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Bacteria - Fecal and Coliform
Bacteria can enter a well through a cracked or non-sealed well cap; crack in well casing; shallow wells, and leaks in underground plumbing. Bacteria will continue to grow if left untreated. The first step is generally to chlorinate the well in an attempt to eliminate bacteria. If all efforts have been exhausted to correct the problem at the source (well), and bacteria is still present, we can install an Ultraviolet Light or a permanent Chlorination System. The cost of these systems range from $695 to $1,995 installed.
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Nitrates in Water
Nitrates are considered harmful to infants and expectant mothers, as it is believed to be a cause of "blue baby syndrome". A temporary blood disorder, which is reversible once the contaminated source is removed. Older children and adults are able to reject the effects of nitrate nitrogen in their blood and rarely have problems except in extremely high nitrate levels. The maximum allowable level of nitrate in drinking water is 10 ppm (parts per million). Levels of 10 or greater require treatment.
The most popular treatment for Nitrates in drinking water is "Reverse Osmosis". This is a high performance system, which eliminates MANY contaminants from water. This system is installed under the kitchen sink or in an unfinished basement with a line run to a separate gooseneck faucet for drinking water. See details in "Our most popular Drinking Water Systems". The cost of these systems range from $399 to $1,400 depending on production capacity. The Pre and Post Filter are changed yearly - prices range from $50 to $80 for both filters, and the Membrane is changed every 3-5 years - prices range from $85 to $150. Elements such as iron or hard water may clog the Reverse Osmosis, therefore; a water analysis should be performed when sizing the unit.
Whole-house treatment for Nitrates is available and usually consists of a Water Softener/Conditioner, which utilizes two different resins for filtration of nitrates. These resins may create acidic/corrosive water, and therefore, an Acid Neutralizer should accompany these systems. Whole House Nitrate systems range from $995 to $2600 including acid neutralizing. This system relies on the homeowner adding Salt periodically. |
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Lead in Water
Lead may leach from lead solder in plumbing or service lines and brass/copper alloys used in some well pumps. In well water, the major contributor to this leaching is acidic water. Acidic water will corrode copper pipes, appliances and plumbing fixtures and may leach lead if it is present in the plumbing. The solution for this is an Acid Neutralizer.
To reduce lead in drinking water, many water filter systems are available. Our two most popular systems are H2O T.O.S Filter or Affordable Water Reverse Osmosis Systems . |
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Radon in Water
Radon is a colorless, odorless, short-lived radioactive gas which is produced by the decay of uranium rock. This gas is considered carcinogenic when inhaled. Radon in water is emitted to the air, especially where water is agitated or sprayed (shower, washing machine). The EPA maximum recommended level is 300 to 1,000 pCi/L. There is a general conversion rate between radon in water, and radon in air. For every 10,000 pCi/L of radon in the water, 1 pCi/L of radon is added to the air. The recommended level of radon in the AIR is 4 pCi/L. It is helpful to know the level of radon in the air and the water to make a decision regarding remediation.
Radon is commonly treated with Air Stripper Systems of Activated Carbon Tanks. Air Stripper systems offer a natural method with no waste disposal issues. The average Air Stripper system costs $2,500 to $8,000, service costs range from $50 to $150 yearly. Activated Carbon Tanks are less expensive ranging from $495 to $1,800 however, are more costly to maintain. Depending on the size of the carbon tanks and the level of radon, the cost to replace granular activated carbon may range from $150 to $300 every 6-12 months. |
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Radium
Radium is a radioactive metal that occurs naturally in rocks, soil and ground water. As radium decays, it continually releases energy into the environment. Radium readily dissolves in ground water where acidic water conditions prevail. The various forms of radium in ground water are Radium 224, 226 and 228. A "gross alpha" test may be conducted to assess the presence of radium. The maximum allowable level for gross alpha is 15 pCi/L, and the maximum allowable level for Radium 226 and 228 is 5 pCi/L.
For Radium 226 and 228, the U.S. EPA estimates the additional lifetime risk associated with drinking water containing 5 pCi/L is about 1 in 10,000. This means that if 10,000 people were to consume two liters of this water per day for 50 years, one additional fatal cancer would be estimated among the 10,000 people. As the level of radium increases, so does the risk. The risk associated with consuming water containing 5 pCi/L of radium for ONE year is comparable to one chest X-Ray or the cosmetic radiation received during five round trip air flights from Maryland to California.
Treatment for Radium: For Drinking Water we offer Affordable Water Reverse Osmosis . For whole house filtration, we offer a Water Softener. |
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Objectionable Taste
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If you have municipal water, elements such as chlorine or metals can impart an objectionable taste. A H2O T.O.S or Reverse Osmosis system will offer clean, healthy water.
If you have a private well, metallic tastes are common and can be attributed to acidic water conditions or iron. See Acid Water or Iron for more information. A Reverse Osmosis System is a good choice for drinking water filtration. |
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Viruses - Cryptosporidium, Giardia
These microbes are parasites often called "cysts". These parasites resist chlorination by the local municipalities and may find their way to your drinking water. Reverse Osmosis Systems offer reduction of these microbes.
Other Contaminants in Drinking Water
For information on other contaminants such as MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether), PCB (Polychlorinated Butylene), Volatile Organic Chemicals, TCE's - visit the American Water Works Association web site - AWWA.org or EPA.GOV. You may also call the EPA safe drinking water hotline at 1-800-426-4791. Affordable Water sales representatives are available to assist you in researching this information; call 1-800-686-9575.
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