Rogan Knows Water

For a number of years I have been asked the question, ‘What is the best bottled water to drink?’ In July, I compiled a list of some of the most popular bottled waters that people drink. The waters were measured by hardness, TDS, cost per serving, level of softness, type of filtration, country, and taste. Below are the findings. Why do you drink bottled water? Vote on the right.

Bottled Water Quality Report

Best Water for the Best Price Rankings

1st: Kirkland Signature

2nd: Kroger Water

Healthy Water Reminders:

1.       Doctor’s have long since agreed the better the water the better the life.

2.       You can choose to either buy a filter or be a filter.

3.       The human body is one of the most complex organisms on earth. Our bodies require good nutrition and constant hydration to function properly. A person of normal weight can survive for up to 30 days without eating. That same person will die within 72 hours without water. Water does far more than just quench your thirst, It:-

• Lubricates moving surfaces such as your joints, heart and intestines
• Dilutes pollution and contaminants in your body
• Helps your body metabolize fat
• Cushions your brain and spinal cord
• Moistens the surface of your lungs to help you breathe
• Aids digestion, absorption, metabolism, secretion and excretion
• Helps conduct sound through your inner ear
• Maintains skin flexibility
• Metabolizes fat

4.       Drink at least eight 8-Ounce glasses of water every day for optimal health. Always make sure that the water you drink is the highest quality that you can afford and fully pH balanced.

Two days ago, an article was released on ksl.com about dishes not getting clean after a complete cycle in the dishwasher. The article indicates that a white film is being left behind on glassware and dishes. In the last few months, I have received a number of calls from consumers asking about the film and what to do about it. This white film, technically known as Calcium and Magnesium Carbonate, is hard water scale . Hardness can vary from city to city and even from neighbor to neighbor.* Calcium & Magnesium Carbonate are measured in imperial grains per gallon (gpg). Below, I have provided a simple hardness scale. This chart is recognized and used by all water dealers across the country.

Water Hardness (Measured in Imperial Grains)

This white film is caused by two important factors:

1.       Soap companies have eliminated phosphates in their detergents.

2.       Water tends to be harder in Utah/Rocky Mountain area than in the rest of the United States.

Elimination of Phosphates

A majority of soap companies have eliminated phosphates from there detergents. Phosphates help sequester the hardness. In essence the hardness or white film buildup is reduced when phosphates are mixed into the water – glassware and dishes come out cleaner. Some experts have estimated that

dishwasher detergent accounts for 10-12 percent of the phosphorus in wastewater, according to the article. Eliminating phosphates from detergents is a great idea from an environmental standpoint.  The article depicts pictures of a creek in Park City, Utah where phosphates were once a problem and have now been removed.

Utah’s Harder Water

As stated in the article, most soap companies do not believe there is a problem. In many areas of the United States there probably is not a problem. The national average water hardness is 7 gpg. Utah tends to be three times harder than the national average at 21 gpg. Cities in Utah like Lindon, Pleasant Grove, Cedar Hills, Herriman, Bountiful, and Riverton tend to register higher on the scale – 30, 40, and sometimes 50 gpg. The spread between the national average and Utah is quite significant and may indicate why soap companies don’t anticipate a problem.

Solutions

Purchasing detergents with additives, conditioners, and/or phosphates will help, but this is not an entirely effective or environmentally friendly solution especially in areas where water hardness is above the national average. I propose and recommend consulting with your local water dealer and purchasing a water system that will best handle your water issues. Water can differ from city to city and neighbor to neighbor.* Your local water expert will be able to test your water and recommend the best suitable and cost effective water system options for your family. If you have questions regarding a local water expert, feel free to contact me.

For more information or answers to your water questions, visit www.softwateradvice.com.

*Private wells can vary in water quality from neighbor to neighbor.

I have had a number of customers ask if there are any tutorials or videos on bypassing a water system. With as much interest and demand, I have posted several videos that may help with most brands of water equipment.

Erie Style Bypass

Fleck Style Bypass

Copper 3-Valve Style Bypass

Fleck 7000 Style Bypass

WS1 Clack Style Bypass