water into your house.  lead piping, lead solder, or other lead containing components of your plumbing system. For this reason, it is important to test for lead even when you are not on a ground water well. Lead is also especially dangerous to children. Excessive amounts of lead can lead to nervous system disorders, or brain or kidney damage.

Are Public Water Systems Safer?

public water supplies are required to test for a variety of contaminants such as pathogenic organisms, radioactive elements, and toxic substances. However, these tests are done at the water processing centers. The water is then sent through aging underground pipes where they break off from the main line to the pipes put in when your home was built. This leaves plenty of places for contamination to occur. If you live in an older house or neighborhood, you should have your water tested regularly. If you live in a new home, or new neighborhood, then you should still test your water, but maybe not as frequently. Changes in color, taste or smell of your water may indicate the need for testing.

So if you want or need your water tested in Southwest Florida, contact Crystal Clear Water at (239)-424-8444 24/7 and we will make sure your water system is safe, clean, and looking and smelling great!

Summer is coming and that means warm weather, especially in South Florida. One of the biggest things that people tend to use more of during the summer in order to stay cool is use more water. They drink more water, make various beverages such as lemonade with water, take cold showers to try and cool off, and they also use a lot of water to keep their swimming pools filled. However, what many people do not realize is that the summer heat can affect the quality of the water that you use.

How Summer Heat in Southwest Florida Affects Water Quality

One of the biggest issues with summer heat is that it causes water to evaporate at a more rapid rate. As a result, salts and sediment are left behind and can build up in your water pipes. When you turn on your water these elements get pushed through water faucets and hoses. They end up in your drinking water, the water used to wash your clothes, and in the water that you bathe in. In addition, harmful bacteria will grow and that is also transferred into your water. It can be harmful if you ingest it, get it into your eyes, and may even affect your skin.

Why Clean Water Is Important

Clean water is essential to healthy living. It is unsafe to drink water that is not properly filtered. Bacteria, salts, and chemicals such as chlorine can be dangerous if they are ingested. The chemicals and bacteria can also be harmful to the skin and eyes. They can cause infections, rashes, and allergic reactions that often will require medical attention.

Why You Should Have Your Water Tested

It is important to have your water tested for many reasons. You want to make sure that your water is safe for you and your family to drink and to use. Having your water tested will not only let you know what bacteria, sediments, and chemicals are in your water, but it will also let you know the percentage levels that are in your water. In addition, having your water tested will let you know just what type of water treatment system that you need to invest in to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.

Ways to Improve Your Water Quality this Summer

There are many ways that you can improve the quality of your water this summer in Southwest Florida. You can purchase whole house water filter systems for your home. Unlike counter top water filter systems or faucet water filter systems in which water is filtered at only one location primarily for drinking, whole house water filtration systems filter all of the water for your entire home. Therefore, the water that you drink, cook with, bathe with, and use to wash your clothes is filtered at all times. Another water treatment system that you can purchase is a water softener system. This type of treatment system uses salt to condition the water leaving it less harsh and abrasive. This type of water treatment system is ideal primarily for bathing an doing laundry and is not intended for internal consumption. Whatever you decide, investing in a water treatment system for your home is essential to maintaining good water quality.

While most people get their drinking water from the regulated community supplies, there is a fraction of them that get their water from their private wells on their property. Since this water is not treated, home owners should pay closer attention to ensure that the water is safe for drinking. While most people might think that ground water is safe for drinking it contains elements that it picks up from the rocks. Pollutants such as chemicals might seep into the ground water. It might also collect micro-organisms, and heavy metals such as copper, lead and fluoride from the rocks. This make the water unsafe for consumption.

Drinking contaminated well water can cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. The contaminants are also known to cause potentially serious health problems such as kidney disorder, brain damage and cancer. For babies the nitrates found in well water can be hazardous since they disrupt the oxygen flow in the blood. Annual testing of the well water alone is not enough. Experts advise use of a water filtration system to ensure you have safe drinking water.

Reasons to consider a water filter

Water filters promote healthy living by removing the impurities found in well water and providing your family with safe clean water for drinking. The healthy benefits that you will enjoy from drinking filtered water are worth the expense. Below are the top benefits that you enjoy from installing a water filter.

1. Better tasting water

Water should be tasteless and odorless however the elements collected from the rocks by the water as it seeps through cab cause it to have a foul smell and taste. The experience of drinking foul smelling water is not pleasant. The water filtration system, will clean away all the contaminants leaving you with safe water that tastes much better. A little known fact is that water contains some minerals that are healthy for your body but at certain amounts. A proper water filter will selectively remove the dangerous contaminants and retain the healthy minerals as well as establish the right pH of your water.

2. Removal of heavy metals

One of the metals that is most common in well water is lead. Lead can be dangerous especially when it is consumed over a prolonged period of time. Lead had terrible health effects especially in children with still developing brain. When the brain cells absorb lead, they affect the frontal cortex that is essential to memory and learning. To protect your entire family from lead poisoning it is therefore vital to have a water filtration system installed.

3. Reduce the risk of cancer

According to research, certain cancer causing by products that are found in well water can be removed by using the proper water filtration system. By using a proper water filter you can reduce your chances of getting certain cancers such as rectal, bladder and colon cancers.

Your home water filtration system might be your last line of defense against toxins that might be present in well water. With a water filter, you have peace of mind that your family is well protected.

The presence of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in water and that in particular which comes from a well makes it have a characteristic odor of “rotten eggs,” and this is especially noticeable in hot running water. Though such waters may not have health implications, being in an environment with such smells can be quite irritating.

Such waters will discolor tea, coffee, among other beverages and change the appearance and taste of cooked food. Water that contains H2S corrodes brass, iron, copper, steel, and any exposed metal parts on appliances that use water. Corrosion on iron and steel builds up ferrous sulfide, which causes discoloration of brass and copper utensils. The corrosion is responsible for darkening of silverware as well.

Sources of Hydrogen Sulfide

There are multiple sources of hydrogen sulfide including sewage pollution. Other sources include sulfur and iron bacteria that are present in environments that are oxygen deficient. That means that wells from an appropriate environment for such bacteria to thrive and in the process, these bacteria use sulfur and iron as a source of energy and transform sulfates to produce H2S gas.

The sulfur, in this case, is from decaying plants, soil or rocks and the bacteria responsible for the production of H2S gas do well in an environment that is rich in iron. They may not be harmful organisms but are responsible for the bad taste and odor in water.

Testing your water

When experiencing well water smells, it is important to determine the source of the foul smell, and this should be the first step. If you realize that the smell is from your well, you need to carry out a mineral water analysis. Through the analysis, you will be able to check on tannin, pH, ORP, iron, sulfates, and hardness composition of the water.

The results of the analysis will help you identify the appropriate water treatment measures to take and the best system to use as well. If infants and children are set to use such water for drinking, it should be tested for metals, minerals, coliform and e-coli (fecal coliform), to ensure the water is safe for consumption.

If the source of water you are using is from a public water system and you are experiencing some foul smells, it is wise to contact a utility official. They will be in the best position to check whether the smell is coming from the piping or plumbing system of your home, or the public system.

Conclusion

When you decide to test the water you use at home; you need to check it when it is hot and cold by filling a bucket with the water. You can use one bucket for cold water and the other for hot water, which will help you identify if there is some odor from one bucket that is not present in the other.

If the water produces a cucumber smell or sewage, that indicates the presence of sulfur and iron bacteria. A ‘”rotten egg” odor signifies the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, while and asphalt or the smell of oil signifies the presence of manganese in the water. It is important to test water the moment you start experiencing well water smells. If this simple test shows some signs of strange odors in your water, give Crystal-Clear Water a call, and we can come out to your house and do a more comprehensive test to determine what is wrong with your water, and how to fix it. Once a solution is found, the water will be safe both for household use and consumption as well.

The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that Florida Counties release an annual report detailing the quality of water in respective counties. If you live in Southwest Florida, you likely look forward to reviewing the report to determine water quality in your Florida home.

Learn about water quality reports and potential dangers associated with relying solely on those reports on water quality. Discover how to get more reliable results on water quality in your home and important steps you can take to better ensure cleaner, safer water at your Lee County area home.

Understanding Lee County Water Quality Reports

Lee County Utilities (LCU) calls its annual Water Quality Report an “Annual Consumer Confidence Report.” The LCU further explains that it “Regularly” monitors “Your drinking water” to test for contaminants and states that LCU conducts testing from water samples to make sure water in Lee County is safe for human consumption.

However, there is an issue in relying solely on such reports as a determinant of drinking water quality in your home. Have you ever considered how LCU knows for certain that there are no contaminants in the water specifically at your Lee County Florida home? If so, you are right to have concerns. A major reason for concern is the fact that county water supplies are routinely tested at the source, not at individual Southwest Florida homes.

The report information indicates that some contaminants do in fact come from homes. For example, when discussing lead in the 2016 report, LCU explains that while it is responsible for ensuring high-quality drinking water, the LCU “Cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.” Indeed, the report lists the likely source of the 2016 presence of lead and copper contaminants as being partly due to corrosion of household plumbing systems.

Importance of having your water tested

If you want to ensure that you have clean, safe water, have the water quality tested at your Lee County home.

Having your water tested is of utmost importance to help ensure high levels of safety and quality standards of tap water in your home.

Crystal Clear Water provides details about a variety of water problems that potentially affect water in Lee County homes and throughout Southwest Florida. The only way to know if your home has hard water, high levels of contaminants or other impurities is to have the water tested at your Lee County home.

Benefits of installing a water filtration system

There are multiple benefits to installing a water infiltration system in your home. Water filtration systems do much more than simply make your tap water taste better. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that various filtration systems potentially help remove bacteria, protozoa, viruses and other contaminants such as chemicals.

Rely on experienced professionals to test the water in your home. You receive a detailed explanation of any contaminants affecting quality of your water as well as options to best help you provide safer, cleaner water for your family. Remember that counties test at the source, not the water specifically at your home.

Water is a basic human need, and when water gets polluted, it is not only catastrophic to the environment but the human health as well. Tens of millions of people worldwide lose their lives every year due to water-related ailments, the majority of which can be prevented easily. Due to this reason, having your water tested on a regular basis for bacteria and nitrates is very important since some problems are not detectable by color or smell. Some of the benefits of having the water tested include human health, plants, crop and nursery health, animal health, protecting equipment and pipes as well as avoiding outbreaks in pools and spas.

Approximately 90% of Florida residents have groundwater as their source of drinking water. Florida’s ambient monitoring network states that the water is generally of good quality. However, potential sources of the contamination of groundwater in Florida are numerous especially from agricultural chemicals, animal wastes, salt water and more. In Southwest Florida, whether the water comes from wells or public water systems, the quality of the drinking water can be a huge concern. It is for this reason that a lot of people in Southwest Florida are turning to plumbing nerds for installation of water filtration systems in their homes.

Having a professional water filter installation in the homes is very important. This system has various benefits which include health and safety for the family. The other benefits include:

• Removal of lead and other contaminants which are one of the biggest dangers in the contaminated water.
• Removal of toxins which when consumed at high levels it leads to health problems.
• It saves money. While it could be true that bottled water is relatively safe, they can be expensive in the long run compared to paying water bill on a monthly basis. It is also cheap to maintain a water filtration system since the majority of the systems in the market is specially designed to function without electricity. Once the water filtration system is installed, there is no need to worry about additional costs.

When choosing the best water filtration system for a home in Southwest Florida, residents can adopt these four recommended simple tips:

1. Get your water tested by a professional to find out what is in your water. Testing helps to know exactly what is causing the problems and determine whether there are risks involved that one might not be aware of. Testing can as well involve evaluation of the general condition of the plumbing system to ensure that the water quality issues are not also as a result of disintegrating iron pipes, buildup of sediment, problems with the septic tank or other problems.

2. Having clean water is not a luxury but a necessity, therefore, look for the best water filtration system that you can afford. Also, based on what would be found after the test, the professionals will recommend for you the best type of treatment system for your home that offers the flow rate that you require and at the same is energy efficient and cheap to maintain.

Many residential and commercial Southwest Florida customers prefer reverse osmosis systems because they are very effective in attacking a wide spectrum of contaminants found in Southwest Florida water. There are also whole house systems which are also effective in cleaning and purifying water.

3. Choose a reputable local company with years of experience and commendable services. Read reviews from customers who have received services from those companies.

4. Ensure that they offer you a lifetime warranty plus a price protection guarantee.

I grew up in Southwest Florida and water was a huge part of my life. I learned to swim at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, and spent many a sweltering summer afternoon cooling off by jumping off the Cape Coral pier (and in some cases, into the canals off Aqualinda.) My Grandparents lived on Coronado and had a pool, so it was always a treat to visit them. I remember my Grandfathers signs on the porch “Welcome to our ool. That’s right, there is no P in it. Let’s Keep it that Way.” “Mac’s Swimming and Drinking Club”. Of course, as a child the drinking I did was mostly water. And in Cape Coral’s sweltering heat, I drank a lot of water.

When I got older, I would go away occasionally. Flying back into Southwest Florida was always a unique experience because as soon as the plane door opened you could feel the humidity envelope you. My wife would say that Southwest Florida was welcoming us home with a warm hug.

The Southwest Florida Summer is Here Again

Now we have reached another Southwest Florida Summer. The heat and humidity are back. The afternoon thunderstorms are starting to roll in, and we all are nervously keeping an eye on the tropics for any sign of a hurricane heading our way. As an adult, many days it seems like a mad dash from the air conditioned house, to the air conditioned car, to the air conditioned office. Sooner or later, however, we will all face the heat of outdoors.

In the heat of a Southwest Florida summer we all need to stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very real threats, and the best way to avoid them is by drinking plenty of water. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, some doctors recommend drinking 2-4 glasses of water per hour. If you are buying bottled water, this can get expensive rather quickly.

Filter Your Water at Home

A better solution then buying bottled water is to have a home filtration system. Most bottled water companies just filter tap water, and then bottle it to sell to you. Granted, that is usually better then plain old tap water, but if you filter it at home it is even better. Home filtered water is as clean as bottled water is before it is bottled. Once bottled water gets put into the bottle, chemicals from the plastic bottle begin to leach into the water. How much contamination depends on how long the water has been in the bottle and how it has been stored.

But water filtered from a home filtration system is fresh and clean from your tap into your glass. It doesn’t sit in a hot warehouse for weeks or months before getting to the store, and then sits on a shelf for who knows how long before you buy it. And in the long run, it really is the cheapest, cleanest water you can get.

Give Crystal Clear Water a call, and we can send someone out to test your homes water, and help you determine the best, most cost effective solution for your water needs.

Water is arguably the most important nutrient in a human being’s life. A human adult has to drink approximately 8 glasses of water in a day so as to replenish the water he losses through urine, respiratory track and through sweating. Even though the better part of the earth is covered by water, 99.7% of it is not safe for human consumption. To make it fit for human consumption it must first be purified. Below are some reasons why your drinking water needs to be purified.

1. Bacteria

Water contains a whole host of bacteria, Escherichia Coli being the most common bacteria in water. The sources are human faeces, decaying corpses and also rotting vegetation. If this bacteria is ingested it can cause abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea. Luckily they are easy to kill but with the right purification process.

2. Chemicals

Industrial waste raging from heavy materials to toxic sludge dumped in rivers and lakes is a huge contributor to water pollution. Not to forget the gasses and soot coming from the factory. Chemicals such as chromium, barium and arsenic are known to cause kidney damage, intestinal lesions and even cancer. One way of removing the pollutants is by evaporating the water and condensing the steam. This process could take long that is why it is advisable to get a professional find the most suitable purification process for you.

3. Viruses

Viruses such as hepatitis A found in water are mostly from human faecal matter. It is the most common virus that you will find in the water. Drinking tap water and ingesting contaminated water it might take a few days or weeks to start experiencing the symptoms.

4. Water hardness

When water falls either as snow or rain it is soft water but after it penetrates the earth it absorbs metals in the soil such as calcium ions and magnesium ions. When the water absorbs these ions it becomes hard water. Hard water can cause several inconveniences around the house such as increasing the heating electricity bill, increased use of detergents and decreased life span of appliances. If used for bathing it can cause skin irritations.

5. Low water pH

The pH value of water shows the relation of hydroxyl and hydrogen ions. When the pH of your water is low it means that the water is acidic. Acidic water can be aggressive and can corrode metal surfaces such as those of house hold appliances and pipes. It is therefore wise to keep the water pH high to avoid corrosion.

Water could contain microorganisms that could reproduce and make you sick. To avoid common water borne illnesses such as cholera, test your water and discuss the available water purification processes available and which would be best suited for your house hold. On top of keeping you and your family in great health, you get to keep your appliances in the home working more efficiently.

I recently saw a meme on social media warning that there is dihydrogen monoxide in our food and drinks. Of course, this meme was made as a joke. Considering dihydrogen (h2) monoxide (o) is just water, it seems unlikely anyone is seriously concerned about it being in their food or drink. However, it does bring up an interesting concern about the chemicals that are found in our tap water.

The EPA has certain standards for drinking water that allow a “safe” level of some chemical contaminants into our drinking water supply. These chemicals can include antimony, arsenic, asbestos, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, cyanide, fluoride, lead, mercury, nitrate, selenium, thallium and others.  (read more about the regulated drinking water contaminants here)

All of that is allowed, in certain amounts, in our drinking water supply. The EPA may be correct to assume that the water is perfectly safe to drink with those levels of contaminants in it, but you don’t drink it from where they are testing it. After it is tested by the EPA, it travels through miles of pipes (some over 50 years old) before it gets to your house, and goes through your pipes. What might it have picked up along the way? Have any of those pipes developed cracks over the years? could nitrates from fertilizer, or pesticides be seeping into the pipes that carry your drinking water? The only way to know for sure how good the quality of your drinking water is would be to test it where you get it from… your tap.

Unfortunately, the EPA doesn’t test the water at your house, they leave that up to you. And if you get your water from a well, the EPA doesn’t test your water at all. However, we do test the water quality at your house… you just need to give us a call and set up an appointment.

Crystal Clear Water can perform a simple test at your home for sulfur, iron, hardness, tannins, nitrates, and pH. We can also send a sample of your water off to one of our labs for more in depth tests. After the tests results are back, we can formulate a proper water treatment system for your home that will ensure your family is getting safe, clean tasty water that won’t leave hard water stains on your clothes, dishes, or appliances. (We can also eliminate those ugly water stains that your sprinklers leave on the side of your house.)

Experts say that your home water should be tested every year. Don’t delay, give Crystal Clear Water a call and let us come out and do a full inspection on your water system. Because having clean water is something you shouldn’t have to worry about, and it may be interesting to know what other chemicals have dissolved in your Dihydrogen Monoxide.

There is an old saying that Hindsight is 20/20. Yet even 50 years ago the Southwest Florida water supply was a concern to the civic engineers of the time. Recently, a friend sent me a link to an old USGS report titled Water – Supply Problems in Southwest Florida that was dated 1968. The report showed some concern because four of the counties in Southwest Florida, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee, were among the 15 counties in Florida with the most rapid population increase for period 1960-64. In fact, the report claimed that the population of Southwest Florida had increased by 300 percent in the 15 years prior to the report being written. I am pretty sure part of that expansion had to do with Redfish Point being turned into Cape Coral in 1958, and expanding from uninhabited to having a population of 2,850 by 1963.

Where Does Southwest Florida Drinking Water Come From?

In 1968, the USGS claimed that most of Southwest Florida’s good quality water came from lakes, ponds, streams and canals, and some coming from ground water in shallow artesian aquifers. The Floridian Aquifer, they claimed, contained water of poor quality that is highly mineralized with high concentrations of Chloride with averages of about 1,000 ppm (parts per million). The report also concludes that salt water intrusion into the water supply is of great concern.

Today, cities like Cape Coral claim to get their water from places like the deep Lower Hawthorn Aquifer that isn’t mentioned in the 1968 report. Cape Coral claims this water does have Chloride in it, but is reduced by a reverse osmosis treatment process that reduces the concentration to 0.62 ppm.

Crystal Clear Water offers similar reverse osmosis systems for your house that range in size from whole house systems to under the sink systems. These reverse osmosis systems are great if your home gets its water from a well. You will get the same filtration technology that the city water supply uses without your water traveling through miles of pipes that have probably been around since before this 1968 report was written. Of course, if you are on city water, and are worried about those old pipes… we can install one for you as well.

The 1968 report is very proud of a recently completed facility in Charlotte County that pumps water from Shell Creek to supply drinking water to Punta Gorda and another facility in Ft Myers that pumps water from the Caloosahatchee to refill the existing well fields in the area.

Currently, Ft Myers is operating a water treatment plant that meets a demand of 6.5 million gallons of water per day. This plant gets source water from the Floridian Aquifer that was claimed to have poor quality water in 1968. However, the Ft Myers water treatment plant also uses a reverse osmosis filtration system.

Doing a bit of research, I couldn’t find any information on the facility mentioned in 1968, but I wonder if it is gone, or if it is still “recharging the existing well field”.

The Punta Gorda Water Treatment Division is apparently still using the Shell Creek facility to supply water to Punta Gorda. Of course with the increased industrialization, population, and subsequent pollution, and agricultural runoff polluting Shell Creek one would have to put some serious thought into getting an at home filtration system if they lived in Punta Gorda. Especially, as the report notes, that the reduction of rain water in the winter months tend to lower the quality of the surface water in places like Shell Creek (and I am sure the population boom do to the influx of snowbirds doesn’t help either).

Dealing with quality problems with the Southwest Florida water supply is something we have been dealing with since people first settled the shores of the Gulf Coast, and, as populations continue to increase, it is something we will always continue to deal with. Between problems with our natural water supply, and pollutants that contaminate our water as it travels through antiquated pipes to get to our homes, the best course of action will always be to have a good water filtration system as close to where you drink the water from as possible. For that reason, Crystal Clear Water is here to help you. Give us a call, and enjoy a clean, refreshing glass of water.

Everyone knows that drinking more water is good for you. We have all heard about the “drink eight glasses of water per day” rule. And we all know the dangers of becoming dehydrated. Living in Florida, many of us have had experience with heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. But how many of us are really drinking enough water every day?

Water Relieves Aches and Pains

A lot of people don’t realize that many of the aches and pains we suffer every day are actually symptoms of mild dehydration. When we sweat, muscles loose water, and that water loss causes us to feel tired, and sore. When we loose even more water, our joints can become sore, and our muscles become tight leaving us prone to muscle strains. The pounding headache of a hangover is also nothing more then a symptom of dehydration. So you see, many of the aches and pains we feel can be cured by simply drinking enough water. When you feel tired, sore, or have a headache, sit down and have a big drink of water. You will be feeling better in no time.

Water Regulates the Balance and Flow

About 60% of our body is made up of water. Replenishing this reservoir maintains the bodies fluid balance. Water helps regulate body temperature as well as transporting nutrients through the body, and water takes toxins out. Our kidneys process 200 quarts of blood per day. The kidneys use water to sift through the bad stuff, and transport it to the bladder so we can get rid of what we don’t need. Drinking enough water also makes sure we have enough fluids in our colon. This helps in the digestion of food,  makes the elimination of waster easier, and stops constipation.

Drink More Water to Look Better

I mentioned already that drinking enough water helps the body eliminate waste. Well, they say the average person has anywhere between 5 and 25 pounds of waste in their colon at any time. So helping to eliminate that waste will help you to shed a few unhealthy pounds. Not only that, but drinking enough water also helps you feel fuller. So if you drink more water, you will eat less food. That is the simplest way to loose weight. Another benefit you receive from water clearing out the toxins and waste in your body is that it makes your skin clearer and more youthful looking. So if you drink more water you will loose weight and have clearer skin! That makes anyone look better.

You Will Get More Done

We mentioned earlier that not drinking enough water will make your muscles feel tired. Tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration. So drinking enough water will help you feel awake and invigorated. Some studies also show that drinking enough water helps improve focus, and clearer thinking. So not only will drinking more water give you the energy to get things done, it will help you concentrate on what you need to do, and help you do it right!

So Why Don’t You Drink More Water?

I’ve met people who say “I would drink more water, but I don’t like the way it tastes”.  Maybe you are one of those people. If so, may we suggest that you are just not drinking good quality water. Try water from one of our water filtration systems on a hot day, and we bet you will think it tastes amazing!

We all know that Southwest Florida city water isn’t the best tasting, but did you know it may be ruining your appliances as well? I recently met a family that lives in south Cape Coral who was buying 2 of those 24 counts of bottled water at the grocery store per week. That is around $80 per month in bottled water (and an enormous amount of plastic in our landfills every year).

Mineralization Wrecks Faucets

As I spoke with this family, the father told me that they have to replace all of their shower heads and faucets yearly because the mineralization in the water makes them run horribly after a while. He said they clean them once, and then they replace them. Typical Southwest Florida Tap Water contains calcium and magnesium that leaves deposits on faucets and other surfaces (called Lime or Lime scale). Usually this can be cleaned off, but some people like to replace mineralized faucets.

Hard Water Ruins Your Appliances

Those same scale deposits that are causing problems to this families faucets, also hurt their appliances. These mineral deposits can cause problems with water heaters, ice makers, dishwashers and laundry machines. In fact, some studies have shown that hard water causes these appliances to wear out more then 30% faster. As appliances wear out, they become less efficient. Your water heater has to work harder (and your electric bill goes up) as mineral sediment builds up inside of it.

Hard Water also reduces the efficiency of your washing machine. Your clothes begin to get dingy, and eventually become ruined by the mineral deposits in the fabric.

Iron Wrecks Your Exterior

Some water picks up iron deposits from the pipes it goes through to get to your home. These iron deposits make them selves known by leaving reddish (or rust) colored stains both inside your house (in your toilet, or tub) and outside where sprinklers spray the iron deposits on your driveway, sidewalk or even walls. If you have been wondering why your Southwest Florida City Water has been leaving rust stains on the outside of your home that you need to have pressure washed off occasionally, it is because of these iron deposits in the water.

Sulfur Wrecks Your Serenity

Another problem we have in Southwest Florida is sulfur. Although, sulfur is more of a problem with well water then with city water. I do have a friend that has a nice piece of property that used to be on a well, and then the city came by and graciously hooked them up to city water and sewer… However, they kept the well for watering the rather large lot they own and the gardens that they keep on it. The gardens are truly beautiful and taking a walk in their gardens is a very pleasant experience until the sprinklers kick on. The sulfur in the well water is enough to turn your stomach.

Whether you have Southwest Florida City Water, or Well Water, Crystal Clear Water has a water treatment system for you. In most cases, our systems are cheaper in the long run then buying water and replacing appliances. So give us a call, and we can send someone out to your home to evaluate your water needs and set you up with a system that will make everything better.

If you live in southwest Florida, you are probably aware that our tap water isn’t the best water on the planet. It isn’y bad, but a little filtration makes it a lot better. The only question that remains is: should you get a whole house filtration system, or an under the sink filtration system? Let’s look at some of the pro’s and con’s of each system to help you decide.

Under Sink Filtration Provides Clean Drinking Water

Using an under sink filtration system (also known as a POU, or Point of Use system) is an inexpensive solution to have safe, great tasting water fresh from your tap.

If you live in an older home that may have some contamination coming from the pluming within the house, an under sink filtration system will address those issues because the water goes through the filter, and straight to your sinks tap. This means that no matter where there is contamination, whether it be at the waters source, through the miles of old city piping that it takes to get to your home, or from within your home itself, water from a POU system will always be filtered at the tap. (or right under the tap…)

Under Sink Filtration is Less Expensive

Another advantage of an under sink filtration system is that it is less expensive at the point of purchase then a whole house system. An under sink filtration system is smaller, and handles less flow. This reduces the price of the system, and even lowers the price of replacement filters. (However, a whole house system may be cheaper in the long run).

If you want clean, safe water from your kitchen sink without a large out of pocket expense up front, an under sink filtration system might be for you.

Whole House Filtration Protects All Your Appliances

Why choose a whole house filtration system over an under sink filtration system? well, let’s face it, you likely use water in more then one place in your house. An under sink filtration system may give you good quality water from the kitchen sink, but you don’t brush your teeth in the kitchen, do you?

A whole house filtration system filters all the water going into your house. All the sinks, the showers and tubs, the appliances, and even the toilet will have good water. Why does that mater? because sediment that is filtered out by a filtration system can clog up nozzles in toilets, shower heads and dishwashers. It can corrode clothes washers, and water heaters. The mineralization can coat tiles, and faucets. Simply put, bad water can cause all sorts of problems with your appliances, and water using parts of your home.

A whole house filtration system may cost more money up front, but it also protects more thing in your home. Having a whole house filtration system can save you money in the long run by extending the life of almost everything in your home that water flows through.
If you are in the Southwest Florida area, Crystal Clear Water can come by and talk to you about the best system for your home and budget. Give us a call, and get great quality drinking water in your home.

Unless you haven’t been out of your house all week, you may have noticed that we have had an excessive amount of rainfall in Southwest Florida these past few days. Roads are flooded, vacant lots look like marshlands, and most people have small rivers in their front yards.

If you are living in a home that gets its water from a well, you need to be extra diligent over the next few weeks.

Has Your Well Flooded?

If you have seen flooding near your well, you should have it tested before you drink it. Rainwater itself is usually fine, but when it collects on the ground, it usually includes rainwater that has run through other yards that may have fertilizer or chemicals in them, or across roads that may have vehicle fluids on it. As the water sits in your yard, bugs can land in it and lay eggs, animals may walk through it or drink from it and leave behind bacteria, and fungus can start to grow in it. All of this stuff can seep into the ground and contaminate your well. If the area directly around your well has been flooded, you should assume it is contaminated, and not drink from it until you have it tested.

Keep an Eye, and Nose, on Your Water

Even if your well does not look like it has been flooded, all this rain may still be causing problems. Sometimes it can take days or even a week for the contaminants in the surface water to make their way down to your well, or the aquifer that your well has tapped. Be extra vigilante with your water. If you notice any change in the way it looks, smells or tastes, you should have your water tested. You can’t be to safe with your families health.

Be Prepared For Future Events

Of course, the best thing you could do, if you have a well, is to have a full house filtration system installed. A full house filtration system, like one of our reverse osmosis systems, can make sure that all of the bacteria, and chemicals that are floating around in that storm water outside, does not seep into your well, and end up coming out of your tap. If you are already drinking bottled water, a home filtration system will save you money. Not only does it supply you with safe, great tasting drinking water, it also removes sediment that can clog water heaters, washing machines, dish washers and faucets. This will save you money on your electric bill (if you have an electric water bill) and it will save you money on repairs to your other appliances.

Crystal Clear Water is a top rated Southwest Florida water specialist that can test your water, install any type of water filtration and service that system. Give us a call, and we can figure out how to give you and your family the best tasting, safest water around.

So we made it through hurricane Irma. That was a rough one. Have you ever notice that whenever there is a big storm like this, they city puts out precautionary boil water notices? The reasoning behind this is that the city doesn’t actually know if the city water supply has been contaminated. They need to test the water before they can say it is safe to drink.

How could the city water have been contaminated?

There are many violent forces at work when a large storm passes. flood waters can seep into water lines, sub stations can be compromised, and power outages can make water unsafe.

How do power outages make water unsafe? Most drinking water is treated with chlorine or a similar chemical to kill harmful bacteria that may grow in the water between the treatment plant ad your home. These chemicals evaporate from the water. The further your home or business is from the water treatment facility, the more evaporation of these chemicals occurs. In many cases, the city has substations set up to add more chemicals into the water to keep it safe. But if thee substations loose power, they may not be putting the chemicals into the water creating a situation where bacteria can thrive in your water after it was treated by the city. Add to this the threat of flood water intrusion into those water lines, and you could have problems. This is why you almost always see boil water notices after these large storms.

But What If I Am On A Well?

Being on a well can be even more risky in a big storm like this, especially as our cities grow bigger. Wells usually tap into shallow aquifers under ground. When you have flood waters, those flood waters drain into those same aquifers. However, it is not just rain water that is draining into the aquifer. It is also all the pollutants that the storm picked up, as well as all the oil, pesticides, and other dirt that the flood water picked up once it reached the ground.

What Can I Do?

After any large storm that brings flooding or long power outages, have your water tested. Crystal Clear Water has several highly trained professionals that can test your water and make sure that it is safe for you and your family to use.

If you don’t want to wait for your water to be tested, you could get a whole house filtration system from Crystal Clear Water. Our systems can guarantee that you have clean, safe, great tasting water all year long. We can even install a holding tank that can make sure you have safe water to drink even if the city turns off the water, or a water main breaks leaving your neighborhood without water.

We are all grateful that Irma wasn’t as bad as they had forecast. Now that it is over, let’s get cleaned up, and get prepared for the next one.

A recent study has shown that 83% of all the worlds tap water contains microscopic plastic fibers in it. I know what you are thinking, that must be third world nations that don’t have quality standards like the US does. Well, in fact, the same study revealed that 94% of of all water samples in the USA contained these same microscopic plastic fibers. Even samples from the EPA offices contained them.

These plastic fibers enter the water supply in many different ways from being part of large plastic items that have been grounded and sheared away, to being from tire dust that gets taken from roadways in storm runoff. With bout 300 million tons of new plastic being produced annually, it is easy to see how this problem is only going to get worse.

When minerals contaminate our water supply, the build up from them clogs our appliances and stains our sinks and tubs. When metals like iron contaminate our water, we see rust stains on our sidewalks and exterior walls. When bacteria contaminates our water, we get sick. But no one is really sure what type of effect these microscopic plastics will have on us, or our bodies, as studies on this have yet to be done. However, I am sure the effects of constant ingestion of plastic can not be good. I mean, plastic in my car, or TV, or phone is good. Plastic in my body… not so much.

How Do You Make Your Tap Water Safe?

We all want to know that the water coming from our tap is not only safe to drink, but great tasting as well. The best way to do that is by installing a water filtration system. Some people worry that a water filtration system is expensive, but when you compare it to buying bottled water for your whole family, week after week, month after month, the prices are very reasonable. There are also several different types of water filtration systems that you can get for your home that vary in price. If a whole house filtration system is out of your budget, then you could try an under the sink filtration system. Sure, it won’t protect your appliances and faucets, but at least your tap water will be clean and great tasting.

There are many different types of filtration systems to choose from, so the first thing you should do before choosing is to have your homes water tested. That way you can see if one type or another filtration system may be better suited to your specific water needs. (Why get a water softener if you don’t have hard water?)

In southwest Florida, Crystal Clear is the largest water treatment company. Our team can test your water, go over water treatment options with you, and get the best system for your needs and budget installed. We also offer service packages, emergency assistance, and supply deliveries. Whatever your water needs in Southwest Florida, Crystal Clear can help, just give us a call!

Living in Florida, we are no strangers to the ever common “boil water notice”. Sometimes the causes are obvious: hurricanes, flooding, water main breaks. But sometimes, a boil water notice seem to come out of the blue. The astute observer, however, may notice that a drop in water pressure tends to foreshadow some of these mystery boil water notices. Why is that so?

How is Water Pressure Lost?

Water treatment plants pump water out to the main water lines. These pumps usually keep the pressure up. However, if the treatment plant is far away, or there are many different directions  that the water is going , some additional help may be required. Sometimes there are substations that have additional pumps, and sometimes there are water towers where the water is pumped up into the tower, and gravity increases the pressure as it comes down.

Water pressure loss can be caused by many factors. A water pump at the treatment plant, or sub station may have broken, or lost power.  One of the water lines or mains may have had a large failure or break. In some cases, high usage from industrial use and many fire hydrants being open at the same time can even cause the water pressure to drop. No matter how the water pressure is created or lost, it is important that it is maintained.

Why Does Low Pressure Trigger A Boil Water Notice?

The pipes that bring the water around the city and eventually to your faucets are old and have been underground for decades. Many of these pipes have small cracks in them that leak water. As long as the pressure in the pipes remains sufficiently high, any water leakage in these cracks will be the water inside the pipes being forced out due to the pressure. However, if the water pressure in the pipes dips too low, then ground water from outside the pipe can seep into it for these same cracks. This ground water has not been filtered or treated and can be contaminated with all sorts of things from bacteria and spores to gasoline and pesticides.

What Does A Boil Water Notice Mean?

First of all, a boil water notice doesn’t mean that your water is definitely bad. In cases where low water pressure triggered the boil water notice, it just means that there is a chance that the water pipes leading to your home have suffered ground water intrusion.

In most cases, the cause of the drop in water pressure is fixed very quickly, but the boil water notice remains. This is because the water system needs to be flushed before the water is considered good again. This usually takes about 48 hours.

Don’t Ever Worry About A Boil Water Notice Again

Fortunately, you don’t need to ever worry about a boil water notice again. Crystal Clear Water has full house filtration systems that will make sure the every drop of water coming from those old city lines has been filtered before it gets inside your home and in your taps.

Call us today for a consultation on how we can set your home up to have safe, great tasting water for less money then you think.

If your home uses SWFL well water you probably already know that the water smells bad. You may have also noticed that you constantly need to replace shower heads. You may also prefer to take your clothes to a laundromat, and buy bottled water. All of these things could be because your SWFL well water could be destroying your plumbing.

Where Does SWFL Well Water Come From?

Most wells in SWFL tap into the Florida Aquifers. These are limestone formations known as a sequence of Paleogene carbonate rock systems that underlies the entire state of Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

There are two main problems most people see as a result of their SWFL well water coming from the Florida Aquifer system. The first, is that water flowing through rock formations erode the rock and pick up microscopic particles from the rock. These minerals create what is known as “hard water”.

Hard water has the unfortunate side effect of leaving these mineral deposits behind when the water evaporates. These deposits can clog faucets, shower heads, and sprayers in dish washers. They can also build up in pipes, restricting the water flow, and in water heaters, reducing the efficiency of the water heater. Hard water can also wear out your clothes causing colors to fade, and fabrics to become brittle.

The second problem people have with SWFL well water is that rotten egg smell. The smell is the result of hydrogen sulfide gas and can result from a number of different sources. It can occur naturally in groundwater. It can be produced by certain “sulfur bacteria” in the groundwater, or in the well. In most cases, the rotten egg smell does not relate to the sanitary quality of the water. However, sometimes the gas may come from sewage or other pollutants. It is always a good idea to have the well tested for coliform bacteria and nitrate if your water starts to smell different. Sulfur bacteria are not harmful, but hydrogen sulfide gas in the air can be hazardous at high levels. If your SWFL well water smells like sulfur, you should take steps to remove the gas from the water, or vent the gas to the atmosphere.

Crystal Clear Water is Southwest Florida’s premiere water treatment company. If you are having problems with hard water or smelly water from your well, you should give us a call. Our team of experts can test your SWFL well water and come up with a comprehensive course of action to correct any water problems you have to make sure your have great tasting, great smelling water that is safe to drink, coming from your taps.

On Thanksgiving day, millions of people will come together with their family and/or friends to celebrate that holiday. The people that have a dinner in their home will probably spend the whole day cooking the turkey and the delicious side dishes. They will focus on all the details from ensuring that there are plenty of marshmallows on the sweet potatoes to the napkins that are on the table. Also, instead of serving tap water as one of the drinks for their guests, they will serve filtered water. Starting off with drinking filtered water, there are quite a few ways that filtered water can make your Thanksgiving festivities better.

Toasting Thanksgiving

Giving guests filtered water is the best way to use filtered water on Thanksgiving day. One of the reasons for this is that both tap and well water may have a lot of contaminants such as heavy metals, petrochemicals, pesticides, and disinfectants. In very bad cases, they also have pathogens like bacteria, parasites, and viruses in them. Even if the levels of these things are not harmful, the thought of contaminating stuff in the water that people will be drinking and the host will be cooking with is not appealing at all. The guests will want to cleanse their guests with purified water, so it is a good idea to keep a lot of filtered water on hand in the refrigerator. Filtered water also makes great tasting ice. The ice will taste good in the filtered and the guests will love toasting Thanksgiving with terrific tasting filtered water.

Rinsing Off of The Food Residue

For those people who plan to serve a turkey on Thanksgiving day, the first thing that they need to do with the thawed out turkey is to rinse off the outside of the bird as well as the cavity. The goal is to “clean” the turkey and then cover it with the seasonings of choice. People like to season their turkey with sage, thyme, and other herbs, but absolutely not contaminants. Rinsing food off with water that is not purified can change the flavor of food for the worst. Chlorine is the disinfectant that is used mostly in water systems and it either has a bleach or medicine-like taste. This taste can be absorbed into a turkey if unfiltered water is used to rinse it. It can also be absorbed into the fresh fruits and vegetables that will be used in Thanksgiving dishes, therefore filtered water should be used for preparing and cooking food every day, especially when the company is coming over, like on Thanksgiving day.

Boiling Water For Food Preparation and Making Hot Beverages

During the time Thanksgiving dinner is being prepared, they often boil potatoes, pasta, rice and maybe some other food items as well. Filtered water can be helpful during this part of food preparation also. Just like with rinsing the turkey, fruits, and vegetables, boiling the ingredients for side dishes in water that is not filtered will leave that awful aforementioned residue behind. On Thanksgiving day and other days, water is boiled to make tea, coffee, and other hot beverages. In old houses with lead lines or copper pipes with lead solder joints, there could be lead in the drinking water. Time-consuming efforts and precautions must be done to get the lead of water lines. When time is limited and there is a lot to do on Thanksgiving day and really every day, these extra efforts not only are a bother but take up precious time that is not available. Then the dinner host will worry about their guests get a lot of lead in the unfiltered water. For this reason, it is best to boil filtered water, that is free of lead and will not leave the awful aftertaste of lead behind.

People may not realize how important water is when it comes to preparing Thanksgiving dinner and other meals as well. Filtered water is free of contaminants, but it also adds more flavor to the food that you serve on Thanksgiving day. Having a lot of filtered water on hand for cooking and drinking on Thanksgiving day will make your turkey more tasteful, and you will not have to be concerned about the toxins in unfiltered water.

The summer is over. The days are getting shorter, and the traffic is getting longer. They say you can tell when it is fall in Southwest Florida because of the changing colors of the license plates. When I was a kid, they used to tell me that the population of Fort Myers doubled in the winter. I don’t know if that was true, or if it still is true today, but it sure seems like it sometimes, doesn’t it.

Well, no matter how many of you snowbirds there are, we are glad you are back. You make things more exciting here in the winter. However, you did miss a few things while you were gone. We had a little storm named Irma come through here a few months ago, and remember that drought last year? Well we fixed that.

Speaking of wells… If you are coming back to a winter home that is serviced by well water, you might want to have the water tested before you get to comfortable. All this storm water and runoff can contaminate wells, and since yours has been sitting stagnant, it is best to be on the safe side.

https://www.crystalclear-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/time-to-have-your-water-filter-serviced.jpgIf you already have a water filtration system hooked up to your home, you should always have it tested and serviced after you have been gone for a while. Plumbing deteriorates, and Southwest Florida’s hot and humid summers can expedite the process. An annual check up and service on your filtration system is a good idea anyway, so you might as well take care of it before you start using the water a lot. Some water filters recommend service every 6 months while others can go 12 months. Either way, if you have been gone since last winter, now is the time to schedule a service appointment. If your water appears cloudy, has a funny smell or a funny taste, buy bottled water until we can get out to test it.

Whole house water filtration units are generally low maintenance, but they do regular upkeep. Just like you should regularly change the filter in your air conditioner, or the oil filter in your car, the filter in your water filtration system needs to be changed.

Of course, if you haven’t been here in months, then you haven’t been using your filter either. So it may be fine. Then again, algae may have grown in it. You see, these are all reasons that it is a good idea to call Crystal Clear Water to have one of our technicians come out and test your water, and do an inspection on your system.

As Southwest Florida’s largest water treatment company, our trained team can test your water, inspect your system, and come up with a comprehensive plan to keep your home in good water for years to come. We are trained to work with all well water and municipal water systems, and we have people available 24 hours a day in case an emergency occurs. Your home and your water is in good hands with Crystal Clear Water.

Water, Water, Everywhere, But is any of it good to drink? Water is a part of life in Southwest Florida. Between our lakes, rivers, canals, lagoons, the Gulf of Mexico, and our rainfall, water is literally falling from the sky. But do you need a whole house water filter in SWFL? Here are a few reasons you do.

Clean Water Tastes Better

There is plenty of water in SWFL. But I doubt you want to drink what is in the Caloosahatchee. If you get your water from a city source, the water is treated and filtered at the plant, and is okay quality. However Florida tap water has been ranked as some of the worst in the country. After it leaves the water processing facility, your city water travels through miles of underground pipes that are decades old before it reaches your home. This can lower the quality of the water even more, and add unpleasant flavors, or aromas to the water. A whole house water filter in SWFL gives your home clean, pure water from any tap eliminating those unpleasant flavors and aromas.

Clean Water Is Healthier

As water travels from processing plants to your home, it can pick up copper, iron, and even lead from the pipes it travels through. In addition, an Associated Press Investigation found that “A vast array of pharmaceuticals including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans”. Now sure, pharmaceuticals are helpful when you need them, but not when you don’t. A good whole house water filter in SWFL will remove all of these impurities and give you clean, healthy water that you will love to drink.

Clean Water Saves Your Appliances

Sediments in water can clog up your appliances. I had a friend in Cape Coral who told me that he was cleaning his shower heads every 6 months and replacing them every year. If the city water is doing that to your shower head, imagine what it is doing to your dishwasher, laundry machine, and water heater. Those appliances cost a heck of a lot more then a shower head or sink faucet. If you have hard water, and it is ruining your faucets, it is ruining your appliances as well.

A Whole House Water Filter In SWFL Saves You Money

The costs of appliances and faucets alone can exceed the cost of a whole house water filter in SWFL. Add in a case or two of bottled water a week for 52 weeks a year, and you can start to see how buying a filtration system can save you money in the long run. In addition to those costs, having hard water, or other materials dissolved in your city water can leave rust stains on your walls and driveway, calcium, rust and lime stains on your showers, tubs and sinks, and all that stuff in your water can make your clothes dingy. Filtering your water before it can do that damage will save you money on cleaning chemicals, and pressure washing. It will also make your clothing last longer, and look better.

So what are you waiting for? Call Crystal Clear Water today and one of our expert team members can test your water, find out what you need, and go over options with you that match your needs and budget. We can get you the best whole house water filter in SWFL installed, and a price that you will love. Call us today!

Your number one goal should be to keep you family safe and that means ensuring your drinking water is safe. As a resident of Florida, you may want to filter your water because of all the contaminants contained in Southwest Florida drinking water.

High Arsenic Levels

Unfortunately, Florida’s drinking water supply is contaminated with arsenic which is of greatest concern. In the City of Fort Myers, test results from the sludge dump show dangerous arsenic levels that are 5.3 times higher than what is permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency for safe drinking water.

Failure to Enforce Safe Drinking Water Laws

https://www.crystalclear-systems.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/southwest-florida-drinking-water.jpgThere are 7.5 million Florida residents who are served by water treatment plants with safe water violations. In fact, Florida’s drinking water ranks among the nation’s worst. This problem is not going to go away any time soon because there is no official enforcing the safe water laws. Additionally, Florida’s outdated water infrastructure is deteriorating. The state’s top violations included failing to provide residents with an annual water quality report. Also exceeding safe limits in the drinking water were contaminants such as cancer-causing disinfectants, lead, copper and coliform from human waste.

Keeping Your Family Safe

If the authorities aren’t going to enforce safe drinking water laws, then it is up to you to keep your family safe. You may wonder how you go about doing this. The answer is simple. Install a whole house filtration system to ensure your Southwest Florida drinking water is safe. Such a system has many benefits including:

• Pure and clean water from every source in your home, from the kitchen to the bathroom and even the water you use to do laundry
• Harmful substances such as chlorine are removed as soon as the water enters the home’s plumbing system and are prevented from being released into the air
• Because chlorine and other harmful substances are removed from the water, such substances are prevented from becoming embedded in clothes and other fabrics during washing
• The overall healthfulness of the drinking water is greatly enhanced
• Pure water means cleaner air within the home which is beneficial for those who suffer from allergies and asthma
• Risks associated with contaminated water with drinking or showering are eliminated
• You are protected from the carcinogenic effects of drinking and inhaling chlorine and other harmful chemicals
• Your last means of protection when there is a breakdown of municipal water treatment and sanitation systems is a whole house water filtration system

Rest assured that every time you turn on the faucet to get a drink of water you will be getting water that has been filtered and is safe and healthy for you and your family to drink. Never worry again that your Southwest Florida drinking water is contaminated. Take showers with confidence, knowing you are showering in clean water without the harmful effects of inhaling chlorine and other dangerous chemicals. The authorities are not going to enforce the laws to ensure that Southwest Florida drinking water is safe. Therefore, you have to look out for your family by installing a whole house filtration system.

Living in the South West Florida Area has its advantages in many aspects. However, water quality has never been one of those benefits. Having a water filtration system installed in your home will improve your water’s quality by removing mineral causing harm to your home, removing impurities causing harm to you, reducing waste and the over cost associated with buying bottled water.

Tap water coming directly from any tap in your home contains natural minerals from ground-water that is gathered along the way. While some of these minerals are harmless to your home, many more can cause damage to your home’s appliances, pipes, and even your dinnerware. Limestone, for example, causes a buildup that can corrode pipes, and the heating elements in your washer, water and more depending on what you have in your home. Your pots, pans, and dinnerware suffer from a white buildup that can prove difficult if not impossible to remove. Reports from the USGS dating back forty years ago report this to be a problem because of the sources of the water. Water filtration can remove limestone and other minerals. Having your water tested will tell you what is present in your water and to what degree. This will help to prevent this damage that can cause hundreds if not thousands in damage over time.

A Home Water Filtration System Removes Contaminants

Without even considering the damage to your home, consider the damage to your body through the contaminants’ such as chlorine, chloride, lead and more. The above report and your local reports tell of the pollutants in your water that can and do cause harm to your body on a daily and over time basis. In showers, the damage is worse due to the vapors that are released and the direct inhalation and prolonged inhalation. Chlorine is present in all city tap water to reduce bacteria and the higher the levels the more damaging to your skin and hair. Healthy bodies are just a necessity to last one long into the future. A whole house water filtration system can eliminate these concerns.

Through the use of bottle water, we are wasting the equivalent of crude oil to power 12m car per year and filling up our landfills with the bottles and plastic labels. While it may not seem like enough with regards to the labels, they are not going anywhere. In most cases, they are not biodegradable. The amount of water it takes to make one bottle of water is also more. There is a waste in the making, it takes water to produce water and how often do you see half drank bottle just lying around? Can you imagine that there are at least 89 billion liters of water bottled every day? Water filtration systems will the issues causing alarm in our environment. In South West Florida, the harm is a direct impact on ocean life where they are often left littered on the beach.

Along with the waste comes the overall cost of bottle water. Anyone who buys bottle water knows that you buy two or so cases at a time. At a typical cost of four dollars a case, the cost factor for a family of four can quickly run into an easy fifty a month, and that’s not a sport loving family. That is only the cost to you as a consumer, remember the above the cost to the environment. A single bottle of water at a kid’s sports event can run two to three dollars a bottle, and at an adult’s you can double that figure.

Utilizing a water filtration system is one of the healthiest and wisest decisions a person can make within their home. It saves time, money, the environment, and more in their lives on a daily basis. There are many types of systems to choose from and deciding what system best suits your needs will depend on your lifestyle and water testing in South West Florida.

So give Crystal-Clear Water a call today and one of our experts can go over your options with you to make sure you get the possible home water filtration system for you, your family, and your home.

Water is a critical element for life. You require at least 50 liters of safe, clean water to drink and for other home purposes like cooking and showering. You need to have an adequate supply of water every day for your body to work efficiently because about 70% of the human body comprises of water. Having clean water is therefore essential for your health.

Most people nowadays drink water that is treated with chlorine. It may be tap water, bottled water, or water stored in private wells. However, the water may still contain bacteria and chemical contaminants. The safest way to ensure that your water supply is pure and clean is by installing a home water filtration system. You will further realize that installing a water filtration system at your home is cheaper.

To maintain a safe and reliable water source, you will also have to monitor your water quality. Water quality will be determined through regular testing.

Why testing?

Testing allows an informed approach to solving the specific problems in a water supply. This aids in guaranteeing that your water source is prevented from potential contamination. Furthermore, it ensures that a correct home water filtration system is selected and that is running properly.

Since the quality of water may change with time, monitoring your water quality is thus necessary to ensure the treatment system is operating efficiently to provide clean and safe water for home use.

Benefits of water filtration system

Reduces pollution

In the US, the use of plastic bottles creates a potential environmental problem. Since only a small percentage is recycled, the rest find their way to landfills. Moreover, plastic bottles take time to disintegrate; it becomes an environmental pollution problem in the end. Water filtration system at home reduces the pollution risk since you will not be further filling the landfills with more plastic bottles.

Protects home appliances

Minerals, chemicals, and heavy metals found in water that is unfiltered can cause damage to your home appliances. It can also affect the water piping system. Nevertheless, having a water filtration system at home prevents such damage from occurring thereby reducing any repair bills that may be associated with the damage.

Safe and clean water at any time

Having a water filtration system guarantees that your drinking water is healthy, compared to water from taps or bottled water that normally come from water treatment plants. This unfiltered water may still contain chemical contaminants like lead.

In water treatments plants, the main method when treating water is by adding chlorine and fluorine to the water. Having a water filtration system will remove such chemicals and other impurities that may render your water unsafe for consumption.

Saves costs

The cost of buying bottled water annually and the cost incurred when installing a water filtration system, you will realize that using bottled water costs more. Having a water filtration system ensures you save big.

The safest and simplest solution to your water safety is by having a water filtration system at home. Our company located in Southwest Florida provides you with the best water filtration systems. We have a wide variety of water filtration products that you may choose from. Feel free to give us a call (239) 599-5762.

Some people love having a home that is on well water, and some people hate it. This isn’t an article to examine the pros and cons of well water or municipal water. Instead, we are going to look at why you may want to get a whole house water filer for well water if that is what your home has.

Many home owners in Southwest Florida have well water. With the prevalence of heavy rains, and the proximity to agricultural areas, what is seeping into the ground water should be a concern to everyone who is drinking water from a well.

Eliminating the Sulfur Smell

Anyone who has well water, lives around someone with well water, or has driven down the street while someone with well water water their yard will tell you: the water stinks. That rotten egg smell is created by hydrogen sulfide. It is a distinctive contaminant that is common in ground water. In most cases, it is not known to be a health hazard, but in heavy concentrations it can lead to headaches and respiratory tract irritation.

A Whole house water filter will absorb the odor causing chemicals and get rid of the smell. This is good news unless you like smelling like rotten eggs.

Getting Rid of Bacteria and Parasites

Ground water can contain microorganisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia that can wind up in your well water. These microorganism can cause diarrhea, vomiting, chills, fever, headaches, abdominal cramps, and malaise. It is because of organism such as these that it is recommended that you have your well water tested annually.

A proper whole house water filter will eliminate microorganisms from your homes water assuring the safety of you and your family.

Fertilizer and Motor Oil

Did you notice all the boil water notices that went up after hurricane Irma last year? Very heavy rains and flooding have a tendency to wash the fertilizers from lawns and agricultural areas into the ground water supply. In addition, motor oil, fuel and other pollutant in roadways could fallow the flood waters and contaminate ground water. This could leach its way into your well water. Nobody wants to drink that.

Call Crystal Clear Water!

Living with well water may be a choice, or it may be that that is what was available where you decided to build your house. Whatever reason you have for getting your drinking water from a well, you don’t have to deal with poor quality water. A whole house water filter, from Crystal Clear Water in Fort Myers, can make your water smell and taste great. Our technicians can test your well and figure out just what type of filtration system you need, and our filters will get rid of anything that can cause problems. We are southwest Florida’s largest water treatment company, and we are experts when it comes to dealing with southwest Florida wells. We can not only inspect your water, but also your pump. If you are having any problems with your well pump, our team can fix it and get you up and running in no time.

A home water filtration system can provide your family with healthy and clean drinking water that is just as good as the water you buy at the shops. There are a number of benefits in using a home water filtration system.

A full house water filtration system can provide clean water from every source in the house. This means that you don’t need to worry about contaminated water when showering or brushing your teeth.

Your dishes will come out of the dishwasher without chlorine or other chemicals creating stains or discoloration.

Laundry will come out softer and cleaner without harsh chemicals with a water filtration system. Water can easily stain or damage clothing with chemicals such as chlorine.

The biggest benefit to you will be the cost. Bottled water is expensive. A filtration system can be a costly investment to start with but you will save money in the long run. There are a number of systems available from single tap water filtration to whole household water filtration systems. The system that you chose will depend on your requirements and budget. The people at Crystal Clear in Fort Myers have 100 years experience in water filtration and one of the largest selections of water systems. They will be able to help you find the ideal system for your requirements.

Using a water filtration system is very important in helping to save the planet. Single-use plastic bottles are one of the worst forms of pollution that we have. America goes through thousands of plastic bottles every day but they take thousands of years to biodegrade. By giving up plastic bottles and drinking filtered water at home you will be making a real contribution to saving the environment.

You are likely to drink far more water if you have easy access to delicious water. People avoid drinking water at home if it tastes bad or if they are worried about germs in the water. Water filtration will give you great tasting and contaminant-free water straight out of your tap. Water is very healthy and everyone should be drinking at least eight glasses a day. Having easy access to water will improve the health of you and your family.

Testing of water

You should get your water tested at least once a year and more often if you live in a rural area with potentially contaminated water. Testing your water will make sure that the water is still pure and healthy for you and your family to consume. Crystal Water is able to provide a full range of water testing services. They can provide you with a water filtration system that will alleviate the particular issues that your water may have.

Get a water filtration system for your home and enjoy pure water every day. You will help save the environment, enjoy the cost benefits and keep your family healthy.

Pure, clean water is essential for human welfare and happiness. According to the National Academy of Sciences one individual requires 20 to 50 litres of water for hygiene, cooking food and drinking. Pollutants, heavy metals and other potentially harmful things exist in our water systems and it is very important to ensure that our homes are safe from these things. If you haven’t done so, make it a priority to get your water tested to ensure the safety of you and your family. While local water services do the best they can to maintain clean water for residents in Southern Florida, they aren’t perfect. There is a lot you can do to feel confident about the safety of the water in your home.

In Southwest Florida, water is drawn from an underground source and contains several known contaminants. Some of those contaminants, such as hexavalent chromium, are linked to cancer. Naturally occurring radioactive uranium is also found among the minerals in Southwest Florida’s water. As you can see it is very important for Floridians to prioritize fresh water in their homes. Purchasing bottled water for drinking and cooking just isn’t practical. Filtered water costs only fractions of a penny per gallon and doesn’t leave behind as much waste as bottled. Not only does having an in-home filtration system save you money, and provide healthy water to your family, but it’s softer on hair and skin.

There are two simple ways to get water filtration at home: under sink and whole house water filtration. The under sink filtration method is excellent if you’re on a budget but really want to get the benefits of home-filtered drinking water. The downside to the under sink method however, is that only the water coming out of that specific sink is filtered. This means the rest of the water in your home remains unfiltered.

Think about how many times you use water in your home beyond drinking—brushing your teeth, showering, laundry, running the dishwasher—each one of these activities could benefit from filtered water and save you money in the long run. That is where whole house water filtration, comes in. This option is by far the better choice and ensures your family gets the pure water they need. This option also has the potential to increase the value of your home.

Regardless of which in-home filtration method you use, we cannot stress enough the importance of being informed about the water in your home. At Crystal Clear Water, we offer water testing and a variety of other services to make sure the water in your home is clean and free of harmful contaminants. Contact us for more information about taking the next step towards an in-home water filtration system. We are here to help you get the best in-home filtration system to suit your individual needs.

Clean, cool water – there’s nothing more refreshing on a hot Florida day. For those who drink southwest Florida well water an icy glass isn’t as refreshing as they’d prefer if your well water has a distinct odor to it. Although generally safe to drink, there are a few things that you can do to make your water more palatable.

What causes odor in southwest Florida well water?

If you notice the smell in all your water, it’s probably sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas in the water supply. If you only notice the distinctive smell when you’re using your hot water for showers or washing clothes, then the contamination might be in your hot water heater and you may need a water filtration system from Crystal Clear.Many wells leech sulfur from the ground around them, passing the gas along to the water in the well. You may notice that your clothing begins to take on a smell of rotten eggs, and even your dishwasher and shower have the odor. Although in most cases your water will be safe to drink, a rotten egg smell can be a sign of dangerous water contamination

What are problems associated with hydrogen sulfide?

Beyond the obviously unpleasant odor that surrounds your shower or makes your ice and water taste off, hydrogen sulfide bacteria in your water supply can lead to plumbing damage. The chemical corrodes many different types of metal and causes black stains on plumbing fixtures. Even if you become used to the slight smell of your water, you should still consider water treatment to preserve the look and integrity of your pipes and porcelain.

Health problems, too, may occur with sulfur-smelling water. In most cases the unpleasant gas isn’t physically harmful; in others, it indicates sewage or other contaminants in your water supply. Because the odor from harmful sewage-tainted water and harmless sulfur-smelling water is the same, it is always best to have your water inspected and treated to avoid illness.

How can water filtration improve southwest Florida well water?

Choosing good water filtration and service can make a large impact on your family’s overall quality of life. From the taste and smell of clean water to the confidence of knowing that your clothing and dishes smell fresh instead of stale, water filtration from a reputable company such as Crystal Clear Water will add enjoyment to every sip and shower.

Removing the unpleasant odor of sulfur from your southwest Florida well water isn’t the only benefit to a good water filtration system. You’ll rest easy knowing that your water supply is free from harmful contaminants and chemicals that could be making you, your family, and your pets ill. When you choose service from Crystal Clear, you know that you’re receiving a professional evaluation and a water detoxification using leading-edge technology.

The correct water system doesn’t just stop at installation. Your warranty protects your equipment and repairs, as well as ensures that if your water becomes sulfurous again, you’ll have prompt service to correct the problem. Our unique Gen 5 Sulfur Eliminator is highly effective in removing sulfur odors commonly associated with problematic well water. Give us a call or visit us online for a free consultation and see how the right equipment can help you.

Plastic is the most widespread form of refuse found in the planet’s oceans, and Micro-Plastic is so petite that they can dodge methods for filtering or collecting plastic waste. Studies have revealed that micro-plastics are there in almost every environment on planet Earth and can be found in the guts of numerous types of marine life and seabirds. As a budding field of research, not much is known about micro-plastics and their consequences yet. The NOAA Marine Debris Program is spearheading attempts inside NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to investigate this subject. Standardized field techniques for amassing sand, sediment and surface-water micro-plastic samples have been build up and carry on to undergo examinations. Ultimately, laboratory and field protocols will permit for global evaluations of the number of micro-plastics released into our surroundings, which is the initial step in determining the ultimate distribution, consequences, and destiny of this rubbish.

Where do micro-plastics come from?

Micro-Plastic is found in a variety of sources such as bigger plastic waste that degrades into lesser and lesser portions. Also, microbeads, a form of micro-plastic, are very minute bits of manufactured polyethylene plastic that are used as exfoliants to beauty and health products, like some toothpastes and cleansers. Such petite atoms easily pass through a water filtration system and wind up in the Great Lakes and ocean, posing a possible threat to marine life. Microbeads have been there for long. In line with the United Nations Environment Programme, the plastic microbeads first emerged in personal care items about five decades ago, with plastics increasingly substituting natural ingredients. Up to 2012, this subject was still somewhat unknown, with a profusion of products on the market having plastic microbeads and lack of consciousness on the consumer’s part.

Micro-plastics in bottled water

The disclosure from a new universal survey into Micro-Plastic in bottled water serves up a harsh irony. What people drink might well be unhygienic. Perhaps from the bottles themselves thus making you give up bottled water and go for other alternatives. Per the new research, micro-plastics are also extensively circulated in bottled drinking water. Despite whether scientists unaffiliated with the research confirm the studies, the health hazards of micro-plastics are not known and rely on the amounts that are consumed and the time taken by the minuscule particles to linger in an individual’s gut, specialists say. Bottled water tested from various manufacturers around the planet is teeming with micro-plastics — minute plastic elements that are too tiny to be seen — consistent with a new report.

Quality water from a home filtration system

Clean water is essential to your cooking, drinking, and showering. Many people nowadays drink chlorine-treated water that still has lots of dangerous chemicals, bacteria, and other pollutants. Akin to oxygen, water is crucial to sustaining life. Each person requires having sufficient water every day for the body to function efficiently because over 70 percent of the human body consists of water. Filtering the water eliminates heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria from the water. The most straightforward and safest solution is to use filtered water by purchasing a home water filtration system. The main reason as to why you should give up bottled water consumption is for the benefit of your health.

Water Filtration Systems

Stormwater collected from rooftops contains many contaminants ranging from eroded roof materials, plant debris, soil particles, and other impurities that interfere with the quality of stored water. This scenario causes clogging of pumps, blockage of pipes, and valves. Notably, most of this solid contaminants sediment at the bottom of a storage tank. Organic compounds deplete oxygen by decomposing and they form noxious by-products such as hydrogen sulfide that can have adverse effects on human health. To mitigate this problem, we should put a water filtration system in place to purify the water.

One of the methods that can be effective in the purification of rainwater is the installation of the first-flush diverter. This technique works well in places that experience short rains and extended dry spells. Notably, the system diverts roof water during the first showers and redirects it to the storage system when it is clean. This method cannot be used in areas, which receive rainfall almost throughout the year. Additionally, experts feel that the water should be filtered even after the first flush divert to enhance the quality of the water. At Crystal Clear Water, we offer at least three first flush and integrate the system with nine mechanical filters. The process involves retaining the first runoff water along the length of a capped pipe. After its full a ball shuts the top of the system allowing additional rainfall water to flow to a storage system.

Another method is by use of pot filters. This is the simplest pre-water filters and they come with a flanged plastic tray that is perforated. Above the perforation, a filter pad helps to isolate solid materials from the water. Baskets filters include a filter basket fitted into a plastic body. Water squeezes via the top to the bottom through the filter. Cascade filters are similar to the latter model but allow debris to flow out instead of retaining them. Due to the aforementioned scenario, they require less maintenance. The working principle of these filters is that water cascades over a curve and passes through a multi-level screened filter and exits via a port at the bottom. The last filter is the Vortex filters. Just like the cascade filters, they do not collect debris; therefore, they minimize maintenance costs. Instead of utilizing horizontal filters, they are arraigned in a vertical direction. Water flows through a circumference and they employ capillary action to purify it, then it exits through the bottom. According to the experts, depending on the water intensity there efficiency reaches up to 90%.

Crystal Clear Water has you Covered.

Water is life but can cause water-related maladies such as diarrhea and cholera. It is important to have clean family drinking water. Recent research show Bisphenol A, a compound used to make plastics that pack bottled water slowly leach into the vital commodity. This compound can have detrimental effects on human health. It is in this regard that if you are in South West Florida Crystal Clear Water is the company to contact to purify and test your water. Since 1999, our organization has helped our customers to put up effective water filtration system in place to purify their harvested water. Currently, we have over 25,000 customers who we offer the latter services in South West Florida. At Crystal Clear Water, our objective is to provide clean water at an affordable price. Therefore, if you need to install a water filtration system before the rainy season and you are in South West Florida calls us and you will never regret the decision.

Some people move to Southwest Florida for the weather.  They love the mild winters and think of the summer humidity like a warm hug.  Others come for the value.  Although Southest Florida is not the least expensive place in Florida, compared to many places in the country, it is a value.  But most people come to Southwest Florida for the water.  Whether it is for the fishing, the sailing, or just for the beaches, Southwest Florida is a water lovers paradise.

The Canals of Cape Coral

It isn’t enough for Cape Coral to be a peninsula on a peninsula.  The City is surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River on one side, and Matlacha Pass on the other (both of which will quickly lead you to the Gulf of Mexico).  Cape Coral also has over 400 miles of canals making the city with the most navigable water ways in the world.  What this means for you is that there is an abundance of waterfront properties in Cape Coral and they can be bought for a reasonable price.  From any one of those waterfront homes, you are a short ride away to the protected lagoons, Caloosahatche River or open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  There are also mangroves that are great for kayaking and beaches that are great for swimming or just lounging in the sun.

Then There Is The Rain

Cape Coral Averages about 55 inches of rain per year (comparatively, Los Angeles got about 6 inches of rain last year).  The majority of the rain is in the summer with greater then 40% chance that any given day will have some rain.  (In early August, that is up to a 73% chance).  

The summer is also hurricane season.  Southwest Florida has seen it’s share of bad storms, but in reality, most storms to affect Southwest Florida are just a bad inconvenience.  

But What About The Drinking Water?

People in Southwest Florida get their water from the city, a well, or the store.  Cape Coral and Ft Myers both get their water from aquifers, and then run the water through a reverse osmosis treatment plant.  This basically means that each of these cities use well water (from a very large well) that has been properly treated before being sent through miles of old pipes to your home.  Let’s be honest here, you might want to filter that water again.

Then there is the well water some people get from small wells on their own property.  If you get your water this way, you may want to try the same filtration system the city uses.  Crystal Clear Water has both whole house and under sink reverse osmosis water filtration systems for your home.  

Lastly, there are the people that buy their water from the store.  Over the years, enough investigative news reports have been around to show us that bottled water is usually just filtered tap water.  There is nothing wrong with filtered tap water, we like it a lot.  However, when you store it in plastic bottles sitting in the Florida heat, the plastic breaks down and you end up with micro-plastic in your water.  Therefore, it is not only cheaper to filter your water at home, it is also better for you.  

Let’s face it, most water is filtered.  Then it has to be transported to you.  You get the cleanest, best tasting water, when the filter is right their on your property.  So call Crystal Clear Water today and let us help you find the water treatment system that is right for your home.

Water is one of the healthiest drinks you can have. It keeps the body hydrated, lubricates and cautions the joints, removes body toxins, and delivers many more benefits. It also plays an importation role in determining the quality of sleep that you get. However, drinking water comes in different hyped forms such as bottled water, tap water, distilled water, and alkaline water, which makes it quite confusing for consumers. Nevertheless, it has been established that filtered water is the healthiest of all. Below is a discussion of the various health benefits of having clean filtered water, why it pays to have a water filtration system at home, and why it is important to have your water regularly tested.

Benefits of having clean Water

Clean water is one of the fundamental human needs. Therefore, the importance of having clean water cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, a human being needs at least 20 liters of clean water a day for keeping themselves clean, cooking, and drinking. Some of the benefits of having clean filtered water include;

• Improve mental alertness
• Replenish skin tissues
• Helps with weight loss
• Boosts metabolic rate
• Flush out toxins
• Moisturizes the air in the lungs

Taking a glass of clean water before going to sleep can also go a long way in enhancing the quality of sleep that you get. This is because water reduces the risk of dehydration, and this helps to reduce fatigue. Water also helps to regulate body temperature and enhance your energy levels. All these benefits will work together to give you a good night sleep and help you to rest and wake up with the necessary energy to face the day.

Importance of Having You Water Tested

Although most municipal tap water is clean and safe for drinking, the truth is that water delivery system of every home is different. Some homes have older pipes that could be leaking radon and heavy metals such as lead into the water. This can pose a serious health threat to you and your family. If you use water from a well, it could also be contaminated with dangerous bacteria and harmful minerals Thus, it is imperative to ensure that you identify the contaminants in your water to either avoid drinking it or find the right water filter.

Benefits of Having a Water Filtration System at Home

A water filtration system is one of the most important equipment you can have at home. Indeed, it is the surest way to ensure that your family is having clean safe drinking water. Below are some of the benefits of having a water filtration system at home.

• A water filtration system removes bacteria contaminants and chlorine from water giving you access to better smelling and tasting water.
• By removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts from water, a filtration system will significantly reduce the risk of bladder cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer.
• A filtration system can also remove lead and other heavy metals and harmful minerals, ensuring that these dangerous substances don’t end up in your body.
• A filtration system will also help you save money because you won’t have to spend money on bottled water.

The Takeaway

Overall, it is apparent clean water is an essential human need. Thus, it is important to ensure that your water is regularly tested, and if it is contaminated, you have to get a water filtration system. Such a system will go a long way in ensuring that your family has access to better drinking water free from harmful contaminants.

Find out how to fix this problem, quick–with the help of Crystal Clear Water

Usually, if your water smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, the reason is because your water has high Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) content.

H₂S Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a dangerous gas that can be present at many types of workplaces. It’s found in natural gas, and it’s also created as organic matter breaks down, so it’s often associated with sewage.

(Occasionally, a rotten-egg smell in your water could also be caused by a water heater or by sewage pollution in your water. If you’re on city water, the most likely explanation is your water heater/ anode rod.)

Negative Effects of H₂S

In addition to potential health risks, having H₂S in your water can cause all sorts of annoying problems. H₂S in your water can:

• Cause coffee and tea to be discolored and taste funny
• Corrode metals (steel, copper, iron, brass), including silverware
• Cause foods cooked with water to taste “off”
• Create yellow or black stains in your bathroom and kitchen

How Do You Fix It?

Here At Crystal Clear Water you can find everything you need to get rid of H₂S and that sulfur/rotten-egg smell from your water.

The first step we have to take is to test your water, so we can be sure of the real cause of the rotten-egg smell.

Fortunately, here at Crystal Clear we offer this service free. One of our water experts will come to your home to test the water (you can’t send it away to a laboratory because H₂S is a gas and could dissipate during transport) and let you know the source of your rotten-egg smell. You’re under no obligation whatsoever.

To get in contact with us and schedule your free water test, just fill out this quick form to contact us:

• I’d Like Crystal Clear Water to Help Me With…
  • Free Water Test
  • Water Softener
  • Salt Delivery Service
  • Bottled Water Delivery
  • Home Water Filtration
  • Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water
  • Bottle-Free Water Cooler
  • Commercial Water Treatment
  • Other
  • Information On sulfur filters

It is no surprise that living in Southwest Florida, water is a part of your life. Water is everywhere. From the temperate waters of the Gulf of Mexico to our abundance of rivers and canals, to our 56 inches of Average annual precipitation, if you live in Southwest Florida and don’t enjoy water, you live in the wrong place.

Southwest Florida Water for Fun

With Southwest Florida’s amazing climate, there are activities that you can do on the water all year long. From boating and sailing to paddle boarding, kayaking and wind surfing, to snorkeling and scuba diving. If it can be done in the water, Southwest Florida is the place to do it. (If you enjoy scuba diving, and haven’t yet been to the Naples Spring, AKA “The Black Hole”, it is something to see. There is also the Captiva Blue Hole as well as numerous sunken ships and artificial reefs to explore.)

Southwest Florida Water for Sustenance

I don’t know many people in Southwest Florida who have never been fishing. Whether you like to fish for sport, or are trying to catch dinner, there are an abundance of places to find fish in Southwest Florida waters. You could cast a line for redfish in the waters around 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge, or head out to sea for Grouper or Tarpon. Whatever you like to cast a line for, you can find it is Southwest Florida.

The abundant rainfall in Southwest Florida also makes gardening a dream. Unlike some places where it is cheaper to buy your fruits and vegetables then to irrigate your garden, Southwest Florida water falls from the sky on a regular basis. Many people that don’t garden still have citrus, mango and avocado trees in their yards. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish make for great healthy dinners brought to you by Southwest Florida water.

Southwest Florida Water for Ambiance

Southwest Florida has an easy laid-back feeling. I tend to think that Southwest Florida water has a lot to do with that. It creates an ambience of relaxation. Whether you are laying out on of the amazing beaches, eating at an incredible waterfront restaurant, or just floating around in your own pool, Southwest Florida water is relaxing and peaceful.

Southwest Florida Water is Life

Over half of the adult human body is made up of water. Maybe that is why we love living in a place where water is such a large part of life. But although we may love to live and play in the waters around Southwest Florida, the Gulf and the Rivers aren’t the best place to get a cool drink. Luckily, Crystal Clear Water is in Southwest Florida as well. We have water purification systems that can make sure the water you use for cooking, cleaning and drinking is the best quality water you can fin in Southwest Florida. Let us come out to your home and test your water. Whether you have a well system, or use city water, we can make your Southwest Florida water better.

When you walk out of the shower, how do you feel: squeaky clean or silky smooth? What if we told you, feeling “squeaky clean” was a sign that your hard water is damaging your skin? Hard water is corrosive to skin cells causing skin irritant flare-ups and worsening wrinkles and fine lines.

Perhaps you have a child suffering from eczema, or an infant with sensitive skin and have tried remedy after remedy to no avail. While lotions, creams, oils, and laundry detergents may have helped temporarily, the problem is back again. This cycle of events is due to the underlying cause not being addressed: the hard water.

Acne

Hard water contains elements such as dirt, algae, minerals, and bacteria. When using hard water on the skin, the minerals clog pores and do not dissolve. The result is acne and dirty, irritated skin. While other hormonal and genetic conditions also cause acne, hard water can also play a role in this skin condition and exacerbate a breakout. Hard water and soap do not get along. It’s challenging to get a good soapy lather with hard water. This fact means cleaning your face becomes a difficult task; leaving your skin with clogged pores and irritated skin cells.

Bathing

As aforementioned, soap will not lather well with hard water. Your clothes, dishes, and skin will all noticeably appear “stained” with soap scum or residue from minerals in the water and soap that will not wash away. When bathing in the bath or shower, you will notice in softened water the soap suds begin appearing faster with a lesser amount of soap used. The soap will also wash away off your skin and hair easier without harsh scrubbing.

After the bathing is complete, you will feel smooth rather than “squeaky clean.” The smoothness of your skin may come as a surprise if you are accustomed to the feeling of hard water. Instead of smooth from the naturally occurring oils on your skin, you may feel this as slimy at first. However, this is how natural clean skin should feel. The “squeaky clean” feeling you regularly feel with hard water is the left-over soap scum, dead skin cells, and dirt. These elements are stuck to the outer layer of your skin, unable to be thoroughly cleaned away. The hard water does not allow these elements to wash away easily and tends to trap them on your skin even while bathing.

The soap that left behind on your skin from hard water can cause skin irritation and dryness. Leaving you half-clean with itchy skin and worsened conditions like eczema. If you scrub hard while bathing in an attempt to wash the soap from your body, the result may become worse. The harsh minerals in the hard water may also damage the skin’s outer barrier — this scrubbing action results in unwanted skin irritations and conditions.

Eczema

While research has yet to prove that hard water is a cause of eczema, it is considered a factor in the development of the condition.

The pH of hard water is greater than 7, which means the water has high alkalinity levels. Skin is just the opposite, with a pH level lower than 7; the skin has a more acidic surface. Because of the varying Alkalinities, the theory is that the hard water can damage the skin’s natural barrier and contribute to eczema’s development. Individuals suffering from eczema are already more sensitive to the effects of hard water due to the skin’s present break down from the condition. The dryness that is left behind on the skin after washing with hard water is another contributing factor in eczema’s exacerbation.

Aging Skin

Using more soap than should be necessary is an unfortunate result of hard water. The multitude of impurities in hard water, such as iron and magnesium, form free radicals that cause damage to skin cells. The deterioration in which these free radicals inflict can cause the breakdown of collagen in your skin. Collagen is the protein component in your skin that is responsible for firm and healthy-looking skin. When collagen is broken down, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Washing your face and body with hard water can lead to you look older than you are.

The bottom line is simple: Hard water is hard on skin. Soft water is soft on the skin. At Crystal Clear Water, we specialize in many water services. Our Water Softeners work by removing the calcium and magnesium the hard water contains. After the hard water passes through the resin bed of the water softener, only soft water is released to your home, and the process begins again. Our water softeners are user-friendly with a push-button front panel. We include six levels of programming and a modular design that is easy to service should you require assistance in the future. Contact us today to speak with a representative and set up an appointment or visit our showroom!

What is Hard Water?

Most people live with hard water and don’t understand what it is or how it affects their home. Hard water is highly mineralized water. That is water that contains high levels of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium. This mineral accumulation occurs naturally in most water sources, especially if your water source is a well or city water with lenient standards.

Evidence of hard water can be found daily around our home and on our bodies. Hard water can cause sticky skin, even after showering. Hard water can also be responsible for dry, thinning, or breaking hair. Besides these more vanity-driven indicators of hard water, our homes can be evident from a beating with hard water.

Signs of Hard Water in Your Home

1. Kitchen Mineral Build-Up

When you use the sink, especially on black or stainless-steel surfaces, you may see the white mineral deposits left behind from your tap water. The residue known as scale is a mineral contaminant that is been left behind from hard water after being heated. You will most likely find this residue when cleaning dishes with warm water, when cleaning appliances with warm or hot water, or when boiling water in a pot. The pot will have the scale left behind even after a wash or the water has been dumped out. The hot hard water used to clean the dishes is leaving behind scale and soap scum due to the composition of the water.

2. Soap Scum in Bathrooms

The aforementioned effects of hard water in the kitchen also tends to affect the bathroom. Toilets, sinks, and showers alike may all have a soapy scum build-up. Sink heads tend to see this on handles where wet hands turn the water off and on, while the sink faucet will have mineral deposits from the hard water. Appearing white or green, it can make any bathroom unsightly.

Hard water makes lathering in the shower extremely difficult. The minerals present in hard water react poorly with soap. This phenomenon causes a soap scum film to be apparent in the shower, on the shower curtains, and the skin. What’s worse, the scum left behind on the shower curtain tends to be a breeding ground for unwanted microbial biofilm. This biofilm can cause bacteria to spread to undesirable bacteria to those who use the shower.

3. Lower Water Heater Efficiency

When hard water is heated, the minerals become an insoluble precipitate called scale. When this happens, the scale coats the container in which the heated water was inhabiting. Just as you see this residue on kitchen utensils, sinks, or pots with cooking, the same goes for your water heater.

When Scale begins to collect in the water heater tank, the efficiency of your water heater starts to drop significantly, causing a noticeable increase in energy bills.

4. Laundry is Problematic

The negative impacts of hard water on clothing may surprise you. Black clothes coming out lighter or white clothes coming out gray? These are common problems of hard water laundry. When a washing machine starts, the first step is to moisten and soften the clothes. With hard water, this is a nearly impossible task. The contaminants in the hard water on the clothing make soap build-up on the clothes rather than clean the dirt away. The build-up prohibits your clothes from becoming cleaner as well as cause clothing to become dingier faster.

Most detergents have a specific formula with soft or mildly soft water in mind. While there are hard water detergents directed at fixing this issue, it is only a temporary fix. The hard water build-up will continue to ruin clothing faster, along with the other aspects of your house, including your washing machine. The minerals that affect the kitchen and bathroom are also affected by the hard water as the sediments are tough on the washing machine as well. Hard water safe detergents will not save the longevity of your appliances.

5. Water Tastes, Looks or Smells Bad

If you have ever tried to get a glass of water to drink, or fill up the tub for a bath, you may have noticed the color of the water is slightly yellow. You may have also experienced a funny taste or smell to your water as you try to drink it. These signs are showing a water contaminant. The flavor of your water can give significant hints on what the probable contaminants are before testing (which you should have done to obtain a correct water analysis).

If your water has a metallic flavor, your water is probably suffering from an iron overload. Excessive amounts of Iron can cause unwanted health problems, as well as wreak havoc on your plumbing. Copper-colored staining on toilet bowls is another common sign that an iron build-up is affecting your water and plumbing. These signs are usually due to the iron causing rust within your pipes, originating from the main topic- hard water.

If your water tastes like dirt, it may be just that- dirt. Depending on the age of your pipes and area in which you live, sediment (aka dirt or algae) can be present in your tap water. The presence of these sediments can give an aftertaste that may taste like dirt or mold.

If your water smells like rotten eggs, Hydrogen Sulfide (Sulfur) gas reacting with magnesium in the hard water creating sulfates, is to blame. Not only is the smell unpleasant in drinking water, but filling a bathtub can stink up an entire room!

While the discussed areas are not the only areas affected by hard water, knowing areas to start observing is critical. The excellent news is Crystal Clear Water can make this completely disappear for you! With our state-of-the-art technology in Whole Home Reverse Osmosis and Water softeners, we can create pure water for your entire household. Looking, smelling, and tasting better is only the beginning of your journey with us. You will notice a complete rejuvenation in your home and energy bills. Give us a call today to speak with one of our trained staff members!

Bacteria And Viruses

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there could be as many as 12 million cases of waterborne acute gastrointestinal illness annually in the United States alone. These illnesses are frequently caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that make their way into the water supply. And unfortunately, these contaminants can survive in the environment for months. Even well operated, state-of-the-art treatment plants cannot ensure that drinking water is entirely free of microbial pathogens. System failures do occur, and not all systems are functioning at the levels they should. And bottled water, which is unregulated and varies considerably, may not offer any more safeguards against pathogens than tap water.

If you’re concerned about the safety of your water supply, contact your Crystal Clear Water Professional for a free water test and in-home plumbing audit. They’ll get you reliable facts you can act on with confidence, and give you dependable options if your water needs treatment.

What are e. coli and coliform bacteria?

Coliform are a group of several types of bacteria from the same family which typically live and reproduce in the intestines of animals. Coliform bacteria can also be found in soil, surface water, and plants–anywhere animal feces may be present.  E. coli is an abbreviation for Escherichia coli, a genus, and species of bacteria. E. coli is a member of the coliform group and is the predominant bacteria in the gut of warm-blooded animals. The fact that it originates only in warm-blooded animals makes E. coli a better indicator than coliform of the potential for human diseases. A water test will give you results for both E. coli and total coliform. The presence of E. coli in water indicates direct contamination with fecal matter and therefore, the presence of disease-causing microorganisms.

Why wasn’t my water tested for all microorganisms that cause diseases?

There are numerous water-borne diseases, each requiring a different method of detection; therefore, it is impractical to look for all the possible disease-causing microbes in water. Testing for Coliform is a good alternative to looking for all the disease-causing microbes. When coliform are found in groundwater, this indicates that the groundwater is being affected by surface water or surface activities. Because coliform originate on the land surface, it is used as a tracer for disease-causing bacteria. Since E. coli must originate in the gut of a warm-blooded animal, its presence indicates contamination from animal feces and the high likelihood of disease-causing organisms being present as well. Since testing for a specific disease-causing organism is impractical, testing for total coliform and E. coli are considered the best way to determine whether or not a water supply is protected from microbial contamination. Water containing any total coliform or E. coli should not be used for drinking or cooking unless boiled for 5 minutes or otherwise disinfected.

What can cause a well to test positive for these bacteria?

Bacteria in wells usually comes from surface water that enters the well without first percolating through the soil and porous material above the water table. Your well can be contaminated if the well was improperly constructed, located in a depression that collects surface runoff, or can also occur during floods when floodwater overtops the well casing. Newly drilled or serviced wells will also contain these bacteria due to material entering the well from the surface. Shallow wells, less than 60 feet deep, are much more susceptible to contamination from bacteria than are deeper wells. Shallow groundwater may not be sufficiently filtered by the soil and porous material above the water table to remove surface bacteria. If a septic system is too close to the well or not working properly, this can be the bacteria source.

Other causes for contamination include:

• Open wells, which can allow animals, such as rodents to fall into the well. Even the smallest opening will allow insects to travel in and out.
• Backflow from outside hoses, caused by negative pressure in the plumbing, can bring dirty water back into the well.
• Faulty check valves also contribute to this problem.
• Groundwater does not contain a small amount of chlorine (as do most municipal water supplies) that serves to prevent bacterial growth within the plumbing.
• Forgetting to regularly service water treatment filters can also allow bacteria to accumulate and grow.‍
  

What should be done to correct well contamination?

The well can be disinfected by a process known as shock chlorination, but unless the cause of contamination is discovered and corrected, the bacteria problem will return. Test your water again after all traces of the shock chlorination treatment are gone. If the bacteria are still present after repeating this treatment, your well may have an unseen problem, or the groundwater itself may be the source of the bacteria. You can still use this water for your household by installing a continuous disinfection system such as a chlorinator, ultraviolet light, or ozone system.

What are nitrates/nitrites?

Nitrates and nitrites are chemicals that can be found naturally in our environment. Two of the earth’s most common elements, nitrogen, and oxygen, combine to form these nitrogen-containing compounds. Nitrates are essential (needed) nutrients for plants to grow. Nitrates can be found in the air, soils, surface waters and groundwater.

How do nitrates get into the environment?

Nitrates are generally found in surface waters and shallow groundwater. Plants naturally release nitrogen when they die and decompose (rot). The nitrogen from the rotting plants oxidize (combine with oxygen) to form nitrates. During a rainfall, surface water can move through the soil and carry these nitrates down to the underground drinking water (groundwater). Other ways water can be contaminated with nitrates is through the use of products that contain large amounts of ammonia. Ammonia is oxidized (combines with oxygen) and forms nitrites. Liquid ammonia fertilizer spills can form nitrates that also make their way through the soil to the groundwater. Old and poorly maintained sewage systems and improper well construction can contaminate groundwater with nitrates as well.

Who is at risk to Nitrate/Nitrite exposure?

The persons most at risk of exposure to nitrates/nitrites are infants less than four-months-old who are fed formula made with nitrate-contaminated water. Pregnant women may be more sensitive to nitrates because their blood contains higher levels of methemoglobin. They may be especially sensitive at the 30th week of pregnancy. The elderly and people with chronic (on-going) health problems are also at risk of chemical exposure from nitrates/nitrites in drinking water.

Causes for Bad Taste and Odor Water

There are numerous reasons why your water might give off an unpleasant taste and odor and give you smelly water.  If you have municipally supplied water, most of the odors or tastes should not pose health concerns. However, there is the potential for post-municipality contamination in the miles of distribution pipes leading to a residence or within the home itself. Some of these may indicate a health concern while others may simply make your water less satisfying.

Finding Your Solution

There is no universal test or treatment for bad taste and odor problems, but you can often find targeted ways to determine the causes and find solutions.

Some tastes and odors from smelly water, especially those due to organic substances, can be removed from water by passing it through an activated carbon filter. Other tastes and odors may respond to so-called oxidizing agents, such as ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium permanganate.

A common characteristic of water from public systems is the chlorine taste and odor, which is often quite noticeable. Many public water systems treat water with chlorine to disinfect it. Although this is an important step in the treatment of water because it destroys disease-producing bacteria and other harmful organisms that may be in present in water, there is no doubt that excess chlorine from the disinfection treatment step can make the water objectionable.

In other cases, water with a high mineral concentration may have an unpleasant soda or salty taste, and a metallic taste may be produced by the presence of iron or manganese in water.

Many people have also encountered water that contains hydrogen sulfide gas, which creates an objectionable odor. So-called “sulfur water” not only produces the obnoxious “rotten egg” odor, but is also corrosive to plumbing and can cause the rapid tarnishing of silver. Even very low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide are detectable because of the strong odor.

Occasionally, we receive calls reporting water that appears cloudy or milky. Cloudy water is almost always caused by the presence of either oxygen or calcium. Oxygen: Sometimes water fresh from the tap can appear cloudy. Within a minute or two, the cloudiness rises toward the top of a glass and before long the whole glass is crystal clear. This is caused by excess oxygen escaping from the water ( this is perfectly normal wi. Changes in water temperature and pressure can cause the oxygen dissolved in it to reach a “supersaturated” state, where there is more oxygen in the water than it can hold. When the water passes through a faucet, the disturbance is enough to knock the oxygen out of the water, forming microscopic bubbles. The bubbles are so tiny that it takes them a long time to rise up through the water. No harm will come from using oxygenated water and you need not take any corrective action if you experience it. Calcium: When calcium causes cloudiness, it is usually noticed in cold water. When a glassful of the cloudy water sits for about thirty minutes, a white or grayish substance settles out to the bottom of the glass. The substance is calcium, a product of our water treatment process. Such water is perfectly safe to drink or use for cooking, though it may be unappealing to look at. The chemistry of water is surprisingly complex, and many factors influence how it behaves. We engineer Bloomington’s water so that it is slightly prone to deposit a trace of calcium sediment as it travels through our distribution system. This helps to keep our water from becoming corrosive and reduces the likelihood that it might attack our water mains or leach lead or copper from our customers’ plumbing and fixtures. Usually, this calcium sediment remains at the bottom of the water mains, unnoticed by our water users. However, the calcium can be stirred up when a large volume of water is drawn through a water main in a short time, increasing the water’s velocity.

Events that can increase water velocity include firefighting, main breaks, hydrant maintenance, and water or street cleaning trucks filling their tanks at a hydrant. If you happen to turn on your cold water right after such an event, you may draw some of the stirred-up water into your pipes. To clean calcium sediment from your system, we recommend that you wait for an hour or two to allow the water in the main to settle; the less water you use, the faster the problem will clear. Then open a large-bore faucet (such as a tub faucet) and let the cold water run for about 20 minutes. This will draw clean water through your system and should remove any remaining calcium from your pipes. We welcome your calls if you have any concerns about cloudy water, or if your water remains cloudy after taking these steps.

Once in a while, you get a glass of water and it looks cloudy; maybe milky is a better term. After a few seconds, it miraculously clears up! The cloudiness might be caused by the water in the pipes being under a bit more pressure than the water in the glass, but is more likely due to tiny air bubbles in the water. Like any bubble, the air rises to the top of the water and goes into the air above, clearing up the water. Cloudy water, also known as white water, is caused by air bubbles in the water. It is completely harmless.

It usually happens when it is very cold outside because the solubility of air in water increases as water pressure increases and/or water temperature decreases. Coldwater holds more air than warm water. In the winter, water travels from the reservoir which is very cold and warms up during its travel to your tap. Some of the air that is present is no longer soluble and comes out of solution.

Also, water pressure has something to do with it. The water in the pipes is pressurized to a degree (which helps to get the water all the way from the water tower to your home). Water under pressure holds more air than water that is not pressurized. Once the water comes out of your tap, the water is no longer under pressure and the air comes out of solution as bubbles (similar to a carbonated soft drink). The best thing to do is let it sit in an open container until the bubbles naturally disappear.

One person states they drink from the refrigerator. Just to be clear, the refrigerator filter is only a carbon filter and it only removes a little chlorine from the water. It is better than nothing, but far from making the water how you would like it.

The only thing that will remove all or 98% of all unregulated Contaminants found in Cape Coral city water is reverse osmosis systems. Either whole reverse osmosis system or our under sink reverse osmosis systems

City water has lots of chlorine, the same amount as a pool. It’s your job as a homeowner to remove these toxic chemicals from your water before they enter your home.

There are thousands of unregulated chemicals in the city’s water. They do a good job getting you bacteria-free water. I mean the water comes from your toilet. So anything that goes in the toilet goes to the treatment plant. They then filter it all out as best they can. This means pharmaceuticals that are dumped in the toilet or extra that our body doesn’t absorb are in the water. They remove about 98% of everything in the water. However, they know the amount of chemicals leftover. They only test for a few. Usually when some make the news. Like Erin Brackavitch chemical chromium 6 hexevenalt was not regulated until the news got involved. Cape Coral tested 22 highest in the united states for hexavelant chromium 6. Then they started testing for it. Now, these new chemicals that are found in the water are unregulated. So the city of Cape Coral sends you a flyer in your monthly bill to tell you, hey by the way you have ” unregulated chemicals in your water”. They don’t tell you that there are thousands in the water or what chemicals they are. Cape Coral city water plant sent out this vague letter that covers them in a wide range of ways.

Did you know

Contaminants detected between 2010 and 2014 and were not part of EPA’s UCMR-3 testing program: Arsenic, Barium, Fluoride, Selenium, Antimony

Here is a story about the chromium 6 about a year ago from the Dr’s show

Cape Coral Water Test

See what Cape Coral cancer-causing chemicals in your water. As you will see Cape Coral’s City water have cancer-causing chemicals that are above health guidelines. Keep in mind the city is within their parameters. They are doing everything that is asked of them. These regulations of toxic chemicals in drinking water are all over the world and are allowed to do so. Everyone should be concerned with you and your family’s health. Why allow Cape Coral city water into your home before filtering it.

Chlorine

For approximately 150 years, chlorine has been a vital, yet dangerous part of our tap water. Water chlorination first began as a way to combat deadly waterborne diseases. Just as it kills bacteria and viruses in drinking water, it kills or damages cells within the human body. Chlorinated water contains chemical compounds called trihalomethanes which are carcinogens resulting from the combination of chlorine with compounds in water. Chlorine is being absorbed into our skin every time we shower, as well as inhale chlorine fumes being released into the air.

Hardness

Hard water is water that has high mineral content mainly calcium and magnesium as well as other dissolved compounds such as bicarbonates and sulfates. These minerals have a wide impact on households. Hard water interferes with almost every cleaning task from laundering and dishwashing to bathing and personal grooming. Clothes laundered in hard water may look dingy and feel harsh and scratchy. Dishes and glasses washed in hard water may be spotted on drying. Hard water may cause a film on glass shower doors, shower walls and bathtubs. Hair washed in hard water may feel sticky and look dull. Hard water also contributes to inefficient and costly operation of water-using appliances.

Did you know even though you may not be drinking the city water coming into your home, your body is still exposed to the harmful effects of chlorine? So few people know about the chemicals present in the water they bathe in everyday.90% of city water has more chlorine in it than a normal pool! Chlorine is being absorbed into our skin every time we shower,
(one average shower is the same as drinking 8 glasses of the raw
chlorinated water)
As well as chlorine fumes being released into the air and into our respiratory system.

Over time the exposure has been known to cause, multiple kinks of CANCER, RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES, HEART DISEASE, AND ALLERGIES.

“Scientist found there was a higher incidence of cancer of the esophagus, rectum, breast, and larynx and of Hodgkins Disease among those drinking or showering in chlorinated water”

“Conservative calculations indicate that inhalation exposures can be as significant as exposure from drinking the water, that is, one can be exposed to just as much by inhalation during a shower as by drinking 2 liters of raw chlorinated water a day”

IS YOUR WATER SAFE TO DRINK? Consumer Reports Book Chlorinated Drinking Water Linked to CANCER.

Crystal Clear Water’s City Water System Solutions

Metered Microprocessor Meterd (on damand) Control Valve Mixed bed with carbon and fine mesh resin.

First Stage: Special blend of granular activated carbon filter for maximum removal of chlorine, chloramines (chlorine/ammonia disinfectant) bad taste and odor, THM’s (chlorine by-products), PAH’s (chloramines by-products) and carbon-based volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial solvents. Filtered water from every faucet in your house.
Second Stage:  media tank actively removes existing scale formation in pipes and water heaters. , poor taste, and brine discharge from salt/potassium water softeners. Easier clean-up of water spots- Clothes are softer, cleaner, brighter, last longer and use less detergent
– Dishes are cleaner with less soap and hard water spotting
– No scale build-up on tubs, showers, sinks and plumbing fixtures-
Water using appliances such as dishwasher,
washers, water heaters, boilers, ice makers, etc. last longer
and are more efficient

Reverse Osmosis

R.O. Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System reduces harmful contaminants and turns common tap water into the fresh, quality water that nature intended us to drink. A 4-stage system filters water at the molecular level. Drawn
water passes through a final carbon filter to remove any unwanted tastes or odors. The result is simply healthier, better-tasting water.
Removes up to 99% of water-soluble lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, Chlorine, Chloramines, Pesticides, Herbicides, Oils, Gas and Petroleum products. Making your water great tasting throughout the whole Home, Business, RV or even under a sink for drinking water.

• Healthy, sparkling-clear drinking water
• Pristine, flavorful coffee, tea, and juice
• Clearer ice cubes
• Better tasting soups, sauces, and meals when prepared with R.O. water
• Environmentally sound water treatment
• Cost-effective: the daily cost of bottled water will no longer be a concern
• Convenient: fresh, clean water ready at your tap — no more handling of jugs

Occasionally, you may have to regenerate your Kinetico Water Softener. The only reasoning for needing to do this is if your system runs out of salt. If you do run out of salt, empty your water softener system, clean out any remaining residue, and add new salt. To manually regenerate your Kinetico system, you will need a Phillips screwdriver. Locate the “cap area.” Depending on what year your system is, the cap may be different color or even transparent. Once you locate the cap area, next, you need to find the indicator dot. Pace your Phillips screwdriver on the indicator dot and remember to press down and turn clockwise to the letter B for “Brine.” Once you hear the water go through that drain, you can let go. Repeat regeneration 45 minutes later.

Sulfur Filter System (Chemical Free)

In the video, I will show you these simple steps you are most likely not doing.

• Checking pressure switches for charring or burned contacts.
• Checking the solenoid valve and floats.
• Making sure the outlets are sealed
• Cleaning the aerator monthly and sanitizing it.
• Checking the water softener to see if it’s making the water soft. Just cause its using salt doesn’t mean the resin is good.
• Checking for bridging
• Adding citric acid with the salt.
• not checking the pressure tanks for air or if they are waterlogged

Items you will need to do your well water maintenance

Aerator Maintenance

Items you will need: chlorine sprayer, brush, sockets, hardness test, TDS test, pressure gauge

If you would like to maintain your water system yourself. Here is a complete video and checklist on an aerator system and cleaning water softener.

It is not really hard to maintain your water system. You need time, elbow grease and a few tools. Most customers think it is just adding salt. That is like bringing your car to the oil change place and only changing the oil. I can tell you there are far more things to do on a water system and an oil change than just changing your oil or just adding salt. Filters, air in the tires, washer fluid, transmission fluid, washer fluid check, etc. Most people don’t know what’s involved. If you would like to have us do a one-time maintenance for $25.00 which is normally is $89.00 and show you how to maintain your water system in person. We will gladly do exactly that.

Tired of cleaning your aerator out? Make a switch to a sulfur filter.

Aerator

• Non-Efficient
• Only Removes only 1-3 parts of sulfur.
• Pump only pumps 7 gallons per minute in tank only
• Aerator system has 13 components that will cause you to have no water at any time.
• Aerator system must have monthly service
• Open system for bugs and critters
• Breeding ground for bacteria

‍

Sulfur Filter

• Very efficient
• Saves electricity with less parts & pumps
• 21 gallons per minute More pressure
• 2 component that will cause you to have no water.
• Less maintenance ( every 2 to 3 months)
• Closed system no bugs
• Eliminates bacteria
• More room on your pad

Many Americans use bottled water as their primary drinking water with the belief that it is the purest and safest water. When the government gives boil alerts due to contaminants found in tap water, bottled water flies off the store shelves! But what if your bottled water wasn’t as pure as you thought it to be? A recent Consumer Reports study found that 11 of the 130 water bottle brands tested had levels of arsenic that exceeded the federally mandated limit.

What is Arsenic?

Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance that is found in rocks and soil and is used regularly in pesticides. This element enters the water supply through agricultural run-off when minerals erode. Arsenic can quickly become a contaminant in water supply to rice crops, which grow in water, and water used by bottled water companies.

Arsenic is a tasteless and odorless contaminant that can cause a plethora of health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued ten parts per billion (ppb) or less federal standard for arsenic in water. However, just because an amount is legal, does not mean the number is safe. Arsenic is known to cause:

• Headaches
• Stomach Aches
• Blindness
• Numbness of Hands and Feet
• Diarrhea
• Skin Discoloring
• Partial Paralysis
• Cancer (long-term exposure)

Due to these health risks and more several independent research companies have been fighting to get the federally mandated limit to 3 parts per billion, rather than ten parts per billion.

How Is Bottled Water Purified?

When a consumer purchases bottled water, there are many options to choose. Brand-name, store brand, distilled, purified, and spring. But what makes these types of water “pure”?

Spring Water – Spring water comes from an underground aquifer (spring) and filtered to remove unwanted contaminants. This process is generally a carbon filtration, which is thought to improve the taste and color of drinking water. Springwater will contain natural minerals and other natural contaminants that are unable to be filtered out.

Distilled and Purified Water – These two water types are tap water. The water is then distilled and deionized through a purification process. The treatment of the water is left unknown to the consumer due to unclear labeling by bottled water brands.

However, as the report from Consumer Reports has shown, the “purified” bottled water is still unsafe with high levels of contaminants. In fact, since 2016, several brands, including “health” brand Whole Foods, have had to recall thousands of water bottles due to unacceptable levels of arsenic.

How to Ensure You Have Safe Drinking Water

With the knowledge of contaminants that are in the water bottles which society has deemed “safe drinking water,” how do you ensure you stay hydrated with pure water? Reverse Osmosis.

Reverse Osmosis is a pressure system that utilizes a charged semi-permeable membrane to filter out contaminants, leaving you pure water.

On the outside of the membrane, a high-pressure system pushes the water molecules through the semi-permeable membrane. The holes in this membrane are not large enough for anything other than water molecules. This system means contaminants such as pesticides, lead, fluoride, nitrates & nitrites, pharmaceuticals, bacteria and, more are unable to permeate. The water then begins traveling through the membrane into the lower pressure system that gives you access to pure, clean water. The contaminants left in the high-pressure system are then sent down the drain and away from your home. Removing nearly all contaminants from the water in your home, you will notice an improved taste, color, and odor.

Whether your water is well or city water, Reverse Osmosis is the most efficient way to ensure you have safe water running through your home. Not only will your drinking water be more reliable, but also the water that runs in any plumbing. Your bathwater and cleaning water are all positively affected by the Reverse Osmosis system.  No more mineral build-up on your plumbing and appliances. This benefit is good news for your wallet, as you will save money on cleaning supplies and appliance maintenance.

At Crystal Clear Water, we offer in-home water testing. Contact us by filling out the contact submission on our water testing page or by giving us a call today. Let our experienced professionals help you make an appointment!

Our lab can perform the “Complete Water Test”, a comprehensive test to give you a full-spectrum analysis of your water system.

We can test for:

• Alkalinity
• Bacteria
• Clarity
• Chlorine
• Color
• Copper
• Hardness
• Iron
• Lead
• Nitrate
• Nitrite
• PH Levels

And more!

Our facility is a one-stop-shop for testing and solutions. After receiving your test results, we will explore the best options for your home from our product line, including the Whole House Reverse Osmosis System mentioned in this blog. We stand by our product and offer a money-back guarantee!

Call us today and start your clean water journey!

How to eliminate water heater odors

Sulfur or “rotten-egg” odors can develop in water heaters and in corroded iron piping even if the water is chlorinated city water. This usually occurs if the water has a low chlorine residual, high levels of sulfates, and/or the water has sat inactive for days or weeks.

Odors are often caused by bacteria.

The incidence of rotten egg odor or black water in water lines is due to the reaction of sulfates and microorganisms in water. You can determine the source of the odor. It is important to check to see whether the cold water contains odor or just the hot water.

Run the hot water to notice the odor. Then move to another faucet and run the cold water. If the cold water has an odor, then the source is in the cold water, piping in the home or the water system. If the hot water alone has an odor, then the odor is occurring primarily in the water heater. which can be caused by using water during regeneration, depending on the water system you have.

Coldwater Is still having an issue.

1. check the outside hose bib – The arrow is pointed to a hose bib attached to the home. This hose bib is after the water system. Check the water from here first to determine if it has an odor.
2. a if it does have an odor, its most likely the water system, or it could be the piping.
3. b if it doesn’t have an odor then the water system is working and your smell is coming from your pipes or your faucet screens
4. remove all faucet screens in your home. Clean all screens they could be causing a smell all by themselves.  

Solutions for hot water heater odor

1. Remove the anode rod and sanitize the water heater and hot water lines. They say it will void the warranty on your water heater and corrode the water heater faster. This is correct. Just like the zinc on a boat being the self-sacrificial to corrode first before the boat motor. The fact of the matter is then when you go to return the water heater they never go and check the anode rod. Its either this option or live with the smelly water

2. COMPLETE STEP 1

3. Odors can develop even in cold water piping in the home, especially in galvanized iron piping. Often iron piping in the house is of an older age and can be corroded and providing a good environment for the bacteria to grow and odors to develop. If there is an odor in the cold water, and the source is chlorinated city water, its best to trace and see if the piping is iron piping, and then replace it with copper. As the first step to this process, one can add hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach to the piping and sanitize it, and see if the odor can be eliminated. If the odor returns, have to re-evaluate the situation

Water Heater Odors

Most odors reported on city water, are from smelly water heaters. If your hot water has a sulfur or ‘rotten egg’ odor to it, the odor is being produced right in the water heater.

Almost all water heaters have “anode rods” which in a cathode-anode reaction, produce excess ions that wear off the anode rod and adhere to the inside glass lining of the water heater, preventing corrosion. The greater the activity of the anode, the greater the amount of hydrogen ion and hydrogen sulfide gas. If the cold water does not contain odors, but the hot water does, then a thorough sanitizing of the water heater tank with 1 to 2 pints of store-bought hydrogen peroxide will eliminate the odor.

See the procedure below. If you are not familiar with the functions of your water heater, DO NOT ATTEMPT this yourself. You can have this done by a licensed plumber to avoid damage to your water heater, or causing electrical problems, or gas explosions by improperly restarting the water heater if gas. We offer this information as informational and educational all, and no warranty or guarantees are expressed or implied. If the water heater is old and corroded, cleaning the sediment from the water and sanitizing by chlorination could cause the water heater to leak.

Procedure for Sanitizing of Hot Water Heaters to Eliminate Odors

1. Turn off the manual switch if the water heater is electric. For gas heaters, turn the control to Pilot. Make sure the pilot is still lit so you can restart the water heater when the procedure is completed.

2. Close the cold water inlet valve at the water heater.

3. Open a nearby hot water faucet inside the home and the T&P (temperature and pressure valve, located on the top of the water heater) valve to relieve tank pressure. Note of caution: T&P valves may need replacing if defective or old once you touch them.

4. Drain the water of enough water to compensate for the hydrogen peroxide to be added. Use a hose connected to the drain valve if an open drain is not adjacent to the water heater. Tip: have on hand a hose bib cap, available at any hardware store. When the procedure is completed, in some cases the drain valve will leak, and a hose bib cap can be screwed on the end of the drain valve, preventing the need for a drain valve replacement. Or replace the valve if desired with a new drain valve.

5. Remove T&P valve, anode rod, or disconnect the hot water outlet pipe from the water heater

6. For best results and to preserve the life of your water heater, inspect the anode rod. If corroded, replace with a new aluminum/zinc anode rod, which will create fewer odors. Figure 3 Typical gas water heater cut-away showing anode rod and cold water dip tube.

7. Add 1 to 2 pints of 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind typically found at drugstores) for every 40 gallons of water heater tank capacity. This can be done by pouring the peroxide into the water heater’s outlet pipe opening or into the T&P valve opening. Re-pipe the water heater and close the T&P. We like to pour the peroxide into the anode rod hole after you already removed it..

8. Open the cold-water inlet at the heater and turn on all hot water faucets inside the house. Shut off all the hot water faucets and let the water sit in the pipes for a few hrs.

9. After a few hours, open all the cold water lines for 5 min on cold only. Then open all the cold water faucets on the inside of the house. Wait to you get peroxide chemicals to every faucet then shut off the water and sit for an hr or so. Be careful because hot water will spit and sputter. This is good it’s getting all the air out of the lines. Do not turn the water heater back on until you get all the air out of the lines.

10. After 15 minutes, purge the hot water supply lines and drain the water from the tank through the heater drain valve, flushing out any sediment if present. Close the drain valve.

11. Make sure you purge all air from hot water lines from the open hot water faucets. Close the hot water faucet after all the air is out of the system.

12. Check for water leaks at all fittings used; repair as necessary.

13. Turn on the manual electrical switch, or turn the gas control knob back to “On” and verify that the heater burners have lit and turned back on.

14. Check for normal water heater operation.

If the Odor Returns to the Hot Water

After this procedure is completed, the odor will be eliminated in almost all cases. However, if it returns within a few weeks, then the sanitizing procedure can be repeated. However, in many cases, the cold water will still have problems with recurring odors due to the continued presence of sulfate bacteria and low chlorine residuals in the water.

Other options for smelly sulfur odors in water heaters are:

1. Remove the standard magnesium anode rod and replace it with an aluminum or zinc anode rod or and odor preventing electrical anode rod. if you haven’t already

2. Replace the water heater with a plastic-lined water heater, or an instantaneous water heater, or a commercial stainless steel water heater (none of which have anode rods). We use a lifetime warranty rheem plastic water heater. Call for details.

Hard water in the home can carry hundreds of microscopic contaminants. There are excess amounts of hard minerals in the water used to bathe and nourish children. You can imagine most parents become concerned about their children’s unexplained health conditions. These harsh water contaminants can damage the body inside and out. Some of these water contaminants become more harmful to the body when exposed during critical developmental stages.

Babies and children have newly developed skin that is more sensitive when exposed to new elements or chemicals. When we bathe our children and rashes occur, such as eczema, hard water may be the catalyst for this reaction. Hard water is known to increase the risk of eczema in infants by 87%. Skin conditions are only the start of hard water damage to your children’s bodies. From kidney damage to neurological concerns, hard water may the answer to your children’s health problems.

Bottle-Feeding

For bottle-fed infants, tap water is rarely a choice for use in bottles. This standard is due to the level of contaminants in most home water systems that can cause damage to new and developing infants. The excess calcium and magnesium can cause infants kidneys to become damaged. The water used in formula bottles add up to around 85% of a baby’s diet for the first six months before food begins.

With minerals, sediment, and chemicals found in hard water, the list of possible health conditions to derive from this exposure at a young age is extensive. Cancer, hormone disruption, congenital disabilities, and nervous system conditions are just a few of the known consequences linked to hard water exposure.  The following water contaminants found in hard tap water can affect your child’s development now as well as follow them into adulthood.

Skin

Infants and young children have sensitive skin in comparison to most adults. This barrier to the outside world takes the brunt of exposures to the elements but is the most vulnerable area to most children. The harsh minerals and varying pH levels of hard water against their delicate skin are commonly known to cause rashes and other skin conditions. While hard water has not been clinically proven to cause eczema, it has been considered a serious factor in the development of the disease. After bathing your little one in hard water, the microscopic residue left behind on their skin can cause dryness, which may exacerbate eczema symptoms.

Teeth and Gums

The use of fluoride has been a highly debated topic over the years. The arguments have been as to whether fluoride is beneficial or harmful to the human body. Studies have found that topical treatments of fluoride at the dentist is the only instance in which fluoride is beneficial. Ingesting fluoride has been shown to damage teeth and cause dental fluorosis in babies. Dental Fluorosis appears as white spots on the infant’s teeth as they come in. This information proves fluoride intake through drinking water can damage your child’s teeth before they erupt through the gum line. Due to this factor, the Environmental Protection Group recommends using fluoride-free water for babies that are on a formula-fed diet.

Solutions to Protect Your Little Ones

Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems available at Crystal Clear Water remove 99% of all contaminants from your water. Removing harmful pollutants such as lead and nitrates will keep your little ones healthier and happier with pure water from Crystal Clear. Under the sink and whole-house options are available for our Reverse Osmosis systems. Utilize our Reverse Osmosis Whole House system with our economic water softener system to protect your house and your loved ones from the harm of hard water.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With the hustle and bustle of parties, presents, and cooking, you don’t have time to worry about hard water ruining not only your appliances but your food as well. The white, grey, and green residue that you find on your faucet, and across your sink are mineral deposits from hard water. This water can run amok on a southwest Florida household: destroying plumbing, cutting the longevity of appliances, and even altering the taste and smell of your food. Don’t be so quick to blame your poor cooking skills for a holiday dinner gone wrong. There are several ways in which hard water could be culprit.

Tick, Tock

If you’re cooking with hard water, the length of time it takes to prepare your meal will begin to increase. Hard water contains mineral particles that absorb a percentage of the water’s heat, causing the boiling point to raise. Beans, rice, potatoes, noodles, and other foods cooked in water will take longer. This time extension includes simply blanching produce. Many expert chefs can tell if rice has been cooking in hard water based on the hardness of fully cooked rice. A stovetop mac and cheese to keep the kids from “starving” before Christmas dinner could take double the time with hard water.

Vegetables

When using hard water for cooking vegetables, the chlorine in most tap hard water may cause the produce to lose color.  This effect causes their appearance to look bleached or pale. Whether boiling or steaming, if using hard water, these adverse changes on your food take place. Most Southwest Florida city tap water alters the texture of your vegetables, turning them tough and rubbery instead of crunchy. The vegetables can easily absorb the smell and taste of your water, as well. If you are cooking with hard water that contains any traces of sulfur, this may significantly affect the aroma of your food.

Pasta

Professional Chef’s such as Rachael Ray will continuously tell home chefs to season the water that holds the pasta noodles. The reason being this is the last availability to season your noodles before creating the dish. With this rule ringing true, think of the hundreds of contaminants in your water that are affecting the taste of your pasta.

Baked Goods

Anyone that loves to bake knows it is different than cooking. While many people cook “to taste” with recipes, baking is a science that relies on measurements, chemistry, and ratios. When using hard water in baked goods, those added minerals and particles in the water can throw off the chemical balance of recipes. The most known disruption is the change in the structure of gluten and yeast caused by dissolved minerals in hard water. Hard water can create hard and rubbery dough due to its impact on the fermentation process of yeast, causing a tightening effect. Hard water has a pH alkalinity level, while a more acidic water (lower pH level) is the preferable choice for baking. The hard minerals also create a problematic environment for proteins in flour to absorbs the water, causing tough dough.

Coffee and Tea

Whether it’s an early morning pick me up or an after dessert palate cleanser, coffee and tea are two of the most popular drinks. Offering your guests, a peppermint mocha coffee, or mint tea this holiday may cause them to shake their head. The main ingredient in coffee and tea alike is water. Using hard tap water to create these beverages will transfer the smell or taste of your water into the drinks you prepare. If you know your water smells like rotten eggs or tastes a bit off, your beverages will have the same effect.

Fortunately for you, Crystal Clear has the systems you need to fix any water issue you may have efficiently! Experts in the water purification field, and culinary world, both agree that Reverse Osmosis systems are the most effective way to remove 99% of all contaminants. At Crystal Clear, we specialize in whole house and under the sink Reverse Osmosis options. We also offer water softeners and sulfur eliminators with state-of-the-art technology and personalized maintenance from our technicians. Contact us today to test your southwest Florida home water, and keep your holiday meals fresh!

As many people are aware, hard water is known to include harsh minerals, sediments, and chemicals from runoffs near the water source. In our article, we will look at four specific contaminants that could be affecting your family’s health.

Lead

Known around the United States as a potent toxin, lead is a neurotoxin that is especially harmful to early childhood development and during pregnancy. Outdated plumbing with lead and copper, as well as contaminated paint, soil, and household dust are common exposure points with lead. When the pipes release the lead into the drinking water, the exposure amount can vary. The EPA states that no amount of lead exposure is considered safe. A concentration amount exceeding 3.8 parts per billion (ppb) can expose children to adverse hazards.

Bottled water is not a safer option, although many parents choose this option for formula bottles over tap water. The Food and Drug Administration limits lead levels to 5ppb for bottled water, which is higher than the Environmental Protection Agency suggests.

When children are exposed to lead, brain and nervous systems suffer the consequences — resulting in neurological damage in growing children’s brains, as well as loss of IQ points. California has been known to set a public health goal of only 0.2ppb of lead in tap water to help protect the neurological growth in children.

Nitrate and Atrazine

Nitrates and Atrazine are both chemical compounds that are often present together in drinking water.  Nitrates are a common ingredient in pesticides and found in many private wells and are not routinely included in water testing. While the federal government allows for 10ppb of nitrate in water, a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that exceeding 5ppb can increase health risks. Nitrate can obstruct the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, increases the risk of cancer and congenital disabilities.

Atrazine is a manmade herbicide used on weeds along roadways, fruits, and other plants. In agricultural areas, Nitrates and Atrazine are commonly found together and typically end up in drinking water simultaneously. While federal law allows up to 3ppb of Atrazine, human studies have shown this number to be inadequate in the protection of human health. The University of Illinois reported a link between drinking water and preterm births with an exposure of only one-seventh of the federal limit. This same research study reported the health conditions become intensified when Nitrates are present.

Manganese

Manganese is a naturally occurring metal found in some food sources and fortified to food supplements. When present in soil and rocks along aquifer sources for drinking water, manganese begins leaching into the water. Studies have found lower IQ scores and delays in verbal and behavior performances in children exposed to higher concentrations of manganese in water. Although this metal is naturally occurring, scientists have still not found evidence as to why drinking water contaminated with manganese causes harmful effects. Frida Zipkin’s doctoral thesis concluded that children’s blood and hair samples that had manganese present did not correlate to dietary intake. This finding leaves drinking water the primary culprit for the exposure.  While the government has not set a legal limit on manganese in drinking water, a non-enforced suggested limit of 50 parts per billion is encouraged.

In its natural environment, workers that have been exposed to manganese in industrial settings have known to suffer from lethargy, weakness, and Parkinson’s-like symptoms. In children’s drinking water, the primary concern becomes the brain and nervous system toxicity. Reports consist of lower IQ scores, hyperactivity, memory problems, and attention dysfunction.

New York City’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine reviewed children’s case studies and found 12 out of 14 children had manganese related developmental delays. The study also found that children retain more manganese than adults, putting them at a higher risk of harmful effects.

Reverse Osmosis is the best way to eliminate hard water contaminants in your drinking water and general household water. The harshness of these minerals not only takes a toll on your body but also on your plumbing and appliances. With your Reverse Osmosis whole house system, you can rest assured that only the purest water is nourishing your home and health.

References:

294. Sanders et al. Perinatal and Childhood Exposure to Cadmium, Manganese, and Metal Mixtures and Effects on Cognition and Behavior: A Review of Recent Literature. Current Environmental Health Reports, 2015, 2:284–294.
295. Zipkin. Assessment of Manganese Dietary Intake for a Rural Pediatric Population. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2014.

Most people know the medical recommendation of drinking 8 glasses of water a day. However, coffee, tea, and juices are always a more popular option, and thus, water ends up being the treat instead. There are more benefits to drinking clean water in Southwest Florida to stay hydrated in the humid climate, than relying on other beverages. From weight loss to brain function, water truly is the most natural beverage of choice for our bodies to function at it’s best.

Weight Loss

While most people don’t want to believe it, diet and exercise alone are not the only important factors in weight loss. Water is a crucial component in weight loss that is quickly left behind. The human body is 60% water and requires water to function correctly. Boosting metabolism up to 30% for an hour and a half and increasing the feeling of satiety, water can do wonders for weight. Drinking even 2 Liters of water in 24 hours can burn an extra 96 calories per day from the increase in metabolism alone.

In a study conducted by the Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech, dieters who timed their water intake lost significantly more weight than others. Drinking half a liter of water thirty minutes before meals increased weight loss by 44% over three months. Drinking water prior to a meal will help you feel full and consume fewer calories.

Headaches

Without water, your body cannot function due to the chemical exchanges that take place at a molecular level to keep your body functioning. The primary elements needed in these exchanges are hydrogen and oxygen, which is water! Water makes up 60% of our body’s chemistry. Without water, dehydration sets in, causing muscle cramps, dry mouth, dry skin, dizziness, and more. The headaches that are associated with dehydration can range from mild to severe. Without the proper balance of fluid and electrolytes through water intake, dehydration sets in and can temporarily contract the brain away from the skull due to fluid loss. Once your body is hydrated again, your brain’s fluid loss is returned and relives your headache.

Brain Function

From reading about the effects of dehydration and headaches, you can easily deduce the importance of brain function and hydration status. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reported several studies on men’s and women’s brain function after fluid loss. With as little as less than 2% of body fluid loss after exercise, significant repercussions occur. Women reported impaired mood and concentration. Men were reported to have increased fatigue, anxiety levels, as well as decreased cognitive function. Mild dehydration also caused adverse effects on men’s working memory.

Gastrointestinal Relief

When your body becomes dehydrated, the fluid in your colon is withdrawn to hydrate the body. The result is constipation. The little water available causes stool to become hard and dry, which is challenging to move through the colon. While most people choose to take a laxative, the best solution is a large consumption of water. Laxatives stimulate muscles spasms in the colon to artificially remove stool. Water rehydrates the colon and restores the proper function. Laxatives also train your colon to rely on outside sources to assist in its natural function. Water keeps the natural balance for elimination and ensures a hydration balance in the body.

Skin

When your skin is adequately hydrated, your skin cells plump up wrinkles and fine lines. Water also assists in flushing your system of toxins and impurities, which contribute to acne and dull complexions. The more hydrated your skin, the healthier the skin looks and feels. Water is known to help support circulation and give skin the glow most desire. Adding a splash of fresh lemon to your water will aid in all these benefits, plus fight damaging free radicals and support collagen health.

References:

Armstrong LE, e. (2019). Mild dehydration affects mood in healthy young women. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22190027 [Accessed 16 Nov. 2019].

Dennis, E., Dengo, A., Comber, D., Flack, K., Savla, J., Davy, K. and Davy, B. (2019). Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss During a Hypocaloric Diet Intervention in Middle-aged and Older Adults.

Ganio MS, e. (2019). Mild dehydration impairs cognitive performance and mood of men. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21736786 [Accessed 16 Nov. 2019].

When you are house hunting and purchasing a new home, many questions arise for the real estate agent. Asking about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and if there is a Home Owner Association fee are among the top asked questions for new home buyers. The questions that are not asked enough are regarding the water supply to their new forever home. Water is essential to survival, and knowing what is in your home’s water will protect not only your family but also the house and its appliances. We have compiled the top 5 essential water questions for house hunters to ask on their search for their new dream home.

How do I know my home’s water quality is good?

A free water test from a local provider can give you insight into many aspects about your water. Contact Crystal Clear for a free in-home test and discover if you have hard water, iron present in your water, as well as other contaminants. Sulfur, tannins, nitrates, and pH are among the other tested contaminants and characteristics involved in our free test. We also offer the “Complete Water Test,” which tests for ten different contaminants plus pH levels. We also urge homeowners to send a sample of their water to our lab for analysis for bacteria and lead presence. Testing for these two components require a lab analysis and cannot be tested on-site.

Why should I be concerned about hard water?

In short, hard water causes spotty dishes, mineral build-up on faucets and appliances, skin irritants, and creates trouble with cleaning your clothes. It will take more soap than average to develop a “sudsy” rinse for proper cleaning of clothes, dishes, hair, and body, and may leave behind a film that is unpleasant to touch.

Should I be concerned about iron and sulfur in my water?

If Iron and hydrogen sulfide gases are present in your water, a rotten egg smell is released when your water is running. This unpleasant smell winds up in the drinking water, deterring most from wanting to drink water, which is essential in our diet. Simple over the faucet water filters are not strong enough to filter out the smell in most cases. These contaminants also cause yellow and rust-colored water, as well as rust stains on drains, faucets, sink, and tubs.

Is a home filtration system going to be a benefit for my new home?

When a home filtration system is used, the majority of the impurities are removed from your drinking water and create safer drinking water for you and your loved ones. Filtered water will also improve the taste of your water and water-based consumables such as teas, coffees, and soups. Without the harsh chemicals and minerals building up, your water will look and taste as it is meant to – pure, clear, and tasteless. With under the sink and whole-house systems available, Crystal Clear has flexible options for every home buyer.

Crystal Clear offers home filtration systems with Reverse Osmosis, which is proven to remove 99% of all water impurities. Chemicals that were intentionally added to water in the treatment plants can still be harmful to the consumer, and Crystal Clear Water vows to keep your health a priority here in your new southwest Florida home. Should you find your water has iron or sulfur present, call us today to look into our sulfur filtration systems. In addition, water softeners are available in our stores to help ease the inconvenience of hard water running through your home. Crystal Clear Water is truly the one-stop-shop for homeowners’ needs! Call us today to set up your first step -water testing!

Hydration is key to many vital roles our bodies play. However, many people do not drink enough water on any given day. With thousands of beverages on the market today, most leading brands offer caffeine products that are also natural diuretics.

Morning Hydration

Diuretics naturally cause water loss in the body, and are typically taken in the pharmaceutical form of “water pills.” Caffeine is a natural diuretic found in many of the popular drinks today, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks.

When you wake up in the morning, your body is dehydrated from losing about one liter of water during the night. This water loss occurs in the night through breathing and sweating, which is why you weigh less first thing in the morning. If you start your morning off with a cup of tea or coffee, this caffeine diuretic will contribute to more dehydration at the start of your day and may cause you to become more fatigued. Drinking a glass of warm temperature water first thing in the morning, and waiting 90 minutes for that cup of joe, will help hydrate your body and kickstart your organs for the rest of the day.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is a scientific word for the balance of the physiological processes in our bodies. One aspect of homeostasis is the regulation of body temperature. When you consume water regularly, your body replenishes the organs, including your skin and your sweat glands. Sweating is the body’s natural cooling system which releases water from the pores in the form of sweat. This water loss can contribute to dehydration if you are not regularly replenishing the water lost with daily perspiration. Sweating does not occur exclusively with exercise or in the hot, humid climates we experience here in southwest Florida. Sweating occurs throughout the day to help regulate the body’s temperature for optimal function. Drinking plenty of water will help aid your body in regulating it’s temperature and staying hydrated through this process.

Immunity Boost

With cold and flu season at a peak, the easiest way to combat the germs is to drink more water! Drinking water is often overlooked as a benefit to a healthy immune system. However, water is directly related to immunity strength. The hydrogen and oxygen molecules that form water (H2O) are used in nearly every chemical reaction that takes place for our bodies to function. The oxygen we breathe and oxygen we consume through water are both carried to the body’s cells to assist in proper body functioning. Water also supports the kidneys with flushing harmful toxins out of our bodies. Water can reduce the risk of kidney and bladder cancer through this rapid flushing of toxins.

Reduce Cancer Risk

Unknown to many, drinking filtered water may help reduce your risk of cancer. Through many research studies over the past few years, a correlation between environmental toxins and cancer have been discovered on countless occasions. Many of these toxins can be found in the tap water of your home, even if you use a faucet filtration system. The Environmental Work Group has reported that 87% of cancer-causing toxins can be found in untreated tap water. These toxins can range from arsenic to disinfectants, which, according to the World Health Organization, can cause cancer of the skin, bladder, and lungs. Using a home purification system will help eliminate these toxins and ensure your household has the purest water available. Crystal Clear’s Whole House Reverse Osmosis system removes 99% of all toxins, and you will taste the difference!

Contact our team today or visit our showroom!

What Is Sulfur

Sulfur is a natural element commonly found in drinking water. Through the water’s journey from the source to the tap, sulfur is easily dissolved by the water through the environment of rocks and soil it passes that contains sulfur-rich minerals. When water supply is also made up of rainwater, sulfur is found in abundance as rainwater is another natural source of sulfur.

In its natural environment, sulfur within soil is used as a food and energy source by bacteria. The bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide gas as a result of their metabolic functions. When this cycle occurs, passing water can obtain this gas and results in a recognizable sulfurous odor. When drinking water contains sulfur, although there is no immediate health danger, it has a smell that deters you from drinking the water your body needs.

Your Health and Sulfur

Your body uses sulfur to make up the proteins in your body. Sulfur is used to create connective tissue which supports your joints. Sulfur deficiency may contribute to joint pain and disease. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a study alongside the Center For Disease Control (CDC). This study determined exposure to high levels of sulfur in drinking water can cause disruptions to the gastrointestinal system resulting in diarrhea, especially in infants.

Bacteria

Most sulfur-rich water is found in well water. The water may become tinted in color and give off the classic “rotten egg” smell. Sulfur bacteria contribute to the growth of other bacteria, such as iron bacteria. When this occurs in your well bacterial slime appears which clog the well, plumbing, and irrigation system. Bacterial slime may appear white, grey, black, or red-brown. Buildup of bacteria and hydrogen sulfide gas in your well will cause pipe corrosion and corrosion to metal components of your water distribution system. In your home, silverware and plumbing fixtures may suddenly have black stains. These stains are signs that hydrogen sulfide gas is present in your well.

Harmful Gas

Sulfur itself is not harmful to humans unless there is a present sulfur allergy. We ingest sulfur in many aspects of our diet, including eggs, turkey, fish, chicken, and garlic. However, the hydrogen sulfide gas that is produced by the sulfur bacteria can become harmful at high levels. Removing the gas from the drinking water or venting the gas out of the well is vital for safe, well water. Venting or eliminating the gas will prevent the collection of the gas within low spaces, such as well pits, basements, crawl spaces, or even your home. If there is suspected hydrogen sulfide gas in your well or your well needs maintenance, be sure to bring in a well professional to enter the well pit.

Sulfur Filters

A rotten egg smell could mean there is an issue with your water heater or hydrogen sulfide gas in your well. To determine the source, leave your home for a while and then come home and smell the water from both hot and cold faucets.

Is the smell in the cold water faucet? If not, the problem is likely the water heater.

If the smell is released from the cold water faucet, now determine if the scent is released from a drain not connected to the water softener? If the answer is no, the problem is most likely sulfur bacteria built up in the water softener. If the answer is yes, is the smell less noticeable after the water has run for a few minutes?

If the water odor does not lessen over a few minutes, the problem is most likely hydrogen sulfide gas within the groundwater. If the water odor does reduce over a few minutes, the issue is likely sulfur bacteria in the well and plumbing system. At Crystal Clearwater, we offer state of the art water softeners, well servicing as well as sulfur filtration systems. As a one-stop-shop for well owners, we pride ourselves on more than 40-years of expertise, 24-hour emergency services, and 5-year warranty on all pump repair services. Call us today or visit our showroom!

Since the clean water dilemma in Flint, Michigan, many consumers are more concerned than ever about their drinking water. Most water companies will advertise total dissolved solids as dangerous contaminants; however, this is not always the case. TDS, or total dissolved solids, are any organic matter or inorganic salts that have dissolved in a water system. The organic matter dissolved in your water could be a wide range of organic matter, including helpful vitamins. However, dissolved pesticides, herbicides, and other pollutants have the same chance to end up in your drinking water.

Water is known as the universal solvent and can dissolve surrounding impurities with ease. Pure water is odorless, tasteless, and colorless.  Any additives (intentional or not) will change the color, taste, and smell of the water. In most American homes today, the tap water contains varying amounts of dissolved solids and chemical additives and is therefore not considered pure water. While some of the additives may be thought to be helpful at one point, such a fluoride, that is not often the case. Having a professional measure your tap water with a TDS meter will give you the quantitative measure of the total dissolved solids in your water.

Types of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

As aforementioned, there is a wide range of organic materials that could be dissolved into your drinking water. Dissolved organic matter can range from metals and minerals to hydrocarbons and herbicides. In Florida, water from lakes or springs are used often and may contain microorganisms, salts, even phytoplankton, a microscopic marine plant.

TDS may also contain synthetic chemicals. Most commonly, these chemicals are from pharmaceutical drugs, urban or industrial runoff, as well as manufacturing chemicals. All of these chemicals are known to invade and pollute the water supplies, and most water treatment plants are unable to remove them all. It was for this reason that the FDA stopped advising to flush old or unused medicines down the toilet and began campaigns for safe disposal days with local police departments.

Inorganic salts are another type of Total Dissolved Solids. These salts may range from a variety of possibilities:

• Chloride
• Calcium
• Lead
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Sulfates
• Zinc
• Bicarbonates
• Potassium

Total Dissolved Solids Sources

The organic and inorganic compounds discussed may all be dissolved through incidental or intentional sources.

Incidental sources are when the water supply comes in contact with dissolved solids in the environment as the water is sourced and journeying to the tap. Most of the organic compounds that become total dissolved solids originate in agricultural run-off, sewage, seawater intrusion, stormwater, or chemicals used in treatment plants. Old lead water pipes can also contribute to high lead counts in water, which was the case in Flint, Michigan. Here in Southwest Florida, spring water is a popular source for drinking water. Mineral springs flow underground through rocks containing high amounts of minerals and compounds such as sulfur, magnesium, zinc, iron, and salts. All these organic compounds have the potential to end up in your drinking water.

Intentional sources occur when dissolved solids are added to the water purposefully. Many water companies sell supplemented water products in stores today. Water bottle companies branded as “mineral water” are commonly adding magnesium and calcium to their product. Other manufacturers add electrolytes to their product; these minerals are not naturally occurring in pure water. These bottled products also contain dissolved solids, as well. Companies have also been known to add fluoride to water systems and water bottles to prevent tooth decay. Should your drinking water contain this dissolved solid, letting your dentist know could be crucial to your dental health. If you receive fluoride treatments at the dentist while also drinking fluoride-fortified water, you could be consuming too much fluoride, which can become dangerous.

Reverse Osmosis is the best choice for clean, safe, pure water. Our reverse osmosis systems will remove 99.9% of all contaminants and dissolved solids in your drinking water. For more information and a free water test, call our office today!

It’s no secret that the long-time recommendation has been eight glasses of water a day. The rule, also known as the “8×8” rule (eight glasses of 8 ounces), has been etched into our minds for what seems like eternity, but is it really what our body needs? Our bodies need water to function, so not staying hydrated will mean our bodies will not function at its optimal potential. However, while water should be a constant in our diet, we forget that there are variables in our daily living that move our daily water intake up and down.

The Water In Your Diet

Consider the total water intake that you provide your body with on a daily basis. Water is the basis of many of the drinks and foods we consume, including coffee, tea, soda, juice, and soups. However, within these products, your body is also intaking extra sodium and caffeine which are natural diuretics, contributors to dehydration. When we drink a sports drink, we tend to be still thirsty afterward; the excess sugar and sodium in that drink causes us to thirst for what our body needs to function properly- pure water.

Intake and Output

Many people are constantly feeling as though they are dehydrated and falling short of their “8×8” rule for the day. Headaches, dizziness, and muscle cramps are all-natural occurrences and signs of dehydration, but also symptoms of a plethora of other potential issues, and distinguishing between them can be difficult. Consuming caffeine in mild amounts will not cause dehydration though drinking too much is a common cause for dehydration as it is a natural diuretic. However, due to its growing popularity, tea and coffee have become primary drinks in our diets. With up to 6 cups a day for many people, the increased number of caffeinated beverages can cause serious health effects. Another concern is inadequately rehydrating after a workout or forgetting to stay hydrated due to a busy schedule. Sweat is the body’s natural process of balancing temperature and also releases fluid from the body. After a workout, or in climates such as here in Southwest Florida, increased sweating without proper rehydration can cause dehydration easily.

History Behind The Eight Glasses A Day

With all the variables that take place in our diets, intakes, and outputs, why is 8 cups the staple recommendation? The theory is that the eight glass a day rule was from a misinterpretation of a guidance, that has since been outdated, from a 1945 study by the Food and Nutrition Board, which is now part of the National Academy of Medicine. This recommendation suggested that for each calorie consumed, one milliliter of water would be consumed as well. This recommendation was based on an average diet of 1900 calories per day, which totals to 64 ounces, or eight cups, of water. This guideline may have been misinterpreted as 64 ounces, or 8 cups, of pure water a day, disregarding the water intake of other aspects of our diet.

How Much Should I Drink?

Today’s recommendation from the National Academy Of Medicine is to allow your thirst to be your guide, with your consumption habits bringing you to an intake of 15 cups a day per male, and 11 cups a day per female. While these recommendations may seem radical at first, these recommendations take daily water intake from all aspects of diet into consideration. However, it is essential to note that the amount of water you intake in a day should not rely on water through other dietary products. For instance, eating two cucumbers a day is roughly 1.5 cups of water. However, eating water-rich food such as cucumbers, celery, and watermelon should not contribute to more than half of your daily accounted intake of water. Pure water is still needed in order to hydrate your body easily and for proper maintenance of bodily functions.

Have you ever wondered if drinking from water fountains are safe? Many of us have, yet many of us grew up using them without a doubt in our minds that we were safe in doing so.

It seems as though the days when parents allowed their kids to run outside unsupervised are a thing of the past. Drinking from spigots, hoses, and fountains are less common than in years ago. Whether you call it a drinking fountain, water fountain, or bubbler, their use is on the decline.

In the last decade, a pattern began with a severe decline in drinking fountain usage. With the rise of knowledge from the world wide web, so increased water concerns. Thus, decreasing the use of water fountains due to health concerns people were having. In fact, since the 2015 international plumbing code has changed. The number of required drinking fountains in a building are half of what they used to be before as a result!

What’s In The Water?

With the decline of drinking fountains came the increased usage of water bottles. A single plastic water bottle takes over 1,000 years to biodegrade, and if incinerated, they release toxic fumes into our air. An estimation of over 80% of disposable water bottles in the United States alone become litter. The landfills of the U.S are overflowing with 2 million tons of plastic water bottles alone. Aside from the plastic waste it creates, there are health concerns that arise from drinking from plastic bottled water. Please read our blog on micro-plastic that was found in the water of various top brand bottled water manufacturers.

Water that flows through a drinking fountain also flows through the same cleaning process as tap water, which most people avoid drinking due to the level of contaminants. The pipes which supply the water to the fountain also contribute to contaminants as the piping tends to be old and releases chemicals into the water. The EPA has estimated over 600,000 chemicals are currently used to “treat” tap water, while the Safe Water Act only oversees 91 types of contaminants. The water in your drinking fountain and tap may have one of thousands of contaminants. The most common contaminants found are aluminum, arsenic, nitrates, bacteria or viruses, and fluoride. In some areas of the country, like Michigan and Illinois, the drinking fountains have been turned off due to lead and copper contaminants from old piping. Not all news is bad though, in some areas of the country such as New York City and San Diego, there has been a slow implementation of upgraded water treatment processes and enhanced maintenance for public water systems. However, as with many changes in life, the process takes time.

Health and Clean Water

Aside from causing our kidneys and liver to work overtime to clear out toxins and pollutants introduced by the water we ingest, there are serious health effects that come from ingesting contaminated water daily. Whether it be in your home tap or a public place, the water-based bacteria that can affect you and your family, including pets, can cause illness, hospitalizations, and even death.

With extensive research on the water supply in the United States, some studies have shown that daycare drinking fountains are among the top common carries for the rotavirus. This gastrointestinal virus is known to cause stomach pains and diarrhea. Separate studies have reported drinking fountain handles alone are one of the most contaminated public surfaces in school systems and a frequent host of norovirus and Influenza A virus. Norovirus is a gastrointestinal virus known to cause nausea, stomach pains, and cramping along with vomiting and diarrhea. Through these studies and other research, simply handling public water fountains have been proven to carry considerable health risks.

After handling the water fountains, ingesting the public water is the next risky action for your health. A common disease in public water systems, including those in schools and medical buildings, is Legionella, the bacteria causing Legionnaires disease. Legionnaires disease causes a type of pneumonia to attack the body and causes the hospitalization of many.

For the time being, we must take matters into our own hands for the health and safety of ourselves and loved ones. We must take precautions to ensure we are hydrating with pure water. A simple way to combat inadequate water treatments and public plumbing systems is by using refillable water bottles. By filling up a reusable water bottle from home, you can ensure your Crystal Clear Water System purified water is providing you with the pure, safe water you and your family need for proper health and hydration. With our system removing 99% of contaminants in your tap water, you will have peace of mind while you and your family drink on the go or at home. Using a refillable water bottle with your pure water from home is also an economical choice to save money on buying bottled water. Avoiding disposable bottled water will also help contribute to less plastic waste and prove the benefits to you and the environment. Call us today to hook up our whole-home water purification system in your home!

Water is the number one essential element when it comes to sustaining human life. Water helps with hydration of organs, including the skin, proper chemical reactions taking place in the body, assists in digestion and sleep habits, and so much more! With the new decade upon us, most of us have been trying to become the best versions of ourselves- inside and out! Instead of reaching for the sugar-packed sports drinks after you wake up, or after your morning run, try giving your body a cleanse with water!

Crystal Clear’s Home water purification system removes 99% of impurities and contaminants. Removing sulfur, hardness, lead, nitrates, and so much more, you will be filling your body with the best source of hydration. The water you intake is odorless, tasteless, pure water. Combining this pure water with ingredients known to provide health benefits to many body systems, you can give your body the detox it needs to stay stronger this year!

Beat-The-Bloat Detox Water

We seem to feel those cheat calories we overate during the first few weeks of January. Even lingering at the end of January, the “new years resolution” doesn’t always start on time. Eating extra sugar, salt, and oils can leave a toll on your insides. From overgrown candida (yeasts), strain on your kidneys and liver, to bloating that leaves the top button of your jeans unable to close. Try this detox water recipe for bloating and Gastrointestinal distress to help combat that “icky” tummy feeling. One glass a day for five days in a row!

Fill a pitcher with the following ingredients:

• Crystal Clear Purified Water
• Peppermint leaves (or peppermint tea bag)
• Ginger root slices (or ginger tea bag)
• ½ Orange Sliced
• ½ Lemon Sliced
• ½ Cucumber Sliced

Be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables prior to use. If using tea bags, boil your tea bags in water and allow steeping for five minutes, or use the “sun tea” method (leaving a pitcher of water and tea bags in the sun for approximately one hour until tea steeps naturally). Once tea has steeped add the tea to the pitcher with the fruits and vegetables and fill the rest of the pitcher with Crystal Clear Purified Water.

Fat Flushing Detox Water

Helping eliminate fats and toxins within our body can prove to be a difficult task. Using the Fat Flushing detox Water three times a day, thirty minutes before each meal can help fast track the new healthier you! Sipping from the pitcher periodically through the day can also assist in the ten-day process.

Fill a pitcher with the following ingredients:

• 1 Grapefruit Sliced
• ½ Cucumber Sliced
• 2 Mint Leaves
• Crystal Clear Purified Water
• Passion Tea (optional)

Be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables before use. If using the Passion tea, see instructions above on two methods of steeping before filling the pitcher with tea. Fill the remaining space in pitcher with Crystal Clear Purified Water.

Clear Complexion Detox Water

The ingredients present in this detox water will assist in not only clearer skin, but also overall balance of bacterial growth in the body, reduce inflammation, and battle breakouts. A glass a day for ten days will help restart your body to feel and look refreshed from the inside out!

Fill a pitcher with the following ingredients:

• One teaspoon of honey or agave nectar
• One lemon sliced
• One teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• One teaspoon honey
• One teaspoon of aloe vera (or ¼- ½ cup of aloe vera water or juice)
• 1-2 leaves of mint or basil
• Crystal Clear Purified Water

As always, be sure to wash fruits and vegetables before use. Mix all ingredients in pitcher and fill the rest up with Crystal Clear Purified Water. Enjoy!

Do you have concerns about your water? Do you want to know if your concerns align with the majority of the population in America?

In January 2019, The Water Quality Association conducted an independent study. This study, conducted through a third-party entity, reflected American’s concern for water quality. It was the seventh study in the past 15 years in which the WQA commissioned a professional research team. The team found the American population had lost faith in their water quality since 2017!

We have summarized their findings in our article. Let’s review the most significant findings, most pertinent to the general population today!

Major Findings

After their review of the population’s outlook on water quality, many had concerns. Citizens were either concerned or very concerned about water quality in their area. In comparison, the WQA’s 2017 independent study on water quality asked the same questions. At that time, only two years prior, only 18% of Americans were very concerned and 24% concerned.

Concern for water quality in America increased from less than a fifth of the population to over half. An increase to 48% of Americans have become concerned with tap water quality. These significant leaps of concern show something significant. The American people are more aware of the poor water quality in their water supply and their tap water.

The study found that 80% of households received water from a municipal water supplier. They found 12% obtained their water from a well, and 8% did not know the source of their water supply. Among those polled, 54% with a municipal supply, and 52% with well water are not confident that their water is safe. That is a significant amount of people who don’t trust their water supply.

Concerns On The Rise

Public awareness has increased since an increasing number of contaminated water stories spread. News stations around the nation continue to report stories of water contamination findings. Many are familiar with the case of lead in Flint Michigan’s water supply. Of course, Flint is not the only city in the US to have dangerous water contaminants. But, news coverage is shining light on the seriousness of the water quality crisis in America.

The Flint water crisis began in 2014. And many Michigan officials have recently stated the water is safe for consumption. Yet, many Flint residents are aware of the damage done and no longer trust officials. Lead leached into their drinking water from the corroding pipes. Many people are still unwilling to use the water supplied to their homes. And, for good reason.

Public awareness of water quality is on the rise and we are so pleased about that. But, it may take years for some areas to receive government funding to fix their water supply issues. However, there are steps that residents can take to improve their homes’ water quality.

At Home Prevention

Whether for drinking, bathing, or cleaning, the water supplied to your home should be safe. We offer Whole House Reverse Osmosis Systems removing 99% of the chemicals in your water. Arsenic, lead, cyanide, copper, nickel, and other ions are significantly reduced. Our system removes the contaminants from the water supply throughout your entire home. The hardness of the water is also removed. Which eliminates limescale buildup on appliances and water fixtures in your home. Your water becomes softer on your hair and skin. The water will even taste and look purer! Any odors that may have been present before our system, disappear.

We provide a lifetime warranty, and we guarantee the least water usage. With our 100% money-back guarantee, you can breathe easier. You’ll love knowing you have water you can trust for your health and home. Don’t take a chance on the quality of your water supply! Let Crystal Clear Water Purification bring you peace of mind, as well as pure and safe water to your home! Contact us today!

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Water quality in America is a more significant problem, then most people recognize. In Florida, we are in tune with the news scanning for contaminants such as blue algae, bacteria, sulfur, and other pollutants that tend to tint our water supply. What if you could have peace of mind about your water every day? Imagine never having to listen to news broadcasting about water contaminants and boil alerts, because your water is safe and pure. With Crystal Clear Water Purification Systems, you can have that peace of mind in two easy steps!

Step 1: Water Testing

Crystal Clear offers water testing for various contaminants in residential and commercial buildings. Our testing is FHA/VA loan suitable, and those with well water can receive well testing and certification also. There are two tests that you can choose from when Crystal Clear comes to your home or office for testing. The simple water test will check for sulfur, iron, hardness, tannins, nitrates, and pH levels. This water test will allow Crystal Clear to inform you on the levels of primary contaminants within your water supply, and advise you on solutions for purer water to run through your home or building.

Crystal Clear also offers the ‘Complete Water Test.’ This testing and sampling will involve sending a sample of your water to the lab to receive a more in-depth analysis. The ‘Complete Water Test’ will test for over ten harsh water contaminants and the pH level of your water. With this detailed report of findings from your water, you will receive answers to many of the frequently asked questions. Time and time again, we are asked: “is my water safe”? The answer is impossible to answer without a detailed lab analysis of the water components; however, if you are asking any of the following questions, your water should undergo testing more than once a year to determine the safety of your water.

• Why are their unexplained illnesses in my family?
• Why does my water taste, smell, or look different?
• There was a fuel or chemical spill near my home, is my water safe?
• My well system was repaired or replaced, is my water safe to drink?
• My neighbors found contaminants in their water, is my water contaminated also?

Step 2: Reverse Osmosis Systems

After receiving a water test to determine what has been contaminating your water and diminishing the quality of your household water, the next step is investing in a reverse osmosis system. Reverse Osmosis (RO) forces pressurized water through a membrane filtration system. The membrane pores operate to only allow the pure water (Hydrogen and oxygen molecules) through the membrane while retaining the dissolved chemicals within the outer side of the membrane. No chemicals or pollutants are required to process or “clean” your water. RO is a natural filtration process that simply allows the movement of water across a membrane to purify your water.

The RO systems offered at Crystal Clear include Whole House Reverse Osmosis Units, as well as Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Units. As the names imply, Whole House Reverse Osmosis systems will purify the water through the pipes and faucets throughout the home, while the Under-Sink RO systems purify that particular faucet. The Whole House System will allow the water you drink, clean, and bathe in to become purified, colorless, odorless, tasteless, pure water while the Under- Sink RO system will do the same for that one faucet (typically a kitchen sink, where you would also fill a drinking cup).

Crystal Clear’s Reverse Osmosis system uses minimum water, less electricity, and includes a lifetime warranty and 100% money-back guarantee. Call or visit our showroom today to learn more about our systems and take step one toward purer water!

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The Acronym STEM is well known in today’s culture but the science behind water softeners is not. For those unaware, this acronym refers to science, technology, engineering, and math. Water softener systems use each of these areas of study. If you have ever piqued an interest in purchasing a system, today, we will educate you on how these systems work. By the end of this blog, we hope that you have a greater understanding and pursuit of this product.

Science: Sodium Ion Exchange

Calcium and Magnesium are the hard minerals that create water hardness. These minerals cause damage and build up within pipes, faucets, and appliances in the home. Hard water is why it may take extra soap and a longer time to get a lather when you wash your hair, body, or hands. Hard water is also responsible for slow boiling water. And finally, the build-up in your dishwasher, sink faucets, and bathtubs. These build-ups of mineral deposits are tough to clean. You will require more soap and chemicals to wash dishes, floors, and other surfaces in the home.

Water softeners work to eliminate these hard minerals that wreak havoc. The science behind this process is sodium ion exchange. Remember the law of attraction- opposites attract!

The hard water molecules then bind with positively charged calcium and magnesium ions.

The water molecules travel through the softener tank that has sodium (Na) in its media. The media is usually resin, and we will explain more of this in the engineering category. The resin is negatively charged and attracts to the positively charged minerals.

When this exchange occurs, the pure water molecules flow through the media. Meaning, the water molecules consist of Hydrogen and Oxygen. There is no calcium or Magnesium bound to the H2O molecules. Instead, they are attached to the negatively charged resin and flushed out of your system.

Technology: Application For Everyday Need

The definition of technology: “the application of scientific knowledge for a practical purpose.”

The technology of water softeners began to fill a need. That need was to eliminate the dangers and annoyances of hard water. Water treatment can date back to ancient Egypt in 1500 BC. While water softening did not begin until the mid-1800s, it is still as vital. Both of these water technologies have been through innovations through the years. But the basic principles still stand and are in use today.

Technology is ever-changing with innovations in what media to use in resin tanks to new material in brine tanks. The world of science and technology is always evolving, and we are proud to be in and evolving with the industry.

Engineering: The Anatomy Of The Softener

As aforementioned, we will now discuss the water softener system in its basic anatomy. The internal structures of the softener are complex. So we will focus on the basic anatomy.

Mineral Tank

The mineral tank is the large cylinder that brings in household water. The resin media is working within the mineral tank as well. The resin is the media that contains the negatively charged sodium ions. The ion exchange described earlier takes place within this mineral tank.

Control Valve

The control valve determines the amount of water that comes into the mineral tank at once. The control valve will calculate the amount of water that has run through the tank. It will signal for regeneration of the mineral tank once a certain amount of water runs.

Brine Tank

When the control valve signals for regeneration, that calls the brine tank to action. The brine tank holds the sodium, also known as water softener salts. The control valve sends a rush of water through the brine tank to create sodium-rich water. This water travels through the mineral tank and recharges the resin media. Resin flushes the hard mineral ions that are present from prior ion exchanges.

Fill Tube

The fill tube connects the brine tank and mineral tank. When the brine tank needs to fill again for regeneration, the water flows through the fill tube. The water also flows here when brine water needs to regenerate the resin in the mineral tank.

Math: Sizing and Hardness Calculations

The water softening process uses math in many ways. The top areas include the sizing of the tank and hardness calculations.

Sizing Of The Tank

Sizing of the tank means calculating the size of the water softener tank you need. This calculation is to generate enough softened water for your home. These calculations use your hard water level and your daily water consumption level.

The company in which you purchase your softener should be able to perform a hardness test. At Crystal Clear Water, we perform city and well water testing.

Your water utility bill should give the amount of water that your household uses per month. Take three months of statements and average out the amount. If you are unsure of the daily water usage, multiply the number of household residents by 75 gallons per day. The result reflects the average daily water consumption of most households.

To determine your daily softener requirement follow the formula.

Hardness level X your daily water consumption = Daily Softener Requirement.

These calculations will give you the information needed to purchase the proper tank.

Hardness Calculations

These tests result in mg/L (milligrams per liter) or GPG (grains per gallon). The numbers reflect the amount of Calcium and Magnesium that is present in your water daily.

City water plants usually can provide water hardness levels upon request. However, many companies can test for hardness in conjunction with water quality. Crystal Clear has this capability.

Now you know science, technology, engineering, and math that go into water softeners. We hope this blog has enlightened you to the centuries worth of benefits of water softening. Contact our store with any other questions you may have or to set up an appointment for water testing. Shop online or visit our showroom and we’ll help you find the products that best fit your needs.

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Water quality and how it affects your brew is pretty important to understand. It’s vital information for pros and the hobbyist alike! Many food companies own their individual breweries as an addition to their business. There are even some hobbyist homebrewers out there! We know you exist and want your beer to taste its absolute best! That is why today we are focusing on commercial water filtration, and why it matters for beer brewing.

Is My Water Affecting The Taste Of My Beer?

Beer consists of 90% water. So the water quality used to brew the beer will significantly affect the taste and quality of beer. Water contents affect the beer of alkalinity, pH, and mineral content. These contents will be part of the discussion later in this blog. For now, let us explain how water and minerals are essential in the fermentation process.

When beer begins the brewing process, the first step is mashing. Mashing is when hot water steeps the barley to prepare it for the fermentation process. The hot water hydrates the crushed grains and activates enzymes in the malt. These enzymes convert the grain starches into fermentation liquid. This liquid, also called wort, is what creates the mouthfeel, malt flavor, and body of the final product. The water used in this initial step is vital toward the taste of the final brewed product.

Water Minerals Involved In Brewing Beer

Hard water occurs when there are certain mineral levels within the water. Homeowners’ great concerns with hard water are the damages to their household appliances. They are also concerned about the physical repercussions of hard water. Skin irritation and eczema flare-ups are a couple to note.

But, a brewery business owner’s concern with hard water varies entirely. Breweries do not want to cut all hardness from the water. Instead, they rely on controlling the hardness level. This need for control is due to the flavor profile of the beer they are brewing. As mentioned before, the water used in brewing determines the flavor profile. For instance, for a hoppy flavor, calcium and magnesium must be present. The hops cling to the calcium ions present in the brewing water. For a rich flavor, chloride must be present in the water. The taste profile depends on when one of these mineral ions are present (or absent) from the water. Let’s take a look at some of the mineral ions in water that can make or break the taste of a beer brew.

Ions That Create A Great Tasting Beer

• Calcium is present when tap water originates from groundwater and passes through rocks. Limestone and Gypsum are top contenders of high calcium levels in the water. This mineral in brewing water lowers the pH in the mashing process, which is desirable for brewing. Calcium also contributes to protein precipitate and acts as a yeast nutrient. When within the desired range, this mineral will improve the clarity of your beer. The range is 50mg/L to 150mg/L
• Magnesium is the second ion present in hard water. This can enhance or ruin the flavor of your beer brew, depending on the amount current. When within range, magnesium will act as a yeast nutrient. Yeast nutrients will promote healthy yeast growth during the fermentation process. This nutrient will significantly enhance the flavor of the beer when the ions are between 10-30 mg/L/
• Sodium can affect the taste of your beer for the better or worse, depending on the amount present. When sodium is within range, it will accentuate the flavor and body of the beer. Between the recommendation of 10-70mg/L sodium can bring the intentional salty sourness. Some brewers state they can achieve the desired sour flavor up to 150mg/L without ruining the taste. Yet, once sodium levels exceed 200mg/L, the taste alteration is unpalatable. Harsh metallic flavor results from high levels of sodium and the beer will taste too harsh.
• Love that malty taste to your beer? Thank chloride! Chloride ions in the water contribute to the rich, sweet, malty finish. Whether home-brewed or factory, chloride amount in water can help perfect the beer. These ions promote bitter hoppiness in beers, opposite of that with sodium present. When used in conjunction with sodium, a balanced sweet and hoppy flavor is present.
• Pro Tip: Never use water softeners for brewing water. Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium and add some sodium ions. When this occurs, your flavor profiles will be off, ruining the final brew product.

Ions That Ruin A Beer Taste Profile

• Iron is a common issue for homeowners and business owners. Its presence in the brewing process can ruin an entire beer batch. It will build up in machines and cause them to break down easier. Iron will also contribute to yellow water that stains brown. These ions will create an aftertaste in the beer that makes it undesirable. As little as 0.05mg/L can interfere with the fermentation process and ruin your beer.
• Like Iron, well owners will have the highest levels present. When these are in your water, pollutants, animal waste, and agriculture runoff are to blame. For those with well water, the levels of nitrates and nitrites can be extremely high. The EPA only regulates levels above 10mg/, but any level above 0 can destroy your beer completely.
• Manganese is typically found simultaneously with Iron. Any amount higher than 0.01mg/L will cause your beer taste to turn metallic. The flavor is not your only concern with manganese ions in your water. The clarity of the beer as well as the health of the yeast during the fermentation process is as well.

Take Control Of Your Brewing Water!

We have shown how minerals that are present in your water can affect the final beer product. Too much or too little can become catastrophic to home or factory brewers. So how do you control the number of minerals in your water? Crystal Clear Water’s Reverse Osmosis Systems!

Reverse osmosis systems allow you to control the recipe of your water’s make-up. With the same base, each batch will create a balanced taste that never varies! You can also change your settings at any time to mimic popular flavor profiles to brew. Want to learn more about what Crystal Clear can offer you? Give us a call today or check out our social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and, YouTube!

Chloramines are a disinfectant added to a water supply to kill off microorganisms. Chloramines form when chlorine and ammonia mix in the water supply. Chlorine is a popular disinfectant most commonly known for its use in pool water. Chlorine’s use for killing waterborne illnesses such as Cholera began in 1908. In 1908 public health officials saw chlorine kill typhoid and dysentery from water. It was then that these officials deemed chlorine necessary in water treatment.

Why Are Chloramines Present In My Water?

The reason for chloramines presence in water is to disinfect the water. Water treatment plants receive their water from aquifers, lakes, reservoirs, and similar resources. These water sources are teeming with bacteria and microorganisms that cause illness. To disinfect the water, the plants use chlorine and ammonia. Although these two chemicals remove many unwanted contaminants, they leave behind chloramines. Chloramines are safe for consumption up to 4mg/L, which most plants abide by. However, chloramines leave behind a plethora of unwanted side effects. Some undesired effects are eroding rubber, irritating skin conditions, and poor water taste.

Why Should I Remove Chloramines From My Water?

There are many reasons that you should remove chloramines from your water. Although in small quantities it is safe to drink, steering clear of any water additives is always best. Described below are several effects of water enhanced with chloramines.

Toxicity Effects

Owners or Aquarium or pond fish must be aware of the contents of the water used in the tank. Fish have delicate organ systems that do not handle chloramines. If using water with chloramines to refill or top off a fish environment, the fish may die as a result.

The same is true for farmers of hydroponic farms. Hydroponic farms utilize water and fish to help grow their crops. Chloramine water will taint the soil and deplete the nutrients. The result is a farm of fish and crops that have perished.

Medical facilities must also be careful to eliminate the presence of chloramines. While 4mg/L is safe for healthy people to consume, that is not the case for dialysis patients. Chloramines present in water used in dialysis treatment will enter the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, the Chloramines begin to alter hemoglobin in the blood. This alteration leads to a life-threatening condition known as Hemolytic Anemia. This condition causes red blood cells to destruct faster than they are being made by the body. Dialysis plants today use a large-scale reverse osmosis system to remove contaminants. This reverse osmosis system is the same option available for our in-home filtration.

Deterioration And Corrosion

Chloramines deteriorate rubber and corrode metal over time.

Rubber is present in more items than you realize in your home. O-rings keep many quick connection appliances from leaking. Some of these include:

• dishwashers
• washing machines
• faucets
• toilets

When the rubber deteriorates, it can be inconvenient and financially burdensome to replace. The more costly fix is when rubber deteriorates, and your appliance springs a leak. The water damage that may occur can be catastrophic to your home.

The metal corrosion due to chloramines has been a more recent discovery. Water treatment plants in Washington, D.C, in 2001, did not utilize corrosion protocols. This issue caused the chloramines to corrode the public water pipes and allow lead to enter the stream. Many residents had lead exposure and had to seek medical treatment.

The reason for this corrosion is due to the chemical property changes that occur. Chloramine water undergoes chemical property transformations when in public water treatment plants. The alkalinity, pH, and nitrification cause corrosion in the pipes. Nitrification is when the ammonia converts to nitrates in the water.

Skin and Eye Irritation

Perhaps one of the most significant complaints of chloramines are the physical irritation they bring. If you have ever stepped out of the shower with bloodshot eyes, this could be due to chloramine presence. Individuals that are sensitive to the chlorine in pools also get this reaction in their eyes. The difference is in the pools that reaction may take an hour or so, the shower only a few minutes. The reason for this time difference is due to the steam. When you shower, you are in a small space. The shower heat vaporizes to steam and is exposing your eyes and lungs to the chloramines. For those with chloramine sensitivity, your sinuses will also become irritated after showering.

Be cautious if you have pre-existing skin conditions, such as acne or eczema. The chloramines in the water will irritate these skin conditions. The result is excess dry, flaky skin. Acne can also become severely impacted and cause painful breakouts.

Unwanted Taste and Odor

One of the most common complaints is the metallic or chemical tinge in the taste of water. Many people describe their drinking water smelling or tasting like pool water. That is the presence of chloramines. To combat this problem, many homeowners use a refrigerator water system. However, the chloramines are still present. Appliance water filters are not capable of eliminating the chloramines.

So how do you eliminate these unhealthy contaminants?

How Do I Remove Chloramines From My Water?

Reverse Osmosis. As previously mentioned, dialysis centers use a large-scale reverse osmosis system. At Crystal Clear, we offer the whole house and under the sink options. Our reverse osmosis systems will remove 99% of water contaminants. Not only does reverse osmosis remove chloramines but also other unwanted additives.

• Nitrates
• Nitrites
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Lead
• Iron
• Sulfur
• and so much more

These chemicals and minerals are harmful to your health and home. Our under the sink options ensure that your tap water is safe for consumption! Our whole house system will benefit your drinking water, showers, appliance, and pipes! Call our showroom today to learn about the options that best fit you. And be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates, news, and offerings! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and, Youtube.

Water is a liquid, so it’s silly to think about it being hard or soft. But your water hardness affects your pipes, appliances, and even your skin. Florida, especially southern Florida, is prone to hard water. Knowing if your water is hard or soft can make a world of difference. Depending on where your water falls on the hardness scale, there are a lot of things you may need to do differently.

Hard water does not usually affect your health, but it may affect your daily routine. If you have hard water, you need to use more laundry detergent. But soft water needs much less thought. In many ways, soft water is preferable to hard water. While there are no health effects on humans, there are many effects on your home.

Crystal Clear Water is here to help you find out if you have hard or soft water. We can also help you deal with your hard water problem.

What Makes Water Hard or Soft

Water on its own is soft. The composition of water includes only three ingredients. Those ingredients are two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. Both hydrogen and oxygen are gasses. When they combine, they form water. Water becomes hard when it passes over or through minerals. Water that runs over limestone is likely to collect minerals. Most often, the two minerals are calcium and magnesium. Limestone exists under the ground, under the water table.

Florida has a lot of limestone underground. This makes Florida homes prone to hard water. But water hardness varies a lot from place to place. Where the water comes from has a lot to do with its hardness. Water collected from groundwater reservoirs is more likely to have a higher hardness. Water that comes from rivers, streams, or lakes is usually soft. Most of the drinking water in Florida comes from groundwater.

How to Check Your Water Hardness

Crystal Clear Water offers water testing services. We run a full test on your water to look for chemicals and determine hardness. For an exact water composition test, results need to go out to our lab. The lab then tests for bacteria and viruses.

The Effects of Hard Water

There is a long list of clues that you have hard water. A lot of these symptoms are also signs of stress from your appliances and surfaces. The harder your water, the more signs there are. If you notice any of the signs below, you should call us for a water test. Not only can Crystal Clear Water let you know your water hardness, we test the quality, too.

Scale Buildup

Scale is mineral build-up. It is usually a white-ish or very pale yellow color. Scale build-up kind of looks like dried milk. It is most common in showers, pipes, and inside of any appliance that uses water a lot. Scale deposits in your pipes cause a decrease in water pressure. It also corrodes your pipes over time. Corroded pipes will eventually break, causing a leak.

Scale build-up is also common on shower walls and glass shower doors. Scale does not wipe off from surfaces easily. The longer it stays on whatever surface it is on, the harder it is to get off. That is because the build-up becomes thicker the more hard water exposure there is.

You can remove scale build-up with any acidic cleaner. There are many different commercial products for removing scale. But white vinegar or lemon juice works as well. Combine white vinegar or lemon juice with warm water. Let sit on the scale for about 30 minutes. Scrub clean and rinse.

It’s Hard to Lather Up

Have you noticed that it is difficult to get your soap to lather when you wash your hands? That is a big sign of hard water. The soap acts as a water softener. So when you try to wash your clothes, body, or dishes, the soap does not work. It is working too hard against the minerals in the water. Instead of cleaning, the soap combines with the minerals. This creates soap scum.

Soap scum is another hard to remove hard water problems. It takes a little extra elbow grease to remove soap scum from your surfaces. A good scrub brush and thick bleach spray go a long way to removing soap scum. You need a cleaner that can break through the minerals in the soap scum. White vinegar and lemon juice with a magic eraser is a good way to clean soap scum.

Are These Clothes Even Clean?

Hard water makes it hard for your detergent to do its job. So unless you use more detergent than you need, your clothes come out looking dirty. Whites shift into grays and colors fade. Your towels may also lose their absorbency. This is because the fabric is absorbing the minerals from the hard water. The detergent is also creating soap scum in your clothes.

Stains are harder to remove with hard water. The minerals from the hard water bond with the stain in your clothes. Because the detergent is not working at full capacity, it can not clean the stains.

Clothes with mineral and detergent build-up need stripping. Stripping is the process of removing the minerals and excess detergent. To strip your clothes and towels, you need something that cuts through the build-up. Again, acidic cleaners are good for this. Soak fabric in a white vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes to an hour. Wash as normal to remove remaining mineral build-up. Use a water softener or contact Crystal Clear Water to get soft water. Using soft water to clean your clothes prevents more mineral build-up from happening.

The Advantages of Soft Water

Soft water does not contain the amount of minerals that hard water does. Because of this, there is less chance of calcium or magnesium deposits in your pipes. That means your appliances will work better and last longer!

Soft water also means that you will need less detergent to get your clothes clean. Stains will also be easier to remove. That is because the detergent will not have to fight the minerals in the water. It will be able to directly attack the dirt causing the stain.

What to Do About Hard Water

By now, you can see that hard water is not what you want in your home. If you want to know for sure if you have hard water, call us at 239-214-0261. We will perform a full water test to look for contaminants and hardness.

The next step is to invest in water softeners. Our team at Crystal Clear Water Systems can help you find a water softener that works for you. We also recommend installing a reverse osmosis system. Not only does reverse osmosis remove contaminants, it can soften your water. It works by forcing the water through a very small filter. This keeps the dissolved minerals and chemicals on one side and the clean water on the other.

We offer two types of reverse osmosis systems. A whole-house system and an under the sink system. For hard water control, the whole house system is better. Hard water can wreck your water heater. And the under the sink system won’t help that.

85% of Americans have hard water. Hard water is definitely not something you want to contend with. It may not be a huge problem at first but it takes years off your appliances. If you notice any of the above signs of hard water, call us at 239-214-0261. Schedule your water test today!

Crystal Clear Water is here to help you with all your water needs. From hard water to well pump repair, we can help. Give us a call or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

The average human needs about 2 – 2.5 liters of water a day. That’s a large soda bottle of water per person a day. That’s also 2 liters of opportunity to consume dirty water. Many of us will just fill up a glass from the tap. But do you know that the water in your cup is safe?

The water running through your space is not always as safe for you as you would think. Of course, if you turn on the tap and see black water, you wouldn’t drink it. But even clear water can be full of unseen contaminants. Chemicals, bacteria, and viruses may lurk within your pipes as we speak. So how do you find out? And how do you know when it is time to test your water?

Our trained team at Crystal Clear Water is ready to schedule your water test today. We can test your water at any time, but we recommend you test at least every 6 months. We also recommend testing your water under the following circumstances. Unexplained illnesses, a change in your water, or a nearby chemical spill are all reasons to call us. But this list is not conclusive. They are many other signs to look for to keep yourself safe from unclean water.

Signs to Watch For

Below is a list of signs to be on the lookout for when thinking about getting your water tested. This list does not include every possible scenario. But it does consider the major situations you may experience. Remember, we recommend a water test every six months. But if any of these signs arise, get your water tested sooner. You may be at risk of bacterial or viral infection.

Unexplained Illnesses

If you have been sick more often lately and have no idea why the problem may be your water. The water in your pipes may be turbid. Turbid water is thick with materials that do not dissolve. These materials may be contaminants, minerals, or solids. There have been a few case studies on tap water in different areas. The case studies showed that turbid tap water leads to nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. These symptoms were more common in children.  

Waterborne illnesses may also be silently lurking in your water. Cholera and dysentery are waterborne illnesses that may mimic food poisoning at first. But these diseases can be very serious very quickly. Though they are more common in developing nations than in Southwest Florida. Parasites like Cryptosporidium also live in water.

To confirm parasites, bacteria, or viruses, you will need lab testing. Crystal Clear Water will still perform the test. But we will need to send your sample out for testing.

After Well Repair or Replacement

You should have your water tested after all well maintenance. Repairing or replacing pump parts may lead to contaminated well water. To be on the safe side, always schedule a water test after well maintenance. The maintenance on the well could stir up latent bacteria in the area. It could also disturb sediment and lead to turbid water.

Sudden Changes in Your Tap Water

Sudden changes in your tap water are certainly worrisome. These changes may be in color, clarity, taste, or smell. You may notice a chlorine smell coming from your cup. If you do, pour that water down the drain and call us at (239) 599-8873 to schedule your water test.

Changes in your water can mean there are contaminants. Contaminants can be anything. Minerals, bacteria, solids, or even rust from old pipes. All these contaminants can exist in clear water. So it’s important to pay attention to the other qualities of your water, too.

Nearby Chemical Spill

If there is a chemical or fuel spill nearby, the city will alert you. If you are on well water, you may not feel the effects. But water that comes from groundwater reservoirs is more prone to contamination. This is because the chemical or fuel absorbs through the ground into the water. That water is then pumped into your pipes through the city. In the event of contaminated city water, a nonpotable water order goes out.

Even if you do not believe your water is at risk during a local spill, test anyway. You never know how far-reaching the spill is. It is always better to test and know than not test and get sick.

The Neighbor’s Water Came Back Dirty

If your neighbor lets you know that they had unclean water test results, you should test. Even if you and your neighbor use different wells. The contaminates in their water can easily travel through the soil from their well to yours. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites are smaller than the eye can see. They can travel in even the smallest amounts of water. Unclean well water from your neighbor can leak into the groundwater between your homes. That water can then leak into your well. This process contaminates your drinking water.

Your Clothes Get Dirtier After Washing

Do your clothes come out of the washer dirtier than when they went in? You might have hard water. Hard water is a common problem in Southwest Florida. Groundwater that travels over limescale becomes hard. It collects minerals like calcium carbonate and magnesium to make it hard.

Hard water does not have negative health effects. But it does have a ton of negative effects on your home or commercial space. Hard water can make it difficult to get your clothes clean. This is because the detergent is softening the water. Because it is working as a water softener, it is not cleaning your clothes.

Hard water also causes limescale build-up on pipes, faucets, and showers. Limescale is white or pale yellow in appearance. It often looks like dried milk. If limescale goes untreated, it may turn green and corrode the surface it is on.

What to Do with the Test Results

Unless your results come back squeaky clean, you will need to make some changes. Dirty water or even just hard water needs treatment. Crystal Clear Water Systems can help you get the cleanest water possible.

We offer several different water purification systems. Our best systems are the reverse osmosis filtration systems. We have two, the whole house system and the under the sink system. If you have hard water, we recommend the whole house system. This will save your appliances and bathroom from limescale and soap scum build-up.

We can also help you end hard water problems. Limescale and dirty clothes will be a thing of the past after Crystal Clear Water finishes the job. But it all starts with a water test. Call us at (239) 599-8873 today to schedule yours. We also repair and replace water pumps and offer well maintenance.

You can also find us on social media. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

When it comes to water, most of us want the cleanest water possible. Clean water is a necessity for living a healthy life. Our bodies are 70% water, and we each need to drink about 2 liters of water a day. We use water to shower, wash our dishes, and water our plants. Water cooks our food, cleans our laundry, and hydrates our pets. Over a day, all that water starts to add up. Each human uses about 80-100 gallons of water a day. That’s a lot of water! That’s also a lot of opportunities for dirty water to sneak into our bodies.

Contaminants in your drinking water are more common than you think. Old pipes and contaminated water all bring unsafe drinking water into your home. This is why regular water tests from Crystal Clear Water are essential. We can identify contaminants and give you a full reading of the quality of your water.

Even without getting a water test, the smell of your water may turn you off. Many of us stray from drinking tap water. Especially in a time when filtered water is standard. The dangers of chemicals in tap water are common knowledge. To avoid these dangers, most will turn to bottled water. It is easy and portable. It is also guaranteed safe drinking water. But what about your pets? What water are they drinking?

Some may buy bottled water for their pets, but many just fill up the bowl at the sink. Why? It’s easier and costs less. Fancy bowls with filtration systems exist, but they are expensive. There is also the added expense of replacing the filter.

So when you don’t want to spend time and money replacing filters, what do you do? What are the hidden dangers lurking in the water your pets are drinking? How is your water quality affecting your pets? There are many reasons you should be thinking about what’s in their water.

Fish, Turtles, and Tap Water

All pets need water to live. But fish and turtles need much more water than other animals. Their entire habitat is underwater. In the wild, they survive in whatever conditions they live in. But in captivity, both fish and turtles need a more exact environment. Plus, the cleaner and healthier your pets’ environment is, the healthier your pet is!

Most tank owners know to use distilled water. This type of water comes in plastic jugs and is available at most stores. You can also distill your water by boiling it and allowing it to cool before use. Some people do use tap water. But the general rule of thumb is that tap water is not safe straight from the faucet. It is standard to leave the water in an open container for at least 24 hours. Why?

The open container allows the chemicals in the water to evaporate. Specifically, this method allows chlorine to evaporate. Chlorine is a common chemical found in city water. The city pumps chlorine into the water to prevent disease—kind of like how you would use chlorine in your pool. The amount of chlorine in the water is safe for human consumption. Though it sometimes leaves a smell in the water. But for fish or turtles, any level of chlorine is unsafe. The filters in fish tanks do not filter out chemicals, only waste. To keep your fish swimming happily, be careful about the water you use. Tap water right from the faucet is toxic.

Bottled distilled water is an excellent option for fish and turtle tanks. But if you want to cut down on the plastic, Crystal Clear Water’s purification systems are for you. We offer three types of reverse osmosis systems. Each system removes particulates and chemicals from the water. With our systems, you do not have to leave tap water out for 24 hours. It is good to go right from the faucet! Our systems also help you say goodbye to hard water issues and plastic waste.

Cats, Dogs, and Water Quality

Cats and dogs are among the most common pets. They are cute, cuddly, and often a member of the family. And when it comes to family, we all want what is best for the ones we love. The same is true for our furry friends. If you care about the water you are drinking, you should care about the water they are drinking.

Contaminants are just as bad for cats and dogs as they are for us. Copper, common water contaminants, causes kidney and liver damage in humans. In dogs, it causes Copper-associated hepatopathy. This is a fancy way of saying copper-related illness. More specifically, sickness of the liver. Copper-associated hepatopathy is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis in dogs. Hepatitis is the scientific term for severe swelling of the liver.

Hard water is also a concern for our pets. Some studies are now showing links between hard water and UTIs in cats. The hard water is making it easier for urinary tract infections to form. It is important to note, though, that these findings are not conclusive. Either way, it is best to avoid hard water. The best way to do that is with a reverse osmosis purification system.

Bottled Water or Filtered Water for Pets?

In all reality, either is fine. What is important is that your pet has access to clean water. If you feel better about using bottled water, then by all means. But bottled water gets expensive quickly. It also creates quite a bit of plastic waste, whereas filtered water allows you to use your tap water as usual. You also get to feel good about reducing your household’s waste output.

Plastic water bottles left in the heat are also at risk for their own set of contaminants. Heat causes the plastic to release more of its chemicals. These chemicals then find their way into the water inside the bottle. So, if you do choose to go with bottled water, keep it inside away from any heat. Try to limit how much time plastic water bottles spend in the car, as well.

Crystal Clear Water’s purification systems remove 99.8% of toxins and chemicals. We guarantee our systems remove arsenic, cyanide, chrome, copper, nickel, and other ions. This makes your water healthier and tastes better! The best part is that we install our systems under the sink. So you can just turn on the faucet, fill up a cup, and drink!

Crystal Clear Water Cares

Contaminated water is easy to come by, especially when you are on well water. Contaminants in the nearby groundwater may leach into your water supply. This leaves you at risk for unsafe water in your home. If you would not drink it, do not give it to your pets. If you make a point to drink filtered water, your pets should drink it too. Their quality of life will improve. Clean water leaves less room for water-related illnesses in your furry companions. It also helps prevent copper, iron, and chlorine related issues in your water.

For more information on Crystal Clear’s water purification systems, give us a call at (239) 599-8873. We offer a free water analysis. Concerned you may have an issue with your water? Give us a call and schedule your free analysis today!

You can also connect with us on social media on Facebook or Instagram!

Water is a vital part of our everyday life. We use it to wash our hands or to go to the bathroom or even to cook dinner. It is an essential aspect of our life, and we would not be able to survive without it. The average person uses an estimated 100-160 gallons of water in a day for indoor house use. We use 4 trillion cubic meters of freshwater globally a year! Without water, our day to day functions would not be the same.

The bulk of our world’s water comes from agriculture, industry, and electricity. In our households, we use the most water through toilets, showers, faucets, and washing machines. Most people do not realize the amount of water being consumed in their household until there is none. In Florida, during hurricane season, we may experience power outages, which result in no running water. During these times, it isn’t easy for our daily tasks. Realizing the water consumption we have daily is a big step to helping our planet.

Studies say we should be drinking 11-16 cups of water a day, which is approximately 2.5-3.7 liters of water! Many people find this challenging, but if you always had clean tasting water at your fingertips, you would drink more water!

Drinking-Water

Our bodies require water to function correctly and to stay healthy. Water makes up to 60% of our bodies. It does very how much water is in specific parts of our body, such as our brain, hearts, lungs, skin, muscles, kidneys, and bones.

A great way to increase that consumption of water you drink in a day is by making sure it tastes clean. Getting your water tested regularly is a must for your home, especially in Florida. At Crystal Clear Water, our priority is to make sure your water is safe for you and your family to drink! If you suspect you may have trouble with your water, we will come to your home and perform a simple water test. We will check for sulfur, iron, harness, tannins, nitrates, and pH. These tests will help us determine what changes need to happen to your current water system. You may need a new water system or a new filter. Water filters remove elements that cause your water to have an unpleasant taste and smell. This could be from lead, chlorine, or bacteria.

Household Uses

We use water every day in our average households. Many examples would be through simple tasks like washing your hands or brushing your teeth. Some other functions like using the bathroom and taking a shower may be taken for granted because they use a lot of running water. Need the convenience of a washing machine? That also takes water! Simple tasks through our day-to-day lives that we do not realize are taking the most from our natural resources.

There are many ways to limit the consumption of the water you use in your home. One way is through updating your water systems. Getting a whole house water filter provides clean water throughout your home. At Crystal Clear Water, our most popular whole house water filtration system is the reverse osmosis system. This process removes 99.8% of the chemicals in your water. It also removes hardness from your water, eliminating limescale formation on bath fixtures, in pipes, and the water heater. With the use of reverse osmosis, dishwashers will last longer, and dishes rinse spot-free. The scale that builds up on showers and bath fixtures will be gone. And most importantly, your water will taste better and is better for you!

Well Water

If your home is on well water, you also have options for water filtration. When it comes to well water, there are a few dangers. The most important to note is that it can contain bacteria, lead, arsenic, chromium 6, mercury, radon, or volatile organic compounds. It is crucial to block these containments from entering your home water system. Contaminate levels and thresholds for safe water can change over time. Getting a water purification system can keep you safe and healthy and keep your mind at ease! Contact our professionals at Crystal Clear Water here to get your water tested!

Overall, trying to save water is a great way to decrease your energy bill as well as help our planet! With the increase in the usage of fresh water, we are limiting our natural resources. We can take the needed steps to help! Installing a new water system is a great way to ensure you are using clean water. This will also decrease the amount of water you are using daily.

For more information on Crystal Clear’s water purification systems, give us a call at (239) 599-8873. We offer a free water analysis. Concerned you may have issues with your water? Give us a call and schedule your free analysis today!

You can also find us on social media on Facebook or Instagram!

UV (Ultraviolet) water sterilizers are extremely beneficial with several different water systems. The overall purpose is to disinfect the bacteria in the water so it is safe to drink. We are always looking for ways in our everyday lives to be more reliable and cleaner; This sterilizer can do just that for you and your family. It also depends where you live and where your water is coming from. Do you have well water? Is it a municipal system? Regardless of where it comes from, this is a way that you can have peace of mind about the overall safety of your water.

Did you know, there are chlorine resistant microorganisms that could be in your water? These organisms can have a very negative effect on your health. Whether you use well water or municipal water, there is a chance of these organisms living in your water.

How Does it Work?

The Ultraviolet rays work to scramble up the makeup (or DNA) of the organisms. When the UV does this, it no longer allows the organisms to live or keep populating. If they can not keep reproducing, they do not have the ability to make you sick by drinking the water.

If you do drink the water, there is the chance of these organisms getting and living in your digestive tract. By giving the organisms this lethal dose of UV light, you are able to keep your water safe and secure.

What Are The Benefits?

The whole point of the UV water sterilization is that it has the capability to kill around 99% of bacteria. It also does NOT use any chemicals. This is a big factor when you are talking about creating a cleaner drinking water system. (Not having to worry about additional chemicals in your water is a huge pro to this system.)

UV water sterilizers are also environmentally friendly. When we are talking about healthy and clean water, it is essential to note that it emits no bi-products.

It is extremely reliable! All you need is an annual service to get it to checked, and you just let it do its thing! You do not have to have monthly or routine maintenance on it. It is secure and works so that you don’t have to worry about the water you are drinking.

This product is also FDA approved. Did you know that there are only 4 FDA approved methods currently on the market? It is so important that you understand how your water is being cleaned, and that it is done in the safest way possible.

Some of the bacteria that this system gets rid of are:

• Algae

• Fungi

• Streptococcus

• E. coli

• Hepatitis B

& several others! You may have heard of a few of these bacteria. They can live anywhere, even in your water! Systems like these sterilizers can help to keep you and your family safe. This also protects against some viruses as well.

Difference Between a Sterilizer and filter

The most significant difference between the sterilizer and filter is the end goal. Filters are high for separating contaminants and getting rid of individual particles. The sterilizer does not filter at all but instead purifies it. This system works to remove and kill the bacteria.

Filters are great to have, but they do not purify the water quite as well as the sterilizer can do.

Important Details

If you choose to install this UV sterilizer, the benefits are going to change your water in the best way! There are some things that you will want to know if you choose to invest in this…

If your issue lies with heavy metals, salts, or other particles in your water, you will need a filter or additional parts. The main benefit of the sterilizer is to cut out bacteria, not other contaminants.

Also, you must have viable electricity to run this sterilizer. If you do not have power and rely heavily on this system, you may need to look at other options.

This system could also come in handy in case of a natural disaster. As hurricane season approaches, we know what could come with overflow and dirty water. This system combats the dreaded “Boil water advisory” that could come to our area after a bad storm. This is a great way to ensure that your water stays safe no matter what disasters may come your way. This system will work to remove harmful bacteria so that you are still able to drink it if you have issues with your water supply.

Having a UV Water sterilizer is a great addition to have in your home. It is easy to maintain, very little maintenance, and keeps your water fresh and away from bad bacteria. If you have been looking for something a step further than a filter, this could be the trick to having a better tasting and safer drinking water in your home.

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Are you looking for ways to remove particles and contaminants from your water? A Reverse Osmosis System may be what you need! This is a certain type of filtration system that helps to purify your water. It uses a semi-permeable membrane that the water passes through. As the water passes, the salts, lead, mercury, calcium, and some bacteria get rejected.

The water that streams through the membrane (permeate) is pure and clean. In the other stream, the contaminants become concentrated.

Reverse Osmosis can also control corrosion. It has the ability to reduce the water’s conductivity and remove chloride ions. The biggest difference between Reverse Osmosis systems and other filtration devices is the fact that RO can remove dissolved contaminants. This system helps reduce build-up in faucets, pipes, and ice machines. This also helps with the taste of the water that you will very likely notice.

Stages of RO Systems

Did you know, there are three to five stages of the filtration process? There are pre-filters and post-filters involved.

The Sediment Filter helps to reduce the particles, dirt, and rust from getting through.

The Carbon Filter works to reduce chlorine and contaminants. This filter is especially important for the smell and taste of the water.

The Semi-Permeable membrane works to get rid of all the dissolved solids that could come through. Solids such as salt, sulfur, and calcium are common. This process is important to make sure that the water has gone through each stage.

As the water first comes through the system, it has to go through the pre-filtration process. This can include the sediment and/or the carbon filter. This may vary depending on where you live and what your current water situation is. This process helps to remove sediment so that it doesn’t damage the membrane in the next step. When it hits the semi-permeable membrane, the dissolved particles are then removed. For reference, these particles are so microscopic, you would never know they existed. This fact alone makes this system so valuable!

The water then transfers to the storage tank. As the system continues to work, this tank will be full of water for you to use. Once it is full, the system actually shuts off until you need more water in the tank.

What Does it Remove?

Depending on where you live, you may have different concerns about what could be in your water. If your issue is the taste or smell, that could be a specific contaminant. If you know that certain pesticides could be in the water, that could be something else. Before you invest in a reverse osmosis system, here are some things that it does remove:

• Fluoride
• Sale
• Arsenic
• Sodium
• Copper
• Lead
• Nitrate
• Calcium
• Some impurities that may not get removed by reverse osmosis are:
• Certain pesticides
• Some Chlorine
• Herbicides

Other than that, this system is fantastic at removing the majority of contaminants.

Maintaining Your RO System

With any filtration system, you are going to need regular maintenance on it. You will need this to make sure that it is working well and in good condition. With most systems, you will want to have the filters changed every twelve months. If you choose to not do this, it could allow contaminants to enter your water. These systems should have a very long life span if taken care of from the beginning and get regular maintenance done. It also depends on what all is in your water. If you know for a fact that your water has more particles and impurities, you may have to get it checked out more often. The different streams and filters could get built up after time and you will need to have these changed out.

There are some things that may happen if you are having issues with your system. You may notice no water coming out. You may see a continuous drain and that it will not shut off. You may also notice a bad smell or taste coming from your water. Do not ignore these signs and make sure you call us to come check on the system. We want to help you avoid any leaks or lack of running water in your home.

Another way you can prolong the life span of your reverse osmosis system is by draining the storage tank every few weeks. The system is always working to make sure that you have water available. This means the tank should always be full. If you are not home, go out of town, or are not using it as often, draining it is important. This will help to refill the take with freshwater and help the quality of your drinking water. You should notice a pretty distinct difference by doing this every few weeks to months.

Also, there are sanitizing solutions that you can use to make sure the tank is clean. This does not have to take place as often, but every couple of years this should happen to keep slime away!

Reverse Osmosis systems are very beneficial for your home! If you are seeking cleaner, better-tasting water, this is a great option. You can buy filters that remove hard particles, but this is the next level. These systems work to remove microscopic solids so that you and your family do not have to have concern about what you are drinking. For more information on these systems, give us a call. We would love to talk to you more about it and how you can get this for your home.

Once you get a water treatment system for your home, other water may taste a little off. As you start to use this water on a regular basis, it is easy to see all the benefits that come along with it. From a better taste, feeling healthier, cleaner appliances, and creating more efficiency in your home, you will love your water treatment system. There are several different systems to choose from.

Some common systems that you may consider for your home are:

Iron filter systems

How do you know if you have iron in your water? You may notice a reddish tint or a rusty look to it. These particles tend to sink to the bottom of your cup, making your water look far from clean. Iron also has the ability to leave stains on clothing and fixtures in your home. These systems work to remove the bad taste and smell of your water. If you choose to put an iron filter system in, you will notice a serious difference in the cleanliness and clarity of your water.

UV water stabilizer

The most important aspect of our drinking water is knowing what is in it. If we have the ability to remove harmful chemicals and contaminants, we should learn how. A UV water stabilizer uses UV light to kill bacteria and contaminants from drinking water. It sends a lethal dose towards the microorganisms so that they can no longer reproduce. This is a great way to kill the bacteria before drinking any of your water.

Sulfur Filtering Systems

If you have sulfur in your water, you will be able to tell pretty quickly. The smell of sulfur is pungent (that to rotten eggs) and something easy to detect. Sulfur has the ability to travel underground as well as through different bacteria. A sulfur filtering system can expose the hydrogen to oxygen. At that point, it changes it into particles and can filter out of the drinking water.

Reverse osmosis

RO’s job is to de-mineralize water. It works to remove sediment and chlorine from your water before drinking it. These systems have a semipermeable membrane to get all sorts of dissolved particles out of your water. Some are so small, you would never even know that they were in your water. These systems will make a huge difference in your quality of water.

All these systems can work to produce cleaner and healthier drinking water. So how do these systems help other aspects of your life? Other than in your home, have you realized what cleaner drinking water can do for the environment?

Alternatives to Plastic

Most of us would agree that we have had several plastic water bottles in our home throughout our lives. Whether we bought them or someone else purchased them, they are present in our homes. Why? They are easy to grab, convenient, and we trust them! Trust is a big deal when it comes to what we put in our bodies. It is easy to believe that these bottles of water are clean. clear and healthy for our family. We don’t question what is in the water, where it came from, or what contaminants were once in it. We tend to measure cleanliness with taste; which can be deceiving.

But ask yourself, what if I could have that in my home? What if I could drink, cook with, bathe in clean water in my home? Not only will this save you money on buying cases of water, but you will also be helping the environment. Studies show that Americans buy well over 20 billion plastic water bottles in a year! With all those bottles, only 1 in 6 are being recycled and the rest end up in a landfill. As we see the negative affects these bottles have on the environment, we also know that bottled water purchases, continue to rise 10% each year.

Some Facts about plastic bottles:

-80% of plastic bottles tend to end up in a landfill.
-Each individual bottle has the capability to leak harmful chemicals into the earth.
-It takes 700-1,000 years for each bottle to decompose.
-Chemicals from the decomposing bottles can cause a variety of health issues to our community.
– It takes almost 2,000 times more energy to produce bottled water than tap water

These are real stats of plastic bottles in our country. Landfills continue to fill up when there are solutions to this problem! Having a water treatment in your home, allows you to use reusable bottles instead of purchasing more plastic.

Water Conservation

This is another amazing concept of how water treatment systems can help the environment. You will notice that you will actually use less water than normal. Although these systems are always working, you will have water that gets stored in a tank. As you use the water, the tank refills. This way you are using a certain amount of water instead of wasting the remains of it.

So which water treatment system is going to fit your home and lifestyle best? There are several options to choose from and you can explore our website to see what would help your water quality go up! If you have questions, reach out to our team and we will do our best to find you the best system for your home.

When is the last time that you took the toilet lid off your tank? Most of us don’t have a reason to do this very often. When we do, we may not always like what we see. You may notice a color that you did not expect to see; black or brown. What exactly are you looking at, and do you need to worry? What exactly is causing this, and is it in the other water in your home? You may also notice that it is showing up in your toilet bowl. Although you may have concerns, you should know that there are ways to remedy this situation.

What Is It?

Although your mind may run right to the worst-case scenario, chances are, it is something in your water that is causing this. As you may know, there are minerals in our water. Manganese is usually the culprit for this black color to show up in our toilet bowls and tanks. It does not cause a threat to your health most of the time, but it is something you will want to monitor.

Once you notice it in your toilet bowl or tank, you may start to see it in other places. Other common areas that it may affect are your laundry, appliances, water heaters, and your drinking water.

If it is not manganese in your water, it could be ferric sulfide, aka black rust. The idea of rust in your water at any capacity may cause you to start looking into this issue.

If you see that the water has more of a brown hue to it, it could be something else. When this happens, it could have something to do with the city water or water system coming into your home. The solution for this is a system that helps relieve the amount of iron in your water.

Other Potential Problems with your Toilet/Tank:

You may have a hunch that something doesn’t seem quite right, but are not sure of what you are looking at.

Some common problems that you may have with your toilet tank are:

Deposits in your tank: This can happen due to rust in your water. This could also be a sign of pipe issues.

Slimy water- This can be an issue of bacteria caused by iron. Major treatment and filtration processes will have to take place to fix this.

Blue stains- Caused by copper corrosion. This happens due to a low pH level in the water.

One of the other major issues you may run into is the dreaded M-word… MOLD. Bathrooms are breeding grounds for the ultimate humid environment. Mold spores congregate in the open toilet bowl when they see the opportunity. You may notice this more in a toilet that is not used a lot. Mold tends to grow when the water is not used.

Mold could also be coming through your water supply or your pipes. This is troubling on a few different levels because now you know that it may be affecting all your water. If you see any mold in the toilet bowl or the tank, getting a mold test of the whole home may be necessary.

With the right treatment systems, these should have a fix that will allow you to avoid replacement.

Next Steps

The first step is figuring out what is going on so you can acquire the proper water system. Sulfur-filter systems, iron filter systems, and chemicals and solutions are available for this treatment. Our team will come to your home, look at your toilet bowl and tank and decipher what the next steps will be. Although it may look like it is only in the toilet, this will give us a good idea of where it is coming from and where else the issue may be.

Our main goal is to make sure that the water coming into your home is safe for you and your family. The water that is in your tank or toilet bowl can give us a direct correlation to any issues going on.

Things you should never do…use bleach! Many people think they know exactly what is going on and reach for the bleach, mainly is you are trying to get rid of mold. We have the best solutions and chemicals to defeat each issue that could arise.

How You Can help

There are a few things you can do in your bathroom to help with the spread of mold. Do you have a window in your bathroom? Open it up and allow the airflow. Speaking of airflow, use the fans as you are showering. The humidity in your bathroom does not help, so increasing airflow should help. You can also get a dehumidifier if you notice that your bathrooms can’t seem to get rid of the humidity.

Make an effort to flush your toilets more often. While deposits may sit in your tank or water stays stagnant, it could be creating these lines. Flush the toilet and get the water moving around. This will make a difference for toilets that do not get used often. Also, clean your toilet. Stay ahead of it and talk to us about solutions that you can use to keep your toilet clean so you can steer clear from lines and discoloration in your toilet.

These tips should help with this issue if it should arise. If you are taking these tips into consideration and there are still black lines or residue in your toilet a water system may help. Please contact our team for further information on your situation and how we can help solve these problems!

Learn more about Cape Coral sulfur water treatment if your water is causing black stains, odor, buildup, or sulfur-related fixture damage.

Hurricane guide

Hurricanes can contaminate the public water supply, especially if a tidal surge or flooding comes with it. Drinking contaminated water may cause illness. People cannot assume that the water in the hurricane-affected area is safe to drink. In the area hit by a hurricane or tropical storm, water treatment plants may not be operating. Even if they are, storm damage and flooding can taint water lines. Listen for public announcements about the safety of the public water supply. If your well has been flooded, it needs to be tested and disinfected after the storm passes and the floodwaters leave. Water for Drinking and Cooking Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled or treated water. Here are some general rules concerning water for drinking and cooking. Remember:

• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food or make ice.
• If you use bottled water, know where it came from. Otherwise, water should be boiled or treated before use. Drink only bottled, boiled or treated water until your supply is tested and safe.
• Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill infectious germs.
• Water may be treated with chlorine by mixing eight drops (1/8 teaspoon; about the size of a dime) of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach (4-6 percent active ingredients) per gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly, and let stand for approximately 30 minutes. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination. However, this treatment will not kill parasites that may have entered a flooded well. Iodine or other disinfection tablets available at sporting goods, drug or discount stores may also be used.

Containers for water should be rinsed with a bleach solution before reusing them (one tablespoon bleach per gallon of water). Use water storage tanks and other types of containers with caution. For example, fire truck storage tanks as well as previously used cans or bottles may be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals. Do not rely on untested water treatment devices for decontaminating water.

Clean The Area Around Your Well Pump System

Cleaning up the area around your well system prevents damage that might be caused by flying debris. Moving flood water or high winds can carry debris that could loosen well hardware, dislodge well construction materials, or damage the casing.

Preparing An Aerator on Well Water For A Hurricane.

The big white holding tanks which are called Aerators. They need to be screwed down with stainless steel screws and washers to prevent rusting and your lid from blowing away. For now, any screw will do if you do not have the stainless screws. Some tanks already have holes but maybe too big for the screws that you have. Put screws in the salt tank lids as well to secure them.

Wells Can Be Damaged And Flooded.

If wells are damaged or flooded, residents should assume their water is contaminated by bacteria. The well water should not be used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth or even bathing until it is tested by a certified laboratory for coliform bacteria and E. coli.

• Boiling: To make water safe for drinking, cooking or washing, bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill organisms and then allow it to cool.
• Disinfecting with bleach: If boiling isn’t possible, add 1/8^thteaspoon or about 8 drops of unscented household bleach per gallon of water (4 to 6% active ingredient). Stir well and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure once.
• Keep treated or boiled water in a closed container to prevent contamination

Use bottled water for mixing infant formula.

Where can you have your well water tested?

Most county health departments accept water samples for testing. Contact your local health department for information about what to have your water tested for (they may recommend more than just bacteria), and how to collect and submit the sample. Crystal Clear Water can collect your sample for you for your convenience.

Contact information for county health departments can be found on this site: http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/county-health-departments/find-a-county-health-department/index.html

What should you do if your well water sample tests positive for bacteria?

The Florida Department of Health recommends well disinfection if water samples test positive for total coliform bacteria or for both total coliform and E. coli, a type of fecal coliform bacteria.

You can hire a local licensed well operator to disinfect your well, or if you feel comfortable, you can shock chlorinate the well yourself. English:  http://twon.tamu.edu/media/668950/waterwell_tri-fold__state_10-13-17.pdf and Spanish: http://twon.tamu.edu/media/675343/spanish-waterwell_tri-fold.pdf

After well disinfection, you need to have your well water re-tested to make sure it is safe to use. If it tests positive again for Total coliform bacteria or both Total coliform and E. coli call a licensed well operator to have the well inspected to get to the root of the problem.

Well pump and electrical system care

If the pump and/or electrical system have been underwater and are not designed to be used underwater, do not turn on the pump. There is a potential for electrical shock or damage to the well or pump. Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock.

Once the floodwaters have receded and the pump and electrical system have dried, a qualified electrician, well operator/driller or pump installer should check the wiring system and other well components.

Remember: You should have your well water tested at any time when:

• A flood occurred and your well was affected
• The color, taste or odor of your well water changes or if you suspect that someone became sick after drinking your well water.
• A new well is drilled or if you have had maintenance done on your existing well

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) maintains an excellent website with many resources for private well users http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/private-well-testing/index.html which includes information on potential contaminants and how to maintain your well to ensure the quality of your well water.

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Learn more about what you need if you rely on well water, including treatment, protection, and system planning for Southwest Florida homes.

There are many things that we can do at home to keep children safe from toxic water. Did you know, there are tons of toxins that can appear in our tap water at home? Not to mention what they are drinking at school and other places. It is important that we educate ourselves on the levels of toxicity that can encompass our drinking water. How do we know if contaminants are in our water? there are a few things we can do to get proactive and help our children and families.

First ask yourself, when is the last time that your water had tested? Most of us don’t realize that this is an essential thing we should all have done; especially if you have well water. the effect is much greater in children who consume water than adults. Because they metabolize things in a different way, they don’t need as much toxic water to feel the effects.

Drink That H2O!

How often do you tell yourself, your spouse, or your child to drink more water? Most of us don’t end up getting enough water each day and that alone can cause health issues. But as we continue to encourage each other to drink more water, it may be time to take a look at what kind of water we are putting in our bodies.
Do you know how many cups of water a child between the ages of 1-5 should consume? The answer is around 5. That is 5 chances that your child could be putting unknown toxins into their bodies every single day.

What Kind of Toxins?

There are certain factors that can lead to specific chemicals or toxins in the water. It can depend on what part of the country you live in and what kind of water you have at your home.

When children are young, (under a year old) they are more susceptible to getting sick from nitrates. Nitrates come from sewage and different fertilizers. At times, these nitrates can seep into your water supply. In these younger infants, there is the potential to contract a condition called methemoglobinemia. It can affect breathing or continue to even more serious symptoms.
There are also several carcinogens that can seep into the water. Carcinogens can affect both adults and children. Some are even linked to cancer.
Lead is another contaminate that can live in drinking water. This has a tendency to come from pipes or other metal plumbing. There are several symptoms that range from mild to serious!

What can you do to help?

First off, get your water tested. If you know where your water comes from, that is a great start. City water and well water come from different places and knowing which one you have will help with this process.

Well water is a bit more difficult because it is “yours”. You are in charge of monitoring the water that you are drinking. If you move into a new home with a well, this should be part of your inspection process. You can also test again on an annual basis to make sure you are still in the clear.

If you have city water, the town in which you live should be checking the water. There are reports each year that should show the different levels and where your water is at regarding contaminates.

Our team is able to come out and test your water to see if there is any room for concern and will walk you through the steps to help fix it if need be.

So, what do you do to make sure that the water coming into your home is clean of these toxins? It depends on what type of contaminates you are trying to protect your family from.

There are several different water systems to choose from that can help to keep your water more clean and pure.

Water softeners are a great start if you are wanting to reduce the hard water in your home. This can help to reduce the large particles such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

If sulfur is your problem, then a Sulfur-Filter System will help to remedy that. it can remove that horrible rotten egg smell that you want to get rid of.

UV Water Sterilizers are a great and effective way to disinfect and rid you of dangerous toxins. These systems can kill up to 99% of the harmful bacteria and other organisms that are coming through your water. This is a great option to get rid of these toxins in your home or commercial property.

Are you ready to have your water tested? Give us a call and we will do a full test on your water and let you know any dangerous levels of toxins you could have. If you suspect any toxins or chemicals in your water, make your appointment today.

Learn more about whole house water filtration systems that help reduce contaminants and improve water quality throughout your home.

Since we were little kids, we have learned that drinking water is so good for the body. It is so important to drink water all day long, and we also need to learn how dehydration can affect our bodies. Sometimes, it feels like we get plenty of water in our systems, while other days, we must think about how much water we have had. Drinking water shouldn’t be a chore, and when it is delicious and fresh, it makes it a lot easier.

How much water do you drink a day? It may be time to start tracking this if you notice some unusual health issues throughout your day. Sometimes you may feel a bit under the weather. Other times, you may be extra tired. There are several symptoms you may misread as illnesses that come from dehydration.

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. It is your job to replace these fluids so your body can work at its highest ability. Although we may notice that we have not had enough water throughout the day, being thirsty and being dehydrated are two different things.

Dehydration can pose a very high health risk. If you are an athlete and continue to exert yourself without replenishing, you will feel it. It is also so important under this hot Florida sun that you stay hydrated at the beach, pool, park or wherever you and your family enjoy going. Children and the elderly are also at high risk of getting dehydrated and should always try their best to have water available.

What Causes Dehydration?

Dehydration can happen rather gradually. Other than not getting fluids, there is usually more going on.

Excessive sweating can cause dehydration. If you are out in the sun, playing sports, or moving your body a lot, you must keep intaking fluids. The moment your body begins to exert too much sweat and not take enough fluids in, you will start to feel mild to severe symptoms.

Medications can also play a role in this. If you recently started a new medication, make sure to look at the side effects. If dehydration and/or dry mouth occurs, you may experience it even worse.

If you are ill and you are losing body fluids, you are bound to get dehydrated. If you have the flu, the last thing you want to do may be to drink water or electrolytes, but it is 100% necessary in order to stay hydrated.

Symptoms of Dehydration:

In children, you will notice much more severe symptoms than that of a healthy adult. Children can experience vomiting, diarrhea, or passing out. Adults may become lethargic, nauseous and could experience intense headaches as well.
Some other common symptoms you may notice are:

• Dry mouth
• Dark urine
• Dizziness
• Dry skin

We all process different medical situations in our own way, but these symptoms are common for those who have not had enough fluids.

How Does it Affect Our Bodies?

Did you know that our bodies are a makeup of 60% water? That means if we lose this water from our bodies without replenishing, we are unable to perform our regular daily tasks. Water is also important, so we continue to flush out any toxins that can enter our bodies. It helps to carry nutrients and oxygen as well and allows us to function at our best!

Without proper water intake, we can lose physical and cognitive abilities. You may notice a lag in coordination or decision making on top of that. Although we tend to chalk this up to other things, simple water intake may be a big reason. Dehydration can affect every aspect of our day, and it is important we do what we can to stay hydrated all day long.

Drink More Water

So, is there a special trick we need to consider in order to drink more water? There are always tips you may hear from family, friends, doctors, and nutritionists. Setting alarms, always have water available, and make sure you know what you are drinking. One problem people say is that they don’t remember and don’t carry water with them. Many people also refuse to buy plastic water bottles but don’t like the taste of the water they have at home. There are a few solutions to this.

First off, you can ditch the plastic water bottles and invest in a few good reusable bottles. Second, figure out what about your water at home, you don’t like it. Does it give off an odor? Does it have a taste that doesn’t sit right? Do you notice particles in it? Let us know and we can help! Whether you need a softener, filtration system, reverse osmosis, or regular maintenance, we can help you so you have great tasting water at home.

The more water we drink in a day, the better we will feel and more productive we may be!

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Learn more about whole house reverse osmosis systems for cleaner, better-tasting water throughout your entire home.

If there are ways that you can save money around the house, wouldn’t you like to know? Water softeners can save you thousands of dollars throughout the year! Different water filtration systems can help you to reduce costs. Deciding on which one you get depends on what water system you have and what you will need for your home! If you are seeking the best tasting, cleanest water for your family, a filtration system will be well worth the investment.‍

Water softeners are great for taking very hard water and making it softer and more efficient. They help to remove high concentrations of magnesium as well as calcium. The system filters out the minerals and leaves it soft and much more desirable. You will notice a significant change in several parts of your home, as well as your bills!

Benefits of a Water Softener

If you are considering getting a filtration system for your house, you may be wondering which one is the best option. It is also important to figure out what issues you are having with your water and if a water system is what you need. If you are dealing with chemicals, rust, low pressure, hard water, or other issues, you may already be looking at hundreds worth of repairs. Getting a filtration system can help you save a ton in the long run.

Have you thought about getting a water softener for your house? Water Softeners can help in several different areas of your home. The first place you will notice a big difference is your laundry room. Soft water means your clothes will last longer, look brighter, and less worn out! Fabric tends to fade, tear, and age when the water is hard. Soft water can help keep your favorite shirt looking bright and beautiful all fall and winter long. You will also notice that you don’t have to use as much detergent for your washes. This alone is a great way to save money throughout the year. Also, for all the parents out there who must do laundry daily for all the toddler clothing stains, this is for you! Soft water is much better at getting stains out of clothing. Saving money on clothes is a huge benefit to having soft water in your home.

Your appliances will thank you! Most people do not realize how their water is being used around the house. There is a water heater, dishwasher, refrigerators, and other appliances. Did you know that they run a lot better and last longer when you have soft water? Efficiency is key when it comes to having soft water, and you will see a big difference in your utility bill.

It is very annoying is it to see streaks across your glass doors, as well as limescale and soap scum all over your bathroom. Did you know that the main reason for this is due to hard water in your cleaning products and the water coming through your faucets? Not only will a water softener help with these problems, but you can also save money on cleaning supplies and products. When it is cleaning day, bathrooms and sinks are some of those spots we all dread. It seems like no matter how often or how hard we clean, the stains and scum keep coming back. Stop spending hours of your day and hundreds out of your wallet on this process!

Another big benefit of installing a water softener is that it can increase the value of your home! As you decide on different upgrades in your home, don’t forget that this, too, adds value. As you get it installed, it could very well add thousands on in the blink of an eye.

Save Time!

As you start to see the monetary value of having a water softener, you should know it saves your other aspects of life too. With a water softener, you can save time and effort as well. Hard water can cause a ton of different problems in your home that you may not realize.

One thing you can never get back is your time. Hard water can become a culprit of sucking up some of your time throughout your day. Longer showers, more time cleaning, and rewashing dishes can be frustrating and very time-consuming. Getting a water softener can cut time off these tedious tasks and parts of your day.

As 2020 starts to come to an end, we can start looking forward to 2021 and planning our year! As you begin looking at your budget, you may want to consider all the benefits a water softener can have in your home. Not only are you going to save a ton of time, but you will notice a difference in your bills as well as a decrease in spending on cleaning supplies and clothing!

If you have any questions about our products or water softeners, in particular, reach out to our team today, and we would be happy to help! Also be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date on all things Crystal Clear Water!

Learn more about Cape Coral water softener installation to reduce hard water scale, protect plumbing, and help your appliances last longer.

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Many homes around the country get their water from wells. Although a lot of the time, these get tested by the city, they may not always look as deep at the water as you would want them to. If you have well water, but do not know much about it, you may be wondering what you are putting into your body! If you have a private well, you are going to want to get it tested. It is important to know if it is safe for you and your family to drink. The good thing about well water is that it is free! Not to mention, there is always a lot of it available. At the same time, there is potential for it to have lots of bacteria and chemicals living in it. The most important thing other than getting it tested, is to make sure you have a good water system in place.

What Is in that Water?

It is important to know what you are battling when you are going to get something fixed. If you are new to having a well, you should know that private wells can have a lot more dangerous substances in them than the city wells. Bacteria, arsenic, lead, radon, and mercury could all be looming in your water. All these ingested (even in a small amount) can leave long term health issues.

Ask yourself, what are the contamination levels in my area? If you don’t know this, it may be something to look into. If you know there is contamination in that area, there is a good chance the water will become affected as well. What most homeowners don’t usually know is that although they think their private well is clean, it is actually shared with other water sources. This could be the reason that contaminants get in.

It is important to get your well water tested every year. Although it may have been clean a year ago, that does not mean that there hasn’t been a rise in chemicals or bacteria since then. There are several things that can have an influence on the purity of your water.

-Natural minerals in the earth can have an effect on the taste and cleanliness of your water. Minerals such as. calcium, arsenic, radon, and more.

-Pesticides are very common to appear in well water. Pesticides and herbicides can live within the ground where the well is or can come from a nearby runoff.

-Waste from septic tanks. This is a worst-case scenario situation and one that no one wants to run into. Whether the septic tank is malfunctioning or improperly manufactured; these issues could have a severe impact on your water and your health.

What Do I Do Next?

Have you had your well tested this year? If so, you may learn that you need some assistance from filtration systems to get your water to a higher quality. So which system do you choose? That depends on what issues you are having with your well water. We offer several different filtration systems that can help to remove harmful chemicals from your water. Our products offer a wide variety of solutions to your water and well water needs.

If you are wanting a simple water filter, we can install it with ease and you will notice a difference in your water very quickly. These filters can help to remove bad taste as well as odor. These filters can remove chlorine and sediments that have a negative impact on your water as well.

Water softeners can also be a great option for your home. You may notice that your well water may be a bit harder than you anticipated. Getting a water softener on top of a filter can help to make your hair and skin soft and clean! It will help keep your appliances running longer and in a more efficient manner.

Reverse osmosis is also a great option if you are looking for some solutions to your well water. Reverse osmosis works to demineralize or de-ionize the water. The water gets pushed through a membrane that has the ability to remove up to 99% of the chemicals in your water. If your main concern is removing harmful chemicals from your water, this could be a great option.

Get Ahead of It!

As you may have noticed, the quality of your water changes all the time. It is so important that you get your water tested at least once a year, especially if it is coming from a private well. You may not always get information on pesticides or septic issues in your area. Do your best to stay well informed of any changes and also make sure to get your water tested each year. We will make sure to test for sulfur, iron, hardness, tannins, nitrates, and pH. From here, we will be able to make a plan so we can work together to remedy your water situation.

If you are having any issues with your well, please give us a call and we would be happy to help you get the quality of water that you and your family deserve!

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Learn more about well water filtration and treatment solutions designed for sulfur, sediment, minerals, and other common well water problems.

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This year has brought several different health concerns around our nation. We are all looking for ways to stay healthy. Did you know that you can boost your immunity with high-quality water, among other things? It is more important now than ever to do what we can to keep our families healthy. What are you doing daily to boost your immunity?

How Water Can Help your Health

First off, how much water are you drinking a day? Like most of us, there is a good chance you are not drinking enough. Water can do so much for our bodies. Waterworks by carrying oxygen to your body’s cells, which helps you function in the best way! It is also very important in removing the unwanted toxins in your body. It is crucial to your day that you are drinking enough to get rid of anything that shouldn’t be in your body. These unwanted toxins and chemicals can have a serious effect on your immune system.

But we don’t stop at simply drinking the water. One other major aspect of water is how you are using it externally. Washing your hands, your body, your hair; is all-important to staying healthy. When you have high-quality water in your home, it can help your body inside and outside. You are literally washing away all the germs and bacteria from your body, and you need to do so often throughout the day. Do not run to your hand sanitizer every time if you have high-quality water and anti-bacterial soap handy.

Dehydration Can Affect your Health

We all know that dehydration has a negative impact on your body, but what exactly does it do? To start, you should know that our bodies are 70% water. That means if we are not doing our part to keep that 70% up (and with high-quality water), you are hurting our immune systems. Dehydration is when your body is exerting more fluids than it is taking in. It is very common yet can be life-threatening if it is at a dangerous level.

You may experience dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and other serious symptoms. If you are not drinking enough and become dehydrated, it can also elevate other symptoms. To maintain a healthy immune system, it is very important that you stay hydrated all day long. Be sure to carry around your water bottle and do your best always to have water available to you throughout your day.

Why the Quality of Water Matters

You may be doing your best to drink more water than normal. You may have your water bottle on you at all times! But what kind of water are you drinking and why is that important?

The quality of water has everything to do with your health. When you put anything into your body, you want to make sure that it is clean, pure, and free of toxins. Hundreds of contaminants could be living in your water without you knowing.
Do you have well water? Do you use city water? Do you notice an odd smell with your water? Have you seen particles or a color in your cup when you get something to drink? These are things sot ask yourself when you are questioning the quality of your water.

The first thing to do is to get your water tested. We can come out and run a test so we can assess the quality of your water. If there are contaminants or particles, then there are easy steps and systems that can help! Water softeners, reverse osmosis systems and several other options are available for you! Ensure that the water you and your family are drinking is high quality so you can stay healthy!

Other Natural Ways to Boost your Immunity

While you are drinking more water, you can do some other things to help your immunity.

1. Add some mint to your water. Did you know that mint works as an anti-inflammatory and can also bring more antioxidants to your diet? It is refreshing and a great way to boost your immune system with the water you are already drinking. Oh, and it brightens up your skin as well!

2. Grab some lemons and add those to your water! Not only does lemon create a fresh and fruity twist to your water, but it also brings vitamin C and potassium.

3. Be sure to get 30 minutes in a day of moving your body! Exercise is so crucial to maintaining a healthy immune system. Get your heart pumping and your joints moving!

4. The importance of sleep is something that people often forget. When you are not sleeping, it impacts your immune system and can go into attack mode when you are fighting something off. The best thing you can do when you are not feeling well is doing what you can to rest!

As you are going through these next few months, be sure to take these tips to stay as healthy as possible! Drink water, get out and move your body, and make sure you are mindful of what you are putting in your body! Have a safe and enjoyable December!

Learn more about whole house water filtration systems that improve the quality of the water your family drinks, cooks with, and uses every day.

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Have you noticed that your skin may be a bit dry and your hair doesn’t fall the way you desire? You should consider how water quality affects your skin! You may have heard of “hard water” in your home. What exactly is hard water? It refers to high amounts of magnesium and calcium in your water. These minerals can have negative impacts on your hair, skin, and nails. They can also have major impacts on other aspects of your home. Some things you may notice are buildup on appliances, faded clothing, and stains in your toilet or bathtub. If these minerals can wreak havoc on several hard materials in your house, imagine what it is doing to your skin! Hard water can give you short and long term, damaging issues in your home and on your body. Getting a water softener or other product can help combat this. Oh, and not to mention getting rid of your hard water could end up saving you some money! That’s right… When your appliances are more efficient, and you don’t need to take as long of showers to get the shampoo out of your hair, you will be able to start saving some money!

Skin and Hair

Healthy and glowing skin and hair are important to all of us. Did you know that our water has a big impact on both? The biggest giveaway to knowing if you have hard water is when your skin gets super dry. Those who already have dry skin will notice this even more. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, hard water will elevate these conditions. If you do not have any of these issues and start to see that your hands are dry and even cracking, you may need to look at the quality of your water and where it is coming from. Did you know that some of these minerals can actually seep into your skin and absorb the moisture? When this happens, you will have cracked, and dry skin left. And have you considered what is making your acne get worse? Have you noticed your skin breaking out more than normal? Don’t overlook your water on this one, either! Low-quality water could negatively affect your skin by causing major breakouts due to the pH level. The water itself is not always causing the breakouts or acne, but it could definitely have the ability to aggravate it and make it worse! When the quality of your water is low, your hair will pay the price. The water may not run through your hair in the best way, and you will start to get build up. Even with the best conditioner, your hair will still have the potential to break. If you are paying hundreds of dollars to get your hair colored, make sure you invest in your water quality. You may notice the color fading quicker as well, which can be annoying, to say the least! If you are noticing brittle hair, or even some hair loss, that could have something to do with your water as well! And the last thing that anyone wants to deal with is dandruff! Hard water can cause your scalp to be itchy and dry, causing this embarrassing and uncomfortable situation. If you are having any of these symptoms, the next step is to get your water tested!

Get your Water Tested

If you have these symptoms, you may be wondering what the next step is. If you are noticing that your skin is extra dry or your hair just doesn’t have that shine anymore, getting your water tested is the next step. There are so many different systems that you can have installed to help with low-quality water. Figuring out the exact issue is the first step. We will do a full water test to figure out what minerals are present if you have hard water, where it is coming from, and the solution. Is it affecting your appliances as well as your body? Are you noticing a bad smell or any other signs that can tell you what it is? Crystal Clear Water will come to your home and perform a simple water test. We will be able to check for sulfur, iron, hardness, tannins, nitrates, and pH. This will give us a much better idea as to what product would best suit your home. If hard water is the issue, a water softener can greatly impact your skin, hair, and nails! Once a water softener is in, you will notice a huge difference with your body and different aspects of your home! From brighter clothing coming from the dryer to more efficient appliances, you will see improvements everywhere.

Learn more about Cape Coral water softener installation to reduce hard water minerals that can leave skin feeling dry and irritated.

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It is official; we have made it to winter! No matter where you live, you may have noticed the temperatures are dropping, and winter is setting in. Did you ever think about how the weather affects your water? Weather can affect your water in ways you may not have realized. Depending on where you live and where you get your water from, the weather could negatively impact you.

Technically, weather can affect your water year-round. If you are in a drought, dealing with intense rainfall, or in the middle of a blizzard, you will have a change of some sort. The main aspect that you want to stay on top of is the quality of your water. Weather can create freezing issues, contaminant overflow, and unfortunate taste and smells.

What Does Rain do to Water?

Regardless of where we live, rain is a necessity. But have you thought about the negative consequences that ran can have on our water? One major problem that can happen all over the country is runoff. Runoff occurs in both urban and rural areas, and contaminants begin to spread through this process. It may be coming from storm drains, while rural areas can hold more pesticides from the land. When the rain is heavy, it can bring these chemicals and harmful pesticides with it to your drinking water. This is such an important factor when deciding if you need a filtration system. These systems work to filter out harsh chemicals as well as unwanted minerals in your water. If you get your water from a well when is the last time you had it tested? You should have your well tested on an annual basis to see if any new particles are entering.

What Happens to my Water During the Winter?

Cold weather can impact your water depending on where you live. If you live up north, you have already realized the annoyance of freezing pipes. Pipes can freeze when your water gets below a mere 40 degrees. That does not even sound like it is that cold, but it can damage your pipes if you don’t take proper precautions.

You may also notice a big drop in water pressure. If you are not monitoring your water temperatures and fixtures, you could start to see this happen. Water pressure can change if there are problems with your pipes or your filtration systems are not operating the correct way.

One thing that a lot of people deal with during the cold weather months is dry skin. Without humidity, we realize that our body needs to adjust and that hard water can be a culprit to making things a lot worse. Hard water, in general, can be so tough on your hair and skin. It can cause your skin to be dry and your hair to be frizzy and lose its shine. Getting a water softener can be an absolute dream come true this winter!

Dry Season!

We don’t always think about what the hot weather can do to our water, but it can do a lot in reality. When we don’t have the necessary rainfall, the level of contaminants can go up! This goes back to where you live. If you are in a more urban area, you can expect more industrial chemicals. While rural areas will contain more pesticides. You may notice that the quality of your water could go down during the dry season as well. If you notice your water smelling bad, tasting different, or having an off-color, be sure to have it checked.

What you Can Do

Do you already have a water filtration system in place? If not, you may want to consider getting a water softener or a reverse osmosis system. a water softener is great all year round, but especially in the colder season. If you have hard water (high levels of calcium and magnesium), you will have to deal with dry skin and hair all the time! A softener will help you feel better all around! It also helps with the plumbing by keeping the buildup out of your pipes! Not to mention, it can prevent the negative effect that your hard water could have on your appliances! Lastly, it can get your clothes cleaner and brighter by making the washing cycle much easier on your materials.

Reverse osmosis is a great way to ensure your water quality is high, despite what season we are in. If you are dealing with runoff from rainfall or contaminants from a dry season, you need to get a system that will help filter that stuff out. A RO system can efficiently remove dissolved substances. These systems are good for the environment, benefit your health, and are way better tasting! If you want to remove all those harmful chemicals and particles from your water, you can look into this product for your home!

No matter what season we are in, there is always a chance that the weather can affect your water. Be sure to get it tested on an annual basis and look into different systems that can help keep it clean all year long!

Learn more about whole house water filtration systems and well water treatment for changing water conditions in Southwest Florida.

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Are you aware of how important the quality of your water is? You may think that your water quality is only important when it comes to drinking. But think of all the ways that you use your water! Drinking, bathing, cleaning, washing clothes, and cooking; The quality of your water can affect all these things! If you are someone who loves to cook but can’t figure out why it tastes a little bit off, you may want to consider checking out your water. Over 75% of homes in America tend to have hard water. Hard water can cause all sorts of negative impacts in your home and on your body; cooking being one of them!

Hard Water

Hard water consists of high levels of calcium and magnesium. Although you may not see them, they can have a big impact on what you are making for dinner! Pour some of your tap water into a pot and examine it. Does it have a bad odor to it? Does it taste bad when you take a sip? This could be because of the amount of chlorine or other chemicals in your water. Think about what you use this water for! When you go get groceries, you may have to come home and clean the fruits and vegetables; but do you know what you are cleaning it with? Did you know that the water you are cleaning and cooking with can actually absorb into the food? This applies to many of the foods that you cook and the food you plan to boil. It is very important that you filter the water prior to using it for your food.

Hard water also can increase cooking time! If you are in a rush and you are trying to get a full meal cooked, hard water could delay things from getting done as soon as you’d like. The water takes longer to boil, and it has the potential to increase the boiling point. If you are a big pasta or rice fan, these two dishes may take a bigger hit from the hard water. They can absorb the water and have a bad taste, and it could also affect the texture making it harder or tougher than it needs to be.

Baking

When water is not very good quality, it can have a big effect on your baked goods! Calcium and magnesium from hard water have the ability to change the structure of your ingredients. Gluten, yeast, and other ingredients can change due to the water. Low-quality water can cause the yeast to become rubbery and make the dough tough to bake with. At the same time, water that is too soft can make the dough sticky! Baking is an art form, and every aspect of the dish needs thought put into it.

Hard water is more alkaline and can slow the fermentation process of the yeast. Although not everything is visible, this dramatically affects the look, feel, and taste of whatever you are baking.

Solutions

There are a few things that you can do to help remedy this situation. We all want to make sure that our water quality is at its highest! When we become concerned with things like our food and drinks tasting better, we need to figure out what is causing it to taste the way it does. If you are dealing with hard water, a water softener would be a great option. This helps to remove the harsh chemicals and will result in better-tasting water. When your food absorbs the water, it will not have to deal with the chemicals and will taste much better in cooked and raw foods. This will also help the water to boil faster and taste better in rice and pasta foods.

If you are dealing with bad odors and you can see things in your water, you can look at a few different options. Reverse osmosis is a good option that will ensure your water is clean, free of impurities, and have a much better taste. You will notice a huge difference in your teas, coffees, soups, or anything linked right to water. But, you will also taste the freshness come back in your main cooked dishes as well. A lot of commercial kitchens use Reverse osmosis systems to make sure that their water quality is top-notch.

If you get frustrated and concerned with your cooking taste, consider factors as to why it could be tasting the way it is. Have your water tested to determine what chemicals you are dealing with and decide what the best option would be moving forward! High-quality water can have an amazing impact on the taste of your food.

Learn more about whole house reverse osmosis systems for cleaner water that can improve the taste of food, coffee, ice, and drinks.

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Are you a plant enthusiast? Plants offer so many benefits to our everyday lives and can brighten our homes on the inside or outside. As you continue to add to your plant collection, you may want to consider how you are caring for them.

You may know the basics, which are soil, water, and sunlight. But you may need to dive a little deeper if your plants are not thriving the way you had hoped. Did you know that the type of water you are feeding your plants is very important? There are many different water types that you could be feeding your plants that are not the best fit. Although it may seem “clean” to you, it may not be what that particular plant needs.

Here are some types of water you may be feeding your plants and their effect on the growth.

Rainwater: Rainwater seems like a no brainer, as plants’ natural home is outside; with rainwater as its main source. It is already soft and free of chlorine. If possible, try and collect rainwater for your indoor plants as well. If you want free water that is great for plant growth, consider finding different ways to collect the rainwater.

Tap Water: Tap water contains salts and chlorine that are not beneficial for your plants. Although this water is okay for human consumption, plants will not grow as well with these chemicals in the water. Also, be sure to test your water. If you have city water, it may be more regulated, so it would be good to know what exactly is in your water before you drink it or give it to your plants.

Bottled Water: If you have bottled water, you may be able to use it on your plants. Bottled water contains certain minerals that are useful to plants. It also does not have any fluoride, which could stunt growth in your plants. This is, however, expensive and doesn’t always make the most sense in the long run.

Softened Water: You may have a softener in your home to help with a ton of things! Softeners are great with keeping your appliances efficient, your clothes brighter, and your water taste better. But that does not mean it is the best option for your plants. Softened water often contains sodium carbonate, which may cause your plants to not grow as well.

Hard Water: Hard water can create limescale all over your appliances and pipes. Magnesium and calcium tend to be very abundant in hard water and can become visible. When you water your plants with hard water, you may end up seeing the mineral build-up on the pots. It can also adjust the soil’s pH level, which could affect the growth of your plant.

How Often to Water Plants

It all depends on what type of plants you have and how much sunlight they are getting. You need to monitor them on an individual basis, but you can usually water them every 1-3 weeks. When you first buy your plants, do some research so you can gather some knowledge as to what the typical watering schedule is. You also need to test the dryness of the soil. If the top few inches of the soil is very dry, you will need to water it. You can also check the dryness of the plant from the bottom of the pot. If you see that your plant is starting to wilt or turn brown, you need to look at the soil, possible disease, or figure out if you are under or overwatering your plant.

You also need to consider the temperature of your home. If you live in a hot and humid environment or keep your temperature higher, you will notice your plants drying out faster. If you place your plants in a sunny room, they may also need more watering.

And another thing to look at is what kind of pot you are using for your plants.

Have you thought about what kind of pot you are going to use? Did you know that the type of pot can impact how much you need to water your plants? Certain pots have the ability to lose more water than others. When you choose your plants, you also have to choose the right pot to go along. Be strategic and ask questions. Does this plant need more or less water? Does this drain well? Is this pot too big or too small? The size of the pot also matters!

If you plan to add some new indoor plants to your home this year, be sure to do your homework! Get your water tested, and make sure you know how much water each plant needs. And try not to get discouraged! Not every plant is going to thrive every time! But if you are trying to figure out why yours won’t grow, start first with the type of water you are feeding it! Quality matters!

Learn more about reverse osmosis water filtration if you want cleaner water with fewer contaminants and dissolved solids.

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When you start to feel under the weather, you may go right to thinking that it’s a cold or the flu or something you ate. But what if you found out that it was something you were putting in your body every day? Water can have a serious impact on our bodies in so many ways. If we do not consume enough of it, we risk dehydration. Dehydration can cause us to become dizzy, irritable, and have fatigue. Extreme dehydration can cause fainting or hospitalization, so making sure we get enough water is very important.

If we are drinking a large amount of water with harmful chemicals, we could experience a very different reaction. Whenever putting something into your body regularly, even when it is something as simple and basic as water, make sure you know what is in it.

We need water! Water makes up about 80% of our bodies, and we need to make sure we are inputting whatever we put out. But how do we know if the water we are drinking is safe? How can we tell if we are getting good nutritional value out of the water we are putting in our bodies? You may start to notice a few things that seem off. But as a whole, water intake should make you feel good. Tap water is always up in the air because you do not always know what could be in it if you do not have a filtration system. If you are choosing to drink tap water, getting a filtration system is. A great idea so it can help to sift out harmful chemicals and particles. Bottled water is a good option when we are talking about what is sanitary. However, if you are an advocate for the environment, you may want to reduce the use of plastic in your home.

How to tell if your water may not be safe:

There are a few red flags to look out for with your water.

Ask yourself and others who have had the water…

-Does it taste metallic?

-Does it smell musky or fishy?

-Do you see particles in your water, or does it appear cloudy?

If you experience any of these things, your water could be harboring chemicals that could be making you sick! So why does this happen? If you are drinking from city water or well water that has not had proper testing, it could pass by without anyone knowing. City water has the potential to gather runoff chemicals, pesticides, or gather particles from old pipes and sewage systems. Contamination can happen anytime in our water systems, and if you notice that anything tastes or looks different, it is important to get it tested as soon as possible.

Well water has the potential of being extra hard. Hard water has high levels of calcium and magnesium. You will notice scale buildup on your appliances and particles in your water. There is also the chance you could have whatever is decaying in your soil end up in your water. The first step is still to have your water tested. This will let you know what exactly is in your water and a potential remedy to it.

Can chemicals in water cause allergies?

If you or your family members are experiencing allergies, asthma, or eczema, did you know that it could be from chemicals in your water? The biggest culprit to creating allergies from your water is chlorine. Chlorine is to help purify the water in a lot of instances. But over time, studies have shown that some people’s immune systems cannot deal with the amount of chlorine in the water and causes them to have skin irritants and asthmatic symptoms.

Depending on where your water comes from, it could also be carrying around pollens and other allergens in it that you are trying to avoid. If you have city and well water and are not filtering it in your home, there is potential for this to happen. If you or anyone in your home usually has common allergens, look into the possibility of your water!

Tap water also has the potential to give you skin breakouts if the pH level is not where it needs to be. When your water has a high pH number, you will find that it is more alkaline, and a lower pH level shows that it is more acidic. Hard water is a known culprit causing your skin to become dry due to the calcium, magnesium, and iron in it. When you get your water tested for chemicals and bacteria, you can also get it tested for pH levels. These tests will better help you determine what is in your water and if a filtration system is what you need to keep you and your family as healthy as possible.

Learn more about whole house water filtration systems that help address common water quality concerns in your home.

Water quality can no longer be taken for granted.

And its quality varies from place to place and even house to house. A variety of factors can affect how your water tastes, smells, feels, and works in and around your home. Well, water quality, possible contamination, an aging water distribution system, violations of federal drinking water standards, and a home’s plumbing are examples of things that can affect a home’s water supply. Some water problems may not be as obvious as others. Below, we have listed the water problems commonly seen locally, but we need to test your water to determine if water treatment is necessary and which option is right for you.

Hard water contains dissolved calcium, magnesium, and in many cases, iron. Most homes in Florida have hard water, whether a private well or a municipality supplies it. In many cases, homeowners don’t realize they have hard water or the constant and expensive harm it causes.

Dry skin and hair, bathtub ring, spots on glass, silverware and fixtures, dull, dingy clothing, disappointing performance, and a shortened life expectancy of water-using appliances are all problems frequently caused by hard water.

A Crystal Clear Water Softener will solve your hard water problems.

The Presence Of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), among other factors such as sulfur, iron, and the presence of other chemicals, can lead to rotten eggs, fishy and chlorine odors in your water.  Crystal Clear Water System can remove all kinds of impurities and any sulfur smell in your water. We have multiple systems based on your water problems. Check out our fantastic Gen V sulfur filter system.

In its pristine state, water is colorless, tasteless, and odorless. So, if your Florida water tastes or smells funny, you owe it to yourself to find out why.

• Earthy or musty taste and odor: These types of complaints are generally the result of compounds released due to decayed vegetation and are typically associated with different algae forms. While not toxic, they are nonetheless unpleasant and can be offensive at very low concentrations.
• “Rotten egg” smell: Another common source of smelly water is hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless corrosive gas that has the characteristic odor of rotten eggs. If present in high enough concentrations, it can leave an unpleasant odor on hair and clothing. It can also accelerate the corrosion of metal parts in appliances. Find out how much sulfur is safe to drink.
• Metallic taste: As the name implies, a metallic taste in your water indicates the presence of metals such as iron, copper, manganese, or zinc. Iron and manganese are often naturally occurring and are predominately found in groundwater. Copper and zinc can come from an aging water distribution system or the corrosion of copper plumbing and brass fittings. Learn about the permissible amounts of trace elements.

A Crystal Clear Water Whole House Water Treatment System or Crystal Clear Water Drinking Water System can solve your taste and odor water issues.

Water is a natural solvent, and given the needed time and conditions, it will dissolve anything it comes in contact with. That’s why, depending on where you live, your water can contain iron or manganese, which can cause rusty-orange or black staining. You’ll see the stains on clothes, fixtures, sinks, tubs, water-using appliances, and toilets.

A Crystal Clear Whole House Water Filter / All In One will eliminate water staining problems.

Since the 1850s, chlorine has been used to kill harmful bacteria in water itself or the pipes that transport it. Although it has helped end a number of major threats to public health and is essential at the treatment plant and in the water distribution system, it is no longer necessary once the water reaches your home.

Though chlorine in Florida is vital for stopping the spread of disease, its benefits come at a price. Chlorine tastes and smells bad. It dries skin and hair, fades clothes (bleach is made of chlorine), and can dry out the rubber seals in appliances, shortening their lives.

Remove chlorine or chloramines from your water with a Crystal Clear Water Filter or a Crystal Clear Drinking Water System.

Dissolved or suspended solids usually cause cloudy, murky, or grayish water. This is also known as “turbidity.” Water can become turbid naturally or from land disturbances such as construction, storms, and urban runoff.

The turbidity of your water can range from low to high. But even if your water looks clear, it could still contain a high level of dissolved solids. That’s why, whether your water is turbid or not, we recommend you have it tested. There are a few options to treat this type of water, depending on if you want to treat all the water in your home or just your drinking water.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there could be as many as 12 million cases of waterborne acute gastrointestinal illness annually in the United States alone. These illnesses are frequently caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that make their way into the water supply. Even well-operated, state-of-the-art treatment plants cannot ensure that drinking water is entirely free of microbial pathogens. Learn more about safe drinking water.

A Crystal Clear Drinking Water System or a Crystal Clear Specialty Water Treatment System will rid your water of troublesome contaminants.

Remineralizing Filter to remineralize your water and regulating your ph.

If you’ve been researching the purchase of a reverse osmosis system for your home, you’ve likely encountered the terms Remineralized Water & Alkaline Water. Speaking from a strict chemistry perspective, these terms are often misused and misunderstood and the confusion they create can be frustrating for homeowners who just want to figure out which RO system to buy.

What does a Reverse Osmosis System remove?

It removes impurities and particles larger than .001 microns!

Basic components common to all Reverse Osmosis Systems.

Remineralized Water is water that has had some mineral content added back to it. The reverse osmosis process is non-selective – it removes the ‘good’ stuff like calcium, and magnesium, along with the ‘bad’ stuff like pesticides, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals.  The process of a remineralizing filter is the water adds back some of the good stuff. This is usually done with a post-filter that contains some form of calcium or magnesium. The most common substances used are Calcite (calcium carbonate) and Corosex (a magnesium compound). Some filters use a combination of both. The reverse osmosis treated water is passed through one of these filters where it dissolves some of the filtration media immediately before being dispensed. Calcite remineralizes will bring the pH to neutral (about 7.0) while Corosex will bring the pH above 7. Any liquid with a pH greater than 7 is referred to as a ‘base’ although the term alkaline has replaced this word in popular discussions.

Alkaline Water is a term that needs some explanation as it is often interchanged in popular media with the term basic. In the strict scientific definition, any solution that has a pH greater than 7 is basic. Alkalinity is the acid-neutralizing capability of a solution. A solution with a basic pH and low alkalinity can have the pH altered with only a small amount of acid added. A solution with basic pH and high alkalinity can absorb a higher amount of acidic material before the pH of the solution will drift downwards.

The health effects of drinking basic pH water and/or alkaline water are not firmly established in the scientific community. What has been established is that some people find reverse osmosis water that has been remineralized to be tastier. If you want to know how remineralized filter water vs. non-remineralized RO water tastes, have a sip of Dasani water and then have a sip of Aquafina.  Both are produced through the RO process.  Dasani has some mineral content added back in and Aquafina does not.

Reverse Osmosis Water

If you aren’t visiting our blog for the first time, you already know that reverse osmosis is the most commonly used technology to purify water.  In the process, water passes through a semipermeable membrane at relatively high pressure leaving almost all dissolved solids behind.

Various industries use RO water for their applications, but it can also be found in supermarkets in the form of bottled drinking water and many people have a ro water filter system installed under their kitchen sink.

Apart from the fact that the use of such a system increases the amount of water that gets wasted, there aren’t any drawbacks that come with it, except…

The Little Problem with Reverse Osmosis Water

Up to 99% of all Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are removed from water during the filtration process. This does not only include harmful substances such as chemical contaminants (e.g. medication residues), but also minerals that are essential for the human body like calcium and magnesium.

In other words, reverse osmosis water is severely demineralized. This could cause problems since according to the WHO in case of “calcium and magnesium water may provide up to 20% of the required total daily intake”. What’s more, due to industrial agriculture, deficient diets, impaired digestion, and high stress levels some people may already suffer under mineral deficiency.

Please Note

The goal of this post is not to frighten anybody and we absolutely don’t know whether or not drinking RO water over a long period of time will cause any health problems, we simply want to point out the issue and provide all the necessary information you need. By the way, there is no reason to worry about mineral deficiency in regards to other minerals, because the WHO also states that “For the majority of other elements drinking water provides less than 5% of total intake”. These elements include iron, zinc, copper, iodine, phosphorus, and chloride among others.

How to Add Minerals Back to Reverse Osmosis Water

A logical solution to demineralization would be to add essential minerals back into the water after filtration. You might now think that this must be a rather complicated process – but it’s not. But before we give you 5 options on how to remineralize filter water let’s take a closer look at calcium and magnesium, which hold the highest percentage of the required total daily intake (TDI) that is provided by water.

Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and accounts for 1.5 – 2.0% of our total body weight. Most of it is stored in the skeleton as a primary structural building block. Other functions of calcium are the regulation of enzymes and hormones, blood clotting, nerve transmission, and muscle/vascular contraction.

A decrease in bone mineral content, resulting in weaker bones and ultimately an increased risk for fractures are the consequences of long-term calcium deficiency.

The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 20mg/l and an optimum of about 40-80mg/l of calcium in drinking water for a maximum beneficial health effect.

Magnesium

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation. 20 – 28g of magnesium is stored in our body. About 60% of it is found in the skeleton and 1% in extracellular fluid. 300 enzymatic reactions depend on magnesium and the mineral is also essential for the development of our bones.

The WHO points out that magnesium deficiency has been implicated in hypertension and type II diabetes. A low magnesium intake has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The recommended minimum amount of dissolved magnesium in drinking water is 10mg/l and the optimum amount being 20-30 mg/l.

Remineralization Filter

Now that we know how important calcium and magnesium are, how do we manage to get them back into our drinking water?

Alkalinization Stage for your RO System

If your RO system does not already feature an alkalinization stage,  one probably can be added to it without too much effort. Browse the market for a model that uses food-grade quality minerals only. Depending on your water demand the minerals will last for 6 to 12 months before you need replacement.

Also, water temperature, flow rate, and pH level (before it enters the alkalinization stage) determine how much minerals are added back into the water.

Electrolyte Blends/Trace Mineral Drops

Electrolyte blends or trace mineral drops are an easy way to quickly add elements like copper, manganese, selenium, iron, and of course calcium and magnesium into your drinking water. These blends aren’t too expensive and available at every well-sorted supermarket.

But beware: Some blends have a more balanced mineral composition than others.

Mineral-Rich Sea Salt

Another inexpensive way to meet your daily nutritional requirements is to add knifepoint of mineral-rich sea salt, such as Himalayan Salt, to each gallon of filtered water. Don’t worry, it won’t taste salty. Himalaya Salt can provide you with more than 60 different trace elements.

Attention: A processed and inferior table salt, which contains almost only sodium and chloride is not sufficient.

Green Blends

Greens blends are derived from vegetables, grasses, herbs, and more and contain minerals, fiber, and also vitamins. They are not to everybody’s taste but provide an all-around solution to remineralize your body especially after you’ve worked out.

Unfortunately, greens blends that come in powder form are costly and therefore no long-term solution for most people on a budget.

Your Turn!

You now know about the key points of demineralization and have also learned how to add minerals back into RO water. It’s your turn to make up your mind and decide what you are going to do. If remineralization is important to you, there are 5 possible solutions you can choose from.

To learn more about RO click Here

Or if you have any further questions or would like to a professional you can visit our contact page or call  (239) 599-5762

Ozone is a gas comprising of three oxygen atoms. The gas will readily degrade back to oxygen, and during this transition, a free oxygen atom or free radical form. Ozone has a greater disinfection effectiveness against bacteria and viruses compared to chlorination.

CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER OZONE SYSTEMS

Reliable and effortless to operate, our ozone fully-automatic residential water treatment systems use the natural power of ozone to produce fresh, clean drinking water without harsh, toxic, and expensive chemicals. It is the modern answer for the control of hydrogen sulfide, iron staining, or iron and sulfur-reducing bacteria. Each system includes a cartridge air dryer to control moisture, even in humid climates. Will eliminate staining problems.  Where hard, scaling water presents a problem, an Ozone system softener will provide silky soft water free of iron, scale, and odors while keeping the media bed fresh and sanitized with natural ozone.

Traditional chemical-free sulfur/iron filters. These systems regenerate on-air oxygen and oxidize the sulfur. This process works to eliminate sulfur smell without chemicals and doesn’t kill bacteria. You can still get sulfur bacteria in the system. You still get algae or bacteria built up in the tank where the air pocket is. This process will foul your mineral or media out prematurely.

However, with our chemical-free sulfur/iron eliminator with ozone. This regenerates with ozone which kills bacteria rather than traditional air or oxygen. This will make your media in your tank last longer, meaning fewer problems, saving you money, less maintenance, and prevent water-borne disease.

With traditional softeners, they regenerate off salt and have an area at the top of the tank that always grows algae and bacteria. With the ozone system, you don’t have that issue. It kills bacteria and algae growth, which will make your system last longer and prevent water-borne disease.

Choose an ozone-enhanced catalytic carbon filter for odors, taste, and hydrogen sulfide filter for iron staining problems. Where hard, scaling water presents a problem, an Ozone system softener will provide silky soft water free of iron, scale, and odors while keeping the media bed fresh and sanitized with natural ozone.

Learn more about Cape Coral sulfur water treatment for rotten egg smell, sulfur bacteria, buildup, and well water odor problems.

You might be thinking about purchasing a water softener for your house, but you just are unsure why you would even need one. We have the answers for you below!

Hard water produces scale.

If there are stains or buildup on your sinks and bathtubs, if you have to use large amounts of soap to clean the dishes or wash your hair, or if your water tastes or smells odd, you probably have hard water. If left untreated, the minerals in hard water will cause yellow stains on plumbing fixtures and be deposited as scale. Eventually, this will clog the plumbing and shorten the life of appliances like washing machines, water heaters, and dishwashers. Scale deposits not only cut down on the efficiency of the appliances, but they also cost you money, increasing both energy and maintenance bills.

Water softeners eliminate the effects of hard water.

They work by removing the calcium and magnesium found in the water in your home. This extends the useful life of water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, coffeemakers, humidifiers, and household plumbing systems by as much as 30%.

Hard water can cause yellowish stains on toilets, bathroom fixtures, and even clothing, making them much harder to clean. Hard water on our bodies can cause skin irritation, including brittle hair and nails.

Soft water makes a difference you can feel and see all over the house.

In the Bathroom: Your soap and shampoo will lather better. Your hair and skin will feel noticeably cleaner, softer, and not as dry. Sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets will be free of soap scum or mineral deposits!

In the Laundry: Clothes will be softer, cleaner, whiter and brighter. Plus, they will last longer. Using soft water and pure soap products increases the life of clothing, towels, and linens. Without the hard water causing issues for the appliances, washing machines last longer, too.

In the Kitchen: Dishes will clean up easily and sparkle! This means no gray film that glasses get when they are etched by mineral-laden water. Plus, your hands will feel softer and look better.

Throughout the House: Water-using appliances will last longer and run better. Why? Because hot water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers used with hard water can wear out 30% faster. Your home will be easier to clean as the yellow tint from all the minerals and soap scum will be next to non-existent!

Most water contains more than water.

Almost all of the water found in the U.S. is hard water. Hard water is water that is contaminated with dissolved minerals – like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, lead, and limestone – that can have a negative impact on you, your household, and not to mention your pocketbook.  Depending on where you live, contaminants from sewage, industrial waster, and agricultural runoff can also seep into your water supply. But don’t worry, we sell items to help with keeping your water clear as well as soft!

If you are looking to invest in clear and clean water for your home, look no further! We have everything you could need for your entire home to have Crystal Clear Water straight from every faucet!

Learn more about Cape Coral water softener installation to protect plumbing, reduce scale, and improve water quality throughout your home.

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Crystal Clear Water’s Commercial Water Treatment Solutions brings together application engineering, innovative products, and technical service to reduce operating costs and improve customer experiences. For every use — from water that mists produce in grocery stores to hotel washing machines — Crystal Clear’s Commercial Solutions provides customers complete solutions that are cost-effective.

Customers In SWFL now understand how the water and soda should taste and what to expect for quality. The majority of restaurants locally have chlorine removal for these applications.   Soft water should be going through everything else. Your

The longevity of your boilers, dishwashers, steamers, silverware depends on it.

Here at Crystal Clear Water, we offer the same quality of service to our residential clients as we do for our commercial clients. This assures that you receive our highest quality of service for the lowest price in the area! Contact us today for our commercial water services.

You too can reduce your business’ operational costs by reducing hard water scale, which protects the plumbing system, fixtures, and equipment from unnecessary wear and, therefore, from premature maintenance/replacement. Virtually all commercial, industrial or institutional buildings can benefit from water softening systems, including schools, health clubs, restaurants, apartment/condominium buildings, hospitals/medical buildings, office buildings, car washes, laundries, nursing homes, hotels/motels, and factories, just to mention a few.

Learn more about commercial water treatment and filtration systems for businesses that need cleaner, more dependable water.

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Normal Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis

Osmosis is a physical force. It is the natural tendency of water with a low concentration of dissolved particles to move across a semi-permeable membrane to an area of water with a high concentration of dissolved particles. The water will try to reach an equilibrium on both sides. I.e. both sides of the semi-permeable membrane will have the same concentration of dissolved particles. This is how plants absorb nutrients from the soil.

Picture a tea bag placed in a mug of hot water. (The tea bag is the semi-permeable membrane). At first, the water is free of tea. However, with time, the tea will appear to seep from the tea bag into the mug. This is the process of osmosis. If you were to leave the tea bag in the mug for long enough, the concentration of tea inside the teabag would equal the concentration of tea outside the teabag.

The process of reverse osmosis requires that the water be forced through a semi-permeable membrane (the tea bag from the previous example) in the opposite direction of the natural osmotic flow; leaving the dissolved particles in the more highly concentrated solution.

In order for reverse osmosis to occur, the amount of force or pressure applied must exceed the osmotic pressure.

A semi-permeable membrane is at the heart of a reverse osmosis system

Reverse osmosis works through a technique called membrane separation. The membrane is permeable only to water molecules.

Two types of Membranes

CTA membrane – cellulose triacetate for use when the source water is chlorinated (very few of these are produced and US Water does not sell CTA membranes.

TFC membrane – thin-film composite for use when the source water has a high TDS (total dissolved solids) and/or the source water is non-chlorinated

Raw water enters a module housing the membrane system. The water is forced against the semi-permeable membrane and only clean water molecules pass through the pores in the membrane. Impurities are rejected and flushed away.

Crossflow Filteration

While the principles of reverse osmosis are simple the process can not run indefinitely unless steps are taken to ensure the membrane does not become clogged by impurities.

To significantly reduce the rate of membrane fouling, reverse osmosis systems employ crossflow filtration.

In conventional filtration, the entire water solution to be filtered is pumped through the filter media and all contaminants too large to pass through the pores of the membrane are trapped or retained on the surface.

In crossflow filtration, two exit streams are generated — a “concentrate” stream (reject water) containing those material which are rejected or do no pass through the membrane, and the “permeate” stream (product water) which has been pumped through the membrane, and passes to the tank.

The comparative size of particles

Various mineral salts, heavy metals, particular matter, some organic molecules, bacteria, and even viruses are rejected or repelled by the membrane surface based on their molecular or atomic weight. A second barrier, such as ultraviolet light, should be used if bacteria are present.

The ability of the membrane to reject or repel dissolved particles, while allowing water to readily permeate, is based on the incredibly small size of the multitude of pores that penetrate its surface. Such pores are able to reject substances as small as 0.0005 microns.

A micron (m) is a metric unit of length equal to a millionth of a meter, or 0.00003937 inch. A human hair is approximately 75 m in diameter. The smallest particle that can be seen with the naked eye is 40 m across The smallest bacteria is about 0.22 m while a virus is even smaller at 0.01 m.

Learn more about whole house reverse osmosis systems in Cape Coral for full-home water purification and better overall water quality.

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Every day 5.5milion people in the UK drink contaminated water. The water is polluted by a waste chemical that is a leftover product from aluminum manufacturing. This chemical is also used in the production of uranium, plastics, air conditioning, and rat poison. In certain forms, it is used in Prozac and Sarin nerve gas. Our government purposefully pollutes our drinking water. The chemical is sodium fluoride, the best way to allegedly keep your children’s teeth healthy.

For a long time, we have been brainwashed into thinking that fluoride is good for our teeth and that to consume it in our drinking water is a good thing. It’s even used in the water of soft drinks we consume. Its found in toothpaste in substantial amounts and is written on the sides of the packet to advertise the product. Because if it didn’t have it we wouldn’t buy it. We have been lead to believe it is something we need.

But do we actually know what it is and has it actually been proven to help our teeth? To answer that we have to take a look at where our fluoride actually comes from. To do that we have to look at the history of the aluminum industry. That’s right, not dentistry, but the history of aluminum manufacturing.

To extract aluminum from aluminum oxide the Hall–Héroult process is used. This process was discovered in 1886 by the American chemist Charles Martin Hall and by the Frenchman Paul Héroult in 1888. Hall also opened the first large-scale aluminum production plant, which later became ALCOA Inc. (Aluminum Company Of America).

In this process alumina, Al₂O₃ is dissolved in molten cryolite. This mixture is then electrolyzed by passing a direct electric current through it. The electrolysis process produces waste gases. The gases are primarily CO₂ and hydrogen fluoride. Hydrogen fluoride is a highly corrosive and toxic gas. The gases are either treated or vented into the atmosphere. The treated hydrogen fluoride is neutralized into its sodium salt, sodium fluoride.

In the past, this waste was very expensive to dispose of and was a hazard to the environment and human health. In early 1930?s when the gases were vented freely into the air, fluoride pollution caused widespread health and environmental troubles. The leading health professors of the time labeled fluoride as a poison that had a damaging effect on human health. In the rapidly growing industrial scene this was not good news for either industry or government, which was relying on industry for the economic and military power it was promising.

In October of this year (2010) red mud escaped into the countryside in Hungry, killing people and causing massive environmental destruction. Red mud is a waste product from producing aluminum just as fluoride is. The difference is fluoride cant be put in a pool and stored like red mud, it’s more difficult to dispose of. The industry realized this in the early 1900s. The fluoride gases caused widespread harm to people and the environment, as a result, the industry was being sued for the damage caused. It decided a safer way to dispose of fluoride was in our drinking water. If you were told red mud was good for you in small doses would you allow the government to add it to your water? Well, that’s what they have done with fluoride, and they actually have us believing its good for us!

It was certainly good for ALCOA, as all the lawsuits went away and they even GOT PAID for the fluoride they put in the water.

Lloyd DeEds, senior toxicologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1933 wrote  “It is a well-established fact that chronic intoxication may manifest itself in man as recognized abnormalities only after constant, or at least frequent, exposure over many years….The possibility of fluoride hazard should…be recognized in industry…where this element is discharged into the air as an apparently worthless by-product.”

Because of the damage caused by fluoride in the 1930s, the government was actually trying to remove it from the water because it was seen as a dangerous and harmful chemical.

However, In 1939 a scientist funded by ALCOA by the name of Gerald J. Cox stated that “The present trend toward complete removal of fluoride from water and food may need some reversal.”

The cause for this claim came from a lab experiment that Cox conducted in which he fluoridated some lab rats and came to the conclusion that it reduced the cavities found in them. Gerald’s proposal then was that this tasteless, colorless substance should be added to all drinking water to help protect the teeth of children. As you can imagine ALCOA was very happy with this result and were huge supporters of the idea suggested by their scientist. What followed was a huge public relations campaign that tried to convince the public of the health benefits of adding fluoride to the water supply.

In 1947 Oscar R. Ewing, a long-time ALCOA lawyer became head of the Federal Security Agency (later HEW), a position that placed him in charge of the Public Health Service. He then initialized a national water fluoridation campaign. Freud’s nephew, Edward Bernays conducted this PR campaign to promote fluorine ingestion on behalf of Ewing. By applying Freudian theory to induce public acceptance it became one of Bernays’s most successful campaigns.

“If you can influence group leaders, either with or without their conscious cooperation, you automatically influence the group which they sway.” Edward Bernays from his book Propaganda

By using this methodology Bernays persuaded doctors and dentists of the benefits of fluoride. From there the population followed the new advice of the doctors that they looked to for guidance and care.

The first use of adding fluoride to drinking water was undertaken by the Nazi party who added it to the drinking water of the ghettos and prison camps. They found through human experimentation that fluoride actually made people more docile and subservient as well as sterilizing them. So it was an effective way to dominate people while also reducing the population. This is why Germany fluoridated Poland’s water supply before they invaded the country!

Many of those Nazi scientists found their way to America and were granted immunity despite their crimes against humanity. They brought with them all their knowledge and information on the human experiments they carried out.

Evidence of the effectiveness of fluoride to decrease cavities is nonexistent. In fact, there is a vast amount of evidence that concludes that it is ineffective and also detrimental to our health when ingested.

Dr. John Colquhoun, former Principal Dental Officer for Auckland, New Zealand changed his mind about fluoride when his worldwide study revealed that dental decay was “slightly better in children in non-fluoridated areas”

DR. Limeback Ph.D. in Biochemistry and a practicing dentist states that “fluoride in water has the effect of delaying tooth eruption and, therefore, simply delays dental decay. There are numerous modern studies to show that there no longer is a difference in dental decay rates between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.” He adds “the families of children with rampant dental decay need professional assistance. Are they getting it? Children who grow up in low-income families make poor dietary choices and lack dental care. Untreated dental decay and lack of professional intervention result in more dental decay.”

There are no proven beneficial effects of sodium fluoride on teeth or the human body. There is a naturally occurring mineral found in foods that is called calcium-fluoride. This fluoride is not retained in the body like the poisonous sodium fluoride which slowly builds up over time.

Dr. E.H. Bronner nephew of Albert Einstein wrote in 1952 “Even in very small quantities, sodium fluoride is a deadly poison to which no effective antidote has been found. Every exterminator knows that it is the most effective rat killer. Sodium Fluoride is entirely different from organic calcium-fluoro-phosphate needed by our bodies and provided by nature, in God’s great providence and love, to build and strengthen our bones and our teeth. This organic calcium-fluoro-phosphate, derived from proper foods, is an edible organic salt, insoluble in water and assimilable by the human body; whereas the non-organic sodium fluoride used in fluoridating water is instant poison to the body and fully water-soluble. The body refuses to assimilate it.”

George Racey Jordan, in a speech in Washington, D.C. on February 17, 1956, said

The original claims for fluoridation came from the discovery that Texas children seemed to have fewer cavities, which after all, is not a contagious disease. It was assumed to be due to the natural high percentage of calcium-fluoride in the soil. This type of fluoride is not retained in the body like the aluminum waste product [sodium fluoride].

The big problem has been for the aluminum manufacturers to so present, as to transfer the idea, of supposed benefits, from the natural calcium-fluoride, over to the unnatural sodium-fluoride.

They used the big lie technique, that, A FLUORIDE ION, is a FLUORIDE ION, whether it is in combination with calcium or sodium, it would make no difference to humans. They are completely lost if they cannot hold the line on this one point.

Their case falls like a house of cards if it is ever universally understood that calcium-fluoride which is found in hundreds of ordinary foods, is not retained in the body, to poison one, like the artificial aluminum waste product which is harmful, because, like arsenic, it is retained in the body.

The effects of this poison on the body are as follows:

Dental fluorosis – Fluorosis is not just a cosmetic effect. The more severe forms are associated with an increase in dental decay. Most children with moderate and severe dental fluorosis seek extensive restorative work.

Fluoride promotes the development of bone cancer in young boys according to a recently published Harvard study. Dr. Elise Bassin acknowledges that perhaps it is the use of these untested and contaminated fluorosilicates that caused the over 500% increased risk of bone cancer.

It lowers birth rates, sperm count, and testosterone levels.

Research into neurological effects points to Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Attention Deficit Disorder and reduced IQ in children.

Adverse thyroid function: The recent National Academy of Sciences report (NAS: Toxicological Risk of Fluoride in Drinking Water, 2006) outlines in great detail the detrimental effect that fluoride has on the endocrine system, especially the thyroid.

Dr. Barry Durrant-Peatfield, a thyroid specialist, believes that fluoride is partially to blame for the high incidence of underactive thyroid problems (hypothyroidism) in Birmingham. He says, “There is no doubt that fluoride is enzyme disruptive and one thing it affects is thyroid hormones.” This is because fluoride interferes with the uptake of iodine crucial for the regulation of hormones.

Water in the West Midlands has been fluoridated for forty years. In 2003, the region topped the UK’s “fat list” with 22% of the population classed as clinically obese. Doctors are concerned that pregnant mothers ingesting fluoride from drinking water are predisposing their offspring to obesity.

In the US, an estimated 13 million women have been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, and drugs used to treat hypothyroidism were the second most prescribed medication in 1999.

So why would it be added to our water if all these risks are associated with it, and there are no proven benefits?

In a letter to the Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research, the research chemist Charles Perkins wrote “I have your letter of September 29 asking for further documentation regarding a statement made in my book, “The Truth about Water Fluoridation”, to the effect that the idea of water fluoridation was brought to England from Russia by the Russian Communist Kreminoff. In 1930?s Hitler and the German Nazis envisioned a world to be dominated and controlled by a Nazi philosophy of pan-Germanism. The German chemists worked out a very ingenious and far-reaching plan of mass control which was submitted to and adopted by the German General Staff. This plan was to control the population in any given area through mass medication of drinking water supplies. By this method, they could control the population in whole areas, reduce the population by water medication that would produce sterility in women, and so on. In this scheme of mass-control, sodium fluoride occupied a prominent place.

“Repeated doses of infinitesimal amounts of fluoride will in time reduce an individual’s power to resist domination, by slowly poisoning and narcotizing a certain area of the brain, thus making him submissive to the will of those who wish to govern him”.

So with this in mind what can we make of the UK government’s big fluoride push? Some areas of the UK have been fluorinated for a long time, but there are still many areas that aren’t fluorinated. Until 2009 Hampshire was one such area. In a test case to gauge public reaction, the government added the chemical to Hampshire’s water supply. Despite protests, the action went ahead and now more people are drinking polluted water.

This is just the start however, with the success of Hampshire the government is keen to spread the poison to other as yet nonfluorinated areas. A new law in 2003 allows health authorities to order private water companies to fluorinate the water supply. At present, about 5.5 million people drink fluoridated water.

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, and Italy have all banned the addition of fluoride to drinking water. So have Japan and India.

American packets of toothpaste now carry the following warning:

“WARNINGS: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek PROFESSIONAL HELP or contact a POISON CONTROL center immediately.”

An article in the Daily Mail (January 2010) stated that new research shows “Parents should use toothpaste with stronger concentrations of fluoride to prevent tooth decay in their children.”

This goes hand in hand with the advice I received from the local health visitor when my son was 2years old. She said that new research showed that you shouldn’t wash out the child’s mouth after brushing, that way they can swallow some toothpaste so they get ENOUGH fluoride.

So what are we to make of this? We have a chemical waste product that can seriously damage our body and mind. No scientific proof that concludes it provides any benefit for our teeth. A government that is very keen on adding it to all water supplies, and tells health professionals to advise us that our children should use more of it. While toothpaste packets contain poison warnings. If you still think this is a nice chemical to have in your body, enjoy your fluorinated Pepsi and continue to let your child with ADHD drink from the tap.

Learn more about reverse osmosis water filtration, one of the most advanced options for reducing many unwanted contaminants in drinking water.

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Learn more about our whole house water filtration systems and treatment solutions for homes in Southwest Florida.

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If you are looking at installing a water purification system, you might have come across the terms reverse osmosis and distilled water. You might wonder which system is better and the difference between the two. While both options provide pure, contaminant-free water, the methods for getting there are entirely different. There are differences between these water purification processes, and knowing these differences can help you determine which choice will give your family the best water!

Here we will break down for you the differences between reverse osmosis and distillation! Bottoms up!

Purified Water

First, we should spend a quick minute talking about what classifies as purified water. Purified water has undergone the process of distillation or reverse osmosis. To classify as purified, water needs to have less than 10 parts per million of total dissolved solids. Purified water is 99% devoid of all substances. While this means that no contaminants are present, unfortunately, no minerals are present. It is important to know that purified water does not have minerals when discussing the difference between reverse osmosis and distillation. Only one of these water purification processes adds the minerals back into the water.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis works to purify water by using a high pressure to force water through membranes. To understand how the process works, it helps to understand the concept of osmosis. Osmosis happens naturally to create balance. So when one side has more solutes (contaminants/solids) than the other side, the liquid will flow from one side to the other. This process makes the solution on both sides of the membrane the same. Reverse osmosis happens when water enters with a large number of contaminants. Pressure forces the contaminated water through a semipermeable membrane. The membrane allows water molecules to pass through but not impurities.

Our reverse osmosis system consists of four-stage membranes and a final carbon filter. The membrane removes all impurities in the water at a microscopic level. You can even add a mineral filter to put the essential minerals back into the water with a reverse osmosis system. With essential minerals, the water is healthier and tastes crisp and refreshing. Change filters annually to keep your water pure.

Reverse osmosis systems fit under your sink and hook to your home’s main water line, allowing you to have purified water from every faucet. When people say the water is “filtered,” this often refers to the process of reverse osmosis as it is literally filtering your water.

Distillation

Purification through distillation happens when you boil water. First, a distiller will boil the water, then collect the steam in a condenser and allow it to cool. As the temperature lowers, the steam will return to a liquid state allowing the drops of water to pass through a final carbon filter. The carbon filter removes any chemicals that may have boiled and condensed with the water. This process separates impurities, leaving the contaminants behind. When this process is complete, the water only has one part per million of dissolved solids. While this means no pollutants, it also means no minerals, leaving your water tasteless and flat.

Distillation is an effective method when removing dissolved solids in water, like minerals and salt. It is also effective at neutralizing certain microbes like giardia or Legionella. However, it isn’t a very effective process for removing chemicals that have a boiling point close to that of water.

While distillation is often not seen as a practical method for purifying water at home, you can purchase a countertop distiller for your home. However, each gallon takes 4-6 hours to purify, and your electric bill will go up due to the amount of power needed.

Does Reverse Osmosis Water = Distilled Water?

The short answer is no. It is easy to conclude that water purified by these methods is the same. After all, the idea is to remove contaminants and have pure water, right? However, reverse osmosis water and distilled water are not interchangeable. While both methods provide safe drinking water, distilled water and reverse osmosis water have different uses.

Distillation does not remove certain volatile chemicals (chloramines) as effectively as reverse osmosis. Distilled water is often used in places where minerals would be a problem—for example, aquarium water, steam irons, automotive cooling systems, or certain lab experiments. Water purified by reverse osmosis, on the other hand, is most commonly used for drinking water and is the standard purification method used in residential homes.

Final Thoughts

Both distilled and reverse osmosis water are forms of purified water. However, they are often used for different things and function differently. While both methods purify the water, they are not the same thing.

Here at Crystal Clear Water and Air, we support your family’s health through clean drinking water and clean air. We provide high-quality reverse osmosis filtration systems. In addition, we offer free water testing, so you know exactly what is coming out of your tap. Call today!

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Learn more about whole house reverse osmosis systems for clean, purified water at every faucet in your home.

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The sun is scorching, the temperature rises, and water is calling! You are preparing to hit the tap and quench your thirst. As your parched throat begs for relief, you imagine a nice, refreshing, cool glass full of … chloramines and chlorine? But, wait… What are those, and does it worry you they might be in your water? This is 2022, and you hope that your municipal water sanitation crew has quality water figured out by now. Chlorine and chloramine might sound similar, but they are two different water treatment processes. Here we will discuss chlorine vs. chloramine in your water!

Tap water undergoes quite the journey before shooting out of your kitchen sink. It comes from several sources, such as rivers, wells, and lakes. Before entering your home, chemicals treat it to remove toxins. This process is vital to ensure your drinking water is free of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.

Chloramines are the resulting love child of chlorine and ammonia. They are the more effective of the two water treatment processes. Many cities currently use chloramines instead of chlorine in water treatment. Just how prevalent is this love child in our water systems? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2016, one in five Americans drank chloramine-treated water.

We know you recognize a good glass of water when you pour one. You have standards for how your water tastes and what it contains. Anything short of the cool refreshing beverage you’re imagining, and you might spit right back out! That’s why we are bringing you information on chlorine vs. chloramine in your water and why it matters.

What is Chlorine, And How Does It Impact Tap Water?

Chlorine is the original disinfectant method used in US municipalities to treat water. Chlorine in water systems dates back to Jersey City in 1908. Chlorine is a dissolved gas put into tap water to kill microorganisms in the city’s water supply. It is often chosen because of its effectiveness and low cost.

What are the drawbacks to chlorine? Let’s talk about a few major ones.

First, while it isn’t toxic for everyone, the concentration of chlorine needed to treat public water successfully is high enough to kill your fish. And while large amounts of chlorine are not a death sentence for humans, in large amounts, it will irritate the skin and eyes and strip your hair of its natural oils.

Second, it doesn’t love company. If there is a high percentage of dirt or germs in the original water source, chlorine has difficulty fighting them off. The result is naturally-occurring organic compounds. When this happens, disinfection by-products (DBPs) form. DBPs can cause kidney and liver problems. In addition, some are carcinogenic after a lifetime of exposure.  

Third, while chlorine kills the icky bacteria, it also kills the good bacteria your body needs to function successfully. Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium fall victim to chlorine which could have long-term effects on your overall health and wellness.

Finally, it has commitment issues. Chlorine will disinfect the water but won’t stick around for long once exposed to air. After 24 hours, chlorine will dissipate from the water. This gives bacteria and other chemicals a chance for a sequel!

What is Chloramine, And How Does It Impact Tap Water?

A solution containing 5–parts chlorine and 1-part ammonia, chloramine is born when you mix ammonia with chlorine. The ammonia works to keep the chlorine gas in the water for a longer time. As mentioned before, chlorine dissipates quickly once exposed to air, so chloramine solves this problem. In addition, it is less volatile, meaning it is more successful at warding off toxins found in water throughout the water’s journey to the tap. In addition, chloramine is less reactive with naturally-occurring organic matter. Therefore, it produces fewer DBPs.

While it does have some advantages over chlorine, it still falls short in a number of areas. When a city switches over to a chloramine-based system to comply with DBP regulations, pipe corrosion inhibitors also go up. This is because chloramine-treated water is more corrosive than chlorine-treated water.

Why is corrosion in the pipes a problem? Just look at Washington, DC. The city did not properly increase the level of pipe corrosion inhibitor when switching to a chloramine-based disinfection system in early 2000. The result was a 5-year lead contamination crisis resulting in more than 42,000 children under the age of 2 exposed to high lead levels, putting them at significant health risk.

Even if pipe corrosion is not a problem, chloramine still causes issues. For example, water should be chloramine free when used for baking, dialysis, aquariums, and even craft brewing.

Finally, chloramine’s staying power is a double-edged sword. While chloramines remain in your water for longer than chlorine (yay for suppressing bacteria growth), they also take days, if not weeks, to wear off. If you appreciate the chemical removing toxins from your water but don’t appreciate it enough to want to drink it, you’re out of luck!

What if I Don’t Want to Drink Chlorine and Chloramine In My Tap Water?

We know that sometimes the downsides to chlorine and chloramines are enough to make you want to remove them from your tap water entirely. If you want assurance that the water you are drinking is truly pure and clean, there are different methods to remove chlorine and chloramine from your drinking water.

Most people often opt for bottled water first. It can be a good option, but you should know that the EPA regulates tap water and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes care of bottled water. The FDA and EPA have different ideas on what is “safe,” and most argue that the EPA’s standards are more stringent. Often you can find chlorine or chloramines in bottled water. In addition, bottled water isn’t the best choice for the environment. Tragically, more than 60 million plastic bottles get produced, transported, and disposed of in the U.S.A daily.

An excellent alternative is a whole home water filtration system. It is important to do your research before choosing your filtration system because each system offers protection from different bacteria and toxins. First, you may want to see what exactly is in your water. A free water analysis will provide you with this information.

A high-quality reverse osmosis system will provide long-lasting filtration. Our reverse osmosis system removes up to 99.8% of the chemicals in your water. In addition, a reverse osmosis system has multiple filters and carbon-containing pre-filters that work in conjunction to remove chemicals. Crystal Clear would love to bring clean, refreshing, hydrating, quality water to your taps! Now you have a better understanding of chlorine vs. chloramine in your water. Bottoms up!

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Learn more about whole house water filtration systems that help reduce chlorine, chloramine, and other water quality concerns.

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Guess what…? One of the best things to do to impact the environment involves something you do daily: drinking water. Yep, you heard us. Limiting the size of your geographical footstep begins at home. Not many people know how home water filtration helps the environment. So today, we will discuss the many benefits of it! Not only is clean, filtered, fresh water better for your health, but it is also better for the planet’s health. Water filtration systems reduce pollution, waste generation, and resource use.

Luckily, home water treatment systems make achieving a more sustainable lifestyle more accessible and more affordable. So if you worry about the quality of your drinking water but don’t know what option is best, you are at the right place.

Today, we will discuss how home water filtration helps the environment.

Poppin’ Bottles

500 billion plastic bottles – More than 66 times as many bottles as humans on the planet. This is how many plastic water bottles we throw away each year.

Most people turn to bottled water when seeking a clean water alternative. Water bottle companies spend countless dollars on propagating the message to the general public that bottled water is superior to tap water. However, this is a common misconception. Several environmental studies reveal that bottled water is by no means safer than tap water. A recent study conducted by Orb Media revealed that 93% of the 11 popular water bottle brands in America contain microplastic contamination. An average of 10.4 plastic particles per liter of water – is twice the amount in tap water!

So, the water quality is not superior, but the waste generated by these plastic bottles is.

Data collected by the World Wide Fund for Nature shows that people use 1.5 million tons of single-use plastic bottles annually. Not only are billions of plastic bottles manufactured, but a single-use plastic bottle takes an estimated 450 years to degrade in a landfill. Even after 450 years, plastic never decomposes. Instead, it is slowly broken down into tiny pieces called microplastics. In addition, as the bottle decomposes, it releases harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater.

Landfills aren’t the only place plastic ends up; researchers predicate that in 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. Currently, 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans annually. As mentioned before, plastic never completely decomposes. So, all the plastic pollution in the water gets broken down by the sun, salt, and waves. Once broken down, it is impossible to remove.

Yes, people have the option to recycle. However, studies show Americans only reuse and recycle a tiny 23% of the 50 million water bottles generated annually. Worldwide the number of those who recycle is even smaller, coming in at a measly 9%. If only one person opted to use a water filtration system versus single-use plastic water bottles, we could save 156 bottles annually.

Energy and Resources

It may seem that drinking tap water is better for the environment than buying plastic water bottles might be obvious. But did you know that plastic water bottle waste is a small part of plastic water bottles’ environmental impact? To produce a single-plastic water bottle or container requires five times the energy it takes to create tap water. This is because plastic goes through an extensive washing, heating, and cooling process before packaging. In addition, recycling single-use water bottles are also wasteful as the process requires high volumes of petroleum oil.

Creating plastic water bottles requires an estimated 17 million barrels of petroleum oil and 16.25 billion kilowatts per hour of electricity. National Geographic shows that 1 billion plastic bottles consume 24 million gallons of oil. Petroleum products form through the separation of fossil fuels. Fossil fuel-based resources are scarce and finite – eventually, we will run out. All these resources go to producing, transporting, and storing the bottles. Creating 1 liter of plastic water bottle water requires 3 liters of water.

Finally, a home water filtration system saves resources by improving the lifespan of your appliances. Scale build-up from hard water damages electrical appliances, slowing them down and shortening their lifespan. The shorter lifespan results in more appliance purchases and replacements, resulting in more waste. A home water filtration system or water softener reduces scale-build up and the number and rate of appliances ending up in landfills.

Saving Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is truly one of the biggest threats humanity faces today. You might think water is everywhere, and you’re right – it is. 70% of our planet’s surface is water. However, only 3% of the water on earth is drinkable, and 2% of that is the water found in glaciers and ice caps, resulting in constant water shortages in countries all around the world.

Home water filtration systems contribute to conserving scarce water resources in high-need areas by making freshwater safe to drink. They also help mitigate the risk of water scarcity. While in America, the idea of unsafe drinking water is not a big problem. However, our water consumption choices not only impact us but everyone else on the planet.

Many people have access to water, but not water that is safe to drink. 842,000 people die each year from diarrhea caused by consuming unsafe drinking water. In addition, 80% of the illnesses in developing countries result from unhealthy water and sanitation systems, resulting in one out of four deaths of children under the age of five.

What if the money spent on bottled water went towards developing better home water filtration systems? So clean and accessible drinking water could be a more achievable worldwide goal.

Reducing Disease

Tap water goes through a chlorination and fluoridation process. These processes reduce the bacterial load and make it safe for human consumption. Unfortunately, while these processes reduce the spread of certain diseases, they promote the spread of others. For example, chlorine consumption might correlate to cancer and low thyroid levels. The Environmental Protection Agency also links learning disabilities in children to drinking contaminated water. Through drinking quality, chemical-free water, we reduce the toll disease takes on our population and our planet.

In addition, a third of the water we use in our homes is from tap water. A water filter reduces this number significantly. When we consume less tap water, we strain our local water treatment plants less. Therefore, by drinking less tap water, we reduce the number of resources going to these water treatment plants.

Conclusion

Home water filters reduce the environmental toll in so many ways. Not only is clean, filtered water better for you and your family’s health, but also the planet’s health. Crystal Clear Water is an advocate for sustainability which is why we offer whole house and under-the-sink water filtration systems. Contact us today to join our mission to keep our water a pure and obtainable resource for generations to come! Share with your friends how home water filtration helps the environment, and start promoting environmental sustainability by using a home water filtration system.

Crystal Clear would love to bring clean, refreshing, hydrating, quality water to your taps! Bottoms up!

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Learn more about whole house water filtration systems that help reduce waste and improve water quality throughout your home.

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It is no big secret that the sunshine state of Florida has very hard water. A quick glance at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reveals that most groundwater running through Florida contains anywhere from 121 and 180 milligrams per liter of hard minerals. What does this mean? Florida’s water is very hard! Luckily, a salt-free water softener can remedy your hard water problems! First, let’s discuss what precisely hard water is and why you would want to fix the situation in the first place. Let’s dive into the best benefits of a salt-free water softener!

What is Hard Water?

In simple terms, hard water has a high concentration of minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium bicarbonates. Water doesn’t naturally contain large amounts of minerals. When discussing hard water, the hydrologic cycle comes into play. The cycle explains how water moves throughout the environment. Water molecules in rivers, lakes, and oceans evaporate to form clouds. The clouds then fall as rain. As a result, the ground absorbs the rain or runs into the rivers, lakes, and oceans. The minerals in the ground transform rainwater into hard water. Since water is a universal solvent (it can dissolve almost anything), it eats up anything found in the soil when absorbed. Water eats at limestone, a softer rock. When this happens, the water picks up much of the calcium and magnesium in the limestone. This process is how water becomes hard.

The process of creating hard water is why the hard water levels will vary depending on geographical location. For example, Florida has a high mineral concentration due to its “karstic” state. As a result, the majority of the land in Florida contains large concentrations of limestone. When the Florida ground absorbs the rain, it dissolves the limestone resulting in hard water.

Do You Have Hard Water?

A majority of homes in the United States have hard water. This is especially true if you live in a coastal state such as Florida, California, or Maine. You can usually tell if your water has extra minerals because it will taste and smell a little funky. It can also have a slight color, like a cloudy or murky hue. Other signs include:

Buildup on your faucet and the appliances in your home.

• Recurring plumbing problems.
• Dry skin and hair.
• An upset stomach.

What Is A Salt-Free Water Softener?

There are a couple of types of water softeners on the market: salt-based and salt-free water softener systems. What is the difference between the two? A salt-free option is not technically a water softener but a water conditioner or descaler. A water softener alters the chemical structure of water minerals through the descaling process, preventing solids from depositing in your plumbing. It crystalizes calcium and magnesium without removing the minerals from the water. On the other side, a conventional water softener adds salt and removes minerals through a process called an ionic exchange. It replaces the hard minerals like magnesium and calcium with soft minerals like potassium and sodium (salt).

Benefits of a Salt-Free Water Softener

Let’s discuss the many benefits of a salt-free water softener!

1. Health Conscious

Because a salt-free water conditioner does not have any chemical or salt-based additives, it is a better choice for health-conscious homeowners.

2. Hello Gorgeous!  

If you regularly scrub your hair in hard water, you probably don’t realize that your skin and hair can be so much softer. Not only does soft water improve the texture and health of your skin, but it also prevents skin problems. So if you regularly blame your poor soap for your brittle locks and flaky skin, maybe take a second look at your water.

Hard water is hard on hair because the mineral ions in the water prevent the water from being fully soluble with soap and shampoo. The result is a buildup of soap scum, causing your hair to look damaged and become brittle. A water softener enables you to enjoy a deeper cleanse and a full rinse because no m minerals are messing with the soap particles or natural oils on your scalp or skin!

3. Good-Bye Maintenance

Industry professionals praise the salt-free option because of its undemanding maintenance. Once installed, the system’s only needed routine care is changing the sediment filter annually. On the other hand, salt-based water softeners require you to fill the tank halfway with salt and continually monitor the salt level to keep it at least three inches above the water level.  

Industry excerpts highly recommend checking and resetting salt levels at least once a month, if not more. In addition, salt-based water softeners usually have chronic breakdowns due to salt bridges. Salt bridges are salt layers formed in the brine tank. They prevent the water softener from working if they are not disintegrated or dissolved.

4. Keeping Your Wallet and the Environment Green

First, salt-free water softeners do not trap any materials. Therefore, they don’t need a cleaning cycle to remove captured ions. This means no wastewater purging minerals from the resin bed and no extra electricity to run a cleaning cycle. Better for the environment and way better for your electricity bills.  

Second, it makes your hot water tank’s job way more manageable. The same calcium buildup in your bathtub and sinks is also in your hot water tank. The more buildup, the harder your hot water tank has to work, resulting in more energy to keep water hot or cold and, again, a higher electricity bill. In addition, mineral congestion inside pipes can narrow the area where water moves through, requiring a higher pump pressure and costly repairs when the pump or pipes can’t handle the stress anymore.

For additional facts about the impact of hard water, check out our article on the hidden costs of hard water!

5. So Soft… Laundry!  

Another benefit of a water softener is how good it feels on your clothes! A water softener will reverse the adverse effect of hard, mineral water on your clothes and keep them feeling softer, cozier, and lasting longer.

6. Fresh Drinking Water

If you ever experienced an earthy or metallic taste from your drinking water, it could be due to hard minerals. Of course, everyone has unique preferences when it comes to drinking water. However, many people enjoy the taste of soft water over hard water because it is free of minerals that could alter the taste of the water.

Disadvantages of Salt-Free Water Softeners

Here at Crystal Clear Water, we believe in total transparency and honesty with each of our customers. So let’s briefly discuss a key disadvantage to having a salt-free water softener.

No Good For Well Water

Sadly, salt-free water systems do not work when it comes to the very place hard water is most prevalent: well water. This is because well water often has moderate to high levels of manganese and iron, and sadly these minerals render salt-free water conditioners utterly useless.  

The science behind it is iron coats the TAC media. The TAC media is in the water tank and uses a specially coated bead resin technology called Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) to make hard water minerals form micro-crystals that stay suspended in the water. The water with iron and manganese, the magnesium and calcium ions bounce off of the anti-scale media and flow into the household plumbing, creating scale formations as they go.

A Little Extra Knowledge About Water Filtration

A salt-free water softener helps protect your home and your hair. However, it will not remove other harmful contaminants like chlorine or lead from your water supply. Therefore, it is important to also invest in a water filtration system to truly reap all the benefits of contaminant-free water!

We Are Here To Help!

If you believe a salt-free water system is for you, reach out to us today. We are happy to give away professional, free water testing, so you know exactly what is in your water before purchasing. We want to ensure your home has the right system for your water needs.

Interested in what’s happening in the refreshing world of water? See where we are making a splash on Facebook and Instagram!

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Learn more about salt-free water softening systems and alternatives for improving water quality in your home.

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You’ve probably heard the term reverse osmosis when it comes to water. Maybe you are currently considering purchasing a reverse osmosis filtration system for your home.  You may not be precisely sure what the term ‘reverse osmosis’ means. Perhaps your 10th-grade biology teacher discussed the term ‘osmosis’ in great detail. However, chances are you don’t fully remember what it means. Not to worry, returning to high school is not necessary to get a quick refresher on your terminology.

So to help you decide if a reverse osmosis filtration system is right for you, we will share some pros and cons. And let’s take a minute to refresh your memory on the term osmosis while we are at it.

What is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is what happens when pushing water through a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane is a microscopic filter that only allows the tiny water molecules to get through. The smaller water molecules go through while the filter blocks larger molecules. Larger molecules can be a variety of organic materials, even salt. The microscopic pores remove contaminants and dissolved substances from within the water.  

Unlike other filtration systems, it does not use chemicals or carbon filters to clean your water. In addition, reverse osmosis does not require thermal energy but uses pressure to filter the water.

When It Comes To Water Filtration, How Does Reverse Osmosis Work?

Time for a quick science lesson. In simple terms, osmosis is nature’s way of creating balance. Osmosis takes place when molecules pass through a membrane from a lower-concentrated solution into a higher-concentrated one. Reverse osmosis is the same basic concept. Except it involves adding a stronger pressure to move the water molecules out of the higher concentrated solution (contaminated water) into the weaker solution (pure water).

What Does A Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System Remove?

A reverse osmosis water filtration system will remove a vast number of contaminants. Viruses, nitrates, bacteria, fluoride, sulfates, and arsenic all stand no chance. On the other side, the system also removes healthy minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Unfortunately, your body needs these minerals. The systems are so effective that they purify water with a 99% or higher filtration efficiency rate.

However, a reverse osmosis system does not remove chlorine and will not soften your water very efficiently. That is why reverse osmosis systems often work in combination with carbon filters. The activated carbon will remove additional contaminants that the reverse osmosis system misses. Some contaminants it helps remove are pesticides, herbicides, chlorine bi-products, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Pros of a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

We now have a solid understanding of a reverse osmosis water filtration system and how it works. So, let’s talk about the many pros of installing one!

1. It Removes A Lot Of Crap

A reverse osmosis system will remove 95-99% of total dissolved solids (TDS) from your water. The filters will remove numerous harmful contaminants like lead, asbestos, and other things you don’t want to drink. Keep in mind this percentage will be lower with lower-quality water filters. That’s why opting for a trusted, quality brand is important!

2. Better Tasting Water, Anyone?

By removing the majority of contaminants from your water, a reverse osmosis filter improves the taste of your water. For example, chlorine and fluoride are typically added to tap water to help with water filtration. Unfortunately, they leave the water with a funny taste. A reverse osmosis water filter removes these compounds leaving your water tasting crisp and fresh.

3. Better For The Environment, Anyone?

In many communities, bottled water is the only other option if you want clean drinking water. Unfortunately, disposable plastic bottles have a huge impact on our environment. Reverse osmosis does waste a significant amount of water. However, it might be better for the environment than the piles of plastic filling landfills annually.

In addition, studies continue to question the quality of bottled water. A key thing many studies take into consideration is that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides strict regulations for tap water. On the other hand, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has considerably lighter restrictions regarding bottled water.

4. Improves The Taste of Your Food

Cooking is just a combination of different chemical compounds and reactions! The end result is something delicious. Because reverse osmosis water is pure from any extra contaminants, like chlorine and fluoride, the result is food that tastes better!

5. The System Is Cost Effective And Low Maintenance

This point teeters on the edge of a pro and con. Several factors impact this point. Initially, the cost of a reverse osmosis system is expensive. However, reverse osmosis water filter systems are easy to maintain after the initial cost of installing the system. In addition, the total price per gallon is low. This is especially true when compared to the cost of purchasing bottled water. While the system requires low maintenance, it is often expensive when needed. Here are a few maintenance things you can expect:

Clean your reverse osmosis system once a year

• Replace the filters annually
• Replace the semipermeable membranes every 2-3 years

Cons of a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

Very few people will deny that reverse osmosis filtration is one of the most effective and safest water filtration options available. However, it does have its cons. One of the biggest things to consider when determining if this system is right for you is to look at what is in your city’s water. Many of the cities in the United States offer some of the cleanest tap water in the world. Unfortunately, that means that some see reverse osmosis systems as unnecessarily wasteful.

1. Huston, we have a clog!

The semipermeable membrane in the system has tiny pores. The microscopic pores make it easier for clogs to develop. So, regularly changing the water filters and the semipermeable membrane is essential. However, if you follow the system manual and service guidelines, you can avoid this con! In addition, many quality reverse osmosis water filtration systems often come with a sediment or carbon pre-filter. The addition of these filters helps keep the semipermeable membrane from clogging.

2. Wastes Water

Water waste is a significant current issue. That is why one of the biggest disadvantages of the reverse osmosis water system is the water it wastes. Studies reveal that reverse osmosis water systems waste anywhere from 3 to 20 times as much water as the system produces. Not only is water waste hard on your water bills, but also detrimental to the environment.

3. Removes Everything… Even Healthy Minerals

Another potential disadvantage of the reverse osmosis system is it can be too effective. It will remove healthy minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Studies have shown that the process removes 92-99% of the calcium and magnesium minerals usually found within water. By removing these minerals, the pH of the water decreases, resulting in more acidic water. While the lower pH won’t harm you, it is more corrosive to your plumbing and can strip lead and copper from pipes. The result is toxic metals going back into your water. Some systems remedy this problem by adding a step to the process and having water go back through a remineralization process.

Is A Reverse Osmosis System The Right Choice For You?

Reverse osmosis water filtration is undoubtedly one of the most effective forms of water filtration today. However, remember that its original purpose was to provide fresh water by desalinating ocean water. In addition, these systems served to create drinkable water in areas where it is scarce. After reviewing the surprising advantages and disadvantages of a reverse osmosis water filtration system, we hope you feel informed and confident in making the right decision for you and your family! We believe in offering top-quality reverse osmosis systems. If you are unsure what your water holds, contact Crystal Clear Water and Air today to learn about our free water analysis.

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Fascinating Filtration Facts About Reverse Osmosis

• Many people don’t know that Americans are also impacted by water scarcity. Nearly two million Americans live without basic essentials such as access to safe drinking water.
• People first invented reverse osmosis systems to desalinate seawater and reduce high chemical contaminant materials such as heavy metals. The government, commercial buildings, the military, and residential homes use the system.
• Many countries use reverse osmosis to desalinate seawater to help reduce water shortages. These systems help provide water in areas throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
• Reverse osmosis systems have ended boil water advisories in communities worldwide by safely treating the drinking water where traditional water filtration systems did not work.
• As water accessibility becomes an increasing problem due to climate change, scientists expect that salination through reverse osmosis will grow 7-9% annually.
• Many restaurants use reverse osmosis water when cooking to improve the safety and taste of their food.

Learn more about whole house reverse osmosis systems in Cape Coral if you want a higher level of water purification for your entire home.

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It’s a new year, and that often means new commitments to health and wellness. Every January, we optimistically set goals to improve our quality of life in 2023! The new year holds countless possibilities, from clean eating to exercise to finally making time to try out that origami kit you ordered months ago! While committing to your health through diet and exercise is an admirable resolution, have you considered adding another small change to your list? This small change will save you money, calories, and visits to the doctor. What is the miracle resolution, you ask? We are so glad you did! Developing healthy water habits is a must for your new year’s resolution.

Our existence consists of, exists in, and thrives because of water. Human beings are 55-60% water, and 71% of our planet is water. Water is life, and healthy water habits create healthier lifestyles. That’s why the team at Crystal Clear Water is here to share some tips for making healthy water habits this year!

Benefits of Staying Hydrated:

First, let’s share a few interesting facts to help get you inspired! There are various reasons why staying hydrated is better for your brain, body, mind, mood, and overall well-being.

1. Glowing skin

While staying hydrated won’t transform your skin overnight, it does improve your body’s ability to push blood through the body and skin. More blood flow means healthier-looking skin!

2. Helps you lose weight

There are a variety of reasons why staying hydrated helps you lose weight. Without getting into the science too much, here are a few reasons:

• Your body needs water to burn fat.
• Drinking water reduces your calorie intake via sugary alternatives.
• Water helps remove waste from your body.
• Drinking water increases your body’s ability to burn calories.

3. Improves Your Body Function

Drinking water and staying hydrated gives you a higher energy level, helps your body regulate your internal temperature, keeps your joints lubricated, prevents infections, carries vital nutrients to your cells, and helps your organs function optimally

4. Improves Your Mood

Drinking enough water helps with your mood, ability to think, and sleep quality, resulting in a happier, healthier you! This is because your brain runs on water. If you don’t have enough water, your brain does not have enough fuel to do its best. In addition, dehydration inhibits your brain’s production of serotonin (AKA the happy hormone).

How Much Water Do You Need A Day?

Your total water intake is not just the fluid you drink daily. The fruits and vegetables you consume also affect how hydrated you are. For example, lettuce, watermelon, tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers are over 90% water. Water intake will vary depending on your gender, age, overall health, and physical activity level. Your water intake is also impacted if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Generally speaking, health authorities recommend 11 and a half cups of water for females and 15 and a half cups of water daily for males.

Healthy Water Habits

1. Choose Water

While some may consider this an apparent habit, it is easy to think we met our fluid intake because we had several cups of coffee and a glass of juice earlier in the day. Nothing hydrates you quite as well as a refreshing cup of water. If you aren’t a fan of water’s taste, try adding lemon or lime wedges, cucumber slices, mint leaves, or berries to your water to help it pop with a little extra flavor. Add berries, lemon, lime, or cucumber to sparkling water if you want a little fizz.

2. Set A Water Timer

Set the timer on your phone or even download an app to remind yourself to stop your activity and take a moment to chug some water. Simply setting a timer can help you remember to pause and take a quick swig before returning to your task.

3. Buy A Special Water Bottle

Determine what daily amount of water you want to intake and buy a water bottle that matches that amount. This way, once you finish the bottle, you know you have met your daily goal!

4. Hydration Habits

Set a hydration habit. Make it part of your everyday habits and incorporate your hydration into your routine. For example, drink a glass of water when you first wake up, after your morning coffee, before lunch, after a workout, every time you use the bathroom, and after dinner. Set the best times that work with your daily routine and habits.

5. Challenge A Friend

Start off the new year with a little friendly competition. Gather a group of your close friends (or social media peeps) to join you in a healthy water challenge for the month of January and February. Keep each other motivated and accountable to stick with your daily water intake goals!

6. Get Reusable Straws

People love straws! Drinking through a straw can help improve your water intake levels. We tend to drink more when we drink through a straw, and more water is always a good thing!

7. Get Creative With Your Water Intake

If you just can’t motivate yourself to drink water, one study suggests that changing how you drink it can make it feel exciting and more enjoyable. Research performed at the University of Chicago and Ohio State University asked 300 participants to devise an unconventional way to drink their water. Their answers ranged from drinking water from a measuring cup to drinking it from a martini glass. Did it work? Well, participants said they enjoyed drinking their water more than those who drank it out of an ordinary water glass or bottle.

8. Refill As Soon As Your Bottle Is Empty

Don’t let your time pass by with an empty water glass or bottle. Once you finish the last sip, prioritize marching to the sink or fridge and pouring another glass. It is easier to reach down and take a sip. However, if you need to get up and get another glass to drink more, chances are you will just keep pushing it further down your “to-do” list.

9. Try A Reverse Osmosis Water System

If you aren’t on your water’s team regarding taste or quality, then a reverse osmosis water system is a wonderful option. In a brief nutshell, a reverse osmosis system effectively removes impurities from your water, giving you back pure, refreshing, and safe water! While there are several pros and cons to a reverse osmosis water system, they are a perfect solution for many people’s water-drinking woes!

If you need support ringing in your new year with healthy water habits, look no further than the team at Crystal Clear Water in sunny Southwest Florida. We would love to give you a glimpse into your water with a free water analysis and our professional guidance on what water system is best for you! So here’s to a hydrated and happy New Year!

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Learn more about whole house water filtration systems for cleaner water your family can enjoy every day.

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Many of us strive for healthier lifestyles, from healthy food to quality exercise to how much water to drink. Chances are, if you have a furry family member, they are a big part of your life, and you want to ensure they lead a healthy lifestyle too! Dogs and cats are prone to the same diseases and ailments that affect humans. A significant part of ensuring your four-legged friend stays healthy is making sure they get excellent quality drinking water to stay hydrated. Maybe you have heard about the many health benefits of drinking alkaline water for people and wonder, “Can my dog drink alkaline water?”

Luckily, the water purification experts at Crystal Clear Water have a detailed answer to your question!

Summary

The short answer for if alkaline water is safe for dogs is that, in most cases, alkaline water is safe for your dog to drink. One study revealed that alkaline water encouraged pets to drink more water. In addition, drinking alkaline water can improve your dog’s digestion and metabolism, helping them feel happier, healthier, and more energetic. However, there are some instances where alkaline water is not the best choice for your pup: with medication, an hour before meals, and if your dog is nursing.

What Is Alkaline Water?

The pH level defines alkaline water. The pH scale ranges from 0 (where 0 is acidic) to 14 (where 14 is more alkaline, also called basic). A neutral value is 7; anything below is acidic, and anything above is alkaline. Regular tap and spring water usually have a neutral pH of 7, while most alkaline water has a pH of 8 or 9. In addition, alkaline water contains numerous minerals, such as:

Calcium

Most important, during the growth and suckling stages of young puppies and kittens

Your dog’s and cat’s bones store 99% of calcium

Potassium

Helps create energy

Helps keep a balance of pressure with sodium

Sodium

Helps balance the pressure in your dog’s and cat’s cells

Regulates water intake

Encourages your pet to drink water, flushing out toxins and other minerals that may become stones

Magnesium

Helps build your pet’s bones

Produces energy

Needed to promote a working nervous system

Dogs and Alkaline Water

There is not a considerable amount of scientific research concerning the impact of alkaline water on dogs. However, many pet owners report that implementing alkaline water as a part of their pet’s everyday diet has improved their dog’s health in several noticeable ways.

1. Helps With Smelly Poop

Alkaline water can help improve the smell of your dog’s poop because the higher pH level can neutralize odors. Try alkaline water if you’re tired of the stinky smell of your dog’s poop!

2. Better Hydration

Alkaline water tastes sweeter, meaning it is more appealing than regular water. This often encourages your dog to drink more and stay better hydrated.

3. Improves Bad Breath

Alkaline water improves hydration and blood viscosity which restores body hydration faster and aids in proper blood flow resulting in better breath and a shinier coat!

4. Higher Energy Levels

Alkaline water can boost energy levels because the higher pH level makes it easier for a dog’s body to absorb nutrients and hydrate cells! So if your dog is feeling a little sluggish, alkaline water may be just what they need.

5. Stronger, Denser Growing Bones In Puppies

Once your puppy is no longer nursing, alkaline water can help ensure your puppy continues to get adequate calcium levels!

6. Improved Joint Health

Dogs are similar to humans in many health aspects. They also face joint discomfort and issues as they age. Alkaline water helps improve joint health by maintaining cartilage health and preventing osteoporosis – a condition where bones become weak and brittle.

7. Helps Treat Dog Allergies

Alkaline water has higher levels of calcium. Calcium helps treat common allergies your pet develops due to the abundance of corn in many dog food brands.

8. Fights Hair Loss

Alkaline water helps fight the microbial growth that results in alopecia. In addition, it helps reduce the stripping of acidic sebum, which leads to hair loss. Finally, alkaline water helps flush out harmful free radicals that expedite the hair loss process. So if your furry friend is dealing with hair loss, alkaline water may help!

9. Kidney Benefits

In addition, a study did find that alkaline ionized water was a valuable component in treating metabolic acidosis, which results in renal (kidney) failure in dogs. Researchers need to conduct more experiments concerning the health benefits of alkaline water on dogs, but many observations reveal positive results!

When Dogs Shouldn’t Have Alkaline Water?

Knowing when giving alkaline water to your dog could damage their health is essential. See below for all the instances where alkaline water is not the best choice for your furry friend!

1. Don’t give your dogs alkaline water with their meals.

Don’t give your dog alkaline water for at least one hour before giving them a meal. Dogs have powerful hydrochloric acid in their stomach to digest raw meat and even bones. So giving alkaline water may result in poor digestion as the alkaline water neutralizes your pet’s stomach acid.

2. No Alkaline Water With Medication

Alkaline water can boost your dog’s metabolism, so mixing it with your dog’s medication isn’t a great idea. Because the alkaline water can induce faster digestion, it will cause your pet to metabolize its medicine faster. This poses a problem scientists design medications to release into the body at a medically prescribed rate. You don’t want to rush it!

3. Alkaline Water Is Not Good For Nursing Dogs

Vets recommend only giving purified water to a nursing dog. Giving your nursing dog alkaline water can result in calciuria (calcium in the urine), which results in higher levels of calcium absorption for the puppies who are nursing.

4. No Alkaline Water For Nursing Puppies

Do not give alkaline water to your nursing puppy. Puppies already get high calcium levels from the milk their mother provides them. Alkaline water will increase calcium levels, which can result in calciuria.

What Is A Safe pH Water Level for Dogs?

Most vets recommend a pH value of the lowest alkaline level of 8.5. Know it is not wrong to give your dog tap water. It is the most popular choice for pet owners due to its accessibility, convenience, and cost.

How To Give Alkaline Water to Your Dog?

If you feel alkaline water is the best choice for your pet and your family, the most cost-effective way to provide this water long-term is through a quality water filtration system. A water filtration system can raise the pH level of your tap water, ensuring your dog gets all the benefits of alkaline water without costing you a substantial amount of money in bottled water every month. Simply turn on your faucet, fill up their water bowl, and let them drink all the benefits to their heart’s content.

Give the team at Crystal Clear Water a call today! We are happy to answer any and all questions you have concerning the quality of your water and how to help make every family member happier and healthier.

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Learn more about whole house reverse osmosis systems and home water filtration options for cleaner everyday water.

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We all know that drinking water is vital for your health, but we don’t always know what water source is best. You are here because you want to know if tap water is healthier than bottled water. Luckily, the water experts at Crystal Clear Water have the answers to your question.

Sadly, the answer isn’t simple. Let’s quickly break down the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can answer the question, is tap water better than bottled water?

Pros And Cons Of Tap Water

Tap water is also called municipal water and comes from surface water such as large lakes, rivers, wells, or reservoirs. This water passes through a water treatment plant before traveling through pipes into your home or business.

While contaminated tap water is an issue in some areas, it isn’t common. Overall tap water quality is well-regulated and considered safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly. Living in the United States, we are lucky to have one of the world’s safest drinking water supplies (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Who Regulates Tap Water?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates our tap water. It identifies and sets the legal limits for how many potential contaminants enter our drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulates this. Currently, the EPA has legal limits on over 90 different water contaminants. These contaminants include heavy metal contamination, such as lead, and microbes, such as the dreaded E. coli. However, no system is perfect, and contamination in drinking water can still happen. For example, industrial pollutants or bacteria from agricultural runoff can contaminate water supplies. In addition, old pipes and natural disasters can temporarily pollute municipal water systems.

While the EPA does set limits on what contaminants stay in our water supplies, several public health organizations claim that their current limits are not stringent enough. For example, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) argues that the water regulations in the United States haven’t been updated in nearly 20 years. As a result, certain toxins may impact vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.

You can review the contamination report for your local water supply at the EWG’s Tap Water Database to see what is and isn’t in your tap water.

Please note that the EPA only oversees public water sources. If your water source is your own private well, it is your responsibility to have it tested and continue testing it for safety.

Tap Water Taste

There is a stigma that bottled water tastes better than tap water. However, in blind taste tests, most people couldn’t differentiate between tap and bottled water. Generally, tap water tastes similar to bottled water. Yet, factors such as mineral content or the type and age of tap water in your home will impact your water’s flavor.

Environmental Impact Of Tap Water

Before traveling through the pipes to reach your home, water sits in a treatment facility. Here it undergoes several processes to remove all potential contaminants. This includes adding chemicals to kill off any remaining microbes and protect against germs. This typically includes adding chlorine to the water.

After drinking the water, you likely wash the glass. All of these steps use chemicals and energy that impact the environment. However, the overall environmental impact of tap water is less than bottled water. Not only is the process of accessing tap water better for the environment, but tap water doesn’t require disposable plastic containers!

Convenience and Cost

Tap water’s best benefit is that it is low-cost and convenient for you! It’s easy to fill up a reusable bottle with tap water before taking on the day. You can also get tap water at bars, public drinking fountains, and restaurants – all free!

Tap Water Summary

While tap water quality varies by region, the EPA does regulate it, making it a generally safe, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly choice.

Pros And Cons Of Bottled Water

Bottled water often comes from ground sources, such as underground aquifers. Typically, the quality and taste of groundwater are less likely to vary than water from surface sources. In addition, water deep underground is less vulnerable to contamination than water on the surface. However, groundwater can still hold high levels of contaminants. In addition, contamination can occur during the bottling and/or treatment processes.

It is difficult to always tell the source of your bottled water. However, you can often read the label to understand where it originates. Below is a summary to help:

• Distilled water is water that undergoes a process where the manufacturer collects steam from boiled water that is then recondensed and bottled.
• Artesian water is water from groundwater, spring water, and well water. All these sources come from underground aquifers.
• Mineral water is groundwater that naturally contains dissolved solvents such as minerals, salts, and gasses. Please note that mineral water is not always natural and is sometimes prepared synthetically.
• Purified or sterilized water usually comes from any source but the US Pharmacopeia (USP) regulate the standards for purification and sterilization.

Bottled water labels need approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before selling.

Who Regulates Bottled Water?

The FDA regulates bottled water, unlike tap water which the EPA oversees. The FDA’s regulations for bottled water are less stringent than the EPA’s regulations for tap water. These are a few of the things the FDA regulates concerning bottled water:

• Protecting water from contaminants, such as chemicals and bacteria
• Using sanitary conditions for bottling, processing, storing, and transporting the water
• Sampling and testing the source water and final product for contaminants
• Implementing quality control to protect against microbial and chemical contaminants

Bottled water is generally considered a safe choice for your drinking water. However, some products may carry microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic untraceable by the naked eye. Studies conducted with animals suggest that microplastics disrupt your endocrine system, promote inflammation, and accumulate over time in your liver, intestines, and kidneys. A 2018 study testing 11 popular water bottle products from 9 countries revealed that microplastics are more common than one might think. The study showed that 93% of the 259 bottles tested held microplastics. This isn’t necessarily due to the water but the packaging and bottling process.

Bottled Water Taste

As we mentioned earlier, most people can not truly tell the difference between bottled water and tap water when it comes to taste. However, the taste of bottled water varies depending on the water source and packaging process. For example, mineral water has its own distinct flavor, and carbonated or flavored bottled water offers its own unique taste.

Environmental Impact of Bottled Water

One of bottled water’s biggest drawbacks is its impact on the environment. Treating and bottling the water, paired with transportation and refrigeration, makes bottled water a huge energy sucker. In 2016, bottled water in the United States used 4 billion pounds of plastic.

In addition, disposing of plastic is hard on the environment, especially because only 20% of plastic bottles in the United States end up in recycling. This poses another environmental problem, as plastic bottles release toxins when they degrade.

Expensive Convenience

Studies show that convenience is the biggest reason consumers opt for bottled water over tap water. Bottled water is an easy and readily available option when you’re out and about for the day or traveling. However, you pay for convenience.

Just one gallon (3.8 liters) of tap water costs $0.005 in the United States. The same amount of bottled water, taken from single-serve water bottles, costs around $9.47. This means that bottled water is more expensive than gasoline and milk!

Bottled Water Summary

Bottled water is very convenient and usually safe to drink. However, it leaves a bigger environmental footprint and is considerably more expensive than tap water. In addition, microplastics pose several concerning health risks.

Which Is Better?

Both tap and bottled water are safe options for staying hydrated. But we think that tap water is usually the best choice! It is cost-friendly, environmentally friendly, and well-regulated. If you aren’t a fan of what is in your tap water, you can still save considerable money and control exactly what comes out of your tap with top-quality water filters. If you need an under-the-sink or whole-house water filtration system in Southwest Florida, call Crystal Clear Water today! We are happy to test your tap water for free and discuss the best option to get your water where you want it!

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Learn more about whole house water filtration systems that can help reduce bottled water use and improve water quality at home.

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Do you ever wonder how climate change affects water access? How often do you think about water as a precious commodity? Do you turn on your tap and thank the heavens that clean water comes pouring out in a matter of seconds? Climate change and water supply are intrinsically linked. That’s why the team at Crystal Clear Water is here to take a few minutes to discuss how climate change affects water access and why we should care.

Water and Climate Change

Climate change is a water crisis. We feel its impacts through worsening floods, rising sea levels, shrinking ice fields, wildfires, and droughts. It’s already affecting water access for people on a global scale through severe droughts and floods. Global temperatures continue to rise and are a vital contributor to this problem. Rising global temperatures cause water to evaporate in more significant amounts, leading to higher levels of atmospheric water vapor, resulting in more heavy, frequent, intense rains in the coming years.

More Rain

What happens when it rains more? Often, this shift results in more flood frequency and intensity because the soil cannot absorb the excess water. What does this look like for cities? In cities, that runoff can overwhelm sewage treatment facilities, pushing untreated sewage into the local water supply. What does it look like in rural areas? In rural areas, excessive rain can push pesticides and animal waste into drinking water. The runoff will drain into nearby waterways, gathering contaminants like fertilizer on its way. Eventually, the runoff will travel to larger bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and the ocean polluting the water supply.

When runoff carries fertilizers into lakes and oceans, they promote the rapid growth of algae. This results in algal blooms clogging coasts and waterways with green, red, blue, or brown algae clouds. The blooms prevent sunlight from reaching underwater life. This diminishes oxygen levels in the water. Toxins can keep off fish and other aquatic animals, kill humans, and make people sick. In addition, these toxins are hazardous because they can survive purification, contaminating tap water indefinitely.

The Glaciers

As the ocean warms due to rising global temperatures, freshwater glaciers melt, creating rising sea levels. The rising sea levels mean salt water can more easily contaminate underground freshwater-bearing rocks called aquifers. Studies and simulations conducted by climate scientists predict climate change to impact up to 50% of freshwater supplies in coastal communities. That’s a lot of people without fresh water! They have found that salt water can penetrate the water table underground, creating brackish water and dehydrating those who consume it. In addition, scientists discovered that sand texture plays a part. Depending on the sand texture of a given shoreline, mixed underground water can travel much further than it does above ground. This can potentially affect the water quality of households up to 60 miles from a coast.

While we can remove salt from freshwater through desalination, it is an energy-intensive, costly process. Places like North Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean use desalination to produce freshwater out of necessity.

The North

The Northern Hemisphere normally holds an abundance of freshwater due to high snowfall levels. However, as temperatures increase, less snow falls, resulting in less water flowing to local reservoirs after winter.

The Part We Play

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all of the doom and gloom! However, there is always hope. We can do many things every day to mitigate climate change’s effect on our water access.

CO2 Usage

Although this does not seem to have much to do with water, people can start biking and walking more and trying to drive less (adding less CO2 to our atmosphere). Along the lines of reducing CO2, you could invest in growing your own fruits and vegetables or buying locally grown produce. This reduces your carbon footprint as produce is often transported to grocery stores from far away by trucks, which add more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Reduce Water Consumption

You can also reduce unnecessary water consumption in drought-prone areas. For example, opt for a rock garden instead of feeding your water-hungry grass.

Support

In addition, you can support businesses, organizations, and corporations that are actively taking a role in our planet’s health. Support industries that switched from fossil fuels to renewable, cleaner energy sources. Avoid purchasing from businesses that are putting profit above our planet.

Awareness

You can also contact your state and national representatives and ask them to support policies that mitigate climate change. While doing this, you can continue raising awareness and advocating for smart water practices and usage in your community.

Take Your Own Action

Finally, we know that everyone relies on safe drinking water for survival. So take the initiative to understand what comes out of your tap and play your part to help regulate it—research where your local water comes from and what impacts its upstream source. Trusted companies can also test your water and tell you precisely what is in it. If you don’t like what you discover is going into your tap water, consider a whole-house water filtration system or under-the-sink water filter to remove many contaminants.

While all these solutions seem small, small actions performed by many people add up! At Crystal Clear Water, we work hard to ensure water remains a bountiful resource for our Southwest Florida community! We would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and opinions on helping reduce climate change’s impact on our water supply. Comment below and call us today to learn how we can help purify your water.

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Learn more about whole house water filtration systems and well water treatment options for more dependable water quality at home.

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