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Following we have several questions about well water, water well and treatment, mostly about safety concerns. At the end of this article, there should be a better understanding of well water and how important well water treatment is for everyday use. 

Is it safe to drink well water?

When your home has a private water well, treatment of the water for quality and safety are your responsibility. No matter what type of well water treatment you have, it will smell and taste different than water that cities provide their residents because of how it is processed and treated. 

Bathing, cleaning, and laundry can be affected differently when using well water versus city water. Being on well water isn’t as rare as many of us thing. There are over fifteen million homes in the United States on well water, treatment is done to keep make it safe for consumption and use. 

What are the benefits of well water?

Water wells are created by drilling a deep hole in the ground so that a pump can access an underground aquifer and send that water to your house. Once that water reaches your home you can expect two major benefits from well water: 

• No Water Bill: Because you are pulling the water your home is using from the ground through a private well, the only monthly bill you’ll see is the electric bill for the pump’s power. 
• Fresher Water: Well water comes through an underground aquifer, making it cleaner than the water that comes from run-offs or surface water. It has more healthy minerals and nutrients that are good for adults and children, and the mineral content makes the water taste better. 
• Protection: Well water is protected from most contamination possibilities  during natural disasters like floods. Or when the city’s water supply is disrupted, a water well is immune to those issues. 

There are some concerns about well water, well justified, but with regularly testing and proper well water treatment, those concerns are eliminated. Because it is private well water, treatment for things like bacteria, chemicals, heavy metals, and parasites needs to be performed on a strict routine. With that routine in place, and the addition of a whole house water filter, your well water will be just a healthy as city water, but fresher! 

Can you drink boiled well water?

While the water supply here in the United States is one of the safest in the world, various sources where water is pulled from can become contaminated. Arsenic along with other chemicals and minerals can make our water unsafe, especially well water. Treatment of city water versus well water is different, and with well water being the responsibility of the home and property owner, may not be treated as recommended. 

Because we cannot see those harmful bacteria, contaminates, and parasites with our eyes, we can’t see if the water is unsafe.  If you are unsure about whether well water treatment has been done or not, it is wise to take precautions. Boiling well water, even tap water, is a sure method to kill any possible disease-causing bacteria, parasites, viruses, or other organisms.

Can your well water make you sick?

Absolutely! However, tap water can make you sick too if treatment has been jeopardized. There is  well water treatment for bacteria and other contaminates like E-coli and other microorganisms that are known to cause disease and illness.  If you or anyone in your household is feeling any of the following symptoms, contact a water well company to test your water: 

• flu-like symptoms  
• fever 
• abdominal pain like cramps
• diarrhea and/or nausea 
• fatigue and loss of energy 

Sadly, these can be symptoms to many things, but with medical attention to check the symptoms, it can be narrowed down. Regardless of what the result of medical testing show, it is recommended to have your well water treatment reviewed and the water itself tested by a professional to assure there is nothing in the well water contributing to these issues. 

What is the best carbon water filter?

The following is a list of carbon water filtration, each being classified as best in a certain class and based on independent research by individuals.  Each family and individual may have different views of these suggested models and may find some that are not on this list to be the “best”. 

• Overall Best:  APEC Water Systems ROES-50, removes up to 1,000 contaminants.  
• Best Attachment to Faucet:  PUR Faucet Water Filtration System is easy to mount with no tools required and removes several contaminants. 
• Best Whole-House:  Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System gives your fresh water from every faucet, including the shower and tub. 
• Best Small Size Pitcher:  ZeroWater 6-Cup Water Filter Pitcher holds six cups and fits in the frig without taking up a lot of space. 
• Best Large Size Pitcher:  Brita 12-Cup Stream Filter Pitcher filters while you’re pouring so you don’t have to wait for it to give you clear water that tastes good. 
• Best Portable:  LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle has a silicone that is comfortable on the mount and the bottle is leakproof.

It is recommended and worthwhile to take the time to research these units more in depth along with others you may find. Ask questions and use the internet as a source of information.

Does carbon kill beneficial bacteria?

No, the activate carbon filter in a carbon water filtration will trap good bacteria, but not kill it. GAC (granular activated carbon) will absorb chemicals, organic and inorganic, to purify water. This process will improve the odor and taste.  by adsorbing organic and inorganic chemicals, making the odor and taste better. Nonpathogenic bacteria readily colonizes GAC and GAC has proven to be better after it has removed chemical disinfection.

Do charcoal sticks really filter water?

Charcoal sticks do more than that!  The benefits to your health are almost endless when it comes to Activated Charcoal, and the bottled water industry has picked up on that too. Today, bottled water infused with activate charcoal stick is the “hot” thing in well-being industry. 

Using charcoal for health and wellbeing isn’t new though. Since the 17^th century, the Japanese have been using it. They discovered it is effective in removing impurities, as good as chlorine does. The technical term for activated charcoal sticks, binchotan charcoal, including the charcoal in your carbon water filtration system.  This porous surface attracts contaminant in tap water, holding them in the carbon surface. 

Cities and states are required by law to treat the water that goes into businesses and residents homes. That treatment has to meet certain criteria and cities are required to test their water on a regular basis and submit the report to the state. 

However, if the water doesn’t meet your personal liking or standards, it may still smell or taste funny, you should invest a quality carbon filtration in water treatment process for your home. This is especially recommended for homes with small children as the contaminants safe for adults are not for children. Need water filtration for your home in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX? Call 817-901-7775 today.

How long do water storage tanks last?

Are you setting up a water tank storage for that garden you started for those times  when there isn’t any rain? Or is this water storage tank for emergency human and animal consumption in case your current water source is cut off? These are things that can decide what type of water tank you need and then how long it will last is the next concern. 

Annual maintenance is needed for any type of water storage tank and pump to keep it in proper condition and the water safe. If your water storage tank has a rubber bladder and pump inside, the air pressure has to be correct or the pump will short cycle, meaning it will repeatedly start and stop, then burn out. 

Additionally, when the inside air pressure is inadequate, the water tank bladder will be stretched in directions and manners that it isn’t designed to stretch, causing it to tear. Once the bladder is torn, the water storage tank isn’t any good. 

It is those two reasons why a regular routine of maintaining your water storage tank is so important. With proper maintenance, a water storage tank will last twenty years or more. How and what maintenance does water tank storage need, and how often should water storage tanks be cleaned?

Your water storage tank should be considered an important investment, this means taking care of the unit so that you have healthy, safe, potable water if and when the time comes that you need to use the contents. To ensure that the water inside your water tank storage is safe, care, inspection, and maintenance are essential. By following these four steps, you can be sure that the water inside your water storage tank is ready to use: 

A Maintenance Plan: Before purchasing your water storage tank, you need to review the different features and options available and choose the one that is right for your needs. These are things that will determine what type of maintenance is required to keep the tank clean. For example, if you choose a plastic water storage tank, it needs to be kept out of direct sun.  Sunlight promotes algae growth which can be detrimental to animals and humans. A plastic water storage tank should be made of complete block out color to eliminate penetration of the sun.

Filter the Water: The water needs to be filtered before going into the water storage tank, especially where rainwater collection is concerned. A diverter is recommended as well for water that passes through downspouts as rainwater washes off contaminants and dirt from the roof. A water tank storage should include a screen that filters debris like leaves, sticks, etc. and keep the screen clean and clear so the opening doesn’t become clogged from the debris it collects. 

Routine Regular Maintenance: Proper routine maintenance will ensure the water inside the water storage tank is safe from contamination. Some items included in this routine maintenance are: 

• Make sure water storage tank is always covered with a tight fit that keeps animals, debris, insects, organic waste, and sunlight out. 
• Clean and remove debris regularly, checking for any damage and make repairs or replacement of all the screens.
• Keep the gutters and roof clean, keep tree branches trimmed back from the roof to keep animals off. 
• Clean and remove any sediment and sludge on the water storage tank bottom once a year. 
• Test the water inside the water storage tank tested for purity. You can hire a professional to perform the test or purchase a DIY test kit.

Clean and Disinfect:  Your water storage tank should be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly annually. The size of the tank and how accessible will determine the process and steps to do this, but the process will typically include using  water storage tank cleaner that you can purchase or create your own with a bleach and water mixture. This will kill any bacteria and remove any debris.

Two times a year, it is recommended to sanitized sanitize the water so that contamination is inhibited. This can be done by pouring one of water bleach mixed with water for every 500 gallons of stored water into the fill pipe. This regular maintenance routine and schedule will properly protect  your water storage tank, minimizing any contamination chances so that you have a safe water for your family’s usage. 

How do you kill bacteria in a water tank?

The basics to disinfect and shock chlorinate the contents of a water storage tanks is a mixture of one gallon of non-scented NSF-approved household bleach of 5.25% chlorine in the reservoir for every one-thousand gallons of water. On a smaller scale of water storage the mixture would be one quart of bleach to 250 gallons of water.

How do you treat a water storage tank?

For every five hundred gallons of water in the water storage tank, add one to one-and-half ounces of non-detergent chlorine bleach of a 5.25 concentration to a clean quart container half filled with water directly into the water storage tank.

Next, clean the inside of the tank with a power washer to make sure all the detergent is gone then fill with hot water and let the tank sit for 6 to 8 hours. Drain the water with a portable pump so any dirt and rinse water is removed. Need a water storage tank in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX? Call 817-901-7775 today!

• It Is Water: Having a water well will give you indefinite access to water and that is an investment within itself. Consider what you’re paying every month to have water. 
• It is Lower Cost: Yeah, after you review how much you pay each month to have the privilege of using a natural resource, you realize that maybe a private well would be cost-effective after the initial install. Gone are the municipal usage charges and in some states, there is tax credit options and federal tax credit options. Even when you consider the cost to install the water well and treatment that is recommended, you’re still going to spend less money over a year. 
• It is Healthier: The municipal water you have access to is treated with chemicals like chlorine and fluoride as well as other chemicals that are harsh and almost impossible to filter out. With proper and routine use of well water treatment tablets  or other well water treatment options, the natural filtering of well water is healthier. 
• It Tastes Better: Ask anybody that has had municipal water and well water which is better and more refreshing. Want to know why? Well water is softened naturally; it doesn’t need chemical additives to make it soft. 
• It is Environmentally Friendly: For anyone that is looking to go green as much as possible, well water is waiting for you! Because it is naturally filtered, it takes those chemicals added to municipal water out of the equation and doesn’t put anything back into the system. 

Should you filter well water?

There are over 15 million homes in the United States on well water, water that is generally safe for consumption and use. However, this doesn’t mean that it is without caution and well water treatment to keep it healthy and safe. 

Because it is well water, there isn’t that municipal testing and treating, making you the responsible party. Well water treatment is usually nothing more than adding tablets to the well or using the services of a well water treatment company.  A few things you should know about well water life: 

1. It is Water from the Ground and it is untreated. A properly dug well is dug to the aquifer, the underground layer of permeable rock where the water is contained. The pump they install carries the water up and into your home. Because that water is coming up from the earth, it is going to collect things as it goes, and that is why well water treatment is necessary.
2. Well Water is Frequently Hard because it naturally dissolves organic matter and minerals from the rocks and soil in the earth. Again, water well treatment and filter system will remove any calcium and magnesium that makes well water hard.
3. Well Water Can stink and stain because of limescale and high iron content. 
4. Well Water is contaminated sometimes because of the pollution this natural resource is subjected to. Next time you’re washing your weed and feed off into the sewer system, think about where it’s going. 
5. Well Water needs annual testing because this natural resource is constantly changing. Well water treatment is important and so is annual testing. Your well won’t be government regulated, so you’ll need to be the responsible party and either do the testing yourself or have a company come test it for you. 

Which water filter is best for well water?

There are several good models on the market. Your budget of course will be a huge deciding factor, but the type of water your well will furnish will be a factor too. Well water isn’t disinfected chemically like municipal water. Most well water won’t have fluoride, sewer pollutants, or harsh chemicals, but it could have bacteria, parasites, sediments, and even heavy metals, or agricultural chemicals, possible industrial chemicals. You want a water filter that removes those bad things and water well treatment that protects the good things.  A few facts to keep in mind when choosing a water well filter: 

1. Power Consumption Rate: Unless the water filter comes with a UV purifier, it won’t need electricity. Even with the UV purifier, it won’t use any more power than your standard light bulb. 
2. Water Flow: Seven gallons per minute is the minimum a home uses with standard faucets and fixtures. If you have a larger home, you’ll want a water filter that can handle double that amount.  The pipe diameter going in and from the filter is the most important factor and should be 1” in diameter. 
3. 3. Micron Filtration Rating: This is the smallest particle the filter can remove and will determine what kind of water your well water access as to which one you need. 
4. Filter Size and Longevity: This is based on the average number of gallons that the filter can process before contaminants can be removed any more. The bigger the capacity, the longer the filter will last. How dirty the water is coming from your well will factor into this too, hence the need for water well treatment. 

Why does my well water stink?

That is Hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S) giving your well water that rotten egg odor and taste. It is a natural occurrence from the chemical reactions of decaying rocks and soil in the ground. It can also be coming from sulfur bacteria or chemical reactions inside your water heater. Need well water treatment today? Call Elder's Pure Water in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX at 817-901-7775.

• Stains: What makes water hard are the dissolved metals and minerals contained in it and those leave behind stubborn, ugly stains in the bathtub, sinks, and toilet, not to mention the scaly deposits around and on the faucets. 
• Scaling: Mineral deposits will build up on the coffee maker, dinnerware, flatware, glassware, pans, pots, and more. The chalky, hard film is difficult to remove and it builds up inside water using appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine, which can lead to repairs, or worse, replacements.
• Utility Bills: If you have noticed your water bills has increased lately, check the plumbing in your home for scale buildup. That same scale that clogs up appliances can clog pipes too, including those running to and through the water heater, boilers, and more. If water runs through something, the scale build up is too. 
• Dull and Faded Laundry: Hard water will make your laundry start looking dull and faded after a while. The laundry soap becomes less effective, leaving behind a residue that makes clothes look dull and fades the colors. 
• Dry Hair and Skin: The minerals found in hard water leaves hair and skin dry, flaky, and itchy. It blocks the pores that you’re trying to open, which causes blackheads and pimples because the skin can’t breathe. 

 So, what are the water softener benefits you can expect? Well in addition to making your clothes and linens look brighter and last longer, water softeners can provide these benefits: 

• Save Water and Conserve Energy: With water softeners installed, it takes less rinsing of dishes and laundry. The less you run your washing machine and the les you run water, you’re saving water and conserving energy. These are two thing that we need more of so we can save our planet.  For you, you could save as much as 6,000 gallons of water almost $900 in electricity costs! 
• Reduce Supply Needs: Water softeners take less products like bleach and detergent to get your laundry clean. When you consider that doing laundry in hard water, you’re washing the water and the laundry, so you use more detergent, more bleach. With water softeners installed, you can cut your laundry supply cost by fifty percent or more. 
• Reduce maintenance and repairs: Water softeners will ease the abuse that any water-using appliance suffers from hard water. Hard water leaves behind scales that clog nozzles, pipes, damages pumps and valves, and leaves machinery inefficient and impaired. This leads to constant cleaning and repairing of washing machines, dishwashers, faucets, and toilets. 

What are the disadvantages of a water softener?

While water softeners have their benefits, they also have a few disadvantages that you should consider before purchasing a water softener. 

1. Water is too soft: Softened water can sometimes become slimy and slippery. 
2. Overdose of sodium:  Water softeners with an ion-exchange contain sodium ions, and for those with a well-balanced diet, that isn’t a problem. For a household that has somebody with sodium intake issues, it could be too much. 
3. Irrigation issues: Water softeners lack calcium and magnesium elements, which is good, but the sodium increase isn’t suitable for irrigation systems. 
4. They are expensive: Installing a water softener can cost up to $2,000 or more and the routine maintenance required can be expensive. 
5.  Dietary mineral requirements: Again, for anyone with dietary needs, water softeners may cause issues with their health. The calcium and minerals that water softeners remove are needed by some people and the sodium is too much for others. 

Do I need a water filter if I have a water softener?

A water filter will remove those unwanted compounds like dirt, sand, sediment, and more from your water. They can also remove chlorine, fluoride, iron, pesticides, and sulfur. 

A water softener purpose is a type of water filter that is specifically for hard water with high levels of calcium and magnesium. Water softeners remove those ions and change how the water interacts with surfaces.

So, if you want the best water possible, then yes, have  water filter and water softener installed. Do you need both? No. 

Can you drink softened water?

The amount of sodium added by water softeners is dependent on how hard the water is originally. Water that has more than ten grains of hardness per gallon will have as much as 30mg of sodium added per eight ounces.  Our diets get the majority of its sodium from the processed foods we eat along with the table salt we add. 

The recommended allowance of sodium in most diets is 2,400 mg per day. There is between 160mg and 240mg of sodium in two quarts of softened water. If sodium is an issue for anyone’s diet or medication regimen, consult with your physician. 

First of all, your drinking water should be clear and not cloudy, and should not have an odor. Any discoloration should be suspect. But, you should definitely get the water tested if it comes out yellowish, brown, bluish or green. Yellow water could indicate the presence of the cancer-causing chemical chromium-6, as well as signs of the presence of lead, iron, manganese, or copper, which in high concentrations can be dangerous. Darker brown colors can indicate rust. Blue or greenish water can indicate the presence of copper and might mean copper pipes are worn and may need to be replaced.

Odors also shouldn’t be present. Common bad odors include rotten egg or sulfurous odors that indicate the presence of hydrogen sulfide, a gas that sometimes occurs naturally in groundwater. In some bacteria, it can be converted to sulfate that can cause dehydration or diarrhea. If your water smells like bleach, it could indicate too much chlorine. Excess chlorine in the water can lead to issues ranging from skin irritation to kidney problems. Odors of sewage indicate you have a problem with your sewer line.

If you are concerned about your water quality and want professional water testing in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX, the experienced professionals at Elder's Pure Water offer a full range of testing services. You can get help by calling 817-901-7775.

Why water testing is important

Testing your water quality is particularly important today. While cities do everything they can to provide you with quality water, many problems can occur that could contaminate water and make it detrimental to your health. Aging pipes in the city’s supply lines or your aging pipes, for instance, could allow contaminants into the water. It’s possible, as well, that while cities treat their water, they might just be meeting federal guidelines but not meeting your standards. Even privately supplied water from wells can contain contaminants, especially in areas when there may be pollutants in the water supply. Whether public or private, water supplies can be contaminated by anything from an overabundance of chemicals like chlorine to dangerous diseases and parasites, all of which could adversely affect your health.

How can I test water quality at home without a kit?

While having your water professionally tested is one of the best ways to ensure your water is safe and of high quality, you have other options available. Water testing kits, for example, can be purchased, and there are some ways to check your water quality without kits. Of course, clean water is clear and odorless, and sometimes just a visual check for cloudiness or discoloration or sniff test for odors will indicate low water quality. Taste tests might reveal issues like low pH or excess minerals—a metallic taste usually indicates these problems. You might also want to have your plumbing checked for corrosion or leaks or other issues that could affect quality. Another resource is your local municipality. Cities are required to report water quality and you can ask for water quality test reports. Sometimes this information is available online.

Are water testing kits accurate?

For the most part, home water testing kits are fairly accurate, especially when testing for the presence of chlorine, lead, bacteria, as well as pH levels. They might not be as accurate or detailed as a lab test when testing for other chemicals like nitrites and nitrates. Much of the accuracy will depend on which test you purchase, along with whether you performed the test correctly.

What tests are used to determine water quality?

At laboratories, water testing includes several different types of tests.

• Temperature: Temperature helps determine the biochemical reaction. Elevated water temperatures, for instance, can limit the ability to hold oxygen and affects how some organisms resist pollutants.
• pH levels: Acidity of water is tested. This can affect the ability of organisms to live in water.
• Chloride testing: High levels of chloride could be the result of dissolving minerals or industrial pollution.
• Salinity: Various levels of salinity in water can affect environments differently.
• Dissolved oxygen: Key indicators of water health, especially for aquatic animals.
• Turbidity: Measures particulate matter suspended in water. 
• Nitrates and Phosphates: In natural waterways, when these chemicals occur naturally, they can be nutrients, but artificially nitrates and phosphates can be harmful, often resulting in algae blooms.
• Pesticides: High levels of pesticides in water can be very dangerous.
• Redox: Reduction-oxidization indicates electron activity and potential for microorganism growth.
• Electrical conductivity: Can help indicate levels of salinity.
• Metals: Some metals naturally occur in water, but many like lead or uranium or mercury are often introduced artificially through processes such as mining and processing of minerals.

What is the healthiest water?

There are all types of water that you can consume. Technically, one of the healthiest is hydrogen water because it contains high levels of antioxidants. But, when it comes to hydration, any water is good as long as it lacks impurities. Water marketed as “healthy” can be good, but the purported health benefits will only be beneficial when working in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise. 

Is hard water bad for you?

Hard water is normally not bad for you. It just contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Hard water is generally a problem because of the way it affects plumbing and cleansing agents like soaps and detergents. Of course, other harmful chemicals or minerals could be present in hard water, and water testing is advised when you have hard water.

Water testing for Covid-19

In regards to the current Covid-19 pandemic, according to the EPA, water testing has revealed the virus is not transmitted through tap water and has not been detected in water supplies. It is safe to use and drink tap water.

Are whole house water filtration systems worth it?

It is proven that when you do not have measures in place to filter or improve your water, it becomes hard on not only your body but everything it comes into contact with. Dishes, clothes, machines that regularly interact with your less or unfiltered water will deteriorate at a faster rate than expected. That changes with a whole house water treatment, which can be as simple as adding a carbon filter or as monumental as adding several additions to your water system throughout the home. Whereas unfiltered or partly filtered water will have the mentioned effect on clothing and dishes, filtered water improves the lifespan of all things that encounter the filtered water across the board. Furthermore, you can get benefits from your system such as:

• Being able to drink at the tap
• Save money on repairs for your plumbing system
• Reduce toxins that enter the body through water consumption

However, when answering the question of if the system is worth it, it must be understood that two factors must be taken into account: the state of the drinking water and the water pressure. If the former results in a poor quality of water, a whole house water filtration system are absolutely worth it. However, the system can reduce water pressure thanks to the additions it will add that create more gates for the water to pass through. While there are measures to counteract this without having to take away from the filtration.

How do whole house water filters work?

For homeowners that own wells, the knowledge of how a whole house water treatment or filtration system works is relatively common. However, many homeowners are not familiar with the inner workings due to that it is not as well known in urban areas due to the systems already being installed. Such parts of the system can include:

• Water softeners: A system and technique that removes the calcium and magnesium from the incoming water. 
• UV water purifiers: Exposes the water to ultraviolet wavelengths, killing bacteria and viruses.
• Carbon filters: A form of filtering that has activated carbon remove and absorb several particles from the incoming water. 

Among other parts, the pieces of the water filtration system are designed and appropriately named to filter the incoming water. Each piece is placed to benefit the home water system whether it’s source is a well or the system that also provides to other homeowners in a neighborhood or city. 

There is likely some falsehood and some truth about both city water and well water, and both have their pros and cons. When a home gets it water by a well which is usually a well dug on their property, pulling water from the Earth below.

There are small communities where there are several houses within a certain distance, can get on that water system, paying their water bill to a co-op that has a board of directors and management team. This type of water well isbuilt by drilling deep into the ground where access is gained to underground aquifer. In either case, the well water to house where an underground aquifer pumps the water to the house.  

The Pros of Well Water:

• No water bill because the water you use is coming from your private well. If you’re on a septic system, you won’t receive a sewage bill either.
• Well water is fresher, high in minerals and nutrients because it comes from the underground aquifer and not run- off or surface water.
• Well water isn’t likely to be contaminated during a natural disaster, which can disrupt a city’s distribution of safe water. 

The Cons of Well Water

• Well water needs electricity for the pump to work. So, if there is a power outage, the pump quits working. We recommend having a backup power source like a generator or solar power for your well.
• The city or co-op is not responsible for the quality or quantity of your well water.  Because a well is on private property, it is the homeowner’s responsibility for maintenance and repairs and any additional drilling that may be needed.
• Well water can be contaminated with pollutants like chemicals, dead animals, radiation, sewage, and other potential pollutants. This includes any farm or ranch run off, nuclear power plant, or septic systems.

With these facts presented, it confirms why well water should be tested regularly to make sure it is free of any bacteria, chemicals, heavy metal, or parasites.

When your water is supplied by the city or co-op, they have collected the water and ran a purification process before delivering it to customers. There are pros and cons to city or co-op water:

The Pros of City Water:

• The city is responsible for the quality and quantity of your water, so each time you turn on a faucet, you know you’ll have water that has been purified and tested.
• City water is readily available in most places and contacting the city to get set up with a water department account, paying any connection fees and having a meter installed will get water in your home. 
• City water is the preference of mortgage lenders because of the unpredictability of well water.

The Cons of City Water

• City water isn’t as fresh as well water because it come from run-off and surfaced water, which allow it contact with chemicals and pollutants. City water is chemically treated and filtered, which can take away its freshness too.
• You pay a monthly bill for city water and it can be expensive. 
• The city can turn off your water for repairs or missed payment.  
• City water has the unfortunate ability of being prone to large-scale contamination.

Does well water need filtered?

Well water will typically need less treatment than the surface water from a city because it runs through rock and soil underground that is cleaning it naturally. However, it will pick up some minerals, but not enough to be corrosive. If your well water is an exorbitant amount, in calcium or magnesium too, which will give you hard water, you can purchase a water softener for your home. The minerals found in well water are the same minerals the human body requires.   

How often should you chlorinate your well?

It is recommended by experts that well water should be tested annually, or if the homeowner notices any changes in the appearance or taste of the water. Should there be a change, you can “shock” the water in the well with either one of several products on the market specifically for this purpose or use basic household bleach. Have a supply of bottled water on hand as the shocking process takes a full day making your well water unusable for the day.

How many years does a water well last?

A water well can last anywhere between 25 years to more than 100 years, a fact that needs to be considered when weighing the costs of having a professionally installed. 

As we’ve discussed, well water has its benefits, as does city water, and both have the cons. Depending on where you live will determine which water system you have. A house in the middle of the city is not going to be permitted to have a private well, and if your home is in the deep rural areas of this country, you aren’t going to any option but well water. Need well water treatement in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX? Call 817-901-7775 today.

Are plastic water storage tanks safe? 

By tradition, steel tanks have been the choice for water storage tanks. However, they have limits because they are at the mercy of the elements, with a common issue of corrosion. Plastic water storage tanks that are manufactured from BPA-free polyethylene plastic and food-grade safe plastic are 100% safe to drink the water stored in them. 

How do you keep water fresh in a storage tank? 

Now that you have one or more water storage tanks, do you know how to keep that water fresh and useable for humans? We share the following steps with you for five hundred gallons of stored water:

• Half fill a clean quart-sized container with water
• Add 3 tablespoons of standard chlorine bleach, (household use, non-detergent, and unscented)
• Pour this mixture directly into the water storage tanks
• Using a clean paddle or pole, mix/stir the solution in the water for three minutes
• Close the lid and any openings on the water storage tanks
• Let stand eight hours
• If you aren’t able to mix or stir the added solution, let it stand for twenty-four hours

This will provide fresh and reasonably clear water. If the water is cloudy or murky, this process isn’t as effective because of a possible abundance of suspended solids. Contact the county Extension agent for other ways to treat water storage tanks of stored water that could be considered highly turbid water. 

How long does a water storage tank last? 

The typical warranty for water storage tanks is 5 years. With just a little maintenance, water storage tanks can last 25 years or longer. 

Do water tanks need cleaning? 

The purpose of household water storage tanks is to provide safe water for human consumption and use, like cleaning, cooking, drinking, and gardening. Contaminated water causes many human diseases, which is why it is so essentially important for anyone gets their drinking water from water storage tanks to know water storage tank cleaning procedures and keep them clean. 

The recommended timing for cleaning water storage tanks is annual. This can eliminate any sediment or sludge that builds up and contaminate the water. Cleaning water storage tanks isn’t all that complicated and there are few choices in cleaning your water storage tanks: 

1. Use clean, clear water, and rinse them well
2. Use anti-bacterial solution and high-pressure water jet cleaner
3. Hire a professional that specializes in cleaning water storage tanks 

If you are considering investing in water storage tanks, it is important to have a proper, solid water storage tank base, this part is critical. Too often you hear of horror stories of water tanks splitting and all the water inside is lost because there was not a proper, solid base. Dial 817-901-7775 today for your water storage tank installation in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX.

How does a carbon filter work?

A carbon water filter will work by using a bed of activated carbon to remove the impurities and contaminants with chemical adsorption. This differs from absorption as it will trap pollutant molecules from the fluid inside the pore structure of the carbon substrate.

What are carbon water filters made of?

A carbon water filter can be made out of coal or wood and sold as carbon blocks or granular activated carbon. There can also be a difference in the size of particles a filter can allow which will add defense to the process of contamination removal. With granular activated carbon, however, there is no limit to the size as the material is porous.

Does a carbon filter remove lead?

Carbon block filters can be engineered to remove lead yet in large inorganics are more removed in reverse osmosis, ion exchange or distiller systems.

What does a carbon water filter remove?

A carbon water filter will be most effective in removing particles such as sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs,) chlorine, odor and improving taste. They aren’t as effective in removing salts, minerals, or dissolved inorganic substances. 

What happens if I don’t change my water filter?

With the passage of time, your water filter will naturally wear out and become less effective at getting rid of different minerals, chemicals, and microbes that run in water supplies. You may notice a change in the smell and taste of water so these are good indications that your water filter needs a change.

Is carbon in water filters dangerous?

A carbon water filter is safe if rated by a third party for the safety of the materials used. All carbon water filters are going to be rated for the sub-micron carbon block removing other contaminants like cysts or lead and for CTO (chlorine, taste, and odor.)

Can carbon water filters make you sick?

If not replaced often recent studies have found that a carbon water filter can harbor bacteria. This is due to the fact that the surface areas of a charcoal filter when filled will prevent further adsorption of contaminants. With mechanical filtration, the filter will become clogged with debris to the point where the free flow of water is prevented. The second scenario may be easier to notice since the rate of water will slow down greatly. With the former, it may be hard to tell when it becomes full. With either case, filters growing bacteria can be a risk to health so be sure to change them periodically.

How long does a carbon water filter last?

A carbon water filter will need to be changed about 18-24 months if there is regular 24/7 use. With less demanding use they can last to 4 years. Everything will ultimately depend on use and carbon quality.

How long do water filters actually last?

A water filter can last a pretty long time in general, depending on the filters that you use and how often you use them the lifespan can range. On average a cartridge can live 6-12 months, yet with tanks, you can see a lifespan of 3-10 years depending on the size of the tank. With larger tanks, you’ll see a longer lifespan.

Contact a Professional Water Filtration Company For More

If you’re interested in a carbon water filter get in touch with your local water purification company for more information. They will be able to properly gauge what size system you need, what kind of water filtration is best and where it should be placed to be the most effective. In order to maintain the health of occupants in your home or business, a carbon water filter will be a great preliminary step in water purification. Speak to a knowledgeable expert to learn more about what measures can be taken to improve the cleanliness of your water.

If you’re interested in a carbon water filter in Aledo and Fort Worth, TX call 817-901-7775 with Elder's Pure Water!