Check out this presentation that explains “Do we really need bottled water?” What if I told you that bottled water cost more than twice the price of the gas that you put in your car. How about 1500 bottles going into the trash every second of the day. All this and more in this presentation.
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The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently released its annual drinking water report and the overall news is fairly good. According to a press release from MDH, “Tests on 957 community water supply systems during the past year have again shown little evidence of contamination problems in Minnesota.” That’s certainly good news for Minnesota consumers.
However, the report also mentioned that “nineteen community water systems—including 17 municipal systems—exceeded the standard for radium 226 and 228 at the end of 2008.”
According to the report, “The affected municipal systems are Anoka, Brook Park, Claremont, East Bethel, Glenville, Goodview, Hinckley, Isanti, LaCrescent, Lewiston, Lonsdale, Medford, Pipestone, Rushford Village, St. Louis Park, Spring Lake Park, and Watson. No restrictions were placed on water consumption although residents were notified of the situation. Residents were told that this was not an emergency situation and were advised to consult with their doctors if they have any special concerns. Each of these systems has either started to make infrastructure changes or is studying alternatives to meet the maximum contaminant level.”
These results again highlight the importance of in-house water filtration systems that treat water after it comes into your house—treating chemicals and other contaminants that can make it past municipal water treatment facilities.
The report also mentioned perfluorochemicals (PFCs), which MDH said are “a family of manmade chemicals that have been used for decades to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water, may be toxic to the liver and thyroid glands and may also affect fetal and neonatal development.”
While many of the cities samples showed no PFCs, some cities had trace amounts in their wells. For further information on PFCs and drinking water, make sure to check out this recent article from WaterFilters.NET.
For those consumers concerned about PFCs in their drinking water, a good solution is to install a GAC filtration system as a point of entry filter. This filter reduces PFCs as well as many other contaminants that produce taste and odor. This filter is generally installed where all water comes into your home. The most popular GAC cartridge for home use is the GAC-BB water filter. The housing for this cartridge is the HD-950 housing. Any local plumber can install the housing.
For more information on these particular solutions or any other solutions related to your drinking water, please visit www.WaterFilters.NET.
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A recent investigation by the Associated Press and reported by Yahoo! News gives a concerning look at the country’s water supply. The article begins with this provocative sentence: “U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water—contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.”
That’s heady stuff—and it should cause U.S. consumers to sit up and take notice, even though it isn’t the first time we’ve heard reports about these types of chemicals in our drinking water.
According to the Yahoo! News article, “Hundreds of active pharmaceutical ingredients are used in a variety of manufacturing, including drugmaking.” Included in this list, according to the article, are such ingredients as lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder and also used to make ceramics; nitroglycerin, which is a heart drug and also used to make explosives; and copper, which can be found in pipes and contraceptives.
In addition to these ingredients found in the manufacturing process, consumers are also responsible for a variety of chemicals found in water. The U.S. Geological Survey, in an episode of their CoreCast program, said, “The waste water that we flush, the wash waters that go down our drains, these all have chemicals in them.” Chemicals such as the anti-bacterial soap we use, detergents, the fire-retardants on our clothes, etc. “These chemicals all go down the drain, and they go through waste-water treatment plants,” according to the CoreCast.
An important addendum is that “the waste-water treatments are not really designed to remove those trace-organic chemicals,” according to the CoreCast.
What are consumers to do?
Equipping your house with an effective filtering system can provide you with the most cost-effective and technologically advanced defense against these contaminants. Home filtering systems act as a final contaminant barrier and can further purify drinking water.
Nano-filtration and reverse osmosis systems have shown the most promise in removing harmful chemicals. A variety of systems are available for perusal at WaterFilters.NET.
Tim Malone of WaterFilters.NET, said, “We want to provide consumers with the most beneficial systems at an affordable price. Our reverse osmosis and nano-filtration systems are two of the best defenses against harmful drinking water contaminants.”
For more information on these and other water filter products, visit www.WaterFilters.NET.
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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, many people are considering what to give the woman who raised them and cared for them. Flowers, gift certificates and dinner are some of the old stand-bys. But what if this year you got your mother something truly valuable, important and unique? Something other mothers want but very few of them get?
We all know the importance of clean drinking water. It’s vital to our health and to the health of our families. While the U.S. is fortunate enough to have some of the most clean and healthy drinking water available, the standards can vary across communities, states and regions of the country.
For infants, the importance of clean drinking water is even more crucial. Children, and especially infants, drink more fluid per pound of body weight than adults. Since their immune systems are not completely developed, exposure to contaminants and microbes (even in small amounts) found in water can adversely affect them.
Since mothers are concerned about the health risks that can affect their families, a Mother’s Day gift that protects their families and provides them with clean drinking water is highly valuable. Several water filter-type products are available that can help families with their concerns over drinking water safety. The Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System and the Under Sink Water Filter System are two products that will make wonderful Mother’s Day gifts.
The Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System uses the principle of osmosis to produce clean water. The several step process produces water purity levels as high as 95 percent, according to the Water Quality Association. The System removes a broad range of contaminants, including arsenic, barium, copper, lead, and many others.
Tim Malone of WaterFilters.NET, said, “The Reverse Osmosis System is perfect for any household concerned about water safety. The process it uses to produce pure water is extensive and will give your family added protection against contaminants and chemicals that can appear in the water supply.”
In addition, Under Sink Water Filter Systems are a great tool for families looking for water safety. While the system isn’t as extensive as the Reverse Osmosis System, the Under Sink systems are affordable, easy to install, and effective in combating a wide variety of water contaminants.
Malone said, “These systems are a great gift for any mother looking to provide additional water safety for her family. The systems are cost effective and easy to maintain.”
For more information on these and other water filter products, visit www.WaterFilters.NET.
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WCCO recently reported that residents in Minneapolis and some surrounding suburbs have noticed a musty taste in their drinking water. According to the report, the taste and odor issues are seasonal and usually come around during this time of year. Even though the article states that the odor and bad tasting water don’t present a health problem, WaterFilters.NET provides some solutions to this seasonal problem.
The RFC-20BB Water Filter is a good product for reducing chlorine taste and odor throughout the entire home. The radial flow carbon water filters produce healthier, better-tasting drinking water and provides effective chlorine taste and odor reduction (based on manufacturer’s internal testing).
Joe Hanson of WaterFilters.NET said, “No one wants bad tasting drinking water or water that has an odor. That’s why we recommend the RFC-20BB Water Filter. It can reduce or eliminate entirely chlorine taste and odor, making your drinking water more tasteful and odorless.”
Clean and fresh drinking water are essential for each household. Even if your problem isn’t bad taste or smell, WaterFilters.NET has a variety of products that can enhance your household’s water consumption needs. Visit www.WaterFilters.NET for a sample of products offered.
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Prepared and Presented for Publication by Dr. Abe Beagles, Director of Research at Cal-Neva Water Quality Research Institute of California
SCOPING THE CHANNEL
This article is to scope the Channel Project, as recently proposed.
Scoping:
To scope a proposed project is to, preliminarily, identify and consider what impacts (negative and positive) it may have upon the environment. Scoping is, by no means, either an exhaustive study or a complete list of potential impacts.
The Channel Project:
The Channel is a proposed project, a canal actually, proposed to be built from the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, to, and as far as, Palm Springs, California. It is called a channel, instead of a canal, because that is the legal definition for such a project.
Purposes of the Channel
The Channel was initially proposed as a military project, throughout the 20’s and 30’s. This proposal has never been abandoned for all of the U.S. Naval Reserves, along the original route, still exist. In 1968 it was proposed, primarily, as a transportation, (a shipping), corridor. In 2001, yet another purpose was proposed; to provide seawater to the Salton Sea. In that proposal, seawater was to replace fresh water, distributed from the Colorado River, and the replaced fresh water was to be redirected to other more beneficial uses; other than to stabilize the level of the Salton Sea. More recently, though, on August 18, 2005, the National Outdoor Recreation Council, (NORC), proposed several more purposes; large scale — desalination, power generation, and environmental restoration. These additions were made possible because of new and revolutionary desalination process that allows seawater to be utilized to produce first, fresh potable water. This is accomplished in an enclave or closed and pressurized container. The destruction of a water molecule produces at least two prominent gases, these are Oxygen, which is the heavier of the two, and Hydrogen, which is the lightest, and rises to the top of the enclave. From there a special extraction process removes a continuous flow of Hydrogen. This is pumped through a network of tubes to a second container where another new technology known as the Bubble Gen Electric Generation system produces electricity with the help of a new Permanent Magnet that was developed in Europe and is ten times as powerful as any known magnet today. This technology produces enough electricity to operate the entire Plasma System. In addition, the Hydrogen is saved as a usable product for future use.
The Channel coming out of the Sea Of Cortez will be one mile wide and over 200 feet deep. This width and depth will be maintained up to the El Centro Harbor, which will be half in the US and half in Mexico. It will be approximately two miles in diameter to allow large ocean going container ships to maneuver, to dock, and off load cargo in this area. Interstate 8 runs through this area and access to shipping routes will be of prime importance. Along the two miles on either side of the channel on the Mexican side, which is being reserved for the development of industrial and commercial business, there is expected to me a migration of manufacturing businesses needing access to better shipping routes than can be obtained within the interior of Mexico. Another user of the channel will be the cruise line companies who will be able to bring their ships all the way up the channel to the area around Indio and Palm Springs California where their compliment of passengers will be able to disembark and go to the Indian Casinos of this area. It is anticipated that a few cruise lines will utilize this area as a starting point for cruises into the Pacific. Interstate 10 passes through this area and container ships are anticipated to utilize the Harbor located in the Indio Area to offload cargo which will open up the area for more jobs and will relieve the pressure currently being experienced at ports along the west coast of California.
State of the Environment
To understand the Channel’s restoration purpose, it is important to know a few things concerning the state of the environment today.
Destruction of the Sediment Transport System in California
There are more than 5000 (on stream) dams in California;( source-Dept of Water Resources) mostly, in the northern portion of the State. Dams are used, primarily, to create reservoirs for the storage of rain water which, in turn, allows for a constant distribution of fresh water throughout the year. 75 percent of all of the captured rain water in Northern California is distributed to Southern California. Just less than one third of rain water consists of sediment. Before dams were built, that sediment reached the Pacific Ocean. Ocean currents, along the coast, would take most of it away. The remaining portion stabilized as beaches. Because dams block sediment from reaching the Pacific Ocean, ocean currents now wash the beaches away. In addition, dams cause sediment, along streams and rivers, to compact. These are the reasons that (on stream) dams are attributed for causing as much as a 95 percent destruction of riparian and coastal habitats. 80 percent of all threatened and endangered species inhabit riparian, which include coastal areas.
Destruction of the Sediment Transport System in the Colorado River Basin
Dams in the Colorado River Basin are also on stream. They prevent sediment, including necessary nutrients from reaching the Sea of Cortez. They also cause sediment, along streams and rivers, to compact. These are the reasons that (on stream) dams, in the Colorado River Basin, are attributed for causing as much as a 95 percent destruction of riparian habitats and the habitat of the Colorado River Delta.
Destruction of Springs
Californians take their water from two sources; rain and underground storage basins (underground lakes). Springs occur where storage basins spill out on the surface. Wells are used to take water from storage basins. Before wells were drilled, and over millions of years, each storage basin filled to capacity. When a storage basin is reduced below its capacity, it causes all the springs above the current level of the water to dry up. Most of California, especially Southern California, is a desert. In a desert, most species rely upon springs for water. Most storage basins, in California, have been reduced to below 10 percent of capacity. This is why the reduction of storage basins, throughout California, is attributed for causing as much as 90 percent destruction of non-riparian habitat. 20 percent of all threatened and endangered species inhabit non-riparian areas.
Destruction of the Colorado River Delta and Sea of Cortez
Today, almost all of the water in the Colorado River never reaches the Sea of Cortez; whereas, as much as 5 million acre feet per year did. Not only has this caused the Colorado River Delta (the Cienega de Santa Clara) to dry up but, it has also decimated the Sea of Cortez that once thrived upon the nutrients which were deposited into it from the Colorado River.
Destruction of the Salton Sea and Surrounding Farm Land
All of the water that reaches the Salton Sea comes from the Colorado River, after it irrigates the surrounding farm land. Due to the reliance upon mineralized fertilizers, in the Colorado River Basin, that water has become too salty. Now, the Colorado River water, irrigating the Imperial Valley farm lands, deposits so much salt that it must be removed, periodically. This is done by washing (syringing) the fields. Two times the amount of water needed to irrigate those fields is necessary to syringe them; and, all of that salt is washed into the Salton Sea. This has made the Salton Sea three times saltier than the ocean. As time goes on, even syringing won’t save those fields. They will, eventually, become un-farmable if they continue to be irrigated by untreated Colorado River water.
The Salton Sea is polluted by more than salt, however. The New and the Alamo Rivers, which run South to North, have been and continue to deposit hazardous waste into the Salton Sea. This waste is dumped into these Rivers by industry along those Rivers in Mexico.
Current Rain Water Demand Beyond Supply
It is hard to imagine how demand for rain water can be beyond its supply; but, it is. California takes 800,000 acre feet per year from the Colorado River allotments, allotted to Nevada and Arizona. Nevada and Arizona sued California for their water allotment back. California agreed, in the Quantification Settlement Agreement of 2003, to give most of it back; but, with the understanding that it would do so by cutting off what still goes to the Salton Sea.
California is not the only State that has overdrawn its allotment from the Colorado River. Actually, all the Colorado River Basin States are taking 300,000 acre feet per year from Mexico. Worse, is that the quality of water that is permitted to reach Mexico, via the Colorado River, is below par, to say the least.
Future Fresh Water Demand Beyond Supply
California, as well as the other Western States, has already exceeded their available rain water supply and, yet, population continues to grow. In addition, global warming, though debatable, may cause as much as another 20 percent increase in demand beyond supply. More dams and reservoirs are being proposed but, if they are built, will only further optimize what little rainwater there is. Thus, future fresh water supply, to meet this growth and increased demand, cannot come from rain. Nor, can it come from storage basins, either. Remember, they have already been depleted. It can either come from Canada or the Pacific Ocean. After more than 50 years of negotiations, Canada still won’t sell us water. Thus, it must come from the Pacific Ocean. Assuming that the technology for large scale desalination is available, the only remaining questions are, how much and, from where.
How much desalinated water must be produced can be calculated. NORC, in their Petition, (published on August 18, 2005), calculated that Southern California will need as much as 93 million acre feet per year of desalinated water. If the other nearby Western States buy desalinated water from California, the demand could increase to as much as 300 million acre feet per year, or more; (93 maf/yr + 207 maf/yr = 300 maf/yr).
Necessary Environmental Restoration
To restore as much as 95 percent of riparian habitat, it is necessary to remove all (on stream) dams.
To restore as much as 90 percent of non-riparian habitat, it is necessary to refill all storage basins to their capacity; and, to keep them filled.
Storage Basin Restoration
It is not enough to simply refill the storage basins to their capacities. As long as there are wells, they must be refilled, over and over again.
Effect of (On Stream) Dam Removal
An on stream dam cannot be removed unless the water it supplies is replaced; and, by another source, other than by a reservoir with an on stream dam. Remember, dams allow Northern California to distribute 75 percent of its rain water to Southern California. They also generate a good percentage of electricity. Removal would mean the reduction of most of the water supply to Southern California and a significant reduction of electricity, as well.
Disadvantages of Traditional Desalination Methods
In the past, desalination has been kept small scale for four reasons; coastal real estate is very expensive, entrainment, high consumption of electricity, and discharge of brine.
Traditional desalination facilities all cause entrainment. Entrainment occurs when a large amount of seawater is sucked through a, relatively, small pipe so fast that sea life cannot escape its flow.
Traditional desalination facilities do not produce power, of any sort. However, they consume a lot of power; they save in infrastructure costs; as compared to the distribution system of water from reservoirs and their dams. Comparatively speaking, though, they are still more expensive than the system of distributing water from reservoirs and their dams.
Traditional desalination facilities discharge a slurry of brine. This is because it is too costly to completely dry what is left after desalination. That brine is, normally, piped where it can be diluted and then, again, where it can be released into the ocean.
Advantages of Modern Desalination Methods Over Traditional Methods
Methods of desalination exists, today, which yield both a larger return of fresh water, (as much as 98
percent as opposed to 50 percent), and a usable alternative fuel; mostly, hydrogen mixed with some
oxygen. They also completely dry the solids left after desalination. This is a system that has been
developed by Cal-Neva Water Quality Research Institute. This research has been under the direction of
Dr. Gerry Abe Beagles the Director of Research.
Advantages of Channel Desalination
Desalination, from a channel, differs tremendously from traditional desalination. It allows us to eliminate entrainment, altogether. Because the channel, itself, is the main inlet pipe, it allows us to reduce the flow, where necessary, below the speed which would entrain sea life.
More importantly, though, a channel allows us to generate renewable electricity, at least, in an amount sufficient to drive all the desalination plants along its route. If a hydrogen/oxygen alternative fuel is the by-product of the method of desalination employed then, not only will a huge excess of renewable electricity be generated but, a huge amount of hydrogen/oxygen will be produced, as well.
Impacts Specific to the Proposed Channel, Previously Addressed
Canals, in general, sea going and fresh water, are not new. The current distribution of rainwater, from Northern California and the Colorado River, is accomplished by canals. As for seawater canals, most people are somewhat familiar with the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal.
As for the proposed Channel, it is not altogether new, either. Engineered plans, for the proposed Channel, have been drawn up since the 20’s. The most recent set of engineered plans, submitted for public review, were drawn up in 1968. That set of engineered plans was rejected, primarily, because the developers refused to tile it. Tiling, placing piping underneath the Channel, is necessary to drain away any seawater that leaks through. More recent engineered plans have been drawn up but, they have not been submitted for public review. It is presumed that tiling was included as would be for any future engineered plans.
Impacts Specific to the Proposed Channel, NOT Previously Addressed
Desalination has never been included in any prior set of engineered plans for the Channel. The primary environmental concern, with large scale desalination, is how the solids will be discarded. If it is discarded as a slurry of brine, it can be piped where it can be diluted and then, again, where it can be released. The release of brine would occur where ocean currents would further dilute and distribute it. Over time, this method of discarding solids may become an environmental problem, though. If the solids discarded are left dry, however, they can be used as fill. As fill, those solids would serve a useful purpose and not become an environmental problem.
Environmental Restoration of the Channel
The Channel will be designed to reduce all of its direct negative environmental impacts to insignificance. The Channel will allow for tremendous indirect positive environmental impacts.
Desalinated Water Supply
The amount of desalinated water, to be produced by the Channel, will allow on stream dams to be removed and storage basins to be filled. Assuming that all on stream dams are removed, in California and the other Western States, as much as 95 percent of the riparian habitats in those States will be restored which, in turn, will allow for as much as 75 percent of threatened and endangered species in those States to be recovered; i.e. removed from the threatened and endangered species list. Assuming that all storage basins are filled to capacity, in California and the other Western States, as much as 90 percent of the non-riparian habitats in those States will be restored which, in turn, will allow for as much as 15 percent of the remaining threatened and endangered species in those States to be recovered. Desalinated water, produced by the Channel, could recover as much as 90 percent of all threatened and endangered species in California and the other Western States.
Renewable Electricity Supply
The Channel will produce as much electricity, if not more, than will be required to desalinate all the water demanded of it. This electricity is not only renewable but, will not produce any green house gases. If the method of desalination employed produces a hydrogen/oxygen mix, much more of this renewable, clean, electricity will be produced than is needed to desalinate all the water demanded of it. It will be more than enough to support any development which the Channel may cause.
Hydrogen/Oxygen Mix Supply
If the method of desalination employed produces a by-product hydrogen/oxygen mix, and the Channel produces as much as 300 maf/yr of desalinated water, the Channel could produce a by-product of as much as 6 maf/yr of that hydrogen/oxygen mix. A hydrogen vehicle consumes, on average, 5,700 liters (1,505.8 gallons) of gaseous hydrogen per year. Even if only two thirds of the hydrogen/oxygen mix which could be produced from the Channel is processed as usable hydrogen for hydrogen vehicles, ( 4 maf/yr), it would still be enough to run 865.6 million vehicles, all year every year. Needless to say, this would shatter the Phase 3, (year 2020), goals of the May 2005 California Hydrogen Blueprint Plan, (20,700 vehicles, of all types), and the goals of the latest, (2007), Federal Fuel Economy Standards for the year 2019 and beyond. In fact, the Channel would produce 27.5 times more hydrogen than is necessary to run the 31.5 million vehicles that 45.5 million Californians are expected to operate by 2020. The extra hydrogen can be exported or turned into electricity which could also be exported.
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With flood waters ravaging parts of the Upper Midwest, homeowners are being warned about possible contamination of private water wells.
WCCO reported that “Minnesota health officials are warning that contaminated private water wells will be a major concern during flooding predicted in the Red River Valley and surrounding areas” (www.wcco.com/local/well.contamination.flooding.2.966450.html). In addition, WCCO also spoke with an assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Health and reported “that if flood waters come within 50 feet of a well casing, it will have to be pumped out, disinfected and tested before the water can be used again.”
For homeowners concerned about well problems and looking for solutions, WaterFilters.NET provides an array of effective and affordable products that will combat numerous water problems.
Joe Hansen, sales at WaterFilters.NET, said, “At a time when many homeowners are concerned about their water quality moving forward, we want to make known to them the numerous products we provide that can assist them with their concerns.”
For those homeowners specifically concerned about contamination issues, WaterFilters.NET provides several UltraViolet Water Filter Systems from Pentek. These systems disinfect the water supply, and the UltraViolet filtration kills bacteria, viruses, molds, algae and other microorganisms.
“These systems are a great tool for homeowners looking specifically at contamination problems,” Hansen said. “And since they are made by such a reputable brand such as Pentek, the quality and durability is unquestioned.”
For more information about UltraViolet Water Filter Systems or any number of other products, visit WaterFilters.NET UV Systems.
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According to the Water Quality Association (WQA), “nearly 45 million people rely on private wells for drinking water, which is not regulated by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.” In addition, WQA reports, “almost one in six Americans may be affected by pharmaceuticals in their household water.”
This can be scary news for homeowners across the country. With so many people using private wells, it’s important for them to be aware of the products that can protect their drinking water.
WaterFilters.NET has several products for just these purposes. The Big Blue Whole House Water Filter System is a large capacity whole house water filter housing for high flow applications and is ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.
For those concerned about sediment problems, the Pentek DGD-5005-20 Sediment Water Filter is a good fit. The larger diameter of the pre-filter reduces the particle load to the post filter, allowing it to operate at higher velocities. It also reduces dirt, sand, sediment, silt, rust particles, and scale particles.
Joe Hansen, sales at WaterFilters.NET, said, “With so much concern about drinking water safety, we aim to give consumers effective and affordable options for whatever concerns they may have. We have several products, including the Whole House Water Filter System and the Sediment Water Filter that help with specific water quality issues.”
For more information on these products or on a host of other water quality products, visit WaterFilters.NET .
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Each of us is concerned about what we put into our bodies—whether it’s food, water, soda, or some other product. What we consume has a direct correlation to our health. Unhealthy food consumed over time can contribute to numerous health risks. Drinking sugar-filled soda all day can seriously impact our weight.
For drinking water—something that is essential and vital for healthy living—it’s critical that what we consume is clean, pure and ultimately healthy.
News reports occasionally highlight water purity or contamination problems around the country, and these stories just confirm the importance we hold for drinking water—and rightly so.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on its Web site (http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/hfacts.html), lists several categories of contaminants that can be found in water. We’ll highlight just a few from the list.
Coliform bacteria is a common microbe in the environment and is generally not considered harmful. However, its presence can indicate problems with the treatment system or pipes that distribute the water. It also can indicate that germs that can cause disease are present in the water.
The presence of Fecal Coliform and E coli in water indicates contamination with human or animal wastes. These microbes can cause diarrhea, cramps and nausea.
While Turbidity has no health effects, it “can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth,” according to the EPA report.
Inorganic contaminants, such as arsenic, can cause skin damage and circulatory system problems if exposed to over many years.
“Lead typically leaches into water from plumbing in older buildings,” according to the EPA report, and children and pregnant women are most susceptible.
These are just a few of the contaminants that can be found in water. For a complete list, please visit the EPA Web site (http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/hfacts.html).
If you are concerned about contaminants in your drinking water, one recourse would be to invest in water filters. WaterFilters.Net has a myriad of products—from Point of Entry Water Filter Treatment Systems to Drinking Water Filter Systems to Specialty Water Filter Systems—that can help you address your water safety concerns.
WaterFilters.Net carries top brands in their million dollar inventory, including Culligan Water Filters, Pentek Water Filters, GE Water Filters, Everpure Water Filters, Maytag Water Filters, and more. They stock whole house filters, reverse osmosis systems, replacement cartridges, faucet filters, o-rings, under sink filters, refrigerator filters, and more.
For more information on removing contaminants in water, visit WaterFilters.Net (http://www.waterfilters.net/Water-Filters-by-Contaminant_c_126.html).
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The Water Quality Association (WQA) has just released a report on various water regulation issues around the country. Below please find short summaries of the major issues. To view the entire report, visit www.wqa.org.
USGA and residential wells
The U.S. Geological Survey is expected to release a report to Congress in March on its testing of residential wells. WQA expects the report to state that many residential wells contain contaminants. A response by WQA and the National Ground Water Association is in the works.
Iowa and chloride discharge
WQA is working to raise the limits of chlorides on discharge allowed into the state’s river systems. The limits, according to WQA, are low and they want to raise them to comparable levels in other states. Nature groups have filed a lawsuit and that is the reason why the limits have been lowered.
California and septic regulations
California officials are considering new “septic regulations that would require expensive testing every five years,” according to WQA. Some are even suggesting that water softeners be banned from septic systems since the discharge would run into ground water. Currently, the proposal is encountering significant opposition.
Arizona and local water softeners
Local communities would have the ability to regulate water softeners, according to a bill that was recently introduced. WQA is working with the sponsor to see if common ground can be achieved.
Phoenix and salinity
The city of Phoenix is currently in the midst of a study that is looking at the area’s salinity problems—and its contributors. WQA is advising the city. The use of old time-clock softeners, according to WQA, is probably a contributor to the salinity problem. WQA believes that the days of the old time-clock softeners are probably limited.
Water quality and purity
The issues of water quality and purity are paramount. As many cities and areas throughout the country struggle with water shortage problems, and we continue to see the myriad effects of global climate change, it’s important to look to those who have spent years addressing these very concerns.
For information on products that can address a variety of water quality/purity issues, please go to WaterFilters.NET or contact us by phone at (888) 801-PURE.
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A recent article on Bloomberg.com (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=a_b86mnWn9.w&refer=home#) highlights an increasing problem seen across the country: water scarcity. Lake Mead, which supplies Las Vegas with a significant percentage of its water, has been dropping one percent a year since 1999. The drought that is currently afflicting the area has only drawn attention to water scarcity issues.
Other cities, most notably, Atlanta, Georgia, have had their own water crisis events in the past few years.
While numerous reasons are cited for the various water shortages—droughts, overuse, population increases, etc.—for consumers connected to city water supplies, this doesn’t serve as much comfort.
However, with the concern over water scarcity, residential water wells may be a good option for some homeowners.
Dale Olson, vice president of marketing for Commercial Water Distributing in Zumbrota Minnesota, said, “The scarcity of pure water is beginning to affect more and more people. Some people may choose for an independent source of water, such as a well. If treated properly, this can be a very safe alternative while possibly providing a very dependable supply.”
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, “Wells are extremely important to all societies. In many places, wells provide a reliable and ample supply of water for home uses, irrigation, and industries. Where surface water is scarce, such as in deserts, people couldn’t survive and thrive without ground water” (http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthgwwells.html).
There are several types of wells in use today. The dug well can be effective where the ground is relatively soft and water doesn’t lie too far under the surface.
For driven wells, a pipe is literally “driven” into the ground. Again, this method is most effective when water is near the surface.
Finally, the most common well is the drilled well. This is often the most complicated, as well. The drill is usually mounted on a large truck and can be more than 1,000 feet deep. A pump is normally placed at the bottom of the well to push up the water.
For consumers concerned about water scarcity—and purity—a residential well might be something to consider. Information can be found on the Internet or by contacting local water filter businesses in your area.
To ensure well water is safe to drink, well owners use whole house water filtration products, such as these:
http://www.waterfilters.net/Filters/wholehouse/wholehouse.htm
The U.S. Geological Survey was a source for this article.
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For consumers who are concerned about the purity of their water supply, whether they are connected to city water or have their own wells, Commercial Water Distributing, LLC, of Minnesota has an effective and cost-efficient solution.
The Pentek U440 FreshPoint Ultrafiltration Whole House Water System (http://www.waterfilters.net/Pentek-U440-Ultrafiltration-System-160380_p_583-28409.html) can provide you and your family with added protection against harmful water particles.
Jamin Arvig, president of Commercial Water Distributing (http://www.commercialwaterdistributing.com), said, “We all want to ensure our family’s drinking water is as clean as possible. The Pentek U440 gives consumers the added protection they need to control their own water supply.”
Some of the features of the Pentek U440 are:
• its unique Point of Entry design, which allows for better water quality throughout the home,
• its use of an ultrafiltration membrane technology that serves as a physical barrier to particles, large dissolved molecules, most colloids and tiny impurities,
• its minimal maintenance requirements,
• its ability to be applied to solve “known” water problems, including high turbidity, suspended solids, and certain microbiological contaminants, and
• its quick-connect end caps that allow the membrane to be easily removed for cleaning and replacement.
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According to the U.S. Geological Survey, hardness in your water “is caused by compounds of calcium and magnesium, and by a variety of other metals” (http://water.usgs.gov/owq/hardness-alkalinity.html). Water that has an excess of these compounds is considered hard; water with less of these compounds is considered soft (or softer).
With softer water comes many advantages, including:
• Longer lifespan for your plumbing and water-based appliances (such as water heaters). With hard water, scaling can occur (build-up of minerals), which contributes to shorter life cycles.
• Less soap. Hard water requires more soap to make suds and detergents for laundry, thus increasing the amount a typical household with have to purchase. This is especially important now as many consumers are looking for ways to save money.
• Healthier skin and hair. Hard water means an increased likelihood of dry skin and hair.
• Not having to deal with the rings around drains that can be caused by hard water.
Dale Olson, VP of WaterFilters.NET in Zumbrota, Minnesota, said, “There are so many advantages to soft water. From healthier skin and hair to longer life spans for your plumbing and appliances, soft water is a great benefit for every family.”
Fortunately for consumers, water softeners are affordable and effective, giving your family a quick and easy fix to a frustrating problem.
The Fleck 5600 Time Clock Water Softener (http://www.waterfilters.net/10-Cubic-Foot-Fleck-Water-Softener-_p_0-29118.html ) is the ideal product for families looking to install a water softener.
The easy-to-install water softener “features a Vortech Mineral Tank, which does not require gravel under-bedding.” It also comes with a float valve that prevents brine water from overflowing—and a bypass valve.
“This product is perfect for households looking to install a water softener,” Olson concluded.
For more information on the Fleck 5600 Time Clock Water Softener and other water products, visit www.waterfilters.net.
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What is the impact, if any, of global warming on water quality? Is the impact detrimental or negligible? How is the average family affected by the effects of global climate change?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the impact of global warming on water quality could be substantial. In a report titled “Environmental Quality and Recreation,” some of their findings demonstrate just how important protecting the environment is.
Here are some of the study’s findings:
These and a host of other problems from global climate change will affect the nation’s water quality. With something as vital at the nation’s water, it’s critical average consumers know as much as possible, thus increasing their ability to protect themselves and their families.
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Dozens of Tennessee residents are dealing with the aftermath of a major coal ash spill that has destroyed or damaged dozens of homes. Residents in the affected area are now concerned about the toxic elements from the spill seeping into their groundwater.
And well they should be: Recent studies have indicated that fly ash, a byproduct from burning coal for power, contains more radiation than nuclear waste. The reason is that when coal is burned into fly ash, the levels of uranium and thorium are concentrated at up to 10 times their original levels. So the potential contamination in the ground water is significant.
Some water filters, like the CHLOR-150DM-WF Metered Chlorine Reduction Backwash Water Filter give consumers the ability to detect and reduce chlorine taste and odors. This is a great option for people unhappy with the odor associated with their drinking water, an odor that can sometimes prevent people from drinking the water that comes from their own faucets. Reverse osmosis water filter systems are also great tools for consumers looking for added protection against contaminants in their drinking water, and for those looking to improve their water’s taste.
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With the holiday just a few weeks away, everyone is beginning to think about what to get that special someone in the family—or what to ask for yourself. With the downturn in the economy and consumers cutting back on their overall holiday giving, it’s even more important to find the right gift.
A recent appearance by Dr. Mehmet Oz on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” has got consumers buzzing about shower filters. Dr. Oz talked about the importance of shower filters when considering the health of your hair.
With its ability to reduce chlorine in the water, a major factor in drying out hair, according to Dr. Oz, the Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-mounted Showerhead with Shower Filter is the perfect gift for a spouse or loved one. Its affordable price, easy installation and five (5) spray settings for ultimate comfort, the WSH-C125 is a leading gift idea for health and budget conscious consumers.
A lot has been written lately about the benefits of bottled water. Surveys have indicated that in many instances consumers like the taste of tap water more than bottled water, and the more stringent guidelines in place for tap water make it a healthy choice, as well.
The Pentek US-1500 Water Filter System is a smart gift idea this holiday season. The Pentek is an under-the-sink water filtration system that features an electronic monitor that tracks water usage and reminds you when to change the filter. In addition, the Pentek is certified to reduce more than 40 VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from your drinking water.
For a faucet mount water filtration system, the Culligan FM-15 Faucet Mount Filter System is the perfect suggestion. The FM-15 reduces unpleasant odor, chlorine taste and odor, and sediment—and improves the taste of drinking water. This is a great gift idea for families with kids running in and out of the house looking for something healthy and tasty to drink.
Finally, for residential or light commercial use, the GE Merlin Tankless Reverse Osmosis System features on-demand, continuous-flow water production without the need for a tank. The Merlin reverse osmosis unit provides clean, refreshing, and good tasting water for drinking, cooking and ice needs. It purifies between 720 and 1,100 gallons of water a day, 50 times the output of typical home reverse osmosis products.
These products, among many others available at www.WaterFilters.NET, are great gift ideas this holiday season. And, with more people become environmentally conscious, these products are becoming ever more popular.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University and health expert on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” recently talked about the importance of shower filters on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
While many people think hair loss is mainly a problem with men, Dr. Oz asserts that 40 percent of women also suffer from hair loss. “You’ve got to treat [your hair] like a fine silk blouse that got wet,” Dr. Oz said on the show. “If you’re blow-drying your blouse that got a little wet or if you’re combing it backward over and over again, or if you’re too rough with it, it begins to fray. Your hair has to be dealt with extraordinarily gently.”
And when it comes to treating your hair gently, Dr. Oz argues, a charcoal filter in your showerhead is the best thing you can do. A filter can help eliminate chlorine in the water, which can dry up your hair.
In addition to being a health expert on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Dr. Oz is also chief medical consultant to Discovery Communications. He has written three “New York Times” best-sellers, including “You: The Owner’s Manual,” “You: The Smart Patient,” and “You: On a Diet.” The Castle Connolly Guide annually lists him as one of the best physicians in the United States.
While on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Dr. Oz was demonstrating the value of filtering out chlorine in your shower while holding a Culligan hand-held shower filter.
The Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-mount Showerhead with Shower Filter is a great choice for hair health. One of the features is that it reduces chlorine taste and odor and scale for softer, cleaner skin and hair. The showerhead offers five (5) spray settings (full body, soft rain spray, invigorating pulse, full body spray/rain combo, and full body spray/pulse combo) for added comfort and includes an anti-clog rubber spray nozzle.
With its quick and easy installation (with no special tools required), the Culligan WSH-C125 is a great choice for any household. In a matter of minutes, you can enjoy a cleaner and healthier shower for the entire family.
Jamin Arvig, J.D., president of Commercial Water Distributing LLC of Zumbrota, Minnesota, says, “For men and women looking to make healthy decisions, shower filters are a quick and affordable choice. And, the Culligan WSH-C125 will quickly make you forget your old showerhead/filter.”
For more information or to order, please visit: http://www.waterfilters.net/culligan/showerfilters/WSH-C125-Shower-Filter.htm or call 888.801.PURE.
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A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that bottled water contains chemical contaminants at levels routinely found in tap water. The findings are not new, however, as several recent studies have raised doubts about the image of bottled water as more pure than typical drinking water.
The EWG study concluded, “Our tests strongly indicate that the purity of bottled water cannot be trusted. Given the industry’s refusal to make available data to support their claims of superiority, consumer confidence in the purity of bottled water is simply not justified.”
The news for consumers, however, doesn’t have to be that bad. Even though the bottled water industry has come under increased scrutiny in regards to quality, consumers have another option: water filters.
Consumers can simply purchase a water filter that is highly rated and not worry about the water quality of bottled or tap water. High-quality water filters can remove contaminants typically found in tap water, thus making drinking water more safe and affordable. And with many water filters, the consumer has the ability to screen for certain contaminants depending on his or her preferences.
Now that consumers are starting to recognize that a water filter in their home can provide better quality water, we are seeing significant growth in sales. The news media has been instrumental in educating consumers about these choices, and the results are noticeable.
In addition to the quality and safety that water filters can provide, they also offer consumers price savings and the opportunity to help preserve the environment. A bottle of water generally costs $1.00 (U.S.). Multiply that cost by the amount of bottles a typical person or family will drink in a day, week or year—and you have a significant investment without the added benefit of quality. And considering the current state of the American economy, families could use the added savings associated with water filters.
Finally, consumers using water filters instead of bottled water are saving landfills and contributing to a greener America, since the waste associated with bottled water is a significant detriment to the product.
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An effort in the California Assembly to ban water softeners failed recently as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill.
According to the Sacramento Bee (http://www.sacbee.com/
The proponents of the bill argued that salt levels from water softeners make it more difficult for water to be recycled.
But Governor Schwarzenegger, citing the impact on consumers and the bill’s “little positive impact,” vetoed the legislation.
Peter Censky, executive director of the Water Quality Association (WQA), said, “We created a cascade of opposition from the makers, sellers and users of water softeners.” And in the end, the nearly 1,000 letters that were sent to legislators on behalf of the opposition coalition carried the day.
The WQA and the Pacific Water Quality Association will continue to monitor the situation and inform their constituencies of any recommended actions.
This bill if passed would have had significant impact on the water filtration industry. It also would have limited the rights of private citizens to treat their own water in their own home. Governor Schwarzenegger made the right decision in this case thankfully.
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A recent article on wcco.com notes that:
“Residents in Minneapolis have been complaining about a foul taste and smell in their tap water lately, but the city stresses it is safe to drink.
Minneapolis Water Works said the odor typically shows up during spring, when melting snow gets into the water supply. It’s not as usual to have the odor show up at this time of year, they said.
The odor is affected by, among other things, naturally-occurring algae, which can be detected by customers even when only trace amounts are present.
The Water Works said they are working on trying to get rid of the odor through adjusted water treatment and requested patience from Minneapolis residents.”
This is a common problem in some sources of water and can be caused by many factors. As the article notes, it usually doesn’t mean the water is not fit to drink, it’s just annoying. The best way to deal with the problem is with an in-home water treatment system for the water that you drink. You could try a simple activated carbon filter to improve taste and smell of the water. Another solution is Reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration, which is a multi-step water filtering process which works slowly but is extremely effective. Reverse osmosis systems are generally used to treat cooking and drinking water supplies. It’s often used in industry but works very well in the home. Reverse osmosis uses the principles of osmosis (in which material passes slowly through a membrane and is concentrated and purified in the process) to produce very clean great tasting water! Check out our systems here if you are interested: http://www.waterfilters.net/Filters/reverse-osmosis/reverse-osmosis.htm
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There was an interesting article from the Associated Press yesterday titled “Economy Makes Bottled Water Out, Tap Water In”. They say that Tap water is making a comeback. Here are a few paragraphs from their article:
Marriott International Inc. distributed free refillable water bottles and coffee mugs to the 3,500 employees at its corporate offices in Bethesda, Md., and installed multiple water filters on every floor. The Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, Calif., got rid of bottled still water in the summer of 2006 and started sparkling its own water in early 2007.
“Does it make sense to bottle water in Italy, trek it to a port, ship it all the way over here, then trek it to our restaurant?” said Chez Panisse general manager Mike Kossa-Rienzi. “We were going through 25,000 bottles a year. … Someone has to end up recycling them.”
Many cities, including New York, have enacted pro-tap campaigns, and some have stopped providing disposable water bottles for government employees.
Chicago started a 5-cent tax on plastic water bottles in January. San Francisco has done away with deliveries of water jugs for office use, instead installing filters and bottle-less dispensers, and banned the purchase of single-serving bottles by city employees with municipal funds. The city has already cut its government water budget in half, to $250,000 a year, said Tony Winnicker, spokesman for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
“It’s becoming chic to say, ‘Oh no, I don’t drink bottled water, I’ll have tap water,’ ” he said.
It’s nice to see that we are making progress in convincing more people to utilize the local water resources that are available to them. Of course we at WaterFilters.NET have many water filtration systems and replacement water filters to help you do just that, and do it safely and cost effectively.
Source: foxnews.com/story/0,2933,368241,00.html
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There is a potentially large joint venture in the works between two of the Midwest’s largest water technology companies. Below is a quote from the joint press release from Pentair and GE:
Pentair, Inc. (NYSE: PNR) and GE Water & Process Technologies (NYSE: GE) announced today that they are engaged in discussions to establish a joint venture to combine their respective global water softener and residential water filtration businesses. Under the current framework in discussion, Pentair would own approximately 80 percent of the joint venture interests, and GE Water & Process Technologies would own approximately 20 percent. The combined businesses had 2007 net sales of approximately $450 million. It is not currently contemplated that significant cash contributions would be required from either party to form the joint venture.The parties to the discussion believe that this joint venture creates significant sales growth opportunities and other operating synergies, and would accelerate the global development of innovative technologies to serve the residential water filtration and treatment market.
As you know Pentair and GE are both major suppliers of water filters and water filtration technology for WaterFilters.NET. We are excited about the opportunities this joint venture will provide for the acceleration of bringing innovative water technologies to market. And when these new innovative technologies come to market, WaterFilters.NET will be here as always, making it easy to find the water filters you’re looking for.
Sources: pentair.com & jsonline.com
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We are living in some very interesting and challenging times in the water industry. As each year passes, the world’s water problems continue to grow in terms of geographic extent, scientific complexity and human impact. We are currently facing two very large challenges which are water quantity and water quality. The Environmental Benchmarker and Strategist recently released their The State of the Water Industry 2008 report which says “There is no substance more critical to life than water - we cannot live without it for more than a few days. Modern water treatment techniques and extensive distribution infrastructure have allowed the development of our advanced industrial economies, and have enabled dramatically increasing standards of living for many of the world’s people. Yet we continue to deplete and pollute our limited water resources at an alarming rate - and we steadfastly look the other way while our water treatment and distribution infrastructure begins to crumble. We are rapidly reaching the point at which we will no longer have sufficient clean water to support our current lifestyles. Half of the world’s population is expected to suffer from severe water shortages by the year 2050. Yet, much of our population still seems to simplistically believe that water falls out of the sky and that it should be basically free.”
We at WaterFilters.NET agree that we have some challenges in the water industry but there are things we can all do to help. We should encourage our friends, relatives, and neighbors to use and re-use water more carefully, and we need to pressure industrial companies to re-think their processes to utilize less water and to better recycle their waste-water streams.
You can encourage everyone you know to utilize the water that is locally available, instead of shipped in by very large bottling companies. Conserve water to ensure it is available for our children, and assure your water quality now with one of the many water filter systems we have available at here.
Reference: The Environmental Benchmarker and StrategistTM (TEBS) is a publication of TechKNOWLEDGEy Strategic Group and Cortland Computer Services. http://www.tech-strategy.com/teb.htm
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The Water Quality Association has issued a fact sheet on the pharmaceuticals in our water problem. Here is their report:
“As news reports about pharmaceuticals in water circulate, here are several facts for consumers to consider:
- Filtering systems in the home provide the highest technology available for treatment of drinking water. Less than two percent of all water consumed is ingested by humans, making these “point-of-use” systems the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
- While utilities are required to meet safety standards set by the U.S. EPA, home filtering systems act as a final contaminant barrier and can further purify water for drinking.
- While specific product performance standards have not yet been developed for pharmaceuticals, many point-of-use technologies have proven effective for some of these emerging contaminants. Nano-filtration and reverse osmosis systems removed drugs tested by the Colorado School of Mines at full-scale facilities in Arizona and California. Activated carbon, distillation, ozonation, and advanced oxidization have likewise shown promise in removing many of these contaminants. Individual manufacturers can also test products for specific pharmaceuticals if they choose.
- According to Utah State University Extension, up to 90 percent of oral drugs can pass through humans unchanged. These often then move through wastewater into streams and groundwater. It is generally cost prohibitive for utilities to use systems such as nano-filtration, long contact activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. However, these technologies have proven successful at removing many contaminants in home water treatment systems.
- In addition to pharmaceuticals, water quality experts are examining other emerging contaminants, such as those found in personal care products and pesticides. These are often referred to as endocrine disrupting chemicals. Home filtering systems have also been proven to treat threats such as lead and mercury.
- WQA provides Gold Seal certification for products that remove a variety of contaminants.
- Consumers can learn about different treatment systems and find locally certified dealers by visiting the WQA Web site’s Gold Seal and Find A Professional features.
- More information is available at WQA’s Water Information Library online, which includes a search feature.
WQA is a non-profit association that provides public information about water treatment issues and also trains and certifies professionals to better serve consumers. WQA has more than 2,500 members”
As they note: “Nano-filtration and reverse osmosis systems removed drugs tested by the Colorado School of Mines”. We have a number of great reverse osmosis systems and replacement filters here: http://www.waterfilters.net/Filters/reverse-osmosis/reverse-osmosis.htm
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The new WaterFilters.NET affiliate program will allow anyone with a web site to earn commission simply by referring traffic to our site at WaterFilters.NET. You will benefit by joining our program because WaterFilters.NET is the leading provider of water filters, replacement cartridges, and home water filter products from Culligan, Ametek, USFilter, and many other leading water brands. We have exceptional customer service personnel who are experts on the water industry and water filtration. We offer online live chat that helps us convert traffic once it comes to our site. So rest assured that customers you refer to us will be 100% satisfied with our exceptional service and products.
The WaterFilters.NET Affiliate Program Offers:
Dedicated Affiliate Support
The WaterFilters.NET Affiliate Program is managed in-house by a professional affiliate marketing manager. This means that you will receive only the best fast professional service and support. If you have any question, feel free to contact our affiliate program manager.
Easily Track Your Sales
Our AffiliateShop.com software makes it easy for you to accurately keep track of click-throughs from your site to ours, completed sales, and the commissions you’ve earned. There are reports online to allow you to track your effectiveness as well as many other components of your affiliate marketing efforts.
For more information on our Affiliate Program you can visit our website here: http://www.waterfilters.net/Affiliate-Program_ep_41.html
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The bad news about water contaminants continues with the salmonella outbreak in Colorado. As active members of the Water Quality Association, we are glad to serve as a resource for water quality issues. We have certainly had a lot of people contacting us about the news lately on salmonella in water as well as the news recently that pharmaceuticals are present in water supplies. The annual Water Quality Association convention was in Las Vegas last week, and there was a lot of discussion on this topic. And news like this is becoming more frequent these days.
Although some news outlets have scared people into believing there are no preventative measures available, there are definitely effective ways to treat water tainted with pharmaceuticals.
Product performance standards have not yet been developed specifically for pharmaceuticals. However, industry experts are convinced that some point of use solutions are proving effective for these types of contaminants. The Colorado School of Mines found recently that nano-filtration and reverse osmosis systems removed drugs. See http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:12227606 for more information. Other methods of water treatment such as activated carbon, distillation, ozonation, and advanced oxidation are also showing signs of effectiveness.
As members of the Water Quality Association, we hear that “It is generally cost prohibitive for utilities to use systems such as nano-filtration, long contact activated carbon, and reverse osmosis. However, these top technologies have proven successful at removing many contaminants in home water treatment systems.”
The threat extends beyond pharmaceuticals. Other emerging contaminants include hygiene products and pesticides, as well as lead and mercury.
A recent Forbes article mentions the Everpure Reverse Osmosis III (ROM III) as an effective system to treat pharmaceuticals in water supplies which we are currently selling for $669.99 on our website here.
We also have cheaper RO systems here: http://www.waterfilters.net/Filters/reverse-osmosis/reverse-osmosis.htm
We agree that the safest approach is to use reverse osmosis. This water treatment technology removes many other contaminants including Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Hexavalent), Chromium (Trivalent), Copper, Fluoride, Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite, Radium 226/228, Selenium and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
Reverse osmosis systems come in whole house (point of entry) applications and under sink (point of use) applications. Because of the required flow rates, whole house reverse osmosis systems are more expensive. Many people choose to only filter the water that they consume. Less than two percent of all water used in a home is used for drinking water, so it is much more affordable to only filter drinking water. One of the most popular systems is a Pentek (American Plumber) system that has won awards by a leading consumer publication. See it here: http://www.waterfilters.net/culligan/reverse-osmosis/US-Filter-RO-3500.htm
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These guys get it right. They should probably use an in-home water filtration system though!
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The latest news about pharmaceuticals in our water is unfortunate, but not altogether surprising. Municipalities and water providers need to improve their technology to test for & filter these impurities out.
Our stance is that consumers need to take matters into their own hands with Reverse Osmosis and/or other filtration systems for drinking water to ensure their drinking water is safe. See http://www.forbes.com/businesswire/feeds/businesswire/2008/03/11/businesswire20080311006502r1.html from Forbes yesterday, they agree with our recommendation for RO Systems to remove pharmaceuticals:
Here’s the Everpure Reverse Osmosis III (ROM III) mentioned in the Forbes article that will create safe drinking water from the tap.
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BrandNoise turned us on to the folks over at Tappening.com and the great message they are spreading about the benefits of tap water over bottled water. Brand Noise notes that “an educational website where the public could find up-to-the minute information about the detrimental damages the bottled water industry was causing the environment. They personally financed an inventory of reusable water bottles that were available for purchase on the site. DiMassimo and Yaverbaum expected these 39,000 bottles to sell throughout the first year of their new project and self finance their marketing message.” Their initial inventory sold within 36 hours!
It’s great to see that consumers are seeing the harmful effects of bottled water and the benefits of drinking their own tap water…but using an in home water filtration system first of course.
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The Fourth in a Series of Articles on the Sea of Cortez to Salton Sea Channel Project Published by
Cal-Neva Water Quality Research Institute and written by Dr. Abe Beagles, Director of Research, Dan Cooper Consultant and Walter H. Eason, Jr. CEO of Norc.
PROFIT POTENTIAL OF THE CHANNEL
December 31, 2007
The first thing people ask us about the Channel is; how much; that is, how much will it cost? They ask this because they cannot comprehend how the production of water could be profitable. That’s because the production of water has always been subsidized. The Channel, however, would be a profitable venture. As with any profitable venture, the appropriate question should be, instead; just how much money will it make?
The most recent version of the Channel was proposed by the National Outdoor Recreation Council, (NORC), on August 18, 2005, in the Press Enterprise, Desert Edition. It is a canal, actually, to be built from the Sea of Cortex, Mexico, to, and as far north as, Palm Springs, California. We call it the “Channel”, instead of the “Canal”, because that is how it is legally coached.
NORC is a non-profit corporation, so obscure and so unknown, that no one really took us seriously, in the beginning.
Every aspect of the Channel will be profitable. The short list is; Desalination; Hydrogen Gas production, Electricity production; land development; shipping; manufacturing; mining; recreation; and, gaming. We will estimate a few. Take heed; these estimates were very shoddily done. They weren’t meant for rocket scientists to dissect.
Profit Potential from the Sale of Channel Desalinated Water Using the Plasma Incubator Reactor System
Utilizing the Plasma Incubator Reactor System, the Channel is estimated to produce as much as 300 million acre feet (maf) of desalinated fresh water, per year, from the desalination of 306 maf of seawater. Less is probable. More is possible. Never-the-less, 300 maf/yr is the figure we based our estimates upon.
For this estimate, we make eight other assumptions: (1) that, the sales of water will pay for all of the cost of infrastructure of the Channel, including all its ports, etc.; (2) that, the sales of water will pay for all the cost of desalination facilities; including all its distribution networks; (3) that, the sales of water will pay for all the cost of electric generation facilities, including all its distribution networks; (4) that, given the choice, the end consumer will pay as much, for water, as they are paying today; (5) that, the real and total, unsubsidized, cost of water, today, is, on average, approximately $3000/ac ft.; (6) that, the predominant, ongoing, cost of producing this water is the cost of electricity; (7) that, the, ongoing, cost of producing this water will be factored into the cost of producing electricity; and, (8) that, the Channel and all its associated infrastructure would have a useful life of 70 years. That would mean a potential profit of $60.82 quadrillion from the sale of water, over its lifetime or, $868.79 trillion/yr, [(300 maf/yr x $3000/af x 70yrs - $2.19 quadrillion)/70] , from the sale of Channel water each year.
This is not the only profit to be gained from the sale of Channel desalinated water. Profit from the sale of Channel desalinated water will, primarily, come in the form of environmental restoration. Previously, in our Article of December 26, 2007, we showed that the Channel would allow for as much as a 90 percent recovery of all threatened and endangered species throughout the Western United States. Can you put a dollar figure on 90 percent restoration of the environment of the Western States? No! The environment is irreplaceable and priceless.
Profit Potential from the Sale of Channel Hydrogen
The Plasma Incubator Reactor System is designed to produce electricity using the Norweigan technology known as Wave Action, we have renamed this for our system as the Bubble Gen Electric Co-Generation Technology. It is made possible because of newly developed Permanent Magnets from Europe and made available to Cal-Neva for manufacture in the US. These magnets are 10 times more powerful than any magnet known to man today. Utilizing the Bubble Gen along with the Plasma System in desalination technology, the Channel is estimated to give off a byproduct of as much as 6 maf/yr of a hydrogen/oxygen mix from the process of desalinating 306 maf/yr of seawater.
For this estimate, we make four other assumptions: (1) that, because it is a by-product, the cost of producing that hydrogen has already been borne; (2) that, two thirds of that hydrogen/oxygen mix would be usable gaseous hydrogen, (4 maf/yr); (3) that, given the choice, the end consumer would prefer to buy hydrogen, even at the same price as they are now paying for gasoline and diesel fuels, on average $3.50/gal; and, (4) that, the cost of compression, storage, distribution, etc., of that hydrogen is approximately $ 1.50/gal. That would mean a potential profit of $2.61 trillion/yr, (4 maf/yr x 325,851 gal/af x $2.00/gal), from the sale of Channel hydrogen each year.
Profit Potential from the Sale of Channel Electricity Within the Harbor Districts
Recall, the hydrogen/oxygen byproduct gained from Channel desalination is estimated to be 6 maf/yr. Before that gaseous mix is processed and consumed, as usable hydrogen, it can be used to drive linear permanent magnet (PM) generators, all along the Channel. That’s right; it will generate power, twice! After this gas is used, initially, electricity to drive the linear PM generators can come from those generators, themselves. Since, it only takes 1 percent of the electricity produced to generate electricity with a linear PM generator, the only limit to the amount of electricity that can be produced is space.
Utilizing the Plasma System, it takes 1 megawatt of electricity to desalinate 1 million gallons of sea water. Thus, it would take 99.71 terawatts of electricity to desalinate 306 maf of seawater and produce 300 maf of fresh water, each year. [(306 maf/yr x 325,851 gal/af) / 1,000,000 gal/Mw]. This amount is included in the cost of desalination and, as such, will not be sold.
For this estimate, we will not consider the amount of electricity that can be produced but, instead, will limit the potential production of electricity to the demand that the Channel may create, over and above that required for desalination; and, we will make seven other assumptions: (1) that, all of the 6 maf/yr of hydrogen/oxygen mix can be used as input power; (2) that, there is approximately a 99 percent gain in electricity from the generation of electricity by linear permanent magnet generators, over and above input power; (3) that, on average, a developed Channel square mile will regularly consume approximately 2 megawatts (MW) of electricity; (4) that, 1,108 square miles are to be provided electricity from the Channel, as if developed; (5) that, given the choice, the end consumer would prefer to pay for Channel produced electricity, even at the same price as they are now paying, on average, $ 0.20/kWh; (6) that, buying back electricity is unnecessary; and, (7) that, the cost of production and distribution of that Channel electricity has already been borne, factored into, the ongoing cost of desalination. That would mean a potential profit of $388.24 million/yr, [(1,108 sq mi x 2 Mw x 1000 kW/Mw) x ($0.20/kWh x 24hr/day x 365 days/yr)], from the sale of Channel electricity each year.
Profit Potential from Land Development Within the Harbor Districts
This estimate does not consider potential profit from the development of land outside the Harbor Districts or, outside the United States. We expect that it will be considerably more, there.
Total land area, encompassed by the boundaries of the Harbor Districts, is approximately (2,164 sq mi). Less the water surface area of the Salton Sea, (365 sq mi), the Harbor Districts bound approximately (1,799 sq mi) of land. About ⅓ of that is either Federal, State, or Sovereign Tribal Indian, etc., land. Thus, the Harbor Districts may include as much as (1,199 sq mi) of land. The main channel, through both Harbor Districts, would consist of, no less that, (91 sq mi), altogether; (33 sq mi in the Harbor District of Riverside Co. and 58 sq mi in the Harbor District of Imperial Co.). That leaves approximately 1,108 sq mi to develop.
For this estimate, we make four other assumptions: (1) that, the current base cost of land is $40,000/ac; (2) that, most property owners, in the Harbor Districts, will want to develop or redevelop their properties; (3) that, as a consequence of the Channel, vacant land values will increase 10 fold; (4) that, the net profit potential of developed land, less costs, is 10 fold that of vacant land value. That would mean a net potential profit of $283.65 billion, on land alone, (640 ac/sq mi x 1,108 sq mi x $400,000/ac); and, a net profit potential of development of $2.84 trillion.
Profit Potential from the sale of Channel Minerals and Precious Metals
The Channel must be built large enough to accommodate the desalination of 306 maf/yr., without causing entrainment of sea life. We estimate that this will entail excavating, approximately, 43.2 billion cubic yards. Restoration of the Salton Sea may entail excavating another 77.6 billion cubic yards. The actual dimensions of the water surface will be one mile wide and 250 foot deep starting at the US border just west of Calexico, Ca. and run east to the existing irrigation channel now coming from the Colorado River. At that point it will curve north and head towards the city of Indio, Ca. where another large Harbor will be built. The channel will then curve west towards Palm Springs with turnouts at various places along that route to accommodate the docking of cruise ships in close proximity to the Indian Casinos in the area. This will afford added income to those establishments and will add revenue to the state of California by virtue of the Gaming Compacts in place as of the writing of this article. The channel from Indio to Palm Springs will only be one half of a mile wide and will be 200 feet deep.
For this estimate, we make four other assumptions: (1) that, the sale of fill will offset much of the cost of excavation; (2) that, the cost of excavation would be borne by, factored into, the cost of desalination; (3) that, excavated material will be high graded, if not altogether processed for minerals and precious metals; (4) that, on average, the profit from the sales of minerals and precious metals, over and above all other costs, will be, approximately, $15 per cubic yard (CY). That would mean a potential profit of $1.81 quadrillion, (43.2 + 77.6 billion CY x $15), from the sale of minerals and precious metals. It is a known fact that the area where this channel will go through contains some of the richest gold and silver alluvial deposits in southern California.
Profit Potential from the sale of the Manufacturing of Some Hydrogen Vehicles
We are not even going to try to list all of the numerous areas of manufacturing that the Channel will foster or benefit. A discussion of just one, however, should be sufficient to show that potential.
By 2020, 45.5 million Californians will drive 31.5 million vehicles. For this estimate, we make five other assumptions: (1) that, the Channel will allow for the manufacture of hydrogen vehicles for all Californians, at the very least; (2) that, 31.5 million new hydrogen vehicles will be purchased by Californians over a 10 year period of time; (3) that, the average net profit from the sale of a hydrogen vehicle, to all involved, is approximately $7,500; (4) that, all Californians will buy a new hydrogen car every 10 years; and, (5) that, all the hydrogen that all those new cars will use will come from the Channel. That would mean a potential profit of $0.23 quadrillion, every 10 years or, $23.63 trillion/yr, [(31,500,000 x $7,500)/10], each year.
Profit Potential from Gaming
Altogether, tribal casinos, in California, brought in $7.00 billion in 2007. With an international market to draw from, the Channel’s casinos are expected to, at least, match that; $7.00 billion/yr. Public perception is the key factor, here; and, that depends upon how well they, the prospective owners, will market the Channel Casinos to the public.
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THE CHANNEL CASINOS
December 28, 2007
We don’t have a crystal ball but, we’re going to venture a guess as to what might happen with gaming in the State when the Channel is built, anyway.
The most recent version of the Channel was proposed by us, the National Outdoor Recreation Council, (NORC), on August 18, 2005, in the Press Enterprise, Desert Edition. It is a canal, actually, to be built from the Sea of Cortex, Mexico, to, and as far north as, Palm Springs, California. We call it the “Channel”, instead of the “Canal”, because that is how it is legally coached.
NORC is a non-profit corporation, so obscure and so unknown, that no one really took us seriously, in the beginning. The initial response to our proposal was cold, very cold. After all, how was such a tiny organization like NORC going to muster the seed capitol needed to kick the Channel off the ground? We weren’t!
We didn’t need recognition to know that the Channel is real, though. After all, we proposed it. We knew that it was only going to be a matter of time before the State recognized its importance; its necessity. Just as it was only going to be a matter of time before the Channel was recognized, it was only going to be a matter of time before the State realized it’s gaming potential, as well. With an abundance of two cheap sources of power, electricity and hydrogen, and international ports to be built up and down its length, it is not hard to imagine that. There is no question as to whether more gaming will come with the Channel. The only questions are, how big will it be and, how will the profits be split? We think that it will be huge. As for how the profits will be split, that is hard to tell. Neither, the Las Vegas Consortium of Las Vegas Casino Owners nor, the Big 4, (the Pechanga, Morongo, Sycuan and Agua Caliente, Southern California Compact Tribes), are aware that the Channel is real. Had the Las Vegas Consortium known that the Channel was real, they wouldn’t have placed the four Anti-Indian Gaming Referendums on the February 5, 2008 ballot. Instead, they would have done what the Tribes can’t do; invest heavily in the Channel. Had the Big 4 known that the Channel was real, they would have not invested their time and money elsewhere. Neither group can be blamed. How could they have known? The Channel was more than a well kept secret.
The major Political Parties have been extremely effective at spinning the Channel so that no one learned of, or rather, became convinced of, it’s reality. For two years, now, both Parties have been ditching, openly, on it; yet, in private, competing, viciously, to own it. The Republicans thought they won that battle when they got Gov. Schwarznneggar re-elected. Not too hard to do that when you find nearly 400 billion dollars you lost. How did he put it? Oh, yea; this is money the State didn’t know it had. They still haven’t revealed, to the public, where they found that money; have they? Even more astounding, the Democrats ain’t having a cow about it; are they? Did the Democrats acquiescence in defeat. Not by a long shot! It only convinced them, that much more, why it is so important for them to win this next up and coming Presidential Election. So, the race to own the Channel is still on; and, it is a hot one. After all, 40 billion a year in new government revenue, what to speak of the trillions in private profits to be made, is nothing to sneeze at.
One thing is for certain, though; the government is definitely going to get a bigger cut, this time. There is no way the people of this State are going to buy into that much extra gaming in California without realizing a bigger share of the gaming pie. We can only speculate as to what the Las Vegas Consortium and the Big 4 will do, after they realize that the Channel is real.
Will the Las Vegas Consortium withdraw their Referendums, after they get the Channel wake up call? Maybe! They may realize that going up against the grain is not such a good idea, any more. They may also realize that, if they don’t step up to the Channel plate soon, another group of deep pockets investors will step in to fill that vacancy. If that happens, there won’t be any reason to cut them a slice of the Channel Casino pie; will there? Can they withdraw their Referendums, now? Yes! There are three very specific legal ways for them to do that. These same three legal approaches could have been used by the Big 4. All three must have escaped their clever legal counsels, though. The Big 4’s legal approach, that, the cutoff date for submitting the required number of signatures was not met, is iffy, at best. With a Democratic controlled Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and a Republic controlled Supreme Court, they’re just rolling the dice on that one.
Will the Big 4 seek to forge an alliance with many of the other Tribes in California, after they get the Channel wake up call? Maybe! They may realize the potential for other Compact, and Non-Compact, Tribes to take the Channel Casinos from them. After all, the Channel will not cross any of their properties; and, for that reason, California is not obligated to make a compact with them. It may be too late, though. The Big 4 may have burned too many bridges, already. If they play their hand well, this time, just maybe, the Big 4 might come away with the Lion’s share.
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Prepared and Presented for Publication by Dr. Abe Beagles, Director of Research at Cal-Neva Water Quality Research Institute of California
SCOPING THE CHANNEL
This article is to scope the Channel Project, as recently proposed.
Scoping:
To scope a proposed project is to, preliminarily, identify and consider what impacts (negative and positive) it may have upon the environment. Scoping is, by no means, either an exhaustive study or a complete list of potential impacts.
The Channel Project:
The Channel is a proposed project, a canal actually, proposed to be built from the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, to, and as far as, Palm Springs, California. It is called a channel, instead of a canal, because that is the legal definition for such a project.
Purposes of the Channel:
The Channel was initially proposed as a military project, throughout the 20’s and 30’s. This proposal has never been abandoned for all of the U.S. Naval Reserves, along the original route, still exist. In 1968 it was proposed, primarily, as a transportation, (a shipping), corridor. In 2001, yet another purpose was proposed; to provide seawater to the Salton Sea. In that proposal, seawater was to replace fresh water, distributed from the Colorado River, and the replaced fresh water was to be redirected to other more beneficial uses; other than to stabilize the level of the Salton Sea. More recently, though, on August 18, 2005, the National Outdoor Recreation Council, (NORC), proposed several more purposes; large scale — desalination, power generation, and environmental restoration. These additions were made possible because of new and revolutionary desalination process that allows seawater to be utilized to produce first, fresh potable water. This is accomplished in an enclave or closed and pressurized container. The destruction of a water molecule produces at least two prominent gases, these are Oxygen, which is the heavier of the two, and Hydrogen, which is the lightest, and rises to the top of the enclave. From there a special extraction process removes a continuous flow of Hydrogen. This is pumped through a network of tubes to a second container where another new technology known as the Bubble Gen Electric Generation system produces electricity with the help of a new Permanent Magnet that was developed in Europe and is ten times as powerful as any known magnet today. This technology produces enough electricity to operate the entire Plasma System. In addition, the Hydrogen is saved as a usable product for future use.
The Channel coming out of the Sea Of Cortez will be one mile wide and over 200 feet deep. This width and depth will be maintained up to the El Centro Harbor, which will be half in the US and half in Mexico. It will be approximately two miles in diameter to allow large ocean going container ships to maneuver, to dock, and off load cargo in this area. Interstate 8 runs through this area and access to shipping routes will be of prime importance. Along the two miles on either side of the channel on the Mexican side, which is being reserved for the development of industrial and commercial business, there is expected to me a migration of manufacturing businesses needing access to better shipping routes than can be obtained within the interior of Mexico. Another user of the channel will be the cruise line companies who will be able to bring their ships all the way up the channel to the area around Indio and Palm Springs California where their compliment of passengers will be able to disembark and go to the Indian Casinos of this area. It is anticipated that a few cruise lines will utilize this area as a starting point for cruises into the Pacific. Interstate 10 passes through this area and container ships are anticipated to utilize the Harbor located in the Indio Area to offload cargo which will open up the area for more jobs and will relieve the pressure currently being experienced at ports along the west coast of California.
State of the Environment
To understand the Channel’s restoration purpose, it is important to know a few things concerning the state of the environment today.
Destruction of the Sediment Transport System in California
There are more than 5000 (on stream) dams in California;( source-Dept of Water Resources) mostly, in the northern portion of the State. Dams are used, primarily, to create reservoirs for the storage of rain water which, in turn, allows for a constant distribution of fresh water throughout the year. 75 percent of all of the captured rain water in Northern California is distributed to Southern California. Just less than one third of rain water consists of sediment. Before dams were built, that sediment reached the Pacific Ocean. Ocean currents, along the coast, would take most of it away. The remaining portion stabilized as beaches. Because dams block sediment from reaching the Pacific Ocean, ocean currents now wash the beaches away. In addition, dams cause sediment, along streams and rivers, to compact. These are the reasons that (on stream) dams are attributed for causing as much as a 95 percent destruction of riparian and coastal habitats. 80 percent of all threatened and endangered species inhabit riparian, which include coastal areas.
Destruction of the Sediment Transport System in the Colorado River Basin
Dams in the Colorado River Basin are also on stream. They prevent sediment, including necessary nutrients from reaching the Sea of Cortez. They also cause sediment, along streams and rivers, to compact. These are the reasons that (on stream) dams, in the Colorado River Basin, are attributed for causing as much as a 95 percent destruction of riparian habitats and the habitat of the Colorado River Delta.
Destruction of Springs
Californians take their water from two sources; rain and underground storage basins (underground lakes). Springs occur where storage basins spill out on the surface. Wells are used to take water from storage basins. Before wells were drilled, and over millions of years, each storage basin filled to capacity. When a storage basin is reduced below its capacity, it causes all the springs above the current level of the water to dry up. Most of California, especially Southern California, is a desert. In a desert, most species rely upon springs for water. Most storage basins, in California, have been reduced to below 10 percent of capacity. This is why the reduction of storage basins, throughout California, is attributed for causing as much as 90 percent destruction of non-riparian habitat. 20 percent of all threatened and endangered species inhabit non-riparian areas.
Destruction of the Colorado River Delta and Sea of Cortez
Today, almost all of the water in the Colorado River never reaches the Sea of Cortez; whereas, as much as 5 million acre feet per year did. Not only has this caused the Colorado River Delta (the Cienega de Santa Clara) to dry up but, it has also decimated the Sea of Cortez that once thrived upon the nutrients which were deposited into it from the Colorado River.
Destruction of the Salton Sea and Surrounding Farm Land
All of the water that reaches the Salton Sea comes from the Colorado River, after it irrigates the surrounding farm land. Due to the reliance upon mineralized fertilizers, in the Colorado River Basin, that water has become too salty. Now, the Colorado River water, irrigating the Imperial Valley farm lands, deposits so much salt that it must be removed, periodically. This is done by washing (syringing) the fields. Two times the amount of water needed to irrigate those fields is necessary to syringe them; and, all of that salt is washed into the Salton Sea. This has made the Salton Sea three times saltier than the ocean. As time goes on, even syringing won’t save those fields. They will, eventually, become un-farmable if they continue to be irrigated by untreated Colorado River water.
The Salton Sea is polluted by more than salt, however. The New and the Alamo Rivers, which run South to North, have been and continue to deposit hazardous waste into the Salton Sea. This waste is dumped into these Rivers by industry along those Rivers in Mexico.
Current Rain Water Demand Beyond Supply
It is hard to imagine how demand for rain water can be beyond its supply; but, it is. California takes 800,000 acre feet per year from the Colorado River allotments, allotted to Nevada and Arizona. Nevada and Arizona sued California for their water allotment back. California agreed, in the Quantification Settlement Agreement of 2003, to give most of it back; but, with the understanding that it would do so by cutting off what still goes to the Salton Sea.
California is not the only State that has overdrawn its allotment from the Colorado River. Actually, all the Colorado River Basin States are taking 300,000 acre feet per year from Mexico. Worse, is that the quality of water that is permitted to reach Mexico, via the Colorado River, is below par, to say the least.
Future Fresh Water Demand Beyond Supply
California, as well as the other Western States, has already exceeded their available rain water supply and, yet, population continues to grow. In addition, global warming, though debatable, may cause as much as another 20 percent increase in demand beyond supply. More dams and reservoirs are being proposed but, if they are built, will only further optimize what little rainwater there is. Thus, future fresh water supply, to meet this growth and increased demand, cannot come from rain. Nor, can it come from storage basins, either. Remember, they have already been depleted. It can either come from Canada or the Pacific Ocean. After more than 50 years of negotiations, Canada still won’t sell us water. Thus, it must come from the Pacific Ocean. Assuming that the technology for large scale desalination is available, the only remaining questions are, how much and, from where.
How much desalinated water must be produced can be calculated. NORC, in their Petition, (published on August 18, 2005), calculated that Southern California will need as much as 93 million acre feet per year of desalinated water. If the other nearby Western States buy desalinated water from California, the demand could increase to as much as 300 million acre feet per year, or more; (93 maf/yr + 207 maf/yr = 300 maf/yr).
Necessary Environmental Restoration:
To restore as much as 95 percent of riparian habitat, it is necessary to remove all (on stream) dams.
To restore as much as 90 percent of non-riparian habitat, it is necessary to refill all storage basins to their capacity; and, to keep them filled.
Storage Basin Restoration
It is not enough to simply refill the storage basins to their capacities. As long as there are wells, they must be refilled, over and over again.
Effect of (On Stream) Dam Removal:
An on stream dam cannot be removed unless the water it supplies is replaced; and, by another source, other than by a reservoir with an on stream dam. Remember, dams allow Northern California to distribute 75 percent of its rain water to Southern California. They also generate a good percentage of electricity. Removal would mean the reduction of most of the water supply to Southern California and a significant reduction of electricity, as well.
Disadvantages of Traditional Desalination Methods:
In the past, desalination has been kept small scale for four reasons; coastal real estate is very expensive, entrainment, high consumption of electricity, and discharge of brine.
Traditional desalination facilities all cause entrainment. Entrainment occurs when a large amount of seawater is sucked through a, relatively, small pipe so fast that sea life cannot escape its flow.
Traditional desalination facilities do not produce power, of any sort. However, they consume a lot of power; they save in infrastructure costs; as compared to the distribution system of water from reservoirs and their dams. Comparatively speaking, though, they are still more expensive than the system of distributing water from reservoirs and their dams.
Traditional desalination facilities discharge a slurry of brine. This is because it is too costly to completely dry what is left after desalination. That brine is, normally, piped where it can be diluted and then, again, where it can be released into the ocean.
Advantages of Modern Desalination Methods Over Traditional Methods:
Methods of desalination exists, today, which yield both a larger return of fresh water, (as much as 98 percent as opposed to 50 percent), and a usable alternative fuel; mostly, hydrogen mixed with some oxygen. They also completely dry the solids left after desalination. This is a system that has been developed by Cal-Neva Water Quality Research Institute. This research has been under the direction of Dr. Gerry Abe Beagles the Director of Research.
Advantages of Channel Desalination:
Desalination, from a channel, differs tremendously from traditional desalination. It allows us to eliminate entrainment, altogether. Because the channel, itself, is the main inlet pipe, it allows us to reduce the flow, where necessary, below the speed which would entrain sea life.
More importantly, though, a channel allows us to generate renewable electricity, at least, in an amount sufficient to drive all the desalination plants along its route. If a hydrogen/oxygen alternative fuel is the by-product of the method of desalination employed then, not only will a huge excess of renewable electricity be generated but, a huge amount of hydrogen/oxygen will be produced, as well.
Impacts Specific to the Proposed Channel, Previously Addressed:
Canals, in general, sea going and fresh water, are not new. The current distribution of rainwater, from Northern California and the Colorado River, is accomplished by canals. As for seawater canals, most people are somewhat familiar with the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal.
As for the proposed Channel, it is not altogether new, either. Engineered plans, for the proposed Channel, have been drawn up since the 20’s. The most recent set of engineered plans, submitted for public review, were drawn up in 1968. That set of engineered plans was rejected, primarily, because the developers refused to tile it. Tiling, placing piping underneath the Channel, is necessary to drain away any seawater that leaks through. More recent engineered plans have been drawn up but, they have not been submitted for public review. It is presumed that tiling was included as would be for any future engineered plans.
Impacts Specific to the Proposed Channel, NOT Previously Addressed:
Desalination has never been included in any prior set of engineered plans for the Channel. The primary environmental concern, with large scale desalination, is how the solids will be discarded. If it is discarded as a slurry of brine, it can be piped where it can be diluted and then, again, where it can be released. The release of brine would occur where ocean currents would further dilute and distribute it. Over time, this method of discarding solids may become an environmental problem, though. If the solids discarded are left dry, however, they can be used as fill. As fill, those solids would serve a useful purpose and not become an environmental problem.
Environmental Restoration of the Channel:
The Channel will be designed to reduce all of its direct negative environmental impacts to insignificance. The Channel will allow for tremendous indirect positive environmental impacts.
Desalinated Water Supply
The amount of desalinated water, to be produced by the Channel, will allow on stream dams to be removed and storage basins to be filled. Assuming that all on stream dams are removed, in California and the other Western States, as much as 95 percent of the riparian habitats in those States will be restored which, in turn, will allow for as much as 75 percent of threatened and endangered species in those States to be recovered; i.e. removed from the threatened and endangered species list. Assuming that all storage basins are filled to capacity, in California and the other Western States, as much as 90 percent of the non-riparian habitats in those States will be restored which, in turn, will allow for as much as 15 percent of the remaining threatened and endangered species in those States to be recovered. Desalinated water, produced by the Channel, could recover as much as 90 percent of all threatened and endangered species in California and the other Western States.
Renewable Electricity Supply
The Channel will produce as much electricity, if not more, than will be required to desalinate all the water demanded of it. This electricity is not only renewable but, will not produce any green house gases. If the method of desalination employed produces a hydrogen/oxygen mix, much more of this renewable, clean, electricity will be produced than is needed to desalinate all the water demanded of it. It will be more than enough to support any development which the Channel may cause.
Hydrogen/Oxygen Mix Supply
If the method of desalination employed produces a by-product hydrogen/oxygen mix, and the Channel produces as much as 300 maf/yr of desalinated water, the Channel could produce a by-product of as much as 6 maf/yr of that hydrogen/oxygen mix. A hydrogen vehicle consumes, on average, 5,700 liters (1,505.8 gallons) of gaseous hydrogen per year. Even if only two thirds of the hydrogen/oxygen mix which could be produced from the Channel is processed as usable hydrogen for hydrogen vehicles, ( 4 maf/yr), it would still be enough to run 865.6 million vehicles, all year every year. Needless to say, this would shatter the Phase 3, (year 2020), goals of the May 2005 California Hydrogen Blueprint Plan, (20,700 vehicles, of all types), and the goals of the latest, (2007), Federal Fuel Economy Standards for the year 2019 and beyond. In fact, the Channel would produce 27.5 times more hydrogen than is necessary to run the 31.5 million vehicles that 45.5 million Californians are expected to operate by 2020. The extra hydrogen can be exported or turned into electricity which could also be exported.
For additional information, you can contact:
Cal-Neva at: 916-434-7880 or by email: gerrybeagles@aol.com
or by going to their blog at:
http://water-purification-desalination-new-technology-blog.com
Co-Authors: Dan Cooper, Walter Eason President/CEO of NORC
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A Monrovia, California based biotech firm, Sliver Lake Research Corporation, has made the Watersafe line, the first do-it-yourself test kit to watch levels of potentially harmful contaminants in drinking water. These kits made by Watersafe are affordable (under $20), quick (ten minutes from beginning to end), and produce reliable, lab accurate results. Until these kits were made, accurate testing in drinking water was only available through expensive, analytical laboratories using prolonged and complicated methods. You can find many good water test here: http://www.waterfilters.net/Water-Test-Kits_c_22.html.
Although we have modern facilities, water remains a very common source of both acute and chronic sicknesses. This is simply because the most consumed substance on the planet. Water contaminants can either be man-made or occur naturally. Continual exposure to chemical contaminants is dangerous and these toxins are deceptive, causing damage over months and years, often with severe or deadly effects. E-coli bacteria are estimated to cause 73,000 cases of infection and 61 deaths per year in the United States. Even though used for disinfection, Chlorine mixed with organic matter to form cancer-causing trihalomethanes. Lead from pipes can cause a wide variety of developmental problems. Until 1988, most homes and offices were constructed with pipes and fixtures containing lead. These homes and offices may still be using these pipes and fixtures. Cures to water problems are shown here and organized by contaminant: http://www.waterfilters.net/Water-Filters-by-Contaminant_c_126.html .
In every large watershed in the United States, and in a majority of groundwater wells, pesticides have been discovered.In the U.S. alone, about 1,000,000 children under six years old have a blood lead level over the level of concern. Acute pesticide exposure can be deathly, and chronic pesticide exposure, even at low levels, has been connected to neurological damage, developmental problems, and even cancer. For the most commonly used pesticide, atrazine, the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is three parts per million. That’s hardly a drop in a large swimming pool.
When water is mixed with human or animal waste or fertilizers, they become nitrates and nitrites. A deathly form of nitrate and nitrite poisoning called Blue Baby Syndrome, can affect infants exposed to contaminated water. In a National Pesticide Survey, more than 65,000 babies may be exposed to water with nitrates containing more than EPA- mandated limits.
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Today, Watersafe drinking water test kits are the only do-it-yourself, ten-minute water safety tests on the market. They are affordable, understandable, simple to use, and offer quick and accurate results. Even if you don’t drink tap water, you can still allow toxins into your body by bathing in it, brushing your teeth with it, and even cooking with it. The groundbreaking Watersafe water test kit is available here: http://www.waterfilters.net/WaterSafe-WS-425B-All-In-One-Test-Kit_p_0-2211.html .
Now, for the first time ever, you can know what’s in your water before you, your children or even your pets drink it. Now, that’s peace of mind!
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We all know that pure water is good for us. We also realize that Coke or any other brand of soda is not ideal for the health of our body. However, the positive traits for water and the negative traits for Coke are more extreme than you may realize.
Did you know that 75% of Americans are extremely dehydrated? 37% of Americans believe that they are hungry, when really it’s just because their thirst mechanism is so weak. The number one trigger of daytime fatigue is lack of water. Your metabolism can be slowed down by as great as 3%. And this is just with MILD dehydration. In a study of dieters at University of Washington, only ONE glass of water will shut down almost 100% of midnight hunger pains. Preliminary research states that for up to 80% of those suffering back and joint pain, 8-10 glass a day may ease the pain. As little as a 2% drop in water may cause fuzzy short term memory, difficulty with basic math, and a struggle to focus on a computer screen or a printed page. 5 glasses of water per day decreases a risk of colon cancer by 45% and it can decrease breast cancer by 79%. You are also 50 % less likely to develop cancer of the bladder.
Throughout the United States, highway patrols, in many states, have 2 gallons of Coca – Cola in their trunks to remove blood from the highway after automobile accidents. In just two days a t-bone steak will disappear in a bowl of Coca-Cola. Having problems removing stains from your toilet bowl? Just pour a can of Coca-Cola in the bowl, let it sit for a hour, then flush! Coca-Cola contains a citric acid that removes stains from vitreous china. To remove rust spots from your car, just dab a crumpled up piece of aluminum foil in Coca-Cola and rub it on the chrome bumper of your car. If you’re looking to get rid of that corrosion in your car battery terminal, just pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminal. The corrosion will actually bubble away. You can loosen a rusted bolt just by applying a Coca-Cola soaked cloth for several minutes. Don’t throw away grease-stained clothes just yet! Just pour a can of Coca-Cola in with the clothes, add detergent and run in a regular cycle. The Coca-Cola will aid in loosening up those grease stains.
Phosphoric acid is the active ingredient in Coke. This acid will dissolve a nail in around four days. Phosphoric acid robs calcium from your bones. No wonder it’s a major contributor to osteoporosis! The commercial trucks transporting Coca- Cola syrup have to use the Hazardous place cards since it’s a highly corrosive material. Even the distributors of Coca –Cola themselves have been using their own product to clean their truck engines for years.
So, you said you were thirsty?Would you like a soda or glass of pure, refreshing water?
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The New York Times Dining In/Dining Out section this week had a fascinating article by Marian Burros, one of their best writers, with a companion piece by Lawrence Downes, about making homemade seltzers and sodas. The article points out that many people prefer to drink their water carbonated and that this, like bottled water, leads to concerns about materials being wasted and recycling issues. Burros and Downes investigated home-carbonation systems and found them very impressive. Waterfilters.net staff and consultants also found this intriguing, and wanted to pass the word on to readers.
The article points out that while the EPA does test water to a considerably higher degree than most water bottling companies, many of us still should be concerned about lead in tap water that comes from corroding pipes in the water delivery infrastructure. Waterfilters.net offers many water filters that remove lead from drinking water, and in the name of good health and enjoyable dining and drinking experiences, we urge readers to investigate these filters and – for those who can’t get enough fizzy stuff – enjoy reading and considering making their own carbonated drinks!
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Amana is a company with a long history, and it all began with the idea of keeping things cool and pure. The company was founded in 1934 and manufactured commercial walk-in freezers and refrigerators. The point of developing these technologies, obviously, was to allow people to keep their food fresh and free of contamination for longer periods of time than would be allowed with an old-fashioned icebox.
As the decades flew by, Amana grew and grew and they expanded into the home market. Now you could find Amana refrigerators and freezers in homes all across
One thing that Amana knows because of its history is that nothing is more important than keeping bacteria and contamination out of your food and water supply. So when Amana builds water dispensers into its refrigerators, it also includes a water filtration system. This means that anyone who has an Amana refrigerator/freezer can be absolutely sure that the water and ice that come out of their Amana are pure.
Amana’s water filtering systems have an easy cartridge replacement design so you can just twist out the old filter and twist on the new one. Amana water filters remove from your water cysts, turbidity, lead, chlorine, and asbestos. You enjoy, as a result, fresh, clean-tasting water that you can drink with a conscience as clear as your water.
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A recent article in a Florida newspaper brought to our attention the discovery of severely contaminated water in
Construction crews and scientists and administrators at the
The city would be able to restore the water to necessary standards of cleanliness and health by using UV (ultra-violet) water filters. UV light has the power to reconfigure DNA in cells, which means that bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms lack the ability to reproduce. In other words, it renders the bacteria effectively dead, and the risk of anyone’s contracting disease from the water is removed. UV systems are extremely effective and can remove up to 99% of bacterial or viral contamination in water.
The South Florida Water Management District has begun to chlorinate the water in their system very heavily to purify the contaminated water. This will affect the taste and smell of the tap water in
The
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The New York Times of October 3, 2007 has a fascinating op-ed piece by Robert Morris about water quality and home water filtering. Some people may find it controversial, but we thought it was a sensible article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/opinion/03morris.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin
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No other company in the business of manufacturing water filters has the name recognition that the Brita company enjoys today. In countless households, the pitcher of water that’s kept in the refrigerator is referred to as just “the Brita,” and guests know to pour themselves glasses of cool, clean drinking water not from the tap – but to go instinctively for the Brita pitcher.
There’s a reason for this. Brita has spent decades working on developing affordable, easy to use water filtering systems for domestic use. When other companies were focusing on industrial water filtration systems, Brita was thinking about residential use. Brita, a family owned company since its founding in 1966, started out working on water filtration systems for use with car batteries, but understood that clean drinking water was a real issue in many domestic settings. So Brita turned its attention that way. Decades later, the company is famous world-wide for its water filtering pitchers, faucet-mounted filters, and refrigerator water filters.
Brita water filters are filled with activated carbon and ion exchange resin, which are safe, reliable materials known to work effectively to rid water of undesirable elements. Brita filters are effective at reducing chlorine levels in your water; Britas also remove lead, copper, and aluminum, all metals that adversely affect your water quality. Brita filters remove only trace amounts of fluoride from your water, so you can be assured that your children will be drinking fluoridated water, as they should be, to protect their teeth.
The EPA has worked to maintain standards for our water supply, which is fine as far as it goes. But the problem is that the EPA isn’t able to control what happens to the water once it leaves the government-controlled treatment areas. This is why it only makes sense to have Brita filters working for you at the end of the water pipe. Britas are affordable and effective and easy to use in the home. The tiny investment in a Brita pitcher will give you long lasting peace of mine – you can’t go wrong.
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The water you use from your kitchen sink is, in a way, different from the water you use in the rest of the house. Why is this, you ask: surely the water that comes out of one tap in my house is the same as the water that comes out of another tap?
Well, yes: the water comes out the same. What’s different is how you use it.
Most of us use our kitchen tap to provide us with water for a multitude of purposes. We cook with that water, we drink that water, we fill out pets’ water dishes with that water. By contrast, water at the bathroom faucet is used mostly for washing, and only the occasional drink of water. The kitchen tap is usually more of a utility sink than we realize, most of the time.
Because we not only wash with that water but ingest it frequently, sometimes it makes sense to install a water filter right there at the kitchen sink. For this reason, many manufacturers have designed special filters that are made to be installed underneath your kitchen sink.
These filters last a long time because they’re designed for heavy, long-term use, and are easy to use. The filtering system is installed under the sink, where most households have storage space available. The installation is permanent, which means that you do it once and don’t have to worry about it at all aside from replacing the filter cartridge twice a year; some types of filters only need changing once a year! The under counter filtering systems are really very simple and effective.
Under counter water filters are larger than the kind of filters we’re accustomed to seeing in a filtered-water pitcher or jug. The larger filters make it possible for under counter filtering systems to handle more materials than other filters. For example, it’s possible to buy under counter water filters that will remove fluoride. This is generally not an option with water pitcher filters. But just like most other filters, the under counter filtration systems remove chlorine, volatile organic chemicals, heavy metals, and other undesirable elements found in tap water. With a little bit of research you can find an under counter filter style that does exactly what you want – in most cases, this is simply a matter of finding a cartridge that traps chlorine and makes your water taste cleaner.
Given the many ways we rely on our kitchen sink every day, it only makes sense to want the water there to be as fresh and pure as possible. A quick and easy installation of an under sink water filter makes this a reality.
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GE is one of the most important companies in
That’s why you can rely on GE to provide you with the equipment you need to provide your loved ones with clean water. GE may have manufactured your refrigerator or washing machines. So it follows that they’ll know what kind of technology is appropriate for those machines and the water that they use.
GE manufactures water filters for your shower and your refrigerator. You can install GE water filters at your sink or at your house’s water supply. If you’re merely concerned about the taste of your drinking water, you can get a simple GE water filter pitcher. No matter what the size of your needs, GE has a technological solution to your concerns about water purity.
GE water filter systems use either activated carbon filters or more complex, but also more advanced, reverse osmosis systems to assure you that your filtered water will always be clean, fresh, and sweet-tasting.
GE’s slogan is “Imagination at Work” and by using GE water filtration systems in your home, you’ll be able to see – once again – how GE’s imagination improves your quality of life.
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Everpure water filters have been established and trusted for more than seventy years. The company’s products are used by huge companies such as the Coca-Cola® Company, and the U.S. Navy and Air Force One also rely on Everpure filtration systems. These are organizations that must have the highest-quality water available at all times, and they go for the best they can get – Everpure.
At home, you can rely on the same technology that these huge companies and institutions use – to provide the very best quality water to your own family. Everpure water filtering systems. In recent years, Everpure has expanded their product line so as to make them available for non-commercial, non-industrial use. It’s the same high-quality, high-standards equipment, but scaled for domestic use. This is a great opportunity for households with concerns about heavy metals, arsenic, or other contaminants being in the water supply. Everpure manufactures simple filtration systems, reverse osmosis systems, and a number of specialty products, including filters for RVs, that will appeal to you and increase your safety and general quality of life. For more information on Everpure filters, please consult www.waterfilters.net or www.everpure.com.
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The simplest water filtering system, and the one most people turn to as a first resort, is the drinking water pitcher that holds a carbon filter cartridge. These have become familiar presences in countless households. The carbon filter handles the removal of chlorine, chloroform, pesticides (and other organic chemical elements that have seeped into your water). For most people, the biggest problem with their water is that it tastes like chlorine, and these water filter pitchers take care of that easily. However, carbon filters aren’t particularly good at removing heavy metals, fluoride (which some people wish to remove from their water even though it is added to the supply intentionally), chloroform, or bacterial contaminants. For these problems a little more muscle is needed.
A reverse-osmosis water filtration system will solve these more advanced problems. Reverse osmosis water filtration is a multi-step water filtering process which works slowly but is extremely effective. It’s often used in industry but can also work in the home. Reverse osmosis uses the principles of osmosis (in which material passes slowly through a membrane and is concentrated and purified in the process) to produce very clean water.
The first step is that a simple sediment filter is installed and all water to be used passes through it; the filter catches large particles of materials such as rust or calcium carbonate (a compound which is not at all harmful but which isn’t desirable in your drinking and cooking water – it’s commonly used as an antacid). Sometimes a second filter of a similar design, but more fine, is used after the initial filtering. An activated carbon filter traps organic chemicals, and then the RO filter, which is a very fine membrane, is used. It may be helpful to think of all these filters as being similar to sieves with differently-sized holes. Basically, the process of reverse osmosis water filtration would be akin to draining cooked food through a series of increasingly-fine sieves, rather than just emptying the pot into a basic perforated colander. Reverse osmosis water filtration systems, being more complex and increasingly sensitive, can trap far more contaminants than just one simple carbon filter. Some RO systems will, even after the water has passed through the RO membrane, use yet another carbon filter or, alternatively, an ultra-violet lamp, to purify the water even further. The result of all of this filtering is extremely high quality water. However, the system is not the most efficient of all water filtration systems, and some have expressed concern about the fact that it takes approximately four gallons of processed water to result in one gallon of clear water.
The fact remains that reverse osmosis water purification systems remove an astounding range of contaminants from your water. Arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium (hexavalent), chromium (trivalent), copper, lead, nitrate, nitrite, radium 226/228, selenium, and TDS are all removed from your water with an RO system.
A reverse osmosis water filtering system is obviously more complicated than a simple carbon-filter water pitcher, but the benefits of its complex design are also obvious. For those who are concerned not merely with the aesthetics of their water – taste – but have more concrete problems with water quality, an RO water filter may be the best solution to your problem.
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When you’ve decided to purchase a system for filtering your water, the options available to you can be really confusing. Many sites throw options at you without really explaining their differences; it’s important to do research and know what you’re doing, though, because water filtration methods vary in terms of what they achieve and what they cost. And if you’re going to buy a system, you want to get the one that’s right for you and your specific needs.
The first thing to do is establish the quality of your water and determine to what extent your water needs to be purified. You can get a report on your local water’s statistics from your water company, for starters; they are required by law to provide you with this information. But you can also examine and test your tap water on your own. A visual examination of your water – run water into a clear glass and look at it carefully – can give you a fairly good starting point. Is the water cloudy? Discolored? Does it smell odd? These things can indicate problems with your water. Also, if your sinks and tubs show discoloration near the drains, this can indicate the presence of undesirable elements in your water.
You can also buy home water testing kits at hardware stores. These aren’t usually as accurate as professional lab tests but they’re certainly valuable and an inexpensive way to confirm your basic assumptions about your water.
You want to be aware of heavy metals (lead and iron, for example), bacteria, nitrates, or chlorine. Testing will also bring to light the presence of pesticides or other runoff materials that you would want to remove from your drinking water. Once you have established a sense of the contaminants in your water supply, then you’ll be able to choose a filtration system.
There are a couple of relatively easy and convenient options, and we’ll be discussing them in more detail in our next posting.
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The Culligan family has been in the water filter business for more than seventy years, and since its founding in 1936, the company and its product have proven themselves popular and reliable. Very few companies in the water filtering business can boast of this kind of success. How has Culligan done it?
Culligan has achieved this level of respectability and popularity in the water filter market for many reasons, but paramount among them is the fact that the company has always been a pioneer in researching new technologies to improve water quality. Culligan water treatment systems are installed and applied in homes but also in industrial circumstances, where water quality is extremely important and, if flawed, can cause serious problems in manufacturing and product quality. Healthcare facilities such as hospitals rely on Culligan water filter systems; so do spas, laundries, hotels, and schools.
Among the strengths of the Culligan line is the fact that Culligan produces different types of water filtration systems, so one is able to find a good match. Culligan makes simple countertop filter systems for use in situations where water quality is an aesthetic concern more than a safety concern; and Culligan also manufactures faucet and reverse osmosis systems to use when concerns about water quality and safety are more pronounced.
A Culligan water filter system will solve your problem if the problem is just that your drinking water tastes over-chlorinated. But a Culligan water filtration system will also help you if you are concerned about the presence of lead, iron, mercury, bacteria, or other dangerous contaminants in your water supply.
As a company, Culligan’s reputation is beyond reproach. Consumer Reports rates their products highly, and in a competitive field, that says a lot. Culligan water filters have also earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval – and there’s not much more reassuring than that. But mostly it’s important to remember: seventy years of experience means your water quality today can only get better – using a Culligan water filtering system.
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Many people choose to own fish as pets. Like any other pet, fish need to have proper care to survive. While there are many important factors to consider while caring for your fish, the most important is to make sure they have a clean environment. One of the best ways to care for your fish is to give them excellent water quality. This is very important in order to keep fish healthy. The two most important parts of the set up of the fish tank is having a water filter for your aquarium and a heater. There are two types of fish aquarium filters that you can choose to have. One is an internal filter and the other is an external filter. Which one is better to have?
Fish Aquarium Internal Filter
When looking at a fish aquarium internal filter, there are two main types. The first one is an under gravel filter. This is most commonly used for fresh water tanks. With this kind of filter, the gravel is the filter. It collects the extra food and fish waste that is pulled down into it. The second type of internal filter is a sump tank which sits below the main tank. This is most commonly used for salt water tanks. An internal tube permits the water to flow down into the sump. Then it is pumped through a string of filters which catch all the waste and the bad bacteria. Pumped back to the top of the main tank is the filtered water, which keeps a constant flow going. If you are looking for a good filter, this is a good choice. Unfortunately it is expensive and you will experience background noise.
Fish Aquarium External Filter
Referring back to the original question, which type of fish aquarium filter is best, the answer is the external filter. The only problem is that they tend to be expensive so not everyone can afford them. What is really nice about the external filter is that the filtering is done outside the tank. This keeps the filtered water apart from the water that has not been filtered until it is returned to the tank. As mentioned earlier, it is expensive, but also the most effective.
Keeping Your Fish Healthy
Even if you have a good filter for your fish aquarium, it is recommended that you change the water ever two weeks. This is good practice because not only do fish eat in the water, it also accumulates bio-wastes from the fish and gravel. Keeping a healthy environment is only one aspect of keeping your fish healthy. Another key point is to not overfeed your fish. Many fish die of overeating rather than under eating. If you are going away for the weekend, it’s okay for your fish to live on an empty stomach for a couple of days. This is better than giving them extra on Friday. Even if you have a friendly neighbor who is willing to help you out, it is best just to leave the fish alone for the weekend because the person might unintentionally overfeed them. So whether you have a big fish aquarium, or just a fish bowl, fish need the proper care to survive just like any other pet.
References:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Choosing-a-Fish-Tank-Filter&id=567854
http://www.aquariumfish.net/information/equipment_1.htm
http://www.algone.com/aquarium_maintenance.php
http://petcaretips.net/tip-care-pet-fish.html
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Many of us think all the time about the quality of our drinking water. After all, the food and drink we ingest directly affect our health, right? Well, that’s true. But what we don’t always think about is the quality of the water we use to wash ourselves, and this can be a real mistake.
Most water supplies are “purified” through the use of chlorine. This is all well and good, and chlorine is put in our water for a lot of good reasons. Chlorine prevents us from transmitting and becoming ill as the result of bacterial growths and diseases. Many serious, possibly fatal diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery are avoided by chlorinating the water supply.
But bathing in chlorine can have ugly results. Chlorinated water can dry out your skin and your hair. Some people find that chlorinated water affects their breathing. Many people dislike swimming in chlorinated swimming pools for these reasons, but think nothing of bathing daily in water that’s gone through almost exactly the same treatment process.
This makes no sense.
Using a water filtration system for your bath and shower water is utterly sensible. It means that you’ll be bathing in pure water that will not dry out your skin, will not dry your hair or cause hair discoloration, and will not cause breathing problems.
Chlorine is just one of many possible contaminants affecting your bath and shower water. Pesticide run-off, which we know to be a problem in drinking water, can also be harmful to your skin and general health because pesticides can be absorbed through the skin. In the end, once you start thinking about it, it’s very clear that filtering your bathing water is not a frill or a luxury: it’s really essential to your continued good health.
Health authorities acknowledge that prolonged exposure to contaminated water – that is, skin exposure to impure water, not only ingesting it – can cause serious health problems. Some believe that the rising rates for cancer and asthma can be attributed, at least in part, to contaminants in our water. Conclusive studies have not been conducted and much is speculation at this point but it seems clear that showing concern for the quality of your drinking and bathing water is just smart. Do the sensible thing and look into water filters for your tub and shower!
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Most Americans immediately recognize the
We feel that we know Kenmore well, but it comes as a surprise to many people to discover that
The refrigerator filters are very efficient and can last months and months – some as long as six months. Depending on the model you choose, you can use a
The
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The water that comes from the water tap in your refrigerator should be safely drinkable. It should taste good, if not great. It should make you wonder why people spend money on bottled water.
If the water coming from your refrigerator is filtered, all this is easily achieved. A refrigerator water filter means that you don’t have to worry at all about drinking the water you get from your refrigerator door. There are special water filters that are designed for use in refrigerators. These assure you that the water you drink from the refrigerator, and the ice you get from your freezer, is pure, clean, and sweet-tasting.
Refrigerator water filters remove the elements you don’t want in your water and leave only cool, pure water. Unpleasant tastes and odors are removed in the process of filtering out chlorine, dirt, sediment, and bacteria. There are more sophisticated refrigerator water filters that will remove metals and heavy chemicals from your refrigerator water; this can be a really useful thing if your community is known to have high metal content in its water supply. (Metals can affect your water quality but they can also have a negative impact on your house’s plumbing, so a filtering process can be good for many reasons!)
There are many types of refrigerator water filters on the market today. Many of them can be installed in applications that aren’t strictly speaking refrigerators – a water cooler, or a stand-alone ice machine in a restaurant, for example.
The filter cartridges in a refrigerator water filter need to be changed regularly, just like any other filter cartridge you may have in your house. This is easy to do and completely worthwhile. An old cartridge will, after a while, cease to be effective, so you’ll be reminded to change the cartridge automatically.
One of the major advantages of having a refrigerator water filter is that it saves the space taken up by keeping a filtered water pitcher in the refrigerator. After all, most of us want a drink of water to be cold as ice – and the only way to have that is to keep your water in the refrigerator. For those whose refrigerators are old-fashioned and don’t supply water or ice, the pitchers are handy and easy to use. But if your refrigerator has a water supply and ice machine, it’s so much more efficient to install a water filter. It will mean that your water is always fresh. And so will your ice! No longer will you think that the ice cubes are making your homemade iced tea taste funny. Cocktails over ice will be even more refreshing if your ice cubes are made with filtered water. If you’re in a household that enjoys homemade granitas, imagine how much more crisp and refreshing those granitas would taste if they were made with ice made out of filtered water!
It only makes sense to provide your household with the best drinking water. You can invest in bottled water, but it is expensive and takes up precious space. Much better to make the slight upgrade in what you already have in your kitchen – a water and ice equipped refrigerator – and have filtered water and pure ice cubes at your fingertips every day of the year.
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