Key Water Treatment Terms You Should Understand
Knowing the correct terminology for your water treatment systems can help you understand how these systems keep your drinking water safe and clean. You’ll also be able to better explain to technicians when you’re having issues with your existing water systems and know what type of upgrades you should invest in. Continue reading to explore key water treatment terms you should understand.
Conditioners
Most water conditioners are salt-free systems designed to eliminate undesired chemicals that alter your water’s flavor and smell. Some examples of these chemicals include chlorine, chloramines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and organic gases. Conditioners can also remove toxic lead from the water.
Hard Water
Hard water contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium, along with trace amounts of other minerals. These minerals can infiltrate both city and well water sources through geological formations like limestone. Concerningly, hard water can generate unpleasant, uncomfortable, and costly problems, such as unsightly stains in sinks and tubs. It can also lead to excessive water bills as water appliances put more effort over time to function with mineral buildups obstructing them.
pH Scale
You use the pH (potential hydrogen) scale to determine the solution’s degree of alkalinity or acidity. Numbers less than 7.0 signify acidity, whereas numbers more than 7.0 reflect alkalinity.
According to EPA guidelines, the pH of drinking water should be between 6.5 and 8.5. However, depending on where you reside, tap water in the United States can be lower than that, ranging from 4.3 to 5.3.
Point of Entry and Point of Use
Point of entry (POE) filters are water softener systems that you position directly where water enters your house. They treat all the water flowing into each tap. In contrast, you install point of use (POU) filters on fixtures. For example, you can place a shower filter on a showerhead or an under-sink system in a cabinet beneath a kitchen sink.
Water Softeners
A water softener is a filtering device that removes excessive calcium and magnesium from water. Calcium and magnesium get trapped in resin beads inside the softener. The softener then exchanges these for sodium or potassium. Once the resin beads have accumulated enough calcium and magnesium, a highly concentrated salt or potassium solution removes those minerals.
Knowing these key water treatment terms you should understand can help you get the right system for your home. Alamo Water Softeners offers many excellent total water treatment systems that can effectively purify your drinking water. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products and services.
