Water Filtration Helpful Resources

Damaging effects of hard water

Hard water is usually caused by dissolved calcium, magnesium, and iron. Most homes, regardless of whether their water comes from a municipality or a well, suffer from hard water. Unfortunately, most homeowners are unaware of the costly consequences of hard water.

Some of the telltale signs of hard water are dry skin, dry hair, bathtub rings, residue left on glass or silverware, water-using appliances that fail earlier than expected or do not perform as expected. The expenses caused by hard water are usually not realized until it is too late – a failed washing machine or dishwater, etc.

Comparison of cloudy water to clear water

Cloudy water is usually caused by dissolved or suspended solids in your water. Solids in your water, or “turbidity,” is usually caused by construction, storms, or urban runoff near your water supply. Turbidity can range from a low turbidity to high turbidity – higher levels of turbidity can be responsible for gastrointestinal diseases. This is caused by viruses or bacteria attaching to the suspended solids, and contaminating the water. In addition, suspended solids can protect bacteria from ultraviolet sterilization.

Most of the time, your water can contain a high level of solids without becoming cloudy – that is why it is always a good idea to have your water tested.

Gold Medal offers FREE water testing to determine if your water is safe or not.

Chlorine is used extensively at water treatment plants to kill harmful bacteria in the water. Often, the chlorine can remain in the water supply all the way to your home. Once in your home, chlorinated water can dry out your skin and hair, fade your clothing, and even cause rubber seals in your appliances to rot out. In addition, it causes your water to smell and taste bad.

Contaminants can cause your water to have an offensive smell or taste

Ideally, water is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. In many cases, this is not the case, due to multiple different reasons.

• Musty taste or smell – Can be caused by decaying vegetation.
• “Rotten egg” smell – Caused by hydrogen sulfide in groundwater supplies. Can occur naturally or be caused by bacteria. The smell can also affect food cooked using this water and transfer the smell to skin or hair in the shower or clothing in the laundry. In addition, it can causes metal appliances to corrode more quickly than normal.
• Metallic taste – Can be caused by the presence of iron, copper, manganese, or zinc. May be caused by the element in the groundwater or the aging of your water distribution system and the corrosion of copper piping or brass fittings. Also, water containing iron or manganese cause dark orange or black staining on clothing, fixtures, and even your hair.

Bacteria in water can cause multiple health problems

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are as many as 12 million cases of waterborne acute gastrointestinal illness every year, in the United States alone! Most of the time, these illnesses are caused by bacteria and viruses that get into the water supply. Since water treatment plants cannot even guarantee that water is free of these contaminants, the clear solution is a home water filtration/purification system.

Schedule a FREE home water test with Gold Medal today to see exactly what’s in your water!