AboutSteve Young Expertise I will answer questions on residential water treatment, i.e. use of softeners, filters, reverse osmosis systems, disinfection, iron and/or sediment removal and other issues facing the homeowner.
Experience I have worked in the water treatment area for 30 years. I have specialized in the design of reverse osmosis, deionization, and water softening units. I have also done work in water quality and stream and river remediation as it relates to the Clean Water Act.
Organizations I am currently serving as an Expert for Home Improvement, Travel (New Mexico) and Travel (North Carolina)
Question QUESTION: I RECEIVE MY RESIDENTIAL WATER FROM A SMALL LAKE BEHIND MY HOME. THE QUALITY IS EXCELLENT OTHER THAN SOME SUSPENDED ALGAE THAT GIVES THE WATER A SLIGHTLY GREEN COLOR. I HAVE A CHARCOAL FILTER BEFORE THE EXPANSION TANK ( 100 Gal. no bladder) AND ONE ON THE DRINKING WATER LINE. THE COLOR IS NOTICEABLE WHEN YOU DRAW A BATH. THE FIXTURES DO NOT STAIN. I WOULD LIKE TO INSTALL A WHOLE HOUSE SYSTEM THAT WOULD ELIMINATE THE SUSPENDED PARTICLES. THE SYSTEM SHOULD INCLUDE REUSABLE OR AT LEAST WASHABLE FILTER MEDIA. WOULD A SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES A CHLORINATOR BEFORE THE TANK AND A CHLORINE FILTER AFTER IT, BE EFFECTIVE OR OVERKILL? ANY SUGGESTIONS OR ADVICE. THANKS.
ANSWER: Hi Mark,
Before I answer your question I need to know a couple of things:
1. Do you have regular biological monitoring done on your water? Especially for E-coli bacteria.
2. Do you have a water analysis? If so, please include it in your email back to me.
3. Approximately how much water do you use per day? If you don't know that how many people live at your house?
4. Do you have any experience with chlorine feed systems?
Let me know these answers and I will help you put a recommendation together.
Take care,
Steve
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Steve, I do not do regular biological testing. The pond is spring fed approx. 200' x 200' x 20' deep. and has served my water needs for 10 years now. I have no health problems, nor do my previous family members. When I bought the propery in 1998 the water tested very good to gov't standards with very low e-coli and choloform. I am the only occupant of the home at this time, but a system to serve a family would be prudent if I decide to sell in the future. I will redo the water tests to get some numbers, and send them to you. I have no experience with chlorine feeders and simply wanted to research that possibility. Thanks for your speedy reply.
Answer Hi Mark,
It sounds like you have a very nice water supply. You are fortunate that it is free from contamination - these kinds of sources are becoming harder and harder to find. Especially the above ground water.
As far as the whole house filtration system I would recommend something like this:
The system from Pure Water Products is a really good system and you will notice there are a number of available combination's. Use their chart to see if the strategy that you come up with makes sense to you. If you like it and want to discuss it please let me know and I will give you my input.
I hope this information helps. Let me know how I can help out further.
Take care,
Steve
Hi Mark,
Thank you for the nice comments and ratings. Since we are volunteers and receive no compensation for our services these kinds of remarks are our "payment."
If you decide to go with chlorination I would use your current 100 gallon tank as the "retention" tank. That should give you plenty of good contact time for the chlorine to do it's job. You could then put the chlorine filter on the outlet side of the tank to remove the chlorine before it comes into your home.
Good luck and let me know if I can help out in any other ways!
Steve
