We believe that individuals visit water treatment web sites to find an explanation or a solution to a particular problem. Here are many of the most common water complaints.



Stains and their usual causes

Brown, Orange : iron, tannin
Dark Gray or Black : sulfur, manganese
Blue-Green : copper [acidic water]
White residue : hard water [calcium and magnesium]
Glassy hard residue or etched glassware : silica
Grit : sand, mica or debris from pipes

Taste and/or Odors

Rotten egg : hydrogen sulphide [sulfur]
Metallic : usually dissolved minerals such as iron or copper.
Chlorine : disinfectant found in public water systems
Fishy, musty, earthy : bacterial or organic contamination
Oily sheen or diesel smell : ground water contamination or bacterial iron
Astringent, bitter : usually manganese, acidic or alkaline water



Iron/Sulfur Removal System
Iron shows up in different forms and can be treated using different methods: air injection, ozone, potassium permanganate or chemical injection.

• Removes sulfur [rotten egg smell, black stains]; soluble and insoluble iron [brown stains]
• Low pH can usually be adjusted easily
• Filters sediment down to 20 microns
• Removes metallic tastes

Acid Water [Neutralizer]
There are two treament approaches depending on customer preference. A one-tank system with calcium carbonate and a backwash feature or a soda ash and water mixture injected from a solution tank into the water line via a small chemical pump.

• Eliminates blue green stains [copper]
• Removes the metallic taste due to copper
• Terminates copper pipe corrosion
• Option one can remove some sediment

Water Softener*
Usually a two tank system, one for removing hardness minerals [calcium, magnesium, ferrous iron]; the other for making a salt brine solution used to clean or regenerate the softening resin in the first tank. The two tanks are connected via a small tube*. A cabinet style softener is available as are the newer "saltless systems".

• Eliminates white scale build up on shower walls, plumbing fixtures, sinks etc.
• Removes manganese [black stains, bitter taste]
• Aids in the removal of iron in combination with other systems
• Improves dry skin conditions and enhances water cleaning quality

*Nitrates and Tannin [orange, brown] are removed using the same method, however with different treatment materials.

Activated Carbon
A one-tank system with activated carbon for filtering and taste control. We frequently use a mix of carbon and KDF for high performance

• Removes chlorine/chloramines and reduces heavy metals
• Excellent for improving the taste of city water
• Reduces odors in combination with other systems to reduce odors.
• Removes oily petroleum products leached into ground water

Reverse Osmosis
A system that pushes water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane allowing only the water molecule to pass through. It produces a high quality and is normally at a point of use location [kitchen sink and ice maker].

• Improves taste and is inexpensive [approx. $.26 per gal]
• Removes dissolved solids, primarily salts from the water
• Effective for eliminating nitrates, lead and many other harmful toxins
• Removes color due to organic matter
• Not recommended as a sole treatment for the removal of bacteria

Bacteria - Ultra Violet Light
A whole house treatment system used to destroy bacterial pathogens and viruses. It has been consistently demonstrated that these units provide safe water when these contaminants are present in the water source.

• Bacteria and viruses are destroyed