Building a House? Don’t Forget About Water Treatment

by Toni Schindler | March 11, 2022 | Blog, Buying or Building a New Home

Water Treatment Tips, Tricks and Suggestions to Consider When Building a New House

One thing is certain, when building a new home you will need to have a solid water source. Knowing the water situation on the front end will help you budget appropriately for water treatment equipment and effectively plan for a smooth transition into your new space–saving you time, money and headaches in the future.

Here are a few tips, questions and suggestions that can help make sure that you have everything planned for your water needs prior to your build.

What Will Your Water Source Be?

The most common water sources used in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan are wells, ponds, and municipal (city) water. Each come with their own benefits and challenges. Your water source and water quality will determine what type of water treatment equipment will be needed.

A few questions to ask your builder and/or well driller…

What is their process for helping the homeowner determine a water source?
What are the known water issues in this area?
What are the neighbors using?
What are the depths of the wells in the area and what are the flow rates?
Is this a known area where there are low yield wells, no water, or high sulfur content?
Are the contractors local and do they know the area?

The answers to these questions will help homeowners make an educated decision with their builder on how to move forward with their water source. Once that is determined, you will have a better understanding of what type of water treatment equipment might be needed for the home.

More food for thought…

Wells
In some parts of our service area, water is naturally flowing, and plentiful. In other areas, there is simply no water to be found. If drilling a well, you’ll need to make sure water is in that area. The type of water your well produces will determine what type of water treatment is necessary for your home.

If you plan on drilling a well, ask your well driller, neighbors, and/or local water treatment professionals what to expect from the water in the location you will be building.

Once your well is drilled, seek out your local water treatment professional. They will test your water and provide you with recommendations on what type of water treatment equipment is best suited for the quality of the water and provide you with a quote for your budget.

Check out common water quality and quantity issues in Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan in this blog:
What’s in Your Water

Ponds
Many homeowners in our area rely on their pond as their primary water source. This is a great option for those who have no water on their property or have un-treatable or high-maintenance water situations. Pond water treatment systems can be a safe and viable solution. These systems must be installed by water treatment professionals that are certified through the Ohio Department of Health.

It is important to work with your builder, plumbers, electricians and water treatment professionals to make sure that appropriate space and proper hookups are planned to prevent installation delays and additional added costs.

“What You Need to Know About Pond Water Treatment Systems”

Municipal (City) Water
According to the Water Quality Association, approximately 85% of the U.S. population receives water from community water systems. These systems are required to meet standards set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

If you have city water, ask your neighbors how they treat their water. Many homeowners using city water have water softeners, carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems installed to improve the quality and/or taste of their water.

Budget for Water Treatment Equipment

The cost to treat water will vary based on the water quality as well as the homeowners wants and needs. Working with your local water treatment professional and having them involved in the process can help with identifying approximate cost and maintenance of the equipment.

There are instances in which water treatment equipment will be required by the Ohio Department of Health which include pond water treatments systems and shallow wells. On the other hand, many homeowners will choose to have water treatment equipment installed for aesthetic reasons such a hard water, odor, staining, and taste.

Whatever the case, knowing what you need, what you want, and how much it costs will be an advantage to you in the process of building your home.

Plan Adequate Space for Water Treatment Equipment

Planning appropriate and adequate space for water treatment equipment is essential. You will want to make sure that there is enough space for the installation, and for the future service and maintenance of the equipment. When enough space is not left, it can be difficult for the water treatment professional to install the equipment and can make it difficult to service in the future. This could potentially cost the homeowner in more time and labor.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Paint colors, siding, lighting, flooring, fixtures…oh my!! Decisions are coming at you from every angle when building a home. Knowing your water and water treatment options from the beginning will eliminate at least one big decision. It can be devastating and costly to homeowners when they find out after their beautiful new home is built that they have poor water quality.

Let us help you #TakeControlofYourWater!

You have probably heard us say this before, and we will say it again—your water is important! Teaming up with your builder and local water treatment professional can help you have the peace of mind and quality of life that you deserve.

Would you like a no hassle, no obligation quote for water treatment for your new home?
Give us a call at 419-335-8831 or click here to send us a message!

Know Your Water When Buying or Building a Home

by Toni Schindler | August 7, 2020 | Blog

Building or buying a home can be an exciting experience. But it can also be full of stress and headaches when unexpected or unplanned situations arise.

Whether you are building or buying a home, you will need water. Knowing the water situation will help you effectively plan for a smooth transition into your new space.

Here are a few questions and suggestions to help make sure that you have everything planned for your water needs, prior to your build or purchase.

Building a Home

There are many things to consider when buying or building a new home. One major component is water!

What water source do you plan on using?

Well
Pond
City Water
Hauled in

What types of water sources do neighbors use?

Are You Drilling a Well?

If you plan on drilling a well, ask your well driller, neighbors, and/or local water treatment dealers on what to expect from the water in the location you will be building. In some parts of our service area, water is naturally flowing, and plentiful. In other areas, there is simply no water to be found. If drilling a well, you’ll need to make sure water is in that area. The type of water your well produces will determine what type of water treatment is necessary for your home.

Here are some common water issues that we see throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan What’s in Your Water Blog.

Are You Digging a Pond?

When building a home, many homeowners in our area rely on their pond as their primary water source. This is a great option for those who have no water on their property, have un-treatable water, or simply want to have this viable, safe and Ohio Department of Health certified solution for their water.

If you are digging a pond and plan on using this as your primary water source, appropriate permits will need to be applied for and obtained prior to installation of the system. Approved contractors for digging pond and installing water treatment equipment are listed at local Health Departments. It is important to work with your builder, plumbers, and water treatment contractors to make sure there is viable space, plumbing and electrical considerations for your system.

Will You Have City Water?

According to the Water Quality Association, approximately 85% of the U.S. population receives water from community water systems. These systems are required to meet standards set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). If you are on city water, have a discussion with your neighbors to see how they treat their water. Many homeowners using city water have Water Softeners, Carbon Filters and Reverse Osmosis systems installed to improve the quality and/or taste of their water.

Expert Tip: We recommend having your house pre-plumbed for water treatment systems. Usually, your outside systems and sprinkler systems have untreated water.

Buying a Home

Water is important to consider when buying a new home. Many of the above points noted in the “Building a Home” section also apply to buying a home, but here are some specific questions you can ask that will help you better understand the water situation prior to purchasing a home.

What water source supplies the home?

Well
Pond
City Water
Hauled in

Does the home have a water treatment system in the home?

Is it working?
What is the approximate age of the system?
What water treatment provider installed the system?
Has it been properly maintained?

Do you like the taste of the water?

As you’re taking a tour through the home, ask the realtor or homeowner for a drink of tap water. This is also a good opportunity to experience the water pressure.

Pond Water Treatment Systems

If you have a Pond Water Treatment System, you will want to become familiar with both the system and pond in general. Here are a few resources that might be helpful:

Water Hauling

Many homes in our area rely on water being hauled to their homes. You’ll want to know what that process is, and the costs.

City Water

If the home uses city water, have a discussion with your neighbors on if they treat their water, or if they have suggestions. Many homeowners using city water have their water tested for a variety of reasons. Water Softeners, Carbon Filters and Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems are commonly used to improve the quality and/or taste of their water.

Take Control of Your Water

If you are planning on building or buying a home, we would be happy to help you take control of your water! Give us a call at 419-335-8831 or email us at info@aquatekwater.net to discuss your water needs.

What’s in Your Water?

by Toni Schindler | July 17, 2020 | Blog

While we all would love to find nuggets of gold falling into our glass when turning on the kitchen faucet each morning, unfortunately, that isn’t a reality. Learn what can really be in our water!

Here in Northwest Ohio and Southeastern Michigan, water quality and water quantity varies widely. In some areas water is plentiful with deep flowing wells, while other areas have little to no water to tap into. Some regions have high iron content, while others have sulfur. And oftentimes, one homeowner’s water can have a completely different makeup than their nearby neighbor.

plumbing piece showing calcium and magnesium build up

Hardness

Calcium and magnesium can build up causing hardness in water. It oftentimes leaves residue on plumbing and fixtures, as well as on dishes and glassware.

Tannins

Tannins water are a natural organic material caused by decaying vegetation and peaty soil. You can see the yellow color of the untreated Tannins water next to the treated Tannins water in this photo.

Iron

You can see little rusty/orange particles floating in this Iron Water.

Sulfur

In the picture, you’ll notice black fittings as a result of sulfur running through the pipes – those fittings should be brass in color.

Hardness

Water hardness is a common quality of water found in this region. Hard water contains dissolve compounds of calcium and magnesium, and sometimes, other metallic elements. This is what causes mineral deposits on dishes and glassware. It can cause soap to not lather. It can also cause extra work to remove soap crud on bathtubs and shower stalls, scale build up in pipes, sinks, tubs, faucets, and appliances.

Iron

Iron is also commonly found in water throughout this area. Most notably, it can cause staining in sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and clothing. It can also be corrosive to pipes and fixtures.

Sulfur

Sulfur is a gas found in some water throughout our region that has a very distinct smell, and taste, comparable to rotten eggs. Untreated sulfur water can come out of the faucet black and can cause staining to sinks, toilets and clothing. It can be very damaging to plumbing and non-water using appliances such as TV’s, Microwaves, HVAC systems and more.

No Water, Low Yield Wells and Untreatable Water

No water, low yield wells, high sulfur content and salt wells can wreak havoc in some areas throughout the region. As a viable alternative, many utilize their pond for water into their home and barn. Pond water is filtrated through Pond Water Treatment Systems, approved by the Ohio Department of Health, and provide viable and safe water into the home.

Tannins

Also seen in our area are Tannins. Tannins are a natural organic material caused by decaying vegetation and peaty soil. This can cause a faint yellow to tea-like color in your water and can lead to staining on fixtures and clothing when laundered.

Municipal Water

Households and businesses who are in cities, towns and villages typically have municipal water that is treated and distributed by water treatment plants. Generally speaking, municipal water is safe to drink, bathe in and launder. However, many of our customers like having the piece of mind, and extra protection of having residential water treatment equipment installed that improves the quality and taste of their water.

Building a House? Don’t Forget About Water Treatment

Water Treatment Tips, Tricks and Suggestions to Consider When Building a New House