Understanding water is essential for residents and visitors alike. Some key
issues that everyone should know about water are sources, quality, scarcity,
hardness, conservation, restrictions, types of water and treatments.
Water Issues
Variability in Water Sources: Many regions rely on surface water from lakes
and reservoirs and groundwater from aquifers. Water sources vary by location
and understanding the source of your water is important for water quality and
conservation efforts.
Water Quality: Water treatment facilities ensure tap water meets safety and
quality standards. Residents can access quality reports (Consumer Confidence
Reports) from water providers.
Water Hardness: Hard water can create limescale buildup in plumbing and
appliances. Water softening can mitigate issues.
Hard water contains a relatively high concentration of calcium (Ca2+) and
magnesium (Mg2+) ions, usually in the form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and
magnesium carbonate (MgCO3).
Water Scarcity: Conserve water by adhering to water restrictions and using
water-efficient appliances during droughts.
Water conservation is vital in dry climates. Water conservation includes
repairing leaks, drought-tolerant landscaping, and responsible water use.
Municipalities implement water use restrictions during droughts or water
shortages to limit outdoor water use for lawn irrigation and car washing.
Stormwater Management: Many regions can experience heavy rainfall, which can
lead to floods. Understand local stormwater management and flood zones for
safety and property protection.
Environmental Awareness: To protect humans and wildlife along with their
ecosystems, avoid polluting water bodies with chemicals, trash, or hazardous
materials.
Local Water Utilities: Know your local water utility provider and
their services. They can provide information about water rates, billing, and
water conservation programs.
Water Testing: Private wells should be tested to ensure safety and quality.
Private well owners are responsible for water quality.
Emergency Preparedness:
Have a plan for water storage and purification in case of emergencies or
natural disasters that disrupt the water supply.
Types of Water
The quality and availability of water can vary across different regions due to
geological, environmental, and regulatory factors. Water quality and safety
should be closely monitored by local authorities and water utilities to ensure
residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.
Tap Water: Municipalities provide tap water to residents and businesses. Tap
water often comes from reservoirs, groundwater wells, or a combination of
both. It is treated for safety and quality.
Surface Water: Lakes and reservoirs are used for drinking water, recreational
activities, and flood control.
Groundwater: Groundwater comes from underground aquifers. Groundwater is often
tapped through wells. The Trinity Aquifer is one of the major aquifers in
North Texas. Rainwater: Homeowners and businesses collect rainwater for
non-potable uses, such as irrigation and landscaping.
Spring Water: Natural spring water is considered a pristine source of drinking
water due to its natural filtration through rock layers.
Wastewater: After use, water becomes wastewater or sewage. Wastewater is
treated at wastewater treatment plants to remove contaminants before being
discharged into rivers or reused.
Irrigation Water: Agricultural areas irrigate. This water can be sourced from
wells, surface water, or treated wastewater.
Water Treatments
Water Softening: To remove calcium and magnesium (water hardness), water
softeners can be installed in your plumbing system. They use ion exchange
resins to replace these minerals with sodium or potassium ions. Soft Water is
0-60 mg/L (milligrams per liter) of calcium carbonate. Hard water has 121-180
mg/L.
Filtration: Filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters or sediment
filters, can help remove particles, including iron, manganese, and sediment,
from your water. Reverse Osmosis Systems: Reverse Osmosis systems purify water
with the use of a semipermeable membrane. The membranes remove many minerals
including calcium, fluoride, magnesium and sodium.
Chemical Treatment: Chemical treatments may be required for specific mineral
issues like sulfur or certain types of iron. For example, chlorination can
help with sulfur removal.
Distillation: Water is distilled when it is boiled to condense the steam. It
removes minerals and impurities. The effective method often requires more
energy than other water filtration methods.
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Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
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