Water issues

How to detect it:

This is a group of polluting agents caused by the action of chlorine in contact with organic matter. They are also part of the called disinfection by-products (DBP), subject to study by all health related organizations. As they cannot be easily detected, expensive and complex chemical tests are required. In the concentrations found in tap water they do not have taste or flavor. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) they are highly toxic.

Solution:

As with chlorine, THM is retained by the GAC, with a high level of effectiveness. For this reason, any purifier of the PSA line is capable of acting on them. The retention method is by adsorption.

How to detect it::

There are several reagents that can be used to detect the presence of chlorine in water. The most commonly used reagent is known as OTO (Orthotolidine), when added 2 to 3 drops in a glass of tap water it shows yellow coloration varying in degree depending on the concentration of the polluting agent. Color scale goes from light yellow to dark orange.

NOTE: The presence of chlorine in tap water is pivotal to maintain its bacteriological quality, but at the same time, its ingestion has proven to be highly detrimental for health. This is the reason why PSA purifiers act on it at the moment of use, that is to say, when water is about to be consumed.

Solution:

Activated charcoal is the most recommended method to remove chlorine from tap water. The retention method is by means of adsorption on its surface. Any purifier of the PSA line solves this issue since they all have GAC.

How to detect it:

They are responsible for water cloudiness.  Generally they are solid particles below 40 microns; human eyes’ limit detection, present in the solution. In some cases cloudiness is not so important but they are still present in a color that cannot be perceived by the human eye. The materials that comprise them are mud, clay, metal oxides, piping slides, etc.

Solution:

There is a solution to every issue. In the case of purifiers, before reaching the purifying area, there is a pre filter carrying a filtering element in its interior (FIPOR N°2 pre filter S-1000, Quantum, etc.) which is responsible for retaining suspended solids. The color it adopts depends on the type of pollution present and the particles in the water will determine its duration. For greater volumes of water to be filtered, there is the PSA STOPPER, which has the same function as that of FIPOR. 

How to detect it:

What we commonly refer to as “scale” is known in chemistry as “magnesium and calcium salts”. Generally they can be easily detected since they appear in the extreme end of the faucets, kitchen sinks, and bathroom equipment and in any other household areas exposed to water and air, where water evaporates and scale remains adhered.

Solution:

In PSA there is a solution to every need. In case scale needs to be removed from incoming water, a PSA AUTOMATIC SOFTENER is required. If the water to be treated is that for consumption, it is possible to install a PSA QUANTUM. If water for the automobile is to be treated, a PSA REGIO may be used. In order to avoid scale incrustations on domestic appliances (heaters, water heater, dishwashers, etc.) a PSA POLI2 should be used.. 

How to detect it:

As in the case of color, smell can be easily detected. However, in this case, special care should be taken as it may be related to a bacteriological issue; generally it appears when organic matter is in a state of decomposition. Another smell that may be present is an “aromatic” one, in which case, there is the risk of dangerous organic compounds such as phenols. Smell detection is therefore essential when choosing a purifier.

Solution:

What first needs to be done is to verify the water origins. In case of well water or uncertain origins with smell of decomposed matter, it is advisable to perform a tank and piping cleaning using a PSA S-1000 MAX for its treatment. In the case of “aromatic” smells in water containing chlorine, any purifier of the line can be used since the GAC will be responsible for retaining such smells. Special care should be taken to verify the flow volume, as effective retention will be determined by the period of time water is kept inside the purifier.. 

How to detect it:

It is a very common polluting agent in well water. Although it is not highly toxic, its presence may be detected as in large concentrations it gives water a “metallic” taste. Another possible detection method is to add some drops of bleach in a glass of water, wait for a few minutes and check whether a reddish or amber color cloudiness shows, which would evidence the presence of iron.

If bedclothes are yellowish once they are washed, it is evidence of high concentrations of iron in the water. Also bathrooms are good indicators of ferrous water, as it stains the bathroom walls with a reddish color.

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Solution:

As in previous issues, you need to check where the problem needs to be solved. If water for the entire house wants to be purified, install a PSA AUTOMATIC SOFTENER with pre treatment for iron. If only drinkable water is to be treated, the use of a PSA SENIOR 2 is recommended for the retention carried out by the zeolites, responsible for iron retention.. 

How to detect it:

Negative reaction to Orthotolidine signals possible bacteriological pollution, which can be confirmed performing bacteriological tests.

Solution:

In this case, the installation of a PSA S-1000 MAX is recommended since it is the only purifier of the line capable of ensuring bacteriological decontamination. 

How to detect it:

Arsenic is a contaminant of geological origin, which is not detected in the water with the naked eye, nor by smell or taste.
The source of arsenic in groundwater in the Americas, is attributed to volcanic activity in the Andes occurred during Cuartario, but can also end up in the environment through industrial production of copper, lead and zinc, as well as in the application of insecticides and herbicides in agriculture.
In many regions, the provision of water to drink is seriously hampered by the existence of groundwater with high arsenic content, which makes them toxic for human consumption, since these chemicals accumulate in the body producing Hydroarsenicism Regional Chronic Endemic (HACRE).

Solution:

In this case, it is recommended to install a PSA SENIK since it is the only purifier of the line capable of ensuring decontamination..