Testing Water

If you have a private or community well, you must have your water tested for hardness, iron and pH before any determination can be made as to a solution.

If you have a municipal water source, call your local water department and ask them for the total hardness of the water they supply to you. They will provide you this information in milligrams per liter (mg/l). Divide that number by 17 which will convert this into grains per gallon (gpg).

It is important to know what type and level of iron that is present. If your water has sediments, color (other than clear) and odors, then you may need other equipment that a water softener cannot address. If your water has a color to it at all times, then a series of tests need to be done to determine what is causing that color.

• Clear water iron is iron that is dissolved into the water. When you draw a sample into a white tub, sink, bucket or a white Styrofoam cup, the water remains completely clear. (If the water sample turns brown after it sits overnight, that is normal; it has oxidized out of solution).
• If the water is tea colored or brown when you draw it from the faucet (after you have first run it for 3 or 4 minutes), then the iron may be in a different form and would require further testing to determine what is causing the color or tint to the water.
• A properly sized water softener will remove clear water iron. ANY amount of iron can foul water softener resin.

Hydrogen Sulfide (sulfur) and chlorine must be tested right out the faucet. Taking a water sample to a lab or place of business will allow the sulfur or Chlorine to dissipate which will prevent an accurate test.

The pH of your water must be over 7.0 for a water softener or iron filter to effectively remove any iron in the water supply. The pH below 7.0 can be corrected

Feel free to send a water sample to us at:

P.O. Box 2061
McKinleyville, Ca. 95519

Or

P.O. Box 4
Millville, Ca. 96062

Rinse and fill a plastic bottle and we will test it at no charge to you. Please include your e-mail address as well as your daytime phone number.