There are several problems that can endanger the quality of drinking water. A number of these problems are summed up here.

A government-approved lab can detect coliform bacteria in drinking water. We use North Island Labs in Courtenay, BC. to test our client’s water for pathogens. Coliform bacteria are a group of microrganisms that are normally found in the intestinal tract of humans and other warm-blooded animals, and in surface water. When these organisms are detected in drinking water this suggests contamination from a subsurface source such as barnyard run-off. The presence of these bacteria indicates that disease-causing microrganisms, known as pathogens, may enter the drinking water supply in the same way if one does not take preventive action.

Drinking water should be free from coliform. Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines set the allowable limit as <1. We recommend an ultraviolet sterilizer as a chemical-free solution to coliform.

Less common are arsenic and other heavy metals. These are naturally forming in the gravel and rock formations which water travels through on its way to your water source. If present, it is naturally eroded by and dissolved into the water and carried by the water into your taps. We can recommend either whole-house, or single-tap solutions.

Water is the universal solvent. The down side of this is that there are a huge variety of contaminants that can enter your water system. Your water could have any combination of dozens of unwanted factors, or maybe just one minor one.

The first thing you need to do is to have your water tested.

We can do a preliminary test (it's complimentary!) to let you know whether you have some of the most common of the household water afflictions. As well, there are many government-approved labs for water testing where a full Potability Test can be performed, if you have a reason to be concerned about bacteria in your well.

We'll design a system based on these results, specifically targeting your particular set of water quality issues.

You don't have to be a hydrologist to understand the basic principles behind water filtration and water softening. Here's an abridged version of what happens when you filter or soften water:

Filtering water involves separating mineral particles, like particulates, iron, hydrogen sulfide or other organic matter, from H2O. By passing water through a "filter bed," or "media bed," these granular particles are trapped - and clean water passes through the bed. Softening water involves something called "ion exchange" to remove dissolved minerals - like calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese - that can't be trapped in a filter bed. Softeners use fresh resin beads with sodium attached to the resin. As water enters the tank, dissolved calcium and magnesium are attracted to the resin. The resin passes up the sodium in exchange for the dissolved chemicals and the water is then rid of these impurities.

Whether you use a filter or a softener depends on whether the contaminates in your water are particles or dissolved minerals. Arrowsmith Water Management filters remove the substances from your water that can cause staining, foul odors, and the need for excessive cleanup. Household chores become easier because your water is working with you, not against you.

To find out what's ailing your water, contact us for a water analysis.