Whole House Well Water Filtration (Arsenic) (Manchester, ...

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08-22-, 04:58 PM baltimoreguy1  

Location: Seacoast NH

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We bought a ~ sq ft home (4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths) on the seacoast in that is on well and septic. My wife and I have two kids under five years old...so two adults and two young kids.

The previous owner had one method of &#;filtering&#; the well water...a &#;big blue&#; (4.5&#; x 20&#;) sediment filter. I added bypass pipes and have been replacing the filter every 5-6 months.

Before testing the water, I had been filling 5-gallon jugs with reverse osmosis water that I purchase in Seabrook, which I still do (even after adding the RO under-sink filter, which I'll mention below) to supplement our drinking/cooking water. I pay .39/gallon for this RO water.

I had our well water tested a couple times (once for bacteria in mid-...no issues) as well as a full lab test in March that indicated &#;high&#; arsenic and a few other higher levels:

&#; Arsenic: . mg/L (NH acceptable level: . mg/L, Fed: . mg/L)
&#; Iron: 3.17 mg/L (NH acceptable level: .300 mg/L)
&#; Manganese: . (NH acceptable level: .050 mg/L)
&#; Turbidity: 14.5 (NH acceptable level: 5.0 NTU)

After receiving these results, I installed an Apec RO filter under the kitchen sink (

Over the past couple months, I&#;ve been sending emails to a few national companies regarding their whole house filtration systems but not getting any responses. Here are the questions I&#;m trying to get answered:

&#; Does your unit remove both arsenic III and V?
&#; Does your unit use ion exchange to remove arsenic III?
&#; How long do your units effectively filter the water? Do filters have to be replaced OR the overall unit?
&#; Is there a sensor to notify when filter and/or unit must be replaced?
&#; If the filters have to be changed, what is the cost to replace?
&#; How many gallons can the system treat per minute? Per day?
&#; Will I have to install a pump and a drain?
&#; Is a separate pressurized holding tank required for treated water?
&#; Can you provide the specs for installation so I know how much space I need AND amount/size of pipes and connectors? My current &#;water&#; room, which already contains the water pressure tank and the salt-based water softener, is only 5&#; x 5&#;.
&#; We get a sulfur odor at times when using our hot water. Any recommendations?
&#; Do you offer UV sterilizer units?
&#; Do you guarantee arsenic removal? (If I have it lab tested, can I return the equipment for a refund?)

Finally, my current water softener is salt-based. I'd prefer to go with a salt-free. Are they effective? I&#;ve read conflicting information on salt-free softeners.

Here are the companies and the units I&#;m interested in to this point:

&#; The Water Softener Company:
&#; Apex (not Apec, which I mentioned above):

Also, here are the &#;equivalent&#; units by the company that I bought/installed the RO system for the kitchen sink:
&#; Apec:

The first two include lots of specs on how arsenic and other contaminants are removed. The last (Apec) doesn&#;t get into details so I&#;ve been a bit reluctant to put them higher on the list without published specs. Although, their under-sink RO has been working great and I had it tested to verify their claims.

With all that said, if anyone is still reading, does anyone have recommendations for our house based on the above information? Am I missing any questions? Anything else I should be thinking about? Any companies (perhaps local/in-state) that you recommend?

Thanks

I&#;ve noticed over the past few years that a number of you have extensive knowledge when it comes to wells and septic...hoping for some assistance as I upgrade the filtration in our house. I didn't have much luck with a search in the older posts here on C-D, including the House section.We bought a ~ sq ft home (4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths) on the seacoast in that is on well and septic. My wife and I have two kids under five years old...so two adults and two young kids.The previous owner had one method of &#;filtering&#; the well water...a &#;big blue&#; (4.5&#; x 20&#;) sediment filter. I added bypass pipes and have been replacing the filter every 5-6 months.Before testing the water, I had been filling 5-gallon jugs with reverse osmosis water that I purchase in Seabrook, which I still do (even after adding the RO under-sink filter, which I'll mention below) to supplement our drinking/cooking water. I pay .39/gallon for this RO water.I had our well water tested a couple times (once for bacteria in mid-...no issues) as well as a full lab test in March that indicated &#;high&#; arsenic and a few other higher levels:&#; Arsenic: . mg/L (NH acceptable level: . mg/L, Fed: . mg/L)&#; Iron: 3.17 mg/L (NH acceptable level: .300 mg/L)&#; Manganese: . (NH acceptable level: .050 mg/L)&#; Turbidity: 14.5 (NH acceptable level: 5.0 NTU)After receiving these results, I installed an Apec RO filter under the kitchen sink ( https://www.freedrinkingwater.com/roes-100.htm ). I then had the water from the kitchen faucet tested with a lab and the results indicated that all of the above issues (Iron, Manganese, Turbidity, and Arsenic...had it speciated for III and V) were well below the standards. So the kitchen sink RO system has been effective; however, I'd still like to address the whole house filtration.Over the past couple months, I&#;ve been sending emails to a few national companies regarding their whole house filtration systems but not getting any responses. Here are the questions I&#;m trying to get answered:&#; Does your unit remove both arsenic III and V?&#; Does your unit use ion exchange to remove arsenic III?&#; How long do your units effectively filter the water? Do filters have to be replaced OR the overall unit?&#; Is there a sensor to notify when filter and/or unit must be replaced?&#; If the filters have to be changed, what is the cost to replace?&#; How many gallons can the system treat per minute? Per day?&#; Will I have to install a pump and a drain?&#; Is a separate pressurized holding tank required for treated water?&#; Can you provide the specs for installation so I know how much space I need AND amount/size of pipes and connectors? My current &#;water&#; room, which already contains the water pressure tank and the salt-based water softener, is only 5&#; x 5&#;.&#; We get a sulfur odor at times when using our hot water. Any recommendations?&#; Do you offer UV sterilizer units?&#; Do you guarantee arsenic removal? (If I have it lab tested, can I return the equipment for a refund?)Finally, my current water softener is salt-based. I'd prefer to go with a salt-free. Are they effective? I&#;ve read conflicting information on salt-free softeners.Here are the companies and the units I&#;m interested in to this point:&#; The Water Softener Company: https://thewatersoftenerco.com/produ...nic-filter-xtr &#; Apex (not Apec, which I mentioned above): https://apexwaterfilters.com/shop/wh...-water-filter/ Also, here are the &#;equivalent&#; units by the company that I bought/installed the RO system for the kitchen sink:&#; Apec: https://www.freedrinkingwater.com/wh...cation-systems The first two include lots of specs on how arsenic and other contaminants are removed. The last (Apec) doesn&#;t get into details so I&#;ve been a bit reluctant to put them higher on the list without published specs. Although, their under-sink RO has been working great and I had it tested to verify their claims.With all that said, if anyone is still reading, does anyone have recommendations for our house based on the above information? Am I missing any questions? Anything else I should be thinking about? Any companies (perhaps local/in-state) that you recommend?Thanks

 

08-22-, 06:38 PM KCZ  

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I spent >200 hours calling water treatment companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, etc. and didn't get very far with most of them. One person that I found really helpful to point me in the right direction was Cindy Clevins, water treatment engineer at NH DES. It's been a couple of years since I spoke with her so I don't know if she's still there but they must have someone in that office who can help. I finally found a water treatment company that could deal with the problem, but he's up here in Grafton Co. so I doubt he covers the Seacoast but I'll ask him. It eventually required him, a contractor, and a plumber to figure out how to fit all the equipment and a mile of plumbing into the available 3'x5' space, and you've got a water softener system to fit in there too.

Where are you currently draining your water softener to? A dry well? Iron and arsenic systems usually require backwashing which will require a dry well.

Where I'm going with this is that I really think you'd benefit from a professional evaluation for your complicated situation. Trying to extract info over the from people who just want to sell you stuff isn't likely to be useful.

https://www.des.nh.gov/water/drinkin.../private-wells

I don't know about arsenic, but I do know about iron problems, and whatever plan you devise needs to treat your iron situation. We have elevated iron levels in our well, which unfortunately was apparently contaminated with iron-eating bacteria at the time it was drilled. That situation produced slimy, metallic/chemical-smelling water in our case, but I've also been told that it as well as sulfur-reducing bacteria can produce a rotten egg smell. The hot water heater can harbor these bacteria. Routine bacterial testing usually just looks for Ecoli...you need to submit additional samples in special bottles to check for iron-eating and sulfur reducing bacteria and I would check a sulfur level if you haven't already. Elevated iron can also cause a build up in your well pump too, requiring that it be pulled and acid-cleaned every few years. We have sediment, carbon, and Greensand filters to deal with the iron issue.I spent >200 hours calling water treatment companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, etc. and didn't get very far with most of them. One person that I found really helpful to point me in the right direction was Cindy Clevins, water treatment engineer at NH DES. It's been a couple of years since I spoke with her so I don't know if she's still there but they must have someone in that office who can help. I finally found a water treatment company that could deal with the problem, but he's up here in Grafton Co. so I doubt he covers the Seacoast but I'll ask him. It eventually required him, a contractor, and a plumber to figure out how to fit all the equipment and a mile of plumbing into the available 3'x5' space, and you've got a water softener system to fit in there too.Where are you currently draining your water softener to? A dry well? Iron and arsenic systems usually require backwashing which will require a dry well.Where I'm going with this is that I really think you'd benefit from a professional evaluation for your complicated situation. Trying to extract info over the from people who just want to sell you stuff isn't likely to be useful.

Last edited by KCZ; 08-22- at

06:49 PM

..

 

08-22-, 09:53 PM baltimoreguy1  

Location: Seacoast NH

351 posts, read 224,820 times

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Quote:

KCZ

Originally Posted by

I spent >200 hours calling water treatment companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, etc. and didn't get very far with most of them. One person that I found really helpful to point me in the right direction was Cindy Clevins, water treatment engineer at NH DES. It's been a couple of years since I spoke with her so I don't know if she's still there but they must have someone in that office who can help. I finally found a water treatment company that could deal with the problem, but he's up here in Grafton Co. so I doubt he covers the Seacoast but I'll ask him. It eventually required him, a contractor, and a plumber to figure out how to fit all the equipment and a mile of plumbing into the available 3'x5' space, and you've got a water softener system to fit in there too.

Where are you currently draining your water softener to? A dry well? Iron and arsenic systems usually require backwashing which will require a dry well.

Where I'm going with this is that I really think you'd benefit from a professional evaluation for your complicated situation. Trying to extract info over the from people who just want to sell you stuff isn't likely to be useful.

https://www.des.nh.gov/water/drinkin.../private-wells

I don't know about arsenic, but I do know about iron problems, and whatever plan you devise needs to treat your iron situation. We have elevated iron levels in our well, which unfortunately was apparently contaminated with iron-eating bacteria at the time it was drilled. That situation produced slimy, metallic/chemical-smelling water in our case, but I've also been told that it as well as sulfur-reducing bacteria can produce a rotten egg smell. The hot water heater can harbor these bacteria. Routine bacterial testing usually just looks for Ecoli...you need to submit additional samples in special bottles to check for iron-eating and sulfur reducing bacteria and I would check a sulfur level if you haven't already. Elevated iron can also cause a build up in your well pump too, requiring that it be pulled and acid-cleaned every few years. We have sediment, carbon, and Greensand filters to deal with the iron issue.I spent >200 hours calling water treatment companies, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, etc. and didn't get very far with most of them. One person that I found really helpful to point me in the right direction was Cindy Clevins, water treatment engineer at NH DES. It's been a couple of years since I spoke with her so I don't know if she's still there but they must have someone in that office who can help. I finally found a water treatment company that could deal with the problem, but he's up here in Grafton Co. so I doubt he covers the Seacoast but I'll ask him. It eventually required him, a contractor, and a plumber to figure out how to fit all the equipment and a mile of plumbing into the available 3'x5' space, and you've got a water softener system to fit in there too.Where are you currently draining your water softener to? A dry well? Iron and arsenic systems usually require backwashing which will require a dry well.Where I'm going with this is that I really think you'd benefit from a professional evaluation for your complicated situation. Trying to extract info over the from people who just want to sell you stuff isn't likely to be useful.

KCZ, thank you...this is exactly what I was hoping for in my initial post. I will definitely try contacting Cindy (or someone else at) DES. I have spent some time on the (5-10 hours, not 200) with some specialists/sales people who have gone over my results but I have always felt underwhelmed, even though they weren't overly pushing their equipment. In fact, I was trying to find a consultant that I could hire to just evaluate my entire water situation, similar to what you mentioned...just haven't had any luck finding someone. This is a great lead. I will keep this thread updated.

 

08-22-, 10:28 PM KCZ  

4,666 posts, read 3,660,797 times

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baltimoreguy1

Originally Posted by

KCZ, thank you...this is exactly what I was hoping for in my initial post. I will definitely try contacting Cindy (or someone else at) DES. I have spent some time on the (5-10 hours, not 200) with some specialists/sales people who have gone over my results but I have always felt underwhelmed, even though they weren't overly pushing their equipment. In fact, I was trying to find a consultant that I could hire to just evaluate my entire water situation, similar to what you mentioned...just haven't had any luck finding someone. This is a great lead. I will keep this thread updated.

Have you tried Secondwind Water Systems in Manchester? I spoke with one of their reps at some point and thought she was pretty knowledgeable.

Have you tried Secondwind Water Systems in Manchester? I spoke with one of their reps at some point and thought she was pretty knowledgeable. https://www.secondwindwater.com/common-water-problems/

 

08-23-, 06:39 AM WINH  

174 posts, read 231,868 times

Reputation: 638

We lived in Deerfield for 9 years and we used Secondwind which is Kinetico. They did a very good job eliminating most of what you are looking to do. It is not a cheap system but it does what it is supposed to do. We had lots of iron in our water in addition to some arsenic and their system made a huge difference. They have to cleanse the system I believe every 3 years which will cost you a bit. Haven't lived there for 6 years because of a move to WI but we have used the same system here from same people as we have a lot of farmland here which it is hard to determine what is in the water but have rust also. Have them come out and evaluate I think you will like what they do. Good luck with everything.

 

08-24-, 05:35 PM baltimoreguy1  

Location: Seacoast NH

351 posts, read 224,820 times

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Quote:

WINH

Originally Posted by

We lived in Deerfield for 9 years and we used Secondwind which is Kinetico. They did a very good job eliminating most of what you are looking to do. It is not a cheap system but it does what it is supposed to do. We had lots of iron in our water in addition to some arsenic and their system made a huge difference. They have to cleanse the system I believe every 3 years which will cost you a bit. Haven't lived there for 6 years because of a move to WI but we have used the same system here from same people as we have a lot of farmland here which it is hard to determine what is in the water but have rust also. Have them come out and evaluate I think you will like what they do. Good luck with everything.

Thank you, both. Two Secondwind recommendations definitely warranted an . I just sent a detailed (with our test results) to both Secondwind as well as NH DES.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Arsenic Removal Furnace Factory.

 

08-24-, 06:47 PM KCZ  

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I would follow those up with calls.

 

08-25-, 09:52 PM baltimoreguy1  

Location: Seacoast NH

351 posts, read 224,820 times

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Quote:

KCZ

Originally Posted by

I would follow those up with calls.

I haven't spoken on the with DES yet (busy work day today) but I have chatted with two people there on . I was provided the following factsheet with numbers / emails for vendors DES works with:

https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files...1/dwgb-7-3.pdf

Figured I'd leave the link here in case anyone is searching this thread in the future.

Secondwind is coming by for an in-home evaluation on Tuesday.I haven't spoken on the with DES yet (busy work day today) but I have chatted with two people there on . I was provided the following factsheet with numbers / emails for vendors DES works with:Figured I'd leave the link here in case anyone is searching this thread in the future.

 

08-26-, 06:50 AM unit731  

8,272 posts, read 10,983,290 times

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baltimoreguy1

Originally Posted by

I&#;ve noticed over the past few years that a number of you have extensive knowledge when it comes to wells
Thanks

When was well created?

What kind of well do you have?When was well created?

 

08-26-, 09:50 AM KCZ  

4,666 posts, read 3,660,797 times

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baltimoreguy1

Originally Posted by

I haven't spoken on the with DES yet (busy work day today) but I have chatted with two people there on . I was provided the following factsheet with numbers / emails for vendors DES works with:

https://www.des.nh.gov/sites/g/files...1/dwgb-7-3.pdf

Figured I'd leave the link here in case anyone is searching this thread in the future.

Secondwind is coming by for an in-home evaluation on Tuesday.I haven't spoken on the with DES yet (busy work day today) but I have chatted with two people there on . I was provided the following factsheet with numbers / emails for vendors DES works with:Figured I'd leave the link here in case anyone is searching this thread in the future.

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Like many contaminants in drinking water, arsenic is potentially hazardous at levels or concentrations that do not impart a noticeable taste, odor, or appearance to the water. Your best course of action is to get your water tested and to compile as much information as possible about your water supply source, well construction, surrounding land-use, and local geology. If you do have an arsenic problem, there are water treatment technologies available now that can reduce or even remove arsenic from your drinking water.

Note - Do not just test your water for arsenic because there may be other primary and secondary drinking water standards that are exceeded or that may interfere with the proposed remediation system. The following water treatment technologies are effective in reducing arsenic from drinking water: activated alumina filters, anion exchange, distillation, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and iron oxide filters.

Pretreatment may be needed in some cases to ensure acceptable treatment by the primary treatment system. Also, as a safeguard against organic arsenic, granular activated-carbon filtration should be added. Some of the treatment technologies may not be amenable to whole-house treatments. In these cases, point-of-use units may be the best option.

Periodic testing should be maintained after the treatment system is in place to ensure objectives are still being met.

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