Recently, the media and private research groups have been openly questioning whether US citizens are receiving adequate protection from the FDA on human health side effects linked to BPAs. BPAs are endocrine disruptors found in polycarbonate plastics containing the identification number 7. In rats and mice, endocrine disruptors were found to increase the risk of breast and prostate cancer while also affecting the mucous lining of the intestines. BPAs are found in all types of food and water containers including those used for canned foods. Of primary concern is that BPAs may leach from these containers into the products being consumed, potentially causing serious health effects, especially for infants and small children.

Avoiding BPAs

One way to reduce exposure to BPAs in drinking water is the use of a water quality control system such as an in line filtration systems that removes contaminants but leave the naturally present micro nutrients your body needs (think calcium and magnesium).  In addition, there are large amounts of chlorine used to bring tap water to consumable levels.

In regards to drinking ’soft’ water, the World Health Organization sited this among many other issues in a document released in 2004 referring to the risks of drinking demineralized water. They recommend consuming water in the most natural state possible, allowing of course that it is pure. What they found was that in instances when individuals consumed soft or demineralized water it lead to other health issues related to cardiovascular system and thyroid conditions. It can also lead to tiredness, weakness, and nutrient deficiencies. This article is available upon request.

MSNBC.com recently posted a story related to impurities in bottled water—noting levels exceeding safety standards for cancer-causing contaminants and chlorine, and comparing many brands to traditional tap water.

Avoiding Impurities in Water

MSNBC.com’s recommendation was simply to purchase a carbon filter. Carbon filters are great for removing chlorine and undesirable taste and odor. However, we recommend using a five-stage reverse osmosis system to remove additional contaminants that are common in drinking water.

Additional options for avoiding impurities include ensuring that your bottled water comes from a reputable distributor. We also recommend limiting use of reusable plastic bottles to reduce exposure to potential contaminants found in some plastics (see our blog on BPAs) and to also further benefit the environment.

An Associated Press article released in May indicated that the public is rarely informed when researchers discover pharmaceuticals in their drinking water. The Water Quality Association responded, “This confirms the importance of our industry through the WQA and individually to help educate the public.”

Public concern about the issue remains high—67% of American households are generally concerned about the quality of their household water supply. The reason for concern: 90% of oral drugs can pass through humans unchanged. These often move through waste water into streams and groundwater. It is generally cost-prohibitive for utilities to use contaminate removal systems such as nanofiltration, long contact activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. However, these systems have proven successful at removing many contaminants in home water treatment systems. Filtering systems in the home provide the highest technology available for treatment of drinking water. While utilities are required to meet safety standards set by the US EPA, home filtering systems act as a final contaminant barrier and can further purify water for drinking.

In addition to pharmaceuticals, water quality experts are examining other emerging contaminants, such as those found in personal care products and pesticides. These are often referred to as endocrine disrupting chemicals. For more information on this topic, feel free to contact us, or visit the Water Quality Association website at www.wqa.org

Hard water is the type of water that has high mineral content (in contrast with soft water). Hard water minerals primarily consist of calcium and magnesium metal cations, and sometimes other dissolved compounds such as bicarbonates and sulfates. Hardness in water can cause water to form scales and a resistance to soap. It can also be defined as water that doesn’t produce lather with soap solutions, but produces white precipitate or scum. This scaling, or leftover mineral deposits that are formed after the hard water has evaporated, can clog pipes, ruin water heaters, coat the insides of tea pots and coffee pots, and decrease the life of toilet flushing units. Similarly, insoluble salt residues that remain in hair after shampooing with hard water tend to leave hair rougher and harder to untangle.

It is possible to measure the level of hard water by obtaining a water test. These are supplied by most water softening companies.

The Softening Process

Water softeners,  work on the principle of cation or ion exchange in which the ions of the hardness minerals are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions, effectively reducing the concentration of hardness minerals and giving the water a smoother feeling. The most economical way to soften household water is with a water softener. Water softeners utilize a process called ion exchange. As the hard water passes through and around the resin (ion exchange beads) the hardness mineral ions are preferentially exchanged displacing the sodium ions. The resin is recharged by back-flushing with salt water. The saltwater and mineral ion solution is then rinsed away and the resin is ready to start the process all over again.

Efficiency

The water conditioning industry as a whole has been striving to improve the processes and efficiency of water treatment products—some of this movement is in response to California’s proposed water softener ban and ever-tightening water regulations in Michigan.

Our Promate 6.0™ Water Conditioning System is actually a pioneer in this area. Utilizing brine reclaim to reduce water and salt waste prevents the loss of thousands of gallons of water and hundreds of pounds of salt per year. In addition, these hyper-efficient units increase the productivity of your hot water heater by up to 30%, and may increase the life of dishwashers and washing machines by up to one-third longer.

How it works

In the beginning stages of the regeneration process, waste/ drain water has very high concentrations of the hardness minerals calcium and magnesium. As time passes the hardness concentrations drop off dramatically, leaving a high concentration of sodium in the waste/drain water that did not attach to the resin beads, making this the ideal time period to recover the unused salt. This sodium-rich water is reclaimed and reused in the brine tank.