Water is as essential to life as the air that we breathe. Unfortunately, both natural and man-made pollutants can adversely influence its quality.

Hard Water:

One of the most common problems with water is hardness. Below are some facts about hard water.

Hard water leaves its mark on everything it comes in contact with - sinks, toilets, water-using appliances, dishes, silver and glass wear, laundry, etc.

• Brownish-red (rust) colored stains
• White, crusty scale and deposits
• Gray or black stains
• Sediment in water
• Discolored laundry, especially in white clothes
• The need to use excessive amounts of shampoo, soap for bathing, detergent for laundry, and cleaning products for household chores

Hard water is caused by contact with minerals in the ground. Staining, scaling, discoloration and other problems described above are the result of mineral deposits in your water. For example, rust-colored stains are caused by iron in the water. White scale is the result of calcium, lime and/or magnesium deposits. Gray or black residue indicates the presence of manganese in water. Sediment is suspended particulate matter in water.

The cost of replacing plumbing fixtures and appliances using hard water is a major area of concern for many homeowners. The build-up of mineral deposits caused by hard water in pipes, hot water heaters, dishwashers, etc. is a problem that eventually makes it necessary to replace these items. Also, appliances using hard water are not as efficient, thus costing much more to operate than they would if using soft water. Damage done to sinks, bathroom fixtures, dishes, etc. also creates additional replacement costs that can add up very quickly. Cleaning up after hard water is time consuming and expensive. And clothes washed continually in hard water will not last as long as those protected by the benefits of soft water.

Acid Water:

Water with a low pH is acidic and extremely corrosive. It can literally eat away at pipes, plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances, eventually creating the need to replace them. Visible signs of acidic water are greenish-blue stains around copper pipes and fittings as well as in fixtures such as sinks, tubs and toilets. What you don't see is the hidden damage it causes over an extended period of time.

Micro-organisms:

Bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms are an invisible health threat that can lurk undetected in water.

Contaminates:

There are a number of substances that can impact the quality of your drinking water. Even though it looks clear and clean, water from the tap can contain impurities such as:

• dissolved salts
• toxic metals, including lead and mercury
• nitrates
• volatile organic compounds, such as commercial chemicals and pesticides
• chlorine by-products, created when chlorine reacts with other substances in water

Hydrogen Sulfide:

Hydrogen sulfide, commonly referred to as sulfur, gives water a foul, "rotten egg" taste and odor. Because it is also a weak acid, hydrogen sulfide can promote corrosion as well. High concentrations are flammable and can be poisonous.