Water Filtration & Conditioning

We all need to use water, and when we do, we want it to be of good quality. Drawing good water from a faucet can be hit or miss depending on the water source and system.

Aquaduct Plumbing significantly raises the quality and safety of your water through water filtration and conditioning that resolve the different ways your water can become impure.

Water Filtration & Conditioning: How Does Water Hardness Affect Me?

Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved and concentrated minerals – especially calcium and magnesium – in your water. These minerals are a natural by-product of the water’s movement through geographical formations, aquifers and underground sources.

In Illinois, municipalities draw their water from varying supplies such as rivers, groundwater, reservoirs and Lake Michigan. A location’s water hardness is measured by its concentration of calcium carbonate or equivalents for a given unit, such as grains per gallon (gpg) or milligrams per liter (mg/L, also labeled as ppm, or parts per million).

Using grains per gallon (gpg), water hardness on a scale is classified as follows:

With an average hardness of 11.7 gpg, Illinois is classified as a hard-water state. As the table indicates, increasing water hardness becomes less favorable to personal care and hygiene, the longevity of water-using appliances, the amount of soap and detergent needed for cleaning and the ability of plumbing to maintain proper water flow.

Here in the Fox Valley region, some neighborhoods have faced a depleting aquifer and, in some cases, have had to switch municipal sources. A depleting aquifer will increase water’s hardness as it pulls more minerals from the lower water table.

Water Filtration & Conditioning: What Is “Rotten Egg” Water?

Some water can smell like rotten eggs, particularly if it is well water. This “egg” water is caused by elevated levels of sulfur bacteria and hydrogen sulfide gas that develop when water has contact with certain kinds of minerals or organic matter.

A rotten-egg quality is less common in city water than in well water because city water is typically treated with chlorine to kill the organisms. Sulfur bacteria typically do not pose a direct hazard, but they do promote the growth of materials that can become problematic, such as iron that can clog well and plumbing systems.

Frequent contact with high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas can threaten personal health. Levels that meet or exceed 100 parts per million (ppm) may cause sickness or even death. The average levels found in well water for homes are usually 1–5 ppm. While not lethal, repeated exposure to even these low concentrations can result in headaches, fatigue, insomnia, eye inflammation and digestive unrest.

Water Filtration & Conditioning: What Other Impurities Are in My Water?

Water-quality concerns extend further when we consider all that goes into the water and sewage systems we share with our neighbors. Many forms of waste such as old food, discarded medications and dirty bath water collect in a central depository called a reclamation center. There, the water is processed and then reintroduced to the potable water system with added minerals and high amounts of chlorine and fluoride.

Other factors affecting the water we use for drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing include pesticides, heavy metals and household chemicals. These all can and often will enter the water supply. Because people typically cannot taste many contaminants in tap water, they do not realize they are drinking them.

If you don’t like the taste, look, color or smell of your faucet water, you might already be using bottled water or another water dispenser. At the same time, you’re still bathing, preparing food and brushing your teeth with the water that runs through your faucets.

The Refreshing Solution: Whole-House Water Filtration Systems

Aquaduct Plumbing installs whole-house water filtration systems throughout the Illinois Fox Valley region. For about the cost of a cup of coffee per day, you can enjoy truly fresh water from your faucet for years without the need for separate filters and system maintenance.

A whole-house water filtration system installed by Aquaduct removes impurities from your water to make it healthier and more enjoyable for consumption. Water filtration contributes to water that tastes, smells and looks better, as well as to cleaner dishes & laundry and softer skin.

We install the filter in your main water line, next to your meter of the interior pipes. As water enters the filter, it passes through granulated activated carbon that removes the impurities, including those that can cause orange or rusty water or an egg smell.

From there, the filtered water leaves the canister filter and flows into your home for fresh, clean water from every faucet and fixture. Beyond higher water quality, you benefit from greatly reduced chlorine and fluoride, which preserves the life of plumbing, fixtures and water-using appliances.

Water filtration further removes the need for bottled water – which still contains contaminants – and the plastic waste it generates. Clean, filtered tap water is on average less than a penny ($0.004) a gallon, compared with bottled water at an average of $1.37 per gallon (340 times more).

More Fresh Alternatives: Water Conditioning & Softening

Aquaduct Plumbing enhances water quality through the installation of water conditioners, which remove harmful chemicals such as chlorine from your water.

Water conditioning doesn’t soften water, but by removing harmful chemicals, it still reduces the effects of hard water on pipes, faucets and drains. Many homeowners appreciate water conditioners because they conserve water, require minimal maintenance and typically are not costly to install.

If you prefer both softened and conditioned water, you can also inquire with us about installing a water softener, which softens water by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. Combined with water filtration or conditioning, a water softener adds to your goal of having water that is both impurity-free and less hard.

Water Filtration & Conditioning: Call Aquaduct Today

Aquaduct Plumbing recognizes that water quality is part of greater life quality. That’s why we dedicate the best of our resources to helping you achieve it in your home. To further discuss the water supply in your area and how water filtration, conditioning and softening systems can improve it for you, give us a call at (630) 504-9594!

All products installed by Aquaduct Plumbing are made in the USA. They are also backed by a manufacturer’s warranty and a service warranty.

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Water Quick Facts

The human brain is about 75% water, and the human body needs a constant supply of clean water to maintain proper health.

Globally, unsafe water kills more people each year than all forms of violence and war.

Boiling is one of the oldest forms of water purification, and it eliminates all microorganisms, bacteria and viruses that lead to gastrointestinal infections. It cannot, however, remove chemical contaminants. Source