Water in California

Results of a recent survey show that around 85% of American households have to deal with some level of hard water, but only about 30% of them use a water softener to remove those hard minerals. Anyone living with hard water knows just how much work it is. Investing in the perfect water softening system will make life easier … starting with your chores!

What is hard water?

Hard water is water that has hard minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Water can pick these up during the water cycle and it can happen with well water and even city water. The more calcium and magnesium that is dissolved in the water, the harder the water becomes. Softened water is water that has had these minerals removed.

How does hard water affect my household?

Hard water is not dangerous to consume, but it simply makes everyday activities a lot of extra work. Some of the most common issues include:

• Embarrassing stains in sinks and tubs
• Higher water and energy bills because water-using appliances have to work harder
• More cost in replacing clothing and linens ruined by hard water
• More money is spent on fixing or replacing pipes or appliances due to mineral buildup
• White spots on dishes or on fixtures
• Clothes and linens look and feel rough
• Skin has a residue
• Dry, flat hair
• Low water pressure due to clogged pipes

What size water softener do I need?

The size of your water softener depends on the size of your household and its demands. There are many products on the market and they come in various sizes and models. A little research before you invest can make the process all worthwhile. Before you buy, you’ll need to answer the following questions:

• What is my water hardness level?
• How much water does my family consume on a daily basis?
• What would be my calculation for my daily water softening requirement?
• How do I calculate my total grain capacity?
• Do I need salt? Do I need electricity?

If these questions seem overwhelming, that’s where we come in. Make your day-to-day activities easier to manage with the right water softener for your home! Talk to one of our technicians who can help you choose the right size, fit and model!

If you haven’t heard of forever chemicals in the drinking water of many parts of the country, you probably will. Homeowners around the nation are concerned about PFAS in their tap water and rightfully so. These forever chemicals, when consumed in large amounts, are harmful to our health. The problem is … well … let us explain below.

What are forever chemicals?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or better known as PFAS, are a group of industrial chemicals that have often been used in consumer-sought products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics and food wrappers, just to name a few. They are named “forever chemicals” because they pretty much never biodegrade.

Are they dangerous?

Yes. This is what is causing concern. Exposure to some of the oldest and most studied PFAS has been linked to health issues such as high cholesterol, an increased risk for some specific cancers, and a reduced immune response.

How common are they?

These chemicals have been discovered in DOZENS of cities in the U.S. – affecting MILLIONS of Americans – according to a newer study released by environmental experts and advocates. There are nearly 5,000 chemicals in this family, but only a handful of them have been fully studied.

How do forever chemicals end up in our drinking water?

According to the Environmental Working Group, PFAS had not been “publicly reported by the EPA or state agencies” in 34 of the sampled locations where these chemicals were found. There are a number of reasons for this, they stated. Either these chemicals were not regulated, tested for, or reported, or there may be issues at a water treatment facility due to old systems or inefficient processes.

How can we protect our water?

Some advocates are making headway when it comes to regulating these chemicals. By the way, bottled water has the potential to also have PFAS, so don’t use it to replace your drinking water. More studies, more limitations, more testing and more regulations could be here soon for the areas that need them. But, with these types of changes, it takes TIME!

You may want to consider a water filter – but not just any one will do. You’ll need something strong like reverse osmosis technology that can handle getting these chemicals out of your drinking water. You deserve safe drinking water – free of forever chemicals!

Making the best decision for what type of water filter to invest in can seem like a daunting task. There are multiple types of home water filters, not to mention even more brands. While you’re making a very responsible decision to filter your drinking water, it is worth taking a little bit of time to talk to the experts and do some research.

You may have heard about both faucet mounted filters as well as under the counter filters on the market. Both have advantages, but one is simply more effective at filtering out harmful contaminants.

Under the Counter Water Filters

When it comes to filtering your drinking water, you want something that will get the job done, while still being conscious of the environment. The reverse osmosis water filters that we offer are both effective and very powerful. You’ll remove more contaminants than some other processes.

• The process will remove particles and impurities, especially harmful contaminants.
• The process is proven to save more water when compared to other systems and strategies.
• Your household will enjoy filtered drinking water all day, even with higher demands.
• The equipment is out of sight.
• RO improves the taste of the water.
• There are beneficial commercial uses as well as residential.

Faucet Mounted Filters

There are advantages to these types of filters, too. They just may not give the same power and remove as many impurities or contaminants that a reverse osmosis system does. Faucet mounted water filters may be great at taking the chlorine out of your drinking water, but what about the more worrisome contaminants? They also may not be able to handle quite as many gallons of filtration before needing replacement. On the flip side, the price makes this a little easier to deal with.

If you’re looking to upgrade, buy, lease or learn more about under the counter RO systems, you’ve come to the right place. Our experts can help you to choose the best product for your household or business needs. And, you’ll feel great knowing that your water tastes great and is safe to consume! 

For power, effectiveness, efficiency and taste – an under the counter water filter is the way to go!

When you’re looking to improve the water quality in your household, there are many water treatment options available. Some people choose water softeners. Others choose a drinking water system, and still others see the value of a whole house filter to treat the water in the entire home.

But, with hundreds or even thousands of models and brands on the market, how will you ever know which one is right for your household and which one is worth the investment?

What could be wrong with my water anyway?

Most of the tap water in the United States is pretty good and for that we are lucky. But, drinking water anywhere has the potential to carry industrial, agricultural or environmental contaminants which could have moderate to serious effects on your health. Contaminants could be man-made or naturally-occurring. According to experts, groundwater can be contaminated with disease-causing pathogens from fluids leaching out of landfills and septic systems, chemicals used for agricultural purposes, and some hazardous household materials. Most contaminants won’t make you sick immediately, but require long-term exposure for chronic health effects. That is why having a whole house water filter protects you so well.

What will a whole house water filter do for me?

If you want to prevent contaminants, you will want a home water filter. But, it is important to know all of the benefits before you start shopping around. Your whole house filter should:

• Provide clean, filtered water  from every water source in your home, not just the drinking tap.
• Allow for healthier showers and baths.
• Extend the life of your water using appliances and pipes in your home.
• Leave your showers and glassware spot free.
• Give you softer, brighter and longer lasting clothes.
• Leave you with healthier skin and hair that is free of contaminants.

When you invest in a product like this, you want it to be worth every penny – and ours are! Our technicians are experts in helping you choose the right product for your home. A whole house filter gives you peace of mind and safe water for your entire household!

When you’ve made an investment in a water softener, you want to get the most out of your decision. Similar to vehicles and  our other appliances, maintenance for water softeners  is essential for optimal performance and avoiding costly repairs and breakdowns. 

How often are you having your home water softening system serviced? What types of maintenance should you be getting? Is your water softener working like it should be? These are all great questions, and we have some information you’ll want to know. Don’t forget that we also offer our Portable Exchange Tank service where you won’t have to worry about the maintenance or changing out your full tanks at all!

Hard Water Truths

Hard water is simply abrasive by nature. Your water softener is working hard, day after day, to remove stubborn minerals. Some locations have harder water and higher mineral content than others, pushing it even more. While most water softeners are meant to last years without major maintenance, repairs or replacement, seasonal maintenance is always a good idea. Regular checks and cleaning will extend their lifetime and keep them working as they were meant to be.

Water Softener Servicing Needs

You’ll want to check the brine tank monthly or regularly.  The type of salt or water softener you have will impact the cleaning and frequency. Our water softening systems do come with various warranties for parts, but it doesn’t mean you won’t want to have it cleaned so it is working better. Here are some other maintenance items you’ll want to pay attention to:

• Be on the lookout for leaks or drainage issues.  
• You’ll want to pay attention to the type of salt required. Some water softeners require very specific types and brands or grades of salt, but consumers use something else and it impacts the quality of the water and effectiveness.
• If your product is outside in the cooler air, or if you’ll be gone for longer periods of time this winter and won’t be using your softener, winterization may be necessary.

When to Call For Water Softener Service

Older and traditional models tend to need more frequent cleanings, but newer models can be cleaned annually. You’ll want to give us a call if your water has turned hard and basic maintenance doesn’t fix the problem within a couple days.  

We can help get your water softener back on track – emptying the tank, checking valves and taking it apart is best left to the professionals.  We can help guide you with the smaller maintenance items it needs.

Also, water softeners work hard during the summer months when demands tend to be higher. According to the EPA, an average family can use 320 gallons of water per day, but that can go up to 1,000 gallons for summer days.  It is a good idea to have us come check our products during the warm weather and then again after the summer, or during the winter months.

Not sure you want to bother with any maintenance at all? Check out our Portable Exchange Tank Service where we do the maintenance and change your tank for you!

You’ve probably heard the old saying “you are what you eat.” It seems logical – eat fattening foods, you get fat. Eat healthy foods, you get healthy … simple enough. Here’s another saying that’s true … “you are what you drink.” Drink clean, safe water and you get or stay healthy. Drink contaminated water, and you get … well, contaminated!

 

Water contamination has long been a serious concern, especially when it affects our drinking water. Many people associate poor quality drinking water with third world nations, and not the United States. Since the Flint, MI water crisis, however, Americans are beginning to see that some of our own water supplies are not as clean and safe as we thought they were. Lead in drinking water, for example, continues to make headlines and be a cause of concern throughout the country.

 

How does lead get into your drinking water?

With today’s water treatment technology and the knowledge of the danger of lead poisoning, how exactly do we get lead in our drinking water in the first place?  Don’t local governments test municipal water supplies, treat water for public consumption, and do their best to provide water that is safe to drink?

 

Yes, they do. It’s not enough to prevent lead contamination, however. Sometimes contaminants enter the water after it’s already been treated. If you had the best water in the world, it would become dirty and contaminated if you put it in a muddy bucket. The same thing happens with our water supply.

 

When water is transported from water treatment plants or individual wells, it passes through pipes. Today’s standard is for those pipes to be made of copper or PVC, but that wasn’t always so. Pipes used to be made from lead, and some copper pipes are even connected with lead solder. As these pipes corrode over time, lead leaches into the water that is then transported to our homes, schools, workplaces, etc. Lead pipes and connectors have gradually been replaced but some do still remain.

 

How do you know if lead is in your water?

Lead, like some other water contaminants, can be especially dangerous because it cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. You might have a new house or an old house with new plumbing, and think you’re completely safe from lead contamination. This is not the case, however, if the pipes leading to the house have lead in them.

 

Communities with municipal water are required to periodically test their water for contaminants and release the test results to the public. This is a great start. The only way to know for sure that your water is safe, however, is to have the water coming from your own tap tested. We make it easy for you – contact us and get a free water test today so you can know for sure that you’re drinking safe water.

 

Dangers of lead poisoning from water contamination

You might be wondering why lead in water is such a problem. After all, hard water contains metals that aren’t always hazardous to your health, so what’s the big deal? The problem is that lead poisoning has been shown to lead to serious health issues, especially for pregnant women and children, but also for adults. Some common side effects of lead poisoning include:

 

• Brain damage
• Developmental delays
• Behavior problems
• Kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• And more …

 

Best way to remove lead from water

There’s no reason for you or your loved ones to suffer from lead poisoning due to contaminated water. If your water test reveals the presence of lead, the easiest way to remove it is through a reverse osmosis (RO) system. Distillation and carbon filtration are other acceptable methods to remove lead, but RO systems have become the most widely used due to their effectiveness, low energy and production cost, and ease of maintenance.

 

An RO system purifies water by pushing it through a series of filters. These filters allow water to pass through but contaminants, such as lead, are left behind. You’re left with clean water that is safe to drink and tastes great.

 

So, before you pour that next glass of water, contact us for a water test and RO system. Then, you can sit back, relax, and drink to your heart’s content!

 

“Drink more water … drink more water.” It’s a common message in the media these days, especially since drinking water has been proven to have many health benefits. Furthermore, as our society becomes busier and we all try to fit more into each day, we tend to look for convenient ways to get more water – hence, the popularity of bottled water. What many people don’t know, however, is that hidden contaminants in the water they drink could actually be sabotaging their health instead of improving it.

 

Disadvantages of bottled water

While it is true that bottled water is convenient, easily accessible, and portable, some would argue that its disadvantages far outweigh its advantages. Here are just a few of the reasons why bottled water may not be your best choice when trying to manage or increase your water intake:

 

• Costs more money – It is far cheaper to get safe, great-tasting water from a water filter at your tap than buying bottled water.
• Higher energy cost – Greater energy is required to manufacture plastic bottles, fill them, and then transport the finished product than is required to filter water at the tap and fill a reusable glass or stainless steel bottle.
• Environmental concerns – Even though most bottled water is housed in bottles that are recyclable, studies have shown that less than half of them actually do get recycled. That means more garbage in landfills and anywhere else they get left behind.
• Subject to less scrutiny – Municipal water sources are required to undergo water testing at regular intervals and publish the test results for community members to see … not so with bottled water. Even though it looks clear and sparkling, there may be hidden contaminants in bottled water that could actually be dangerous to your health.
• Plastic problems – The plastic bottle itself can contain various chemicals, byproducts, and impurities that can make their way into the water it holds. That means when you down a bottle of water, you could be getting more than you bargained for.

 

Filtered water – the bottled water alternative

Fortunately, there is still a way to get great tasting water that’s convenient and safe to drink – introducing the home water filter. There’s no need to lug cases of bottled water from the store to your car, from the car into the house, and then into the fridge.

 

Instead, install a water filter, such as a reverse osmosis (RO) system, right under your kitchen sink and enjoy fresh, clean drinking water straight from the tap all day long. When you need to take it to go, just fill a glass or stainless steel reusable bottle.

 

Water filter ownership and maintenance

Rayne makes having a home water filtration system easy. You can either purchase your system, adding to the equity of your home, or you can lease it and let Rayne handle any maintenance and repairs needed. Either way, you set yourself up for a healthier alternative to bottled water.

 

Give us a call today and start enjoying clean, fresh water from the tap that you can depend on every single day. You win, the environment wins – everyone wins!

Who wants the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? We all do! Sometimes we get confused, however, when we read or hear of different opinions, “new” facts, and the latest trends. It happens all the time in the water treatment industry, and we’d like to clear up a few misconceptions. Here are some of the most common water softener myths and their corresponding truths:

Myth #1: It’s unsafe to drink soft water

There have been many research studies conducted on this topic alone. The general consensus – softened water can contain a trace amount of salt, but usually not enough to be of any health concern. The exception to this would be someone with very strict salt consumption guidelines – if this is you, consult your doctor to find out the best solution for your personal situation. For the general public, however, drinking soft water does not pose any threats to your health.

 

Myth #2: Water softeners aren’t worth the expense of operating them

On the contrary … water softeners actually save you money.

 

Yes, they do cost something to operate – electricity, salt supplies, and required maintenance – but the benefits certainly outweigh the expense. For example, the number of soaps, detergents, and cleaners needed in your household can be reduced by up to 75% simply by using a home water softener!

 

Myth #3: Water can be softened without salt

The truth on this one can be a little tricky. Yes, water can be treated without using salt. Contaminants can be removed and magnetic or electronic devices can sometimes treat water in such a way that it prevents scale buildup in plumbing and water fixtures. Without salt, however, hard water is not truly softened and you won’t get the same soft water feel that you’re looking for.

 

Myth #4: It’s hard to get clean with soft water

Actually, you get cleaner with soft water, when compared to using hard water.

 

The negative effects of hard water are many and can include soap and mineral buildup on skin and hair, leaving your skin dry and itchy, and your hair limp and brittle.

 

Myth #5: Water softeners and water purifiers are the same

No … they’re not.

 

Water softeners do just what their name implies – soften water. This occurs by removing excess minerals from the water, typically calcium and magnesium, through a process known as ion exchange. They are often used to treat all water entering a home so that the negative effects of hard water won’t take their toll on appliances, fixtures, and even people.

 

In contrast, water purifiers, or reverse osmosis systems, are typically used to treat drinking water by filtering out contaminants and making for great tasting water that is also safe to drink.

 

If this isn’t enough to clear up any questions you have about water softeners, have no fear … our qualified technicians are perfectly up to the job! Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you with all of your water treatment needs – big or small.

Salt is salt, right? When it comes to water softener salt, that statement isn’t exactly true. There are several different salt varieties, some of which are better for your water softener than others. Let’s take a look at the 3 most common types and the pros and cons of each.

 

Types of water softener salt

1. Rock Salt – Typically mined underground, rock salt is salt in its rawest form. It is the result of many (like hundreds or thousands) years of accumulating salt deposits. It also contains traces of other minerals, so it is not 100% pure. For this reason, it is often cheaper than other types of salt.

 

While rock salt can be used in water softeners, it is not highly recommended. This is primarily because the other minerals included with it are not always water-soluble. This means they are left behind in your water softener’s brine tank and can build up over time. If rock salt is used in your home water treatment system, the tank will need to be cleaned on a regular basis to enable your system to continue to function properly.

 

2. Solar Salt – Also known as sea salt, this product is the result of the evaporation of seawater. Salt crystals are typically harvested and then sold as pellets when their intended use is for water softeners. Solar salt has fewer impurities and dissolves faster than rock salt. It can, however, still lead to build up over time, even though it is purer.

 

3. Evaporated Salt – This third type of salt commonly used in water softeners is the purest and most water-soluble. It is created by dissolving salty deposits in the water, and then removing all of the moisture from the brine. It is very effective in the treatment of hard water, and is the healthiest option for your home water softening system.

 

What happens when the wrong type of water softener salt is used?

Any of the three salt options above can be used for water softening. Using rock or solar salt, however, leads to a higher likelihood of the creation of a salt bridge versus using evaporated salt. A salt bridge is a buildup of salt crystals at the top of the tank and can interfere with your water softener’s functioning. It can be caused by several factors, including using salt with higher impurity levels.

 

Water softener maintenance

Regardless of what type of salt you choose to use in your home water softener, regular water softener maintenance is important for protecting your investment and extending its usable life. There are also maintenance-free water softening options available, such as our Portable Exchange Tank Service. Give us a call today and we’ll be happy to set you up with the best water softening system for your home, or help you maintain your existing system.

Water is an essential part of human existence, there’s no doubt about that. From personal care activities like showering and doing laundry, to watering our lawns and washing cars, water plays a big role in our daily lives. With the human body being composed of approximately 60% water, it also affects our health. The question arises, then, does it matter what type of water we drink? Is hard water harmful to drink?

 

What is hard water and where is it?

According to some statistics, close to 85% of the U.S. has hard water. This is water containing high amounts of calcium and magnesium, measured in milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter. Any water with a value of 61 mg/L or greater is considered hard, with classifications including various degrees of hardness. Looking at a water hardness map of the U.S., you will see that the highest levels occur in southwestern states like Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, and Southern California, although hard water is prevalent throughout the entire Midwest as well.

 

Effects of hard water

Homeowners living with it know that there are several negative effects of hard water. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

• Dry and itchy skin
• Soap scum buildup on sinks and other fixtures
• Water stains on silverware and dishes
• Clogged plumbing in water-using appliances
• Dull laundry
• And more…

 

 

Can drinking hard water have negative health effects?

If hard water can affect so many areas of the home, it’s natural to wonder if drinking it is harmful to our health. After all, if the “extra” minerals in hard water build up in the plumbing and on household fixtures, do they do the same inside our bodies?

 

Many research studies have been done, and continue to be done, on this very subject. So far, the general consensus of current research is that drinking hard water is not harmful to our health. This may be because the human body actually needs minerals like calcium and magnesium, and uses them to support bodily functions, unlike the plumbing in our homes which has no use for them so they just build up over time.

 

Some research has shown that instead of being detrimental to our health, drinking hard water may actually be helpful. Not all, but some, of these studies showed a positive correlation between drinking hard water and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The results are by no means conclusive, however, and further research must be done to validate these results.

 

Water testing and treatment

Although drinking hard water may not be harmful to the human body, it is clear that it has detrimental effects within a home, as mentioned above. If you suspect that you have hard water, your first step should be to get your household water tested. At Pacific Coast Water Systems of Fullerton, we even offer a free water test with no obligations attached. This makes it easy for you to know exactly what’s in your water and whether any impurities in it could be causing negative effects in your home.

 

If a water test confirms the presence of hard water, you then have multiple water treatment options to choose from, including:

 

• Water softeners
• Whole house water systems
• Drinking water systems
• Drinking water filters
• De-ionized water systems
• Portable exchange tank service

 

What’s the best way to find out the difference between all of these options? Contact us and we will be happy to help you make the choice that makes the most sense for you and your family. Great water is just a phone call away!