WATER NEWS
World Water Day 2010 – Clean Water for a Healthy World
March 8th, 2010World Water Day is an annual global initiative every March 22nd. The UN has chosen Clean Water for a Healthy World ... More »
Archives by Month
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- June 2007
Vancouver Water
-
Turbidity, Chlorine Levels & the New Seymour Filtration Plant
Thursday, February 11th, 2010Metro Vancouver announced last month (January 2010) that the newly completed Seymour Filtration Plant is now fully operational and delivering filtered water to most of Vancouver and Richmond. The purpose of the new facility is to reduce the presence of turbidity (fine sediment), control disinfectant in our water and corrosion in the infrastructure of our water supply.
Turbidity
Turbidity – cloudy water – is not a contaminant per se; however it can mask the presence of disease-causing micro-organisms. By filtering the water, the presence of these organisms can be controlled thus reducing the amount of chlorine needed to disinfect our tap water.
Turbidity is created when fine particles like sediment or organic matter wind up in the reservoirs through heavy rainfall. Other causes of turbidity can be construction, system operational changes, high water flows due to a fire or flusher truck filling, or high flows due to hot weather.
Turbidity is measured in units called nephelometric turbidity units (NTUs). Daily turbdity readings are posted on Metro Vancouver’s site for all 3 reservoirs supplying Metro Vancouver – Capliano, Seymour and Coquitlam.
Coquitlam Reservoir Treated Separately
Current readings (mid-February 2010) indicate that Capilano is closed (due to excessive turbidity) and that Seymour’s turbidity levels are dramatically reduced (due to the new filtration plant) compared to the Coquitlam reservoir – which is not part of the new Semour/Capilano filtration project. Water from the Coquitlam reservoir will remain unfiltered but is treated with ozone and ultra-violet light before being chlorinated.
Seymour/Capilano Fitration Plant – Phase 2
The launch of the Seymour Filtration Plant represents the debut of the first phase of the larger Seymour/Capilano Filtration Plant which is now scheduled for completion in 2013. The Seymour and Capilano Reservoirs will be joined by 7km twin tunnels that are currently being bored through the North Shore mountains!!
The objective is to filter water from both reservoirs at one plant and shunt the water back to its original mountain reservoir for gravity fed distribution to municipal locations. The yet unfiltered Capilano reservoir is currently not in use due to excessive turbidity.
The new Seymour plant is presently supplying both Seymour and Capilano destinations. This water is currently averaging around pH 7.4.
Boosting Chlorine Levels
Chlorine is introduced into the water as a disinfectant before leaving all three locations – Capilano, Seymour and Coquitlam treatment facilities. This is called ‘primary treatment’.
As water flows through the distribution system, the chlorine introduced during the primary treatment stage gradually breaks down. ‘Secondary treatment’ sites introduce more chlorine to prevent bacterial regrowth as water travels to homes, businesses, and industries. Ozone cannot be used as a secondary disinfectant because it breaks down too quickly. UV treatment also is not an option, since it leaves no residual disinfectant in the water.
-
Water Ionizers Explained!
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010Water ionizers are electrical devices that convert ‘regular’ water into two simultaneous streams of ‘functional’ water, each with distinct benefits and uses.
One stream is alkaline antioxidant water for drinking. The other stream is acid oxidizing water for external use.
Ionizers accomplish this by a process called electrolysis. All brands of water ionizers employ this same technology and all, to date, are manufactured in Asia where they have been recognized as amedical device since 1985.
Alkaline antioxidant ionized water
Alkaline antioxidant ionized water is a smooth, energizing and great tasting water that possesses alkalizing, micro-clustering and anti-oxidant properties. It has excellent absorption, hydrating and detoxifying abilities. It is alkalizing and recommended for drinking at selected settingsbetween pH 8 and 9.5.
However, the most important characteristic of this water is its antioxidant power – the ability to transform water from an electron-seeking to an electron-donating substance. Unlike regular water, alkaline ionized water is an antioxidant providing an abundance of available electrons capable of neutralizing cell-destroying free radicals.
Acidic oxidizing ionized water
Acidic oxidizing ionized water is an astringent water that is excellent for your skin.
Strong acid water (below pH 2.9) has disinfectant properties that make it useful for sterilizing minor wounds and an excellent chemical-free alternative to conventional household cleaners.Benefits of Drinking Ionized Water
Water ionizers transform ordinary drinking water into these health-enhancing properties…
- Alkaline Water
The typical western diet (especially eating meat), stress, environmental toxins, drugs,
lack of sleep and exercise acidify the body.
Acid wastes accumulate and overwhelm the blood, organs and tissues resulting in weight gain and toxicity. Studies show that an acidic environment within the body invites disease conditions while an alkaline environment
inhibits them. Ingesting alkalizing foods and alkalized water helps correct acidification. Ionizers produce alkaline water. Adding fresh lemon juice, baking soda or alkalizing mineral drops to your water will also make ordinary water alkaline.
- Micro-Clustered Water
As demonstrated so beautifully by Dr Emoto’s frozen water crystals, water in its original form
is highly organized and hexagonal in structure. De-natured water, that has been piped, pressurized and treated with chemicals, loses its original vitality and this life-enhancing structure. Groups of water molecules bind together in larger clumps making water less able to hydrate and penetrate into living tissues. Ionized water ‘micro-clusters water into smaller molecular groups. This finer water penetrates and hydrates cells more deeply and is more effective at washing away cellular toxins.- Anti-Oxidant Water
This is a little complicated and the most important benefit of drinking ionized water.
The anti-oxidant power of ionized water is the main reason for spending $2000 on an ionizer. So make sure you buy a machine that has the power to deliver anti-oxidant results given your local water supply. This is explained in more detail under ‘About ORP’.About ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential)
Ion exchange, the giving and taking of electrons, is an activity underlying all living processes.
Substances lacking electrons are aggressively seeking electrons – this makes them oxidizing agents. Examples of oxidizing activity are cut apples turning brown, iron rusting, the consuming power of fire and the killing power of chlorine and ozone.
Substances with a surplus of electrons are electron-donating – these are ‘reducing’ or anti-oxidizing agents.
ORP (oxidation reduction potential) refers to the degree to which a substance is oxidizing or reducing (anti-oxidizing). This effect is measured in millivolts (mv) with special metres.
Positive ORP readings indicate oxidizing potential.
Negative ORP readings indicate reducing (anti-oxidant) potential.
The further the reading is from zero, the stronger the potential.Tap water, bottled water and filtered water are oxidizing, with a positive ORP usually between 300mv and 500mv.
The most significant health benefit of water ionizers is their ability to transform incoming water (your water source) into negative ORP water thus making it antioxidant water.Platinum-Coated Titanium Electrodes
The heart of any water ionizer is its electrolysis chamber consisting of 3 or more electrodes. These electrodes, also called plates, are made of platinum-coated titanium. The more electrodes the ionizer has the more powerfully it can ionize.
Local Water Quality Influences Results
The ionization process is dependent on the mineral content of the incoming water. The greater the mineral content of the water supplied to the ionizer, the stronger its ionization capabilities will be resulting in better negative ORP delivering more antioxidant power for health benefits.In nature, water acquires mineral content by seeping into the earth where it comes in contact with mineral deposits. This mineral-rich water is called ‘hard’ water and is typical of most water supplies in North America.
Water that has been distilled or treated with reverse osmosis has been stripped of mineral content and cannot be used with water ionizers unless it has been re-mineralized first.
Internet Videos Deceiving
Because ionizer performance is dependent on mineral content of local tap water, results reported on internet videos are often deceptive. They are usually made in locations with ‘hard’, mineral-rich tap water – very different from our water in Metro Vancouver.
Performance Challenges with Metro Vancouver’s Water
Water in Metro Vancouver is ‘soft’ surface water from snow and rain collected in the North Shore mountain reservoirs. It is very low in mineral content. This means that a stronger ionizer is needed in order to get effective ionization.
We recommend using an ionizer with 7 electrodes in Metro Vancouver and even then, mineral supplementation may be helpful. This is a very important consideration when choosing an ionizer. Be sure to choose a machine with sufficient ionizing power to transform your water supply into antioxidant water.
About Filters
Chanson ionizers incorporate an innovative on-board filter that is made of activated carbon wet-molded with fibre. This special formulation has 20 times more volume, 150 times more area and 10 times more speed of absorption than regular activated carbon. The filter is silver-impregnated to add anti-bacterial properties. Nevertheless, it is important to note that no single filter of the type used onboard ionizers (of any brand) can comprehensively address all water contaminant issues.
The Importance of Pre-filtration
Water ionizers are not water filters. We highly recommend filtering water before it enters the water ionizer. Effective water filtration must be tailored to local water conditions. Although all ionizers have on-board water filters, these cartridges simply do not have the capacity to intercept the broad range of contaminants inherent in most water being supplied to homes today. Each water district or water source has distinct characteristics which may or may not include chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, industrial contaminants, arsenic, etc.
The micro-clustering properties of ionizers make pre-filtration all the more important. Ionized water penetrates deeply into the tissues and should be as contaminant-free as possible.
Locally Appropriate Filtration
We highly recommend pre-filtering water before it enters your ionizer. The cartridge(s) in your pre-filter should be carefully chosen for their ability to give you long-term protection from contaminants specific to your water supply. This important precaution is simple to implement and inexpensive to maintain. Pre-filters can be countertop ($120 and up) or undersink devices ($220 and up) depending upon whether your water hookup and ionizer are above or below your counter.
More Info About Water Ionization
Chanson Ionizers – Our Top Choice
For Skeptics: answers from a scientist
About Hydrogen & Water Ionizers
Copyright 2010 watermatters. All rights reserved.
-
Chanson Water Ionizers – Our Top Choice
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010Chanson is a 30 year old company whose exclusive focus is production and innovation of water treatment products including alkaline water ionizers. Chanson manufactures its own water ionizers in-house using premium materials.
After testing numerous ionizer models and brands we have found Chanson ionizers to be the best performers with Metro Vancouver’s soft water conditions. They also produce outstanding results in hard water areas. Chanson incorporates newer technology, micro-adjustments and superior nano-coated plates. Moreover, Chanson machines are the smallest and best looking water ionizers to date. And best of all, they are less expensive than other brands. We also like the fact that Chanson is NOT a network marketing company.
Interestingly, Dr. Robert O. Young, the much quoted author of “The pH Miracle” and proponent of water ionizers, has come to a similar conclusion – he has recently chosen to private label the Chanson Miracle water ionizer.
Chanson Compared to Other Ionizer Brands
We have tested and compared Chanson ionizers to the Enagic SD-501 (Kangen™ water machine), Jupiter ionizers, Ionways and KYK ionizers. Chanson ionizers outperform them all and are less expensive, more compact, more attractive and have unique programming capabilities.
Chanson’s Countertop & Under Sink Installation Options
The Chanson Miracle counter top ionizer hooks up to your faucet with a diverter valve.
Alternatively, a streamlined connection can be made to your cold water supply line
using the innovative G2 faucet which requires a ½” hole through your countertop or sink flange.The Chanson VS-70 under sink ionizer is designed for discreet under counter installation.
A sleek column with two faucets (alkaline and acid) and LCD control panel is all you see beside your sink. Requires a 1⅜” hole through your countertop or sink flange.Features of Chanson Ionizers
- Most compact ionizer currently available
- 7 platinum nano-coated titanium electrodes
- Optional G2 faucet
- 4 alkaline,1 neutral, 2 acidic water settings
- Flow rate detection
- Heat sensor to prevent excessive usage
- Alarm message and ionization disabled during accidental hot water inflow
- LCD displays filter life, pH-value, clock, hot water alarm and malfunction alarm
- Micro-adjustable pH levels
- TDS adjustment
- Scratch and the fade resistant control panel
- Quick change onboard antibacterial fiber activated carbon filter
- pH testing solution and color chart included
- Wall-mount option
- Self-cleaning function
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
About Filters
Chanson ionizers incorporate an innovative onboard filter that is made of activated carbon wet-molded with fibre. This special formulation has 20 times more volume, 150 times more area and 10 times more speed of absorption than regular activated carbon. The filter is silver-impregnated to add anti-bacterial properties. Nevertheless, it is important to note that no single filter of the type used onboard ionizers (of any brand) can comprehensively address all water contaminant issues.
The Importance of Pre-filtration
Water ionizers are not water filters. We highly recommend filtering water before it enters any brand of water ionizer. Effective water filtration must be tailored to local water conditions. Although all ionizers have on-board water filters, these cartridges simply do not have the capacity to intercept the broad range of contaminants inherent in most water being supplied to homes today. Each water district or water source has distinct characteristics which may or may not include chlorine, chloramines, fluoride, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, industrial contaminants, arsenic, etc.
The micro-clustering properties of ionizers make pre-filtration all the more important. Ionized water penetrates deeply into the tissues and should be as contaminant-free as possible.
More Info About Water Ionization
For Skeptics: answers from a scientist
About Hydrogen & Water Ionizers
-
Epoxy Lining – a safe fix for leaky water pipes?
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009Worried about epoxy pipe lining being used in your condo or apartment building as an inexpensive fix for leaky water pipes? After receiving multiple inquiries from people concerned about the safety of this practice we decided to contact NSF (internationally recognized public health and safety organization) for its opinion.
There are various brands of this type of epoxy lining. As long as the finished product meets NSF Standard 61, NSF considers it safe.
NSF Standard 61 is known as a ‘leachate’ standard which means that NSF only tests for what might leach out of a substance. It does not restrict which chemical ingredients are used to create a product.
Unfortunately, standards often comply with industry pressures. Although now known to be toxic, BPA was also once considered safe and found its way into many commonly used products before independent studies (not funded by industry) exposed its toxicity.
Given the chemical composition of linings for leaky water pipes and the increasing uncertainties related to multiple chemical exposures, we highly recommend high quality water filtration for anyone whose water pipes have been lined with epoxy.
-
Pharmaceuticals – In Your Drinking Water?
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009The media makes frequent mention, these days, about pharmaceutical drugs showing up in drinking water.
Fortunately, this is not a concern for residents of Metro Vancouver because our water comes from protected mountainous watersheds that are situated above human habitation and activity.
In contrast, the vast majority of municipalities in North America, and around the world, are drawing their water supply from sources that are down stream from all manner of human, agricultural and industrial effluent, which may well include pharmaceutical drugs.