Q: I would like to buy a reverse osmosis water system for my house and would like to understand how to properly choose a system.
We will only use it for drinking and there are three people in the house. I know it’s a touchy subject, but if you could include comments or suggestions about specific makes and models, this would also help.
I would like to choose a product that will be around for a while.
A: Before you install any type of water system, I suggest you have the water tested. If bacteria exist, this problem must be controlled first. Bacteria will start to multiply in a reverse osmosis system and in some cases the water is worse after reverse osmosis than the raw water.
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I recommend a four-stage reverse osmosis system with a minimum of a 50-gallon-per-day membrane.
Membranes are all tested in the United States for performance. They usually are tested at 25 C water temperature and at 50 psi. Obviously the water is a lot colder in Canada so production will drop by as much as 60 percent.
You can expect to pay $500-$700 for a quality reverse osmosis system. When choosing a water dealer, check how long the company has been in business and ask for references. This should help make your decision easier.
Seismic aftermath
Q: This past fall we had seismic crews through our area near Unity, Sask., drilling and blasting not too far from our farm well. The closest was perhaps half a kilometre, maybe less. About 11/2 months later, our water has an odour and some days when we bathe we can’t see our legs because the water is so yellow-orangey.
I have contacted the company that came through here and they say they will get back to retest our water. What do you think? Does our water sound safe to drink?
We can’t wash whites any more because they go a dirty beige colour.
A: I am familiar with the water quality in your general area. You mostly likely are experiencing a problem with tannin in your water, which is either caused from decayed vegetation or from underground coal streams. They will add colour to water ranging from a light tan tinge to completely black.
We have custom designed more than 800 systems for the removal of tannin from water in the Macklin, Luseland, Major and Denzil areas of western Saskatchewan.
From what I understand, most of the wells are deep and when they were drilled, they tapped into an underground coal stream. Some of the tannin in these areas is so severe that the water looks like Coca Cola.
It is possible that the seismic crew has disturbed the underground aquifer and eventually caused the tannin to leach into your water supply. You also mentioned you are experiencing an odour problem. I suggest you get it tested for methane gas. If the tests are negative, you may have a problem with hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. To effectively remove odour and tannin, I suggest you install a chlorination system and filtration followed by a commercial membrane system. The chlorination and filtration will solve the odour problem and the membrane system will remove the colour.
If you want advice on a water problem, write to the Water Clinic, attention Philip Stadnyk, 850-47th St. E. Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 0X4, e-mail philip@thewaterclinic.com or phone 800-664-2561. Stadnyk is president of the Water Clinic and a member of the Canadian Water Quality Association. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the Western Producer.
