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The Terrible Trio

Recently, a client came to us in regards to their company’s well water. They wanted to make sure the water was safe from pathogens and other microorganisms and free from odor. They were looking for an alternative other than using chlorine or chloramine.

After reviewing a water sample, the test results showed high levels of iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide, or what we like to call — THE TERRIBLE TRIO!!

Iron, as one of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust, is commonly found in well water supplies. While iron generally poses no health threat to humans and animals, it is a stain-causing and sediment-forming nuisance that feeds numerous strains of bacteria. Manganese is far less abundant than iron, but still quite common and easy to recognize from the telltale black staining. Consuming elevated levels of manganese has been linked to neurological disorders. Hydrogen sulfide’s infamous rotten egg smell distinguishes it from iron, manganese and most other contaminants that are found in well water. In addition to its unpleasant odor, hydrogen sulfide concentrations as low as 1.0 ppm are quite corrosive; even very low levels can tarnish silverware and stain porcelain fixtures. So, how can you fight the terrible trio? We suggest two solutions, ultraviolet light treatment system with pre-filtration and ozone disinfection systems. The difference between the two systems essentially is: UV kills germs with light energy, whereas ozone kills germs and odors as an oxidizer. The systems can be used alone or together. Ozone and UV technologies are comparatively priced; however, ozone systems have a slightly larger footprint than UV. Operational costs of each system vary with the local price of electricity. The minimal maintenance and reduced chemical requirements of an ozone system, however, can create cost savings that can result in a system payback of three to six years. UV lamps must be replaced every 12 months to two years and must be figured into the maintenance costs for these systems. For more information on UV and Ozone systems, please contact us at Filter Pure Systems @ 1-800-942-7873 or email at vince@filterpure.com

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The Worst Drinking Water in America

Ever wonder how bad your city’s drinking water is? Well we have a list of the top 10 cities in America with the WORST drinking water! Is your city listed?

10. Jacksonville, Fla. (JEA) 9. San Diego (San Diego Water Department) 8. North Las Vegas (City of North Las Vegas Utilities Department) 7. Omaha (Metropolitan Utilities District) 6. Houston (City of Houston Public Works) 5. Reno (Truckee Meadows Water Authority) 4. Riverside County, Calif. (Eastern Municipal Water District) 3. Las Vegas (Las Vegas Valley Water District) 2. Riverside, Calif. (City of Riverside Public Utilities) 1. Pensacola, Fla. (Emerald Coast Water Utility)  In many cases, cities meet all federal standards for drinking water quality and yet still distribute harmful contaminants to their customers. The only way you can be certain you are drinking healthy water is to be proactive. This means looking at your local water report or getting a water test done. And you know who to call for a water test, Filter Pure! We are here and ready to help. So, if you are concerned about your city’s water, just give us a call at 800-942-7873. We’ll make sure you have nothing to worry about. Let us know your questions and concerns by clicking the link below. Remember, even if your city has the worst water (residents of Pensacola) we have the knowledge and the means to help! Let us know how we can help!

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Legionella: The Silent Killer!

In the last year, over 400 people have been infected by a water born bacteria called Legionella.  Over 30 of those infected died. What’s more shocking than those numbers is the fact that those outbreaks took place in hospitals, retirement communities, theme parks, and hotels.   An estimated 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease each year in the U.S. How can so many people be infected by this bacteria, especially in places where you think you would be safe from any deadly bacteria? Being exposed to any water system can be a source of disease if the water in it is subjected to conditions that promote growth of the organism. 

 In Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY, multiple people developed Legionnaires disease; case investigation and environmental culture surveillance found that the Legionella bacteria came from the ice machine. One 66-year old patient, who was making a slow recovery from cancer, died from the outbreak due to inhalation of the aerosols released from the ice chips he was consuming. 

So how do you kill Legionella?

First, is preventing it! Killing the bacteria before it reaches any water system. Traditional oxidizing agents such as chlorine have been proven very effective in controlling Legionella. Using continuous chlorination at low free residual levels can be effective in controlling Legionella. That’s why many hospitals are using Everpure’s 7SI cartridges on their ice machines to help prevent the Legionella bacteria from forming in their water.

7SI Cartridge

  • Specializes in slime and bacteria growth prevention
  • Reduces particulates down to 0.5 micron
  • Utilizes depth filtration and Fiberdyne™ media for superior dirt holding capability
  • Leaves chlorine and chloramines within water that is supplied to equipment which helps to reduce slime and bacteria growth in applications
  • Reduces system maintenance, service costs and buildup. Scale and slime, as well as, bacteria growth can result in clogging of distribution lines, malfunction of probes, floats, pumps, solenoids and valves, and higher energy consumption
  • Sanitary cartridge replacement is simple, quick and clean. Internal filter parts are never exposed to handling or contamination
  • Can be used on Insurice® and Hybrid Manifold Systems
  • NSF® Certified under NSF / ANSI Standards 42 and 53

Features:

  • Cyst Reduction
  • Particulate Reduction
  • Capacity: 25,000 gallons (94,635 liters)
  • Maximum Flow: 3.5 gpm (13.25 lpm)
  • Qty. per Case: 0
  • Working Pressure: 10 – 125 psi (0.7 – 8.6 bar), non-shock
  • Max. Temp: 35 – 100ºF (2 – 38ºC)
  • H: 20.75″ D: 3.25″ Certifications: NSF42 NSF53
Contact us for more information on the 7SI cartridge and how to stop Legionella.