Water in California

If there is one thing that Water Quality Month reminds us every August, it is that we MUST take care of our water, conserve our water and do everything we can to protect our water. Drinking water contamination is not always in our control and there are many reasons why the quality of our drinking water is contaminated. But, how we handle the situation matters. 

The question now is, are you doing enough to protect your home’s tap water? Is there more you could be doing? If you do not currently have a home drinking water system, the answer is yes, there is more you can do!

What is National Water Quality Month all about?

National Water Quality Month aims at raising awareness of the importance of our fresh water and how important having clean, safe water is to our health, agricultural needs and a better environment. We should take time to consider all of this, our own drinking water needs, and the needs of other ecosystems that rely on water as much as humans do – clean water, that is. 

Common Causes of Water Contamination

There are thousands of factors that can have a negative impact on the quality of local water sources. If you read our blogs or follow us on social media, you have probably seen many of the sources of water contamination.  

Germs and chemicals can get in drinking water at the water’s source or in the distribution system after the water has already been treated. Common contamination sources include:

• Industrial pollution and manufacturing operations
• Agricultural runoff
• Chemicals
• Pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals applied to land near water sources
• Sewer overflows
• Stormwater
• Wildlife 
• Minerals in rocks and soil
• Old, cracked pipes or other problems in the water distribution system
• Ineffective and aging water treatment infrastructure

How to Protect Your Home’s Drinking Water From Contaminants

There is a limited amount of sources where we can get our water from, so finding ways to protect our tap water is vital. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and the local water utility companies all play a part in making sure that the water that comes from our taps is always safe for use, we also need to protect our own home. You can achieve this with a home drinking water system like reverse osmosis. 

Reverse osmosis systems offer in-home protection and improvements through a technology that removes a very large majority of drinking water contaminants by pushing your water under pressure through a semipermeable membrane. Up to 98% of total dissolved solids, including harmful chemicals, are removed. 

How should we celebrate Water Quality Month?

There is still time to participate in National Water Quality Month and make more efforts to keep our waters clean! Simply start with being more mindful of the possible effects that your daily activities could have on the environment. Learn more about where your water comes from. Try to include some of these activities, too:

• Organize stream cleanups
• Plant trees to prevent erosion
• Monitor your local water quality 
• Adopt a watershed
• Start a monthly beach cleaning club
• Conserve water when you can more often
• Invest in a home drinking water system to improve the quality of the tap water your household consumes

We are here to help you with any of your home water treatment needs. Just give us a call today!

California is about to embark on a new mission – removing microplastics in drinking water. While we applaud the efforts, we know that these things take time. But the truth is, homeowners need protection now, particularly those who currently do not have access to high-quality, filtered drinking water.

While there is currently no standard method of testing, California is going to begin to help residents with the threat of microplastics in drinking water, something we aim to do, too! There is currently not enough data or testing to be able to tell how high the levels are, or all the health effects associated with microplastics in drinking water. What we do know, though, is that the smallest nanometer scale particles can migrate through the intestinal wall and travel to the lymph nodes and other bodily organs. The situation is serious enough to cause concern and action!

What are microplastics?

There are pieces of plastic, smaller than an ant, that can be seen only with a microscope. It is these microplastics that are contaminating wildlife and humans through food, air and of course – water. Plastic waste in the ocean (like more than 8 million tons annually) takes hundreds to thousands of years to decompose. It seems nearly impossible to solve this issue completely, so the state of California has decided to be proactive, rather than reactive to a growing problem.

The next steps for removing microplastics in drinking water

Being precautionary means early action like researching microplastics and their severity or quantity found in our tap water. A standardized test is still needed, too. Once the preliminary data has been acquired and analyzed, more action can take place.

In the meantime, your next steps can be to invest in a water treatment system that will improve the quality of drinking water from your tap, removing all types of drinking water contaminants that are known or unknown. Microplastics have been found in both tap water and bottled water, so choosing bottled water isn’t a safe solution.

It’s not worth waiting for someone else to take action. A phone call with one of our water treatment experts can help you select the perfect drinking water system for the demands and needs of your household. It can also leave you feeling confident that your drinking water is as safe and pure as it should be. 

The truth is, 94% of water samples from the United States contained microplastics – yours doesn’t have to be part of that statistic. If you live in Fullerton, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Brea, Garden Grove, Norwalk, La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs, Buena Park, or any of the surrounding cities and towns, contact us today to find the best water treatment solution for your home!

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 23 – 29, 2022. Here at Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton, we want to advocate for safe drinking water, especially when it comes to preventing lead contamination.

Each year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) brings together individuals, organizations, industries, and state and local governments to increase lead poisoning awareness. The main goal is to reduce childhood lead exposure. Our contribution is to make sure you know the dangers of lead in drinking water and the benefits of a home drinking water system to filter out potential contaminants.

What are the dangers of lead in drinking water?

The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets and plumbing fixtures. Certain pipes that carry this drinking water from the water source into the tap of your home could contain lead. Was your house built before 1986? Household plumbing fixtures, solder and fittings on pipes from prior to then may also contain lead. 

According to medical experts, lead in drinking water can cause serious health problems when you consume too much. In children, it can have serious effects even without consuming extreme amounts. Lead exposure can cause brain and kidney damage and also interfere with how your body produces red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body.

Who is most at risk for lead poisoning?

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week wants to keep children safer. Since no safe blood level has been found for lead in young kids, ALL sources of lead exposure need to be reduced, controlled or eliminated altogether. This is something that our reverse osmosis drinking water systems can do. Even low lead exposure levels can impact human health. After all, lead is a toxic metal!

How can you protect your family from lead in drinking water and in your tap water?

We want to help! You can reduce or eliminate your exposure to lead in tap water by investing in a home water filter like reverse osmosis. Our RO systems are designed to reduce or eliminate contaminants like lead so that your water is pure and safe for consumption by anyone and at any amount. 

We are proud to serve our community and those surrounding us with high quality drinking water. Check out our eco-friendly, effective and most efficient system on the market, wasting 75%-95% less water than other RO systems. Give us a call and let’s talk about how you can protect your home and the people you love by ensuring that lead in drinking water is no longer present or a threat.

Deionized water is not a term with which many people are familiar. Yet, it’s a type of water used by many companies today to create products we use on a daily basis.

Contrary to what you might think, not all water is created equal. There are various types of water and each one has specific uses for which they’re best suited. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at deionized water – what it is, where it’s used, and how to get it.

Deionized Water Defined

Before we take a look at what deionized water (also known as DI water) is used for, it’s important to know exactly what it is. Break the word down into smaller parts and the definition becomes a little clearer. The prefix ‘de’ indicates that something has been removed. Deionized water, then, is water from which ions have been eliminated.

Ions are electronically charged particles found in water and other substances. Through the process of deionization, positive and negative ions are removed. This results in pure water that does not have a positive or negative overall charge.

Industrial Applications For Deionized Water

Deionized water is considered to be a true water ‘blank’, or extremely pure. Therefore, it’s most often used by industries that require high quality water for their everyday processes or products.

Here are some of the most common industries or processes that utilize deionized water systems:

• Laboratory analysis
• Biological research
• Food processing
• Pharmaceutical drug manufacturing
• Circuit board manufacturing
• Car washing
• Window washing
• Manufacturing of aerospace components

While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, it gives you a good idea of the types of industries that require high quality water versus untreated water straight from the tap.

How to Get High Quality Water For Your Home or Business

At Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton, we believe that every home and business should have access to high quality water. For homeowners and business owners alike, there are a variety of water treatment options that can produce the water quality that’s needed for everyday use and consumption.

For example, homes and businesses in areas with hard water can benefit from a water softener or the delivery of soft water via our Portable Exchange Tank Service. Regardless of the source, soft water is safer for plumbing and water-using appliances. It can also reduce the amount of soaps and detergents required for everyday cleaning tasks and promote healthier skin and hair.

For safe, quality drinking water, we recommend a Reverse Osmosis drinking water system or bottleless water coolers. Even if your drinking water comes from a municipal source, it may not be as safe as you think. To eliminate questions or concerns about water safety, simply use one of our drinking water systems and gain peace of mind.

For business applications requiring high purity water, we offer several options including:

• Mixed Bed DI Water Tank Service
• Dual Bed DI Water Tank Service
• Multiple Bed DI Water Service
• UV Sterilization Units
• Water Purity Monitors
• …And more!

Simply contact us today and our water treatment experts will help you find the deionized water service that best meets your company’s needs.

August is a great time to raise awareness about the importance of the quality of our drinking water and all of our water resources. It also happens to be National Water Quality Month and with our freshwater resources being threatened every day, there could never and will never be enough reminders for the care and consideration that our water resources need.

The Underlying Purpose of Water Quality Month

We wanted to share the purpose of Water Quality Month so that we can all see the role we play. This annual event serves as a reminder of just how important our water resources are for both humans and aquatic ecosystems alike. Thinking about the actions we take each day and their impact on our water quality and our water quantity is essential to improving the quality of our water for years to come.

In the United States, we are fortunate to have access to clean water in comparison to some nations around the world but that does not give us a right to take clean drinking water for granted. And, it does not mean every individual in this country has access to safe drinking water either. Did you know that this has become such an issue that the United Nations recently declared it an ongoing global crisis with the potential to upend existence as we know it in as little as a decade?

The Main Causes of Water Pollution

• A lack of strict water pollution policies allows for contamination of local waterways by dumping or inappropriately disposing of industrial effluents.
• Agricultural runoff, or fertilizer runoff from commercial farms causing excess algae growth.
• Leakage of untreated waste and other public infrastructure issues.
• Products and chemicals used at home such as pesticides used on lawns or those used at golf courses and similar venues.

What Can You Do to Improve Water Quality?

To start making positive changes, you can start to consider the several factors that can negatively impact the quality of your local water sources. This ranges from industrial pollutants and which businesses you support, to the chemicals you use in and around your own home. You can also help those in your community appreciate your local water quality by:

• Organizing stream cleanups
• Planting trees
• Monitoring water quality (and reading the water quality reports)
• Adopting a watershed
• Starting a monthly beach cleaning club
• Washing your car at a car wash rather than on your driveway
• Picking up after your pet
• Sweeping your driveway rather than spraying it down
• Not using fertilizer made with phosphorus
• Not flushing medications
• Taking used oil or antifreeze to a recycling station
• Considering the soaps and shampoos you’re using

You can also consider an effective and efficient home drinking water system like reverse osmosis.  A system such as this can improve the quality of your drinking water right at your tap.

We have the means and the systems to remove harmful chemicals and other drinking water contaminants. And, Water Quality Month is the perfect time to consider how YOU can make your own household tap water safer and purer as you also consider what you can do for your community. This will take a collective effort, but together, we can do better!

Many adults have a hard time drinking enough water, and getting kids to drink more water can be even more challenging. Children tend to be active, probably more than ever during the summer, and they could be losing water through breathing, sweating and digesting. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of filtered drinking water has never been more important. We’d like to share some tips with you in case you’re dealing with a stubborn child, one who’s set in their ways, or who has their heart set on a sugary soft drink or juice box. There’s still hope!

Is Your Child Getting Enough Water?

Your child’s exact water intake needs can vary based on their height and weight, age, biological sex, activity level, gender, and even the weather where they live. As a general rule, your child or teen should drink at least 6 to 8 (eight-ounce) cups of water a day. Your child or teen should also eat the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables every day since fruits and vegetables have higher water content than other solid foods.

Most importantly, pay attention to the quality and safety of the water they’re consuming. Bottled water is not eco-friendly and is not necessarily safer than tap water. For safe drinking water, invest in a home water filter like reverse osmosis which will remove harmful contaminants that you do not want your child consuming as they increase their water intake. Filtered drinking water tastes great, is affordable and our drinking water systems are eco-friendly, so you can feel good about these new goals!

Tips For More Sips – How to Get Your Kids to Drink More Water

• Download a water-tracking app on your or your child’s smartphone. There are many paid and free options such as Carbodroid or Plant Nanny.
• Add variety like bubbles, fruit cubes, fruit garnish or fun straws. 
• Get fun, reusable bottles for your filtered drinking water that you can fill at home. 
• Set a good example and drink plenty of water, too!
• Have the potty talk and teach your children about the color of their urine and what it means for hydration; dark urine could be a sign of dehydration. Light urine is a better indicator that they’re getting enough water.
• Use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes.
• Infuse your water with flavors and combinations like mint, berries, cucumbers, lemons, limes and so on. 
• Buy smaller reusable bottles that are appropriate for their size and age. 
• Set up a reward system for hitting water consumption goals. 
• Choose water and serve water instead of sugary soft drinks and juices. 
• Choose water at restaurants; it is a healthy choice that will save you money and calories!

For any of your drinking water needs, we are here to help. Contact us today to explore all of our drinking water system options for your home and family. Providing you with safe drinking water without the worry of harmful contaminants is what we are always aiming to do.

This Earth Day, the theme is Invest In Our Planet – a truly necessary and captivating idea. After all, we are ALL in this together, so why not celebrate together, too? Our planet is an amazing place, but each and every individual needs to do more to help build resilience by “protecting, managing and restoring nature.” This starts with the appliances we select, the way we improve our drinking water, the way we conserve our water and all else that is related.

Earth Day 2022: Celebrate the Ways You Can Help Do More

As a Consumer

When you’re in the market for new appliances, even water softeners or drinking water systems, you are encouraged to seek companies and products which are eco-friendly, effective and efficient. Find a company who makes a positive impact on the environment and do your research. Consumers should educate themselves and choose sustainable products and services. 

Reduce plastic waste from bottled water and enjoy your own filtered drinking water instead! It is our mission to provide softened water and safer drinking water in ways that are better for your home, your community and the environment.

As a Citizen

As a citizen, it is crucial to vote for candidates who are going to invest in our planet, too. They will lead their constituents to join in their efforts and demand change for the betterment of our planet Earth.  Local, state and federal elections take place and will all have an impact on the course of our planet’s condition.  You can also demand that funding and improvements are made to help improve drinking water and other environmental factors.

As a Community

As a community, you may not be able to make all the changes, but you can create a place where civic-minded people reside. Community organizations, groups and events can spark interest and participation and you can also make a point to support local businesses who also share your same vision of investing in our planet.

Invest In Our Planet All Year Long With Our Eco-Friendly Water Treatment Products

No one person is going to save the planet – it is going to take a massive collective effort from the majority of citizens to see real, authentic change. Reducing plastic waste in landfills is one of the best ways to invest in our planet now AND in the future. Improving your own tap water by investing in a reverse osmosis system is an effective way to remove potential contaminants while still eliminating the need for bottled water, most of which are not recycled and end up as toxic waste.

Investing in our planet starts by investing in goods and services right within your own walls. Our water treatment experts can help you decide which water treatment system is right for your home. Then, you can feel good knowing that you’re making a positive change while investing in your home, your water, your family, your community and ultimately, your planet!

Everyone knows that you need to drink plenty of water to be healthy, but did you know that the type of water you’re consuming is also really important? There are many types of water and they can affect us differently. Staying hydrated is not always easy for everyone, but keep trying, keep drinking and keep working on being the healthiest you can be!

5 Types of Water You Need to Know About

Our customers ask us a lot about the difference between softened water versus filtered drinking water versus distilled water. These are some of the kinds we wanted to share with you:

Tap Water

This is the type of drinking water that comes out of your faucets. The source of tap water can be from a city or municipal water system or from a private well. It represents water that flows from the sourse (there are more than one) and into your faucets without any residential water treatment or water filtration before it reaches you. Untreated, unfiltered drinking water can be at risk for impurities, chemicals or other drinking water contaminants, so it is important to know what is in your water so you know how it could affect your health. Some contaminants can cause acute issues and others can create chronic illnesses.

Distilled Water

To get this type of water, the process involves boiling water, collecting the steam created and then condensing the steam into a liquid state. In doing so, you can remove both impurities as well as natural minerals. Some minerals are needed for balance, so this is something to consider.

If your drinking water is contaminated, distilled water can be a substitute. One consideration, however, is that distilled water absorbs minerals from other sources.  If it sits in a plastic container, it can absorb chemicals from the plastic over time. Although distilled water is safe to use from time to time, a reverse osmosis system could provide you with a better and safer solution.

Spring Water

This type of water comes from a natural, underground source, then it rises to the surface. Big companies usually collect the water from its source and then it goes through an effective water filtration process to remove contaminants and impurities, though natural minerals will remain.

Filtered Water

Sometimes, even water that goes through a municipal water treatment process can still contain impurities. Filtered drinking water generally removes chlorine, chemicals and so on. When it comes to choosing a home water filter, you need to know that they vary widely. Reverse osmosis, distillation, and deionization are all types of purification processes. Our experts can help recommend the right system for your home and your family. Not all RO systems are made equal. Invest in an effective system even if that means it isn’t the lowest price tag.

Softened Water

Hard water usually contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. Water softeners won’t remove contaminants or impurities, but they sure can make life a little easier through the ion exchange process of removing those hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. You may even notice your skin and hair are softer, smoother and healthier! 

No matter which of these types of water you have or need, now is the perfect time to call us and speak with one of our water treatment experts. We will first see what your water needs, then we will see what your family needs. Our Pacific Coast Water drinking water system, with post-carbon filter for great fresh taste, effectively reduces 95-97% of Total Dissolved Solids and other harmful contaminants – and it is perfect for families!

From start to finish, our promise to you is that you ARE going to enjoy safe drinking water, improved drinking water and the best customer service out there. We hope to hear from you soon! 

If it’s not treated, hard water can do a number on your pipes and appliances. That’s because without removing hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, mineral buildup can occur, clogging your pipes and causing your appliances to break more often.

The costs associated with repairs and replacements due to hard water are significant. Investing in a home water softener can save you money, time and energy. Knowing a little bit about hard water and how to remove it can help you decide which products and solutions are best for your household’s demands. 

What is hard water?

The term ‘hard water’ is used to describe a fresh water supply that contains a high amount of minerals, usually calcium and magnesium. It tends to leave a white, chalk-like stain on faucets which is a sign that you do not currently have soft water, but rather hard water. You may notice other things like dry skin, mineral buildup on shower walls or surfaces, dull clothes, stains on dishware and much more. 

Is hard water dangerous?

Hard water is not dangerous to our health, but it can be problematic for other reasons. Some of the most common issues that hard water creates include:

• It reacts with cleaning products and creates a soap buildup and can wear down fixtures and appliances more quickly.
• Mineral buildup inside water heaters causes them to use more energy, thus costing you more money.
• Minerals react with soap to create soap scum, not suds, and can leave that film all over surfaces.
• Hard water can exacerbate skin issues like dry skin, psoriasis or eczema.
• Buildup of minerals on glasses and dishes, clothing and other fixtures can take their toll over time for sure. They can also cause embarrassment! 
• Hard water shortens the life of water heaters and other water-using appliances.

How does hard water affect plumbing?

We often see customers concerned about their water heaters and their plumbing fixtures most. Why? The cost associated with repairing plumbing or replacing pipes or appliances is high. As we mentioned before, hard water contains minerals which will start to build up inside pipes, fixtures, drains or appliances over time. We don’t usually see it or notice it right away, until something is wrong.  

When hard water is heated, a certain amount of water evaporates, causing the minerals suspended in it to precipitate. This solidified scale (a.k.a. limescale buildup) can then accumulate inside your pipes, water heater, washing machine and dishwasher. This is what we want to avoid!

Be on the lookout for:

• Reduced water flow in tubs, sinks, etc.
• Clogs
• Low water pressure
• Increased stress on pipes and fixtures
• High energy bills due to water heater operational costs
• Appliances requiring repairs or replacements 

How can you prevent hard water from damaging plumbing?

First, we can test your water for mineral content and see just what you may need. Then, we’ll recommend the best water treatment product for your specific household needs. Our water softeners will remove hard minerals through the ion exchange process or you can get soft water delivered right to your home with our soft water delivery service. The end result is that these minerals are effectively removed from the water before it reaches your appliances and faucets. Ultimately, using softened water can help you avoid repairing appliances, water heaters or pipes and improve the efficiency and lifespan of your water-using appliances. 

At Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton, our water treatment experts can help you choose the right product for your household. What you need will depend on the hardness levels of your tap water, the size of your family, the amount of water you use each day and so on. We look forward to helping you protect the condition of your plumbing and avoid the damages that hard water can do. Plus, more aspects of your household will benefit, too, of course!

Staying hydrated has a major impact on your quality of life. But, as you get your daily water in, make sure it is free of contaminants.  And, we don’t mean by drinking bottled water.  That can become very expensive to your wallet and the environment. Get clean contaminant-free water straight from your faucet with a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system!

What is a Reverse Osmosis System?

You may have heard of some of the contaminants that can be in your drinking water. Even with state and federal laws in place, there can still be improvements made. Just take a look at your water quality report.

Reverse Osmosis uses pressure to push water through a specialized membrane to filter contaminants from your water. It is a point-of-use filter, meaning it is placed under your sink and is used for one faucet.

4 Key Benefits of a Reverse Osmosis System

There are many benefits of a Reverse Osmosis system being installed in your home.

• Save Money– Investing in an RO system means you won’t have to buy bottled water. Reverse Osmosis produces clean filtered water for pennies per gallon. 
• Contaminant-Free Water– You can now have peace of mind that your family is drinking safe, clean water. Water free of lead, pesticides, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, arsenic and more!
• Simple Maintenance– Compared to some water filtration systems, an RO system is quite easy to maintain. Simply change out the filters and membranes. Depending on your water quality to begin with, filters are replaced every 6 – 12 months and the membrane replaced every two years.
• Better Taste– Many families find that after installing an RO system, their family tends to consume more water and less sugary drinks. That is a great health benefit!

Costs of an RO System

Reverse Osmosis water filtration systems vary in price according to the model you choose. Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton offers smaller residential systems that produce 36 gallons up to 100 gallons per day and larger commercial RO systems that can produce up to 35,000 gallons per day! Your other expense would be the cost of filter replacements. Again, that depends on the size of your system.

Before deciding on a water filtration system, be sure to contact us to get a free water test. We will work with you to determine which drinking water system is right for you and your family. It’s time to enjoy all the benefits of a Reverse Osmosis system and invest in your drinking water quality!