How to Interpret Water Analyses
In an exclusive interview, we sat down with water analysis specialists to discuss the significance of proficiently interpreting water analysis reports. These experts emphasized that accurate readings are fundamental to maintaining the quality and safety of our water sources. We explored the key components involved in understanding water analysis results. How can individuals and organizations ensure the precise interpretation of these vital documents? What tools and resources are available to assist in this process? And what impact does the accuracy of water analysis have on public health and environmental protection? Our conversation revealed valuable insights into these pressing questions.
Now, let’s examine the details of these analyses. Consider the proposed solutions and understand the rationale behind them. Are there alternative effective solutions that come to mind? Let’s take a closer look at Water Analysis Example No. 1.
Date Collected: 8/14/83
Source: Well
Date Analyzed: 8/23/83
Appearance when drawn: Clear, odorless
pH: 7.5
Iron: 0.2ppm
Bicarbonate: 11.3gpg
Sulfate: 3.5gpg
Chloride: 1.6gpg
Total Anions: 16.4gpg
Calcium Hardness: 10.5gpg
Magnesium Hardness: 5.3gpg
Total Hardness: 15.8gpg
Calcium Bicarbonate: 10.5gpg
Magnesium Bicarbonate: 0.8gpg
Magnesium Sulfate: 3.5gpg
Magnesium Chloride: 1.0gpg
Sodium Chloride: 0.6gpg
*All values are reported as CaC03 equivalent except pH and iron.
Our specialists pointed out that according to the Water Quality Association’s classifications, the water in Example No. 1 is classified as very hard, with a total hardness of 15.8gpg and total cations of 16.4gpg. The sodium content (0.6gpg) accounts for the discrepancy between total anions and total hardness. The iron content is negligible and would not cause laundry staining.
A recommended solution for treating this water is to install an ion exchange softener with the appropriate capacity on both hot and cold water lines, bypassing outdoor sillcocks and possibly the toilets due to the low iron content.
The capacity and model of the unit would depend on the household size and the number of water-using appliances, with the choice between manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic models being a matter of personal preference.
Our experts also highlighted the differing units of measure used in water analysis, such as parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L), grains per U.S. gallon (gpg), equivalents per million (epm), and grains per imperial gallon (gpg imp). They explained the conversion between ppm and gpg and the importance of understanding the correct interpretation of these units to avoid misunderstandings.
Finally, they discussed how the minerals in water are expressed in terms of hypothetical combinations equivalent to grains per gallon of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to facilitate calculations and ensure accurate analysis. This standardization allows for the addition and subtraction of various mineral concentrations in water analysis work.