4 Merchants Court, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While many people are aware that well water (and even municipal water) can have problems that may or may not be visible, most people aren't water chemistry experts and don't have a clear picture of what the issues, effects, and solutions are. While this is a big topic, we'll try here to give a straightforward overview to help you be an informed consumer.
Common Water Quality Problems, Their Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Blue-green stains in tubs and sinks; metallic taste
Cause
Blue-green stains are the result of acidic (low pH) water. The acidic water slowly dissolves your copper plumbing. When your tub dries, the water evaporates, leaving being the blue-green copper salts. This is a very common problem on Martha's Vineyard since rainwater is naturally acidic (and increasingly so because of the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere) and, unlike most of the United States, we have no limestone in strata underlying the island. In other areas, the acidic water reacts with the limestone which neutralizes the acidity.
Effects
The most noticeable effect is the staining itself which is unsightly and difficult to clean. The longer-term effect is that the acid water is actually eating your copper plumbing from the inside out. Eventually pinhole leaks will start to develop and this will progress to the point where major re-plumbing will be required. This is an expensive and disruptive process since your plumbing was installed after your home was framed but before walls and ceilings were in place. The EPA lists copper as both Primary (health) and Secondary (aesthetic) contaminants.
Solution
There are at least a half-dozen ways to neutralize water, but the most efficient and flexible way is to install a fully automatic, backwashing, (self-cleaning) Acid Neutralizing System. These systems use calcium carbonate (the primary component of limestone) to neutralize the acidity in the same way nature does in areas where there is limestone underground.
Blue-green stains are the result of acidic (low pH) water. The acidic water slowly dissolves your copper plumbing. When your tub dries, the water evaporates, leaving being the blue-green copper salts. This is a very common problem on Martha's Vineyard since rainwater is naturally acidic (and increasingly so because of the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere) and, unlike most of the United States, we have no limestone in strata underlying the island. In other areas, the acidic water reacts with the limestone which neutralizes the acidity.
Effects
The most noticeable effect is the staining itself which is unsightly and difficult to clean. The longer-term effect is that the acid water is actually eating your copper plumbing from the inside out. Eventually pinhole leaks will start to develop and this will progress to the point where major re-plumbing will be required. This is an expensive and disruptive process since your plumbing was installed after your home was framed but before walls and ceilings were in place. The EPA lists copper as both Primary (health) and Secondary (aesthetic) contaminants.
Solution
There are at least a half-dozen ways to neutralize water, but the most efficient and flexible way is to install a fully automatic, backwashing, (self-cleaning) Acid Neutralizing System. These systems use calcium carbonate (the primary component of limestone) to neutralize the acidity in the same way nature does in areas where there is limestone underground.
Red-brown stains on tubs, sinks, and laundry; metallic taste
Cause
Red-brown stains are caused by iron in the water, of which there are many types. Their effects are the same, but the method of treatment varies by type.
Effects
The primary effect of iron in your water is the staining, which can vary from very minor (when there's only a small amount of iron in your water) to extreme. Certain types of iron will clog piping and fixtures. It can also damage or ruin hot water heaters and other water-using appliances.
Solution
Iron is not difficult to remove, as long as one can correctly identify its type and quantity. We have the Laboratory, EPA, Field Grade Testing Equipment to pinpoint the exact cause. From there, we present the most economical and efficient means of effective treatment.
Red-brown stains are caused by iron in the water, of which there are many types. Their effects are the same, but the method of treatment varies by type.
Effects
The primary effect of iron in your water is the staining, which can vary from very minor (when there's only a small amount of iron in your water) to extreme. Certain types of iron will clog piping and fixtures. It can also damage or ruin hot water heaters and other water-using appliances.
Solution
Iron is not difficult to remove, as long as one can correctly identify its type and quantity. We have the Laboratory, EPA, Field Grade Testing Equipment to pinpoint the exact cause. From there, we present the most economical and efficient means of effective treatment.
Brown-to-black stains; metallic taste
Cause
Brown-to-black stains are caused by manganese in your water. Manganese is a metal, chemically similar to iron, and is found in various mineral compounds in nature. It is rarely found without iron being present as well.
Effects
Brown-to-blacks stains on tubs, sinks, laundry, and especially dishwashers, that are extremely difficult to remove. Manganese may also appear as black sediment in your water. High levels of manganese can be neurotoxic.
Solution
Removal of manganese can be more difficult than removing iron, but thorough testing will always lead the way to the best treatment method for any given situation.
Brown-to-black stains are caused by manganese in your water. Manganese is a metal, chemically similar to iron, and is found in various mineral compounds in nature. It is rarely found without iron being present as well.
Effects
Brown-to-blacks stains on tubs, sinks, laundry, and especially dishwashers, that are extremely difficult to remove. Manganese may also appear as black sediment in your water. High levels of manganese can be neurotoxic.
Solution
Removal of manganese can be more difficult than removing iron, but thorough testing will always lead the way to the best treatment method for any given situation.
"Off-tastes" and odors
Cause
There are a wide range of sources that can cause unpalatable taste or odor in drinking water - far too many to list here; but the most common would arise from bacterial or material contamination, agricultural runoff, pesticides and other organics. In the case of municipal, or town water, the cause is usually from disinfectants, such as Chlorine, as well as their byproducts: the EPA refers to the latter as Disinfection Byproducts, and lists them as Primary Contaminants.
Effects
The causes and effects are diverse. They can range from an annoyance to a serious health risk.
Solution
Trust your nose! If you sense that your water tastes or smells like anything but pure, clean water, it’s time to call Island Water Systems. We have the actual technical authority and track record, through municipal and Federal contracts, (no guesswork, please), to identify the root cause and provide effective remediation.
There are a wide range of sources that can cause unpalatable taste or odor in drinking water - far too many to list here; but the most common would arise from bacterial or material contamination, agricultural runoff, pesticides and other organics. In the case of municipal, or town water, the cause is usually from disinfectants, such as Chlorine, as well as their byproducts: the EPA refers to the latter as Disinfection Byproducts, and lists them as Primary Contaminants.
Effects
The causes and effects are diverse. They can range from an annoyance to a serious health risk.
Solution
Trust your nose! If you sense that your water tastes or smells like anything but pure, clean water, it’s time to call Island Water Systems. We have the actual technical authority and track record, through municipal and Federal contracts, (no guesswork, please), to identify the root cause and provide effective remediation.
"Rotten egg" odor
Cause
Rotten-egg odor in water can be caused by a number of problem specific areas. It could hydrogen sulfide from the Well, or a myriad of other causes.
Effects
The primary effect of hydrogen sulfide is the extremely unpleasant odor. At high concentrations, it has a decided laxative effect, and its presence in the house will corrode anything metallic, from tableware to refrigerator motors!
Solution
The elimination of hydrogen sulfide depends on its source, as well as the particular chemistry of the water and its immediate environment. It has an astounding range of causes. But proper testing, and the experience to ‘know where to look’, will always provide the simplest, most cost-effective solution.
Rotten-egg odor in water can be caused by a number of problem specific areas. It could hydrogen sulfide from the Well, or a myriad of other causes.
Effects
The primary effect of hydrogen sulfide is the extremely unpleasant odor. At high concentrations, it has a decided laxative effect, and its presence in the house will corrode anything metallic, from tableware to refrigerator motors!
Solution
The elimination of hydrogen sulfide depends on its source, as well as the particular chemistry of the water and its immediate environment. It has an astounding range of causes. But proper testing, and the experience to ‘know where to look’, will always provide the simplest, most cost-effective solution.
Disinfection byproducts (Must test to detect)
Cause
Disinfection byproducts are the result of the use of chlorine, bromine, or other reactive chemicals to kill bacteria in municipal water supplies.
Effects
The chemicals commonly used to for disinfection (chlorine, bromine) can react with organic matter in water to produce trihalomethanes (VOC’s) Volatile Organic Compounds, as well as other halocarbon compounds. These are known carcinogens…
Solution
Whole-house, Granular Activated Carbon Filters are generally the solution. However, great care must be taken to select the specific type of carbon appropriate to the molecular structure and mass of the contaminant to be removed. (Whew!) Contaminant level is critical when properly engineering these systems. Island Water Systems has decades of experience in this field.
Disinfection byproducts are the result of the use of chlorine, bromine, or other reactive chemicals to kill bacteria in municipal water supplies.
Effects
The chemicals commonly used to for disinfection (chlorine, bromine) can react with organic matter in water to produce trihalomethanes (VOC’s) Volatile Organic Compounds, as well as other halocarbon compounds. These are known carcinogens…
Solution
Whole-house, Granular Activated Carbon Filters are generally the solution. However, great care must be taken to select the specific type of carbon appropriate to the molecular structure and mass of the contaminant to be removed. (Whew!) Contaminant level is critical when properly engineering these systems. Island Water Systems has decades of experience in this field.
Bacterial contamination (Must test to detect)
Cause
Bacterial contamination can be the result of barnyard run-off, septic system failures, and other sources.
Effects
E. coli and total coliform tests are indicators of the possible presence of harmful bacteria (E. coli O157:H7) that can cause a range of symptoms from moderate gastrointestinal disturbances to severe illness.
Solution
Again, there are many solutions to this problem, whether the source is municipal, or a private Well. They are application specific, and we take care to provide permanent solutions that target the particular contamination, so that peace of mind and safety can be restored.
Bacterial contamination can be the result of barnyard run-off, septic system failures, and other sources.
Effects
E. coli and total coliform tests are indicators of the possible presence of harmful bacteria (E. coli O157:H7) that can cause a range of symptoms from moderate gastrointestinal disturbances to severe illness.
Solution
Again, there are many solutions to this problem, whether the source is municipal, or a private Well. They are application specific, and we take care to provide permanent solutions that target the particular contamination, so that peace of mind and safety can be restored.
Arsenic (Must test to detect)
Cause
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element which can occur in well water in two ionic forms. It is very toxic and cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. Testing is simple.
Effects
There are many short and long-term effects of arsenic from gastrointestinal problems to neurological effects to cancer. If your water contains more than 10 ppb (parts per billion) you must have an arsenic removal system.
Solution
The only good news regarding Arsenic, is that it has become so prevalent. The result is that profit driven Research and Development has developed innovative Arsenic reduction solutions.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element which can occur in well water in two ionic forms. It is very toxic and cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. Testing is simple.
Effects
There are many short and long-term effects of arsenic from gastrointestinal problems to neurological effects to cancer. If your water contains more than 10 ppb (parts per billion) you must have an arsenic removal system.
Solution
The only good news regarding Arsenic, is that it has become so prevalent. The result is that profit driven Research and Development has developed innovative Arsenic reduction solutions.
Nitrates (Must test to detect)
Cause
Small amounts of Nitrates are not uncommon in nature. However, the primary source of nitrates at the level of contamination come from the use of fertilizers. Barnyard runoff and failed septic systems can also contribute to nitrates in ground water.
Effects
Nitrates in drinking water are especially dangerous to infants; their presence can inhibit the blood’s ability to carry oxygen-in other words - it can suffocate them. It is the cause of a potentially fatal blood disorder known as methemoglobinemia or "blue-baby" syndrome. This can affect young farm animals as well. Nitrates are also dangerous to pregnant women and individuals with reduced stomach acidity. Some health studies have linked nitrates to some forms of cancer but the results are inconclusive.
Solution
Specific technologies are now in place that can effectively treat this problem. However, without a thorough grounding in Water Chemistry and Analysis, the application of this technology cannot be applied correctly. Island Water Systems has always made a specialty in nitrate reduction as new technological means have become available.
Small amounts of Nitrates are not uncommon in nature. However, the primary source of nitrates at the level of contamination come from the use of fertilizers. Barnyard runoff and failed septic systems can also contribute to nitrates in ground water.
Effects
Nitrates in drinking water are especially dangerous to infants; their presence can inhibit the blood’s ability to carry oxygen-in other words - it can suffocate them. It is the cause of a potentially fatal blood disorder known as methemoglobinemia or "blue-baby" syndrome. This can affect young farm animals as well. Nitrates are also dangerous to pregnant women and individuals with reduced stomach acidity. Some health studies have linked nitrates to some forms of cancer but the results are inconclusive.
Solution
Specific technologies are now in place that can effectively treat this problem. However, without a thorough grounding in Water Chemistry and Analysis, the application of this technology cannot be applied correctly. Island Water Systems has always made a specialty in nitrate reduction as new technological means have become available.
Pesticides, VOCs, and other organic contaminants (Must test to detect)
Cause
The sources of toxic organic compounds are widely varied throughout the world, but commonly occur on Martha’s Vineyard through the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. With the water-table in many areas just 20-30 feet in depth, it takes very little migration through our sandy, permeable soil structure for these materials to reach the water supply. Scientific study has long linked the presence of trace organic compounds in our rainwater to the increased cancer rates on Cape Cod and The Islands.
Effects
The effects of toxic organic compounds are extremely varied, ranging from mild, short-term effects to lethal carcinogenic or toxic effects. They depend on the specific compound, its concentration, and the duration of exposure. There are both short-term and long-term health effects.
Solution
A whole-house Granular Activated Carbon Filter is the method of choice for the reduction of these compounds, but only if the appropriate Carbon is chosen, and its application is specific to the task.
The sources of toxic organic compounds are widely varied throughout the world, but commonly occur on Martha’s Vineyard through the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. With the water-table in many areas just 20-30 feet in depth, it takes very little migration through our sandy, permeable soil structure for these materials to reach the water supply. Scientific study has long linked the presence of trace organic compounds in our rainwater to the increased cancer rates on Cape Cod and The Islands.
Effects
The effects of toxic organic compounds are extremely varied, ranging from mild, short-term effects to lethal carcinogenic or toxic effects. They depend on the specific compound, its concentration, and the duration of exposure. There are both short-term and long-term health effects.
Solution
A whole-house Granular Activated Carbon Filter is the method of choice for the reduction of these compounds, but only if the appropriate Carbon is chosen, and its application is specific to the task.
Tea-colored water
Cause
Tea-colored water is caused by tannins. Tannins are naturally occurring organic compounds produced where shrubs and other vegetation grow directly within a pool of surface water. The tannic acids are released as vegetation naturally breaks down.
Effects
The primary effect of tannin is the tea-like coloration of your water.
Solution
Tannin removal on Martha’s Vineyard is uniquely complicated by its chelation with other elements in the water. It is those very elements that negate the effectiveness of what are, in other regions, tried and true methods for tannin removal. There is only one other place in the U.S. that I am aware of that has this problem, therefore we have, over the years, developed a singular methodology that works in this most unusual of environments.
Tea-colored water is caused by tannins. Tannins are naturally occurring organic compounds produced where shrubs and other vegetation grow directly within a pool of surface water. The tannic acids are released as vegetation naturally breaks down.
Effects
The primary effect of tannin is the tea-like coloration of your water.
Solution
Tannin removal on Martha’s Vineyard is uniquely complicated by its chelation with other elements in the water. It is those very elements that negate the effectiveness of what are, in other regions, tried and true methods for tannin removal. There is only one other place in the U.S. that I am aware of that has this problem, therefore we have, over the years, developed a singular methodology that works in this most unusual of environments.
Accumulation of scale and tub rings
Cause
Scale is caused by the heating of water that contains significant amounts of calcium and magnesium salts. Above a certain temperature calcium, for example, will precipitate as “scale” of insoluble calcium carbonate. Even at moderate levels, it significantly impedes heat transfer. Hard water costs 20-30% more to heat. It precipitates with soap to form a curd, commonly known as a “bathtub ring”.
Effects
Along with bathtub rings, scale can accumulate in your appliances and fixtures, reducing their flow as well as causing them to fail prematurely. With hard water, you may also notice that soaps and shampoos aren't as effective and don't "lather up". In fact, that “squeaky clean” feeling you have after washing your hands in hard water is actually the “bathtub ring” covering your skin!
Solution
Water Softeners are the most common, domestic solution to this problem. However, there is a vast rangein the quality and
efficiency of both the Softening media itself and the Controls that distribute
and recharge it. Island Water Systems Softeners Have No Equal in quality of
materials and components in their system design, yet, statistically, our Softeners
cost 15% less than the national average.
Scale is caused by the heating of water that contains significant amounts of calcium and magnesium salts. Above a certain temperature calcium, for example, will precipitate as “scale” of insoluble calcium carbonate. Even at moderate levels, it significantly impedes heat transfer. Hard water costs 20-30% more to heat. It precipitates with soap to form a curd, commonly known as a “bathtub ring”.
Effects
Along with bathtub rings, scale can accumulate in your appliances and fixtures, reducing their flow as well as causing them to fail prematurely. With hard water, you may also notice that soaps and shampoos aren't as effective and don't "lather up". In fact, that “squeaky clean” feeling you have after washing your hands in hard water is actually the “bathtub ring” covering your skin!
Solution
Water Softeners are the most common, domestic solution to this problem. However, there is a vast range
Contact us to schedule water testing at your convenience.
