FAQ

What is a Reverse Osmosis Unit?
The Reverse Osmosis system removes over 90% of those pesky particulates and chlorine from your drinking water. It’s a great option for people who want pristine H2O without having to put in any extra work!

Do you need a professional to install a water softener?

Water softeners and other water treatment products are required to meet codes set by the Department of Public Health, which require that a licensed plumber install all such equipment.

How long are water filtration systems good for?
With a water filter, you can expect to get at least 6 to 12 months out of your investment before having to replace it.

Is Reverse Osmosis Water good for you?
Reverse osmosis water is the safe, healthier choice for your family. It filters out pollutants through pores that don’t allow solids or microbes to pass, so it’s more effective than other types of filtration systems!

How long do commercial and industrial water softeners last?
The average commercial water softener generally lasts 10 to 15 years.

GLOSSARY

Chloramines – A form of disinfectant produced by combining Chlorine and Ammonia. They are used to control the formation of regulated cancer-causing compounds, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and halo acetic acids (HAAs). They must be removed from any water to be used for fish tanks or ponds for fish, reptiles, turtles, and amphibians and also must be removed from water used for kidney dialysis. Chloramines are present in the water of customers of Pinellas County Utilities, Hillsborough County, and water customers of the cities of Clearwater, Gulfport, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, St. Petersburg, South Pasadena, Tampa, and Tarpon Springs.

Hard Water – Water containing calcium and magnesium with a minimum concentration of one grain per gallon measured as calcium carbonate equivalent.

Hardness* – A common quality of water that contains dissolved compounds of calcium and magnesium. The term hardness was originally applied to waters that were hard to wash in, referring to the soap-wasting properties of hard water. Hardness prevents soap from lathering by causing the development of an insoluble curdy precipitate in the water; Dissolved calcium and magnesium salts are primarily responsible for most scaling in pipes and water heaters and cause numerous problems in the laundry, kitchen, and bath.

GRAINS PER GALLON, (MG/L or PPM)

Soft = less than 1.0, (less than 17.1)
Slightly Hard = 1.0 to 3.5, (17.1 to 60)
Moderately Hard = 3.5 to 7.0, (60 to 120)
Hard = 7.0 to 10.5, (120 to 180)
Very Hard = 10.5 and up, (180 and up)

Ion Exchange* – A reversible process in which ions from an insoluble permanent solid medium (the “ion exchanger” – usually a resin) are exchanged for ions in a solution or fluid mixture surrounding the insoluble medium. Both cation and anion exchange is used in water conditioning. Cation exchange is commonly used for water softening.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)* – A water treatment process that removes undesirable materials from water by using pressure to force the water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane. RO removes ionized salts, colloids, and organic molecules down to a molecular weight of 100.

Water Softener – A mechanical water treatment device that removes calcium and magnesium from a water source, usually through a bed of cation exchange media, producing higher quality water that is more effective and efficient for laundering, bathing, and dishwashing.

* WQA Glossary of Terms, Fourth Edition 2000

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