Water Test Analysis

pH: The pH, which represents the hydrogen ion concentration in water, has a range of 1 - 14; 7 being neutral and below that being acidic. Below 6.5 the water can become corrosive to metal pipes and fixtures causing blue-green stains. USEPA: Not applicable. (Desirable range 6.5 to 8.5)

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): The total amount of dissolved minerals and elements in water. Low TDS levels generally are indicative of better water quality. USEPA limit: 500 ppm (Mg/l)

TURBIDITY: Turbidity in water is caused by suspended matter, such as clay, silt, oxidised iron, organic and inorganic matter, plankton and microscopic organisms. USEPA limit: 5 units

HARDNESS: Hardness is primarily the result of calcium and magnesium ions. Hard water scales, increases soap consumption and can foul heating coils and other fixtures. Hardness can be expressed as ppm (parts per million); mg/l (milligrams per litre, or gpg (grains per gallon). Mg/l and ppm are considered equal and 17.1 ppm or mg/l = 1 gpg. Water hardness levels are classified as follows:

• Soft Water : 0 - 1 gpg (0 - 17.1 ppm or mg/l)
• Slightly Hard Water : 1 - 3½ gpg (17.1 - 60 ppm or mg/l)
• Moderately Hard Water : 3½ - 7 gpg (60 - 120 ppm or mg/l)
• Hard Water : 7 - 10½ gpg (120 - 180 ppm or mg/l)
• Very Hard Water : Over 10½ gpg ( 180 ppm or mg/l)

IRON (Fe): Iron concentrations as low as 0.3 ppm (0.1 under some conditions) will cause and orange-brown staining on laundry and fixtures. Soluble iron (also known as "clear water" or ferrous iron), precipitated iron (also known as "red water" or ferric iron) and bacterial iron (also known as iron bacteria) can result in colour, turbidity and add to the hardness level.

MANGANESE (Mn): Manganese concentrations as low as 0.05 ppm can produce a bownish or blackish stain. USEPA limit: 0.05 ppm (mg/l)

TANNINS: Tannins (a humic acid) which may be present in some water supplies, are the results of various forms of decaying vegetation. Tannins can cause problems by forming a sticky coating on medias. Generally with tannin concentrations of 0.5 ppm or less, more frequent backwashing will prevent the sticky coating from forming.