FAQs :: Notice the Difference Clean Water Makes
What are coliform bacteria?
(For Private Water and Health Regulated Public Water Supplies)
Coliform bacteria can result from the environment naturally or be fecal in origin. Not all coliform bacteria are harmful. However, if found in water, their presence suggests other disease causing organisms may exist in your drinking water supply. For example, fecal coliform are found in the intestinal tract of warmblooded animals such as humans, dogs, and deer. Coliform bacteria have been selected as the most widely used indicator for the bacterial quality of drinking water. The presence of these bacteria in drinking water may signify the well (source) is defective, or that there may be problems with the water treatment, or the water distribution system.
How does coliform bacteria get into water?
It is common to have contamination when maintenance has been performed on the water supply system. Faulty in-ground sewage disposal systems may also be the source of contamination. Coliforms from animal waste can enter directly into water supplies but can also migrate through the soil and contaminate the groundwater. This process is accelerated during spring flooding or heavy rainfall.
How does coliform bacteria affect my health?
Coliform bacteria are used as an indicator to suggest the water is not safe to consume. Their presence is of concern in that disease-causing organisms, such as E. coli, fecal coliforms or parasites, may be present. The symptoms from disease causing organisms may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps or other gastro intestinal distress and in severe cases can be fatal. Most susceptible are infants, elderly and others with compromised immune systems.
How can I remove coliform bacteria from my drinking water?
Water containing coliform bacteria should not be consumed. As a precautionary measure, until additional testing confirms the safety of the water or otherwise advised by the authorities, the water should be boiled, at a rolling boil, for one minute prior to consumption. Bacteria and other harmful disease causing microorganisms can be reduced or eliminated from water by disinfection (chlorine, ozone or ultraviolet light treatment) and distillation. In some cases filtration in addition to disinfection will be required. Treatment systems should carry the National Sanitation Foundation certification for microbiological removal (NSF).
How can I save money in my home?
Whether you purchase bottled water or have a large water cooler in your home - you are spending too much! Using a reverse osmosis system to filter pure, fresh, and clean water using your homes own water supply will save you money and time. You can even add a water chiller to your reverse osmosis system to ensure your water is always the perfect temperature.
How can my home or business have cleaner water?
Clean water can be achieved through the use of a Water Softener, Iron Filter and most importantly a Reverse Osmosis system. The Reverse Osmosis system filters any imperfections and Total Dissolved Solids from the water, while a softener conditions the water removing minerals i.e. "Calcium" that causes build up on your sinks, toilets, showers, inside your hot water tank, appliances. Hard water also leaves a layer of hard particles and soap residue on your skin causing dryness/itchiness not mention your laundry.
How can clean water benefit me?
Once you have a source of great tasting, clean water you will find you drink much more of it, improving general health and hydration. Within your home, there will be less bacteria growth and transfer, not to mention feeling better (and cleaner) after bathing.
How can a better water system help the environment?
When using a water softener you will be environmentally conscious and save money. That is because softened water requires less soaps and detergents to clean clothes, dishes, or yourself! And in the end, using less chemicals puts less of them back into the environment.
Using a reverse osmosis system you will not only save money on bottled water, but you will not be forced to either throw out plastic bottles or operate a recycling program.
General Questions
Can I refill my water cooler bottles with my home RO? — Yes! When we install your RO we will set it up so you can easily refill your own bottles.
How often should I have my RO serviced? — It is recommended by the Water Quality Association (WQA) that the average size family have their RO serviced each six to twelve months. We will provide annual service at affordable prices.
When and how much salt should I add to my softener? — You should try to keep your softener brine tank no more than 1/3 full of salt by adding only 1 bag at a time. The average size family uses approximately about 1 bag per month depending of course on how hard the water is and how much water that you are using.
How often should I have my softener serviced. — Softeners usually shouldn't require annual service if you keep it plugged in to the power source, add salt properly, and keep your timer set on local time. We can provide you service if your water seems hard or your softener has problems.
Is there such a thing as a salt free water softener? — Yes they do sell what they call a salt free water softener, but I have yet to test the product water and get a soft water reading. We have never seen soft water come out of one yet! Be careful what you buy!
I have Iron coloured water and a Sulphur smell can they be removed? — Yes, we specialize in solving your "Problem Water".
How often should I shock my well? — It is recommended to shock annually. We will shock your well upon request. (Alberta Well Drilling Association)
Will an RO or Softener remove H2s ( Rotten Egg Smell) in my water? — No. We can provide you with a Iron or Carbon self flushing filter or a Chlorination System to remove these types of problems.
Will an RO remove Ecoli? — No, you should have us install a Ultra Violet or Chlorine Sanitation System, if you think there is Ecoli or Bacteria present.