Electrolysis
Test is a demonstration in which an
electrical current is applied to an iron and aluminum
electrode in water. When an electrical current flows between
the two electrodes an iron oxide is formed discoloring the
water. The amount of discoloration is determined by the amount
of dissolved solids in the water and the amount of time the
electrodes are operated. Higher levels of dissolved solids
quickens the process and increases the discoloration. |
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| Light
Test is a demonstration to show that
water itself is a poor conductor of electricity, but when
water is contaminated with dissolved solids (mineral salts) it
becomes a good conductor of electricity. Not all contaminants
of water conduct electricity. |
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| Chlorine
& Food Coloring demonstrates that one
contaminant (chlorine) can hide or alter another (food coloring) (Chlorine byproducts are
known carcinogens – cancer causing). |
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| Chlorine
& OTO demonstrate that chlorine and
its by-products can be readily absorbed through the skin of
most people. |
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| Dissolved
Solids Meter measures
the amount of dissolved salts (minerals) that are present in
the water. This measures in Parts Per Million (ppm) or
Milligrams Per Liter (mg/l), both are equal. |
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| pH is the balance of acidity and alkalinity. This is measured on
a scale of 0.0 to 14.0 with the mid-point 7.0 being neutral. A
pH of 6.0 is 10 times more acidic then 7.0; a pH of 5.0 is 100
times more acidic then 7.0; while a pH of 4.0 is 1000 times
more acidic then 7.0. Therefore, a pH of 10.0 is a 1000 times
more alkaline then 7.0 or 1,000,000 times more alkaline then
4.0. Low pH and High pH can both cause problems. |
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| Alkalinity is the present of one or more of the following: hydroxides,
carbonates and bicarbonates. High levels of alkaline can give
water a soda taste as well as dry as dry the skin. |
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| Acidity in water most commonly caused by carbon dioxide that changes
into carbonic acid. The carbon dioxide (CO2) is present in the
air and some is absorbed when rain falls through the air as
well as when rain flows through decaying vegetation. This
acidity is often neutralized as the rain passes over or
through rock formations. Rock formations such as limestone
will neutralize the acidity by dissolving into the water,
while granite resists the attack of the acidity and the
acidity is not neutralized. |
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Nitrates are commonly found in water supplies. Nitrates come from
fertilizers, leaching from septic tanks, sewage and erosion of
natural deposits. Nitrates also can contribute to the blue
baby syndrome or lack of oxygen in the blood. Lack of oxygen
can cause a decrease in energy in some people. Measured in
mg/l (milligrams per litre) or ppm (parts per million). |
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Iron found in many forms, most commonly ferric (red water) and
ferrous (clear water). Other forms are heme iron, bacterial
iron and colloidal iron. Different forms treatment is required
for the different forms of iron. Iron results in rust color
stains. Measured in mg/l (milligrams per litre) or ppm (parts
per million). |
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| Manganese generally results in black stains and is measured in mg/l
(milligrams per litre) or ppm (parts per million). |
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Hard
water costs
homeowners and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars each
year. These costs include increase energy used for heating
water, increased soap & detergents for cleaning, increased
wear & tear on appliances, machinery and clothing,
increased labor, etc. Hardness is measured in gpg (grains per
gallon) or mg/l (milligrams per litre) or ppm (parts per
million). |
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| Turbidity is measured by the transmission of light through a water
sample as well by size, generally larger turbidity is measured
in microns. |
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Hydrogen
Sulfide - Often referred to as “Rotten
Egg Odour” |
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| Chlorides,
Sulfates, Fluorides, Nitrates, Nitrites, Sodium and dozens of other contaminants are measured in ppm or ppb
(parts per billion) or even ppt (part per trillion). Many
contaminants can cause illness ranging from mild to severe.
Some are listed on the EPA web sight. Over 4.5 million
elements and chemical compounds have been created yet only 100
to 200 are commonly tested. |
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