Q: What do I do if I have lead in my drinking water? A: Drinking water generally absorbs lead from plumbing that has been connected with lead solder (outlawed in 1986) or from outdated water distribution lines. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of lead in your drinking water:
Some sources suggest running your tap water for a couple of minutes before filling a glass to flush any accumulated lead from the water line (lead dissolves into standing water over time). This isn't the best solution, however, since there is no way of knowing whether all of the lead has been removed and since lead can still dissolve into running water.
Never use hot tap water to prepare drinks or meals. Hot water attracts more lead than cold water does. If you need hot water, heat cold tap water on the stove or in a microwave. Use a drinking system that has been certified to protect your drinking water from lead. Our MICROMAX and APDWS1000 are both certified for lead reduction.
Q: Is bottled water the best alternative to my tap water? A: Bottled water is a good alternative if you would like better tasting water for drinking and cooking, but it can be expensive and a hassle to carry from the store. Because it is inconvenient to do so, you may not use it for everything you should, including drinks and recipes. It also does not solve any water problems associated with showers, baths, dishwashing, laundry, etc.
It's generally less expensive in the long run to use a home water treatment system.
Q: Don't water filters remove important minerals from my water? A: Studies have found that minerals in your drinking water essentially make no contribution to your health and may even be present in forms your body can't absorb. Unfortunately, the myth that drinking water with minerals is healthy is perpetuated by companies that promote "mineral water."
Q: Why do I need a water treatment system? A: Studies indicate that 85 percent of American homes are supplied with hard water, no matter if they rely on city water or a well. Hard water costs you money, causes soap scum and scale, and reduces the efficiency of water-using appliances. Learn more about water hardness and how to correct it by calling you local authorized Ionics dealership.
Q: What Is Hard Water? A: Commonly referred to as "hardness minerals," dissolved calcium and magnesium can cause numerous problems when present in a water supply. Whether it's from a well or a municipal water utility, water usually contains these troublesome elements.
Water hardness is typically measured in "grains per gallon," an indication of the quantity of dissolved calcium and magnesium the water contains. In amounts as small as one grain per gallon, water is classified as "hard" to a certain degree. Most homes use water that is considerably harder.
Q: What are the symptoms of hard water? A: Probably the most recognizable symptoms of hard water are soap scum in the tub and shower, and hard water spots on faucets and fixtures. Hardness minerals react with soaps and detergents to form an insoluble, sticky residue that's difficult to rinse from bathtubs, sinks, faucets and fixtures. The same soap residue is often left on hair, skin and clothing, too. Although not highly visible in these instances, it can cause your skin to dry and itch, and clothing to fade and wear prematurely.
Hard water causes other problems, as well. Over time, scale formed from continuous contact with dissolved minerals in water can collect inside plumbing and on the internal parts of water-using appliances. Service calls from plumbers and repairpersons may become necessary as water pressure drops and mechanical parts stop working.
Hard water scale can also coat the inside of a water heater and drastically reduce its heating efficiency. Greater fuel consumption and higher utility bills result when the appliance has to heat water through a layer of scale.
