Advanced Water Quality Systems: Clearing up water-quality issues

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Advanced Water Quality Systems: Clearing up water-quality issues
The Advanced Water Quality Systems

When buying a home, especially one that is fed from a private well, it is important to understand the condition of the water and what, if any, treatment methods are in place or may be necessary. The minimum standard is potability. Potable water is water that meets the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Standards. It's important to understand what that really means.

“Safe” water means simply that it will not hurt or harm you if you drink it. Safe water does not contain coliform bacteria and meets EPA guidelines for arsenic, radon or other equally toxic substances. But that's not the whole story.

Water that is safe to drink may not taste very good, may not smell very good and may cause staining in sinks and toilets. These conditions can be caused by substances that are considered “safe” but can still make the water unpleasant. “Safe” water can be water that you would not want to shower in, use to brush your teeth or give to your children.

Many new buyers can be fooled by the “potable” label when it comes to the water in their new dream home. Unless interpreted by someone familiar with reviewing such results, even a lab test can indicate the water is potable but at the same time have issues that will not make a homeowner very happy.

Here's what you need to do to ensure the best understanding of the water you will have in your new home:

Perform two complete water tests – one sample should be of water just as it comes out of the well (typically a draw off at the base of the well tank). The other sample should be taken after any water-treatment equipment, if present, is used (typically sampled at the kitchen sink).

Run the water through the home for at least 15 minutes before testing to be sure the sample isn's of stagnant water.

Be sure to send these samples to a certified state lab.

Have a water treatment professional review the results.

If there is water-treatment equipment already installed and the home has been vacant for any period of time (often the case with foreclosures), the equipment is likely overrun with bacteria or the media sufficiently fouled that the buyer may need to consider replacing it with a new system.

When buying a home, always look to local experts to assist in the process. A real estate agent is often involved because of their experience in and knowledge of the area relative to pricing. Home inspectors are also used to give an expert evaluation of the structure and indicate any potential issues. Water is a precious commodity. Protect your investment and ensure that your family is drinking the best possible water. Contact a water professional who can assist you in the buying process.

This information was provided by Bill Delaney, president of Advanced Water Quality Systems. He is a certified water-treatment specialist through the Water Quality Association. To contact him, call 1-800-879-7873 or visit www.awqsys.com.

 

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