Filtering the water in your home will:

• Benefit your health
• Increase peace of mind
• Reduce the time you spend cleaning your house
• Save you money

Have you been wondering if you should treat all the water coming into your house or just the water that you and your family drink?

If the water in your house is from a municipal water supply it typically contains chlorine, chloramines, fluoride and dissolved limerock. It also may contain pharmaceuticals, and some hundred plus chemicals the National Institute of Health recommends to test for removal, but are not.

Well water can look and taste great, but can have contaminants you cannot see, taste or smell such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and bacteria. Water from other wells can have these contaminants. And odors such as rotten egg smell, or color such as iron or tannins.

Having a water test is the only way to know what is in it. With this information you can decide the contaminants you want to remove. Also, whether you want to treat all water going into your house(Whole House System). Or, just the water used for cooking and/or drinking (Point of Use System).

Whole House System

This removes chlorine and its dangerous carcinogenic by-products that are absorbed through lungs and skin in the shower or bathtub. This ensures a safe bath for you and your family.

For more information read our blog post about dangers of showering and bathing in chlorinated water –   http://goo.gl/ocE4mz .

Removal of a wide variety of contaminants such as dissolved limerock, iron, sulfur, by a Whole House System protects your home’s fixtures and water using appliances. The improved water greatly reduces the time you spend cleaning soap scum, scale build up and stains from bathtubs, showers and kitchen sinks. As an extra bonus, you will save money since you will use far less cleaning products and personal care products.

Point of Use System

Your kitchen sink will remove contaminants such as sodium, fluoride, pharmaceuticals and heavy metals from your drinking water. You will have an unlimited supply of pure, clean water and crystal clear ice cubes at your fingertips. Your system will pay for itself by eliminating the cost of bottled water.

Many homeowners decide to go with both a Whole House System and a Point of Use System to provide the most protection. Research has shown that a combination of both systems reduces greenhouse gases in an amount equivalent to getting one-and-a-third cars off the road for an entire year.

To schedule a FREE Water Analysis:

Gainesville: (352) 372-2707 or Ocala: (352) 369-1707

Or Email us: info@BestWaterSolutions.com

One of our Water Specialist will answer your questions and assist you in making the decision that is in your best interest.

Most families and individuals are increasingly aware of the importance of healthy living. One of the best ways to do this is by hydrating every day. Therefore, many people choose bottled water as a convenient way to consume clean water. But, what if in the long run that’s wasting money, and harmful to ourselves and the environment?

Plastic Bottles used to Package Water is Not Only Wasteful, it is Also Detrimental to the Environment!

Many companies producing bottled water claim they are from partially recycled plastic. Yet, two million tons of used water bottles are currently occupying US landfills. This means 80% of water bottles are thrown away.

But, plastic water bottles become biodegradable, right? Yes, eventually, but this process takes about 1,000 years! With the ever-increasing manufacturing and consuming of plastic water bottles, what will our world look like 1,000 years from now?

Littering and landfills full of plastic isn’t the only environmental issue associated with plastic water bottles. For every liter manufacturers use to package a bottle of water they waste 3 liters. As a result, two-thirds of the water  manufacturers use they waste.

Now Let’s Take a Look at Your Wallet

According to Business Insider, one gallon of water purchased in 500 ml bottles, costs twice as much as a gallon of gasoline! A water bottle made from hard reusable plastic, stainless steel or glass encased in rubber can cost you from $5 to $22. The cost usually varies due to various features.

Depending on how much bottled water you purchase, switching to a reusable water bottle can save you 300 to 2,000 times more money over the course of one year. Want to see the savings for yourself?

Check Out This Free Bottled Water Calculator:

http://205.153.117.210/water/calculator.php

This handy tool gives you details on how reducing your use will affect the environment. It also computes exactly how much money you will save by giving bottled water the boot!

To start your savings and improve your health by filling your bottles with Purified Water call us:

Gainesville: (352) 372-2707 – Ocala: (352) 369-1707 – Toll-Free: (800) 516-8962

Or Email us: info@BestWaterSolutions.com

Chlorine is the most widely used chemical for water disinfection. Although, it significantly reduces the incidences of waterborne diseases in the United States,yet,  it’s actually still posing a threat to our health.

The Effects

Surely we all experience the exterior effects chlorinate water has on our bodies:

• Dry, itchy and sometimes red skin.
• Removal of natural oils from our hair causing dry, porous hair lacking in shine and flexibility.

But, did you know when you inhale it from spray and steam while showering and bathing it:

• Goes directly into our blood stream reducing oxygen transport in our lungs
• Accelerates aging from free radical damage
• Causes the destruction of valuable vitamins our bodies need

Unfortunately, Chlorine Itself is Not the Only Threat Associated with Showering, Bathing and Drinking Municipal Water

Chlorine reacts with many naturally occurring organic and inorganic compounds found in water supplies. Decaying vegetation, and man-made substances like industrial solvents, benzene, pesticides and herbicides cause organic compounds.  Inorganic compounds include heavy metals, iron and limerock.  The chemical reaction between chlorine and these compounds, consequently creates undesirable disinfection by-products. In addition,  haloacetic acids (HAAs) and trihalomethanes (THMs), link to an increased risk of cancer. In conclusion, it’s not something we want to be consuming.

A recent American Journal of Public Health study found an association between bladder/rectal cancer and chlorination by-products in drinking water. And, according to EPA’s List of Drinking Water Contaminants, long term exposure to HAAs and THMs can result in kidney, central nervous system and liver problems.

Fortunately, there is equipment that can remove 99.99% of chlorine and its dangerous by-products from water in your home or business. So, why continue consuming it when there’s an easy solution?

For more information and peace of mind fill the form on this link: http://goo.gl/Lu8PJ2

A member of our team will contact you to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.

You can also call us: Gainesville: (352) 372-2707   –   Ocala: (352) 369-1707   –   Toll-Free: (800) 516-8962

Or Email us: info@BestWaterSolutions.com

Was it a relief when you heard that some bottled water manufacturers were replacing BPA with BPS in their bottles? Credible researchers have determined that one is as bad or worse than the other.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

This is a toxic compound found in polycarbonate plastics that is often used in containers that store food and beverages, including plastic water bottles.

BPA is an estrogen-mimicking chemical.  It links to serious health problems such as: prostate and breast cancer, heart problems, premature puberty, infertility, brain and behavior problems and more. It is dangerous enough that in 2012, the Food and Drug Administration ruled BPA could no longer be used in baby bottles and children’s drinking cups.

Growing consumer concerns pushed manufacturers to look for BPA alternatives. Now some Water Bottles and packaged food products carry “BPA free” labels. People buy these “safe” plastic containers unaware of the hidden risks.

Bisphenol S (BPS)

Research has revealed that BPA free products often contain BPS. BPS is chemically similar to BPA and also leaches chemicals with estrogenic activity.  Some of these chemicals are even more potent than BPA. It was additionally discovered that BPS is more persistent than BPA, meaning it sticks around longer increasing the chances of it accumulating in our bodies and the environment.

Furthermore, high temperature causes more BPA and BPS to leach out into food or liquids.  Bottled water is not transported in air conditioned trucks, or stored in temperature controlled warehouses. How hot do you think water bottles get in hot weather on its journey to store shelves? How much BPS and BPA could have leached into water before you even buy it? Is it safe for you and your family to drink?

Looking for the healthiest, safest and, in the long run, cheapest alternative to Bottled Water?  Fill your own glass or stainless steel bottles with Purified Water from your own unit at home. Take them with you wherever you go.  No more dangerous chemicals in your water.  No more plastic water bottles in the landfill.

For more information on Safe and Environmental Friendly Water Treatment options:

https://bestwatersolutions.comyour-water/benefits-of-treated-water/

Or Call: Gainesville: 352-372-2707 Ocala: 352-369-1707

How wonderful it is to start the day with a rich, aromatic, flavorful cup of coffee!  Ever wonder why the cup of coffee at the coffee shop tastes better than the one you brew at home?

We’ll Let You in On a Few Secrets

Since coffee is 98% water, it is essential to use the best water possible when brewing it. Using fresh water is crucial to proper extraction. Always start with cold water; never use hot water directly from the tap.

Furthermore, water that has been heated and then cooled, or has been sitting too long will be void of dissolved oxygen which is a key component of water taste. Using this water will result in a  flat cup of coffee that lacks acidity and clarity.

Another important factor is to use only great tasting water containing a touch of certain minerals like calcium magnesium which imparts good flavor to the coffee.  Water should have no discernible taste or “character” such as sharp or astringent qualities. Minerals like iron and manganese spoil the brew.  Bad water makes bad coffee.

Chlorine in municipal water supplies gives an unpleasant taste and odor to water.  It also suppresses the natural aromatics of coffee and attacks its flavor compounds.

Impurities in well water and city water can add unpleasant flavors and odors to water. Additionally, when the impurities combine with compounds in coffee (caffeine, antioxidants, etc.) they bind together to form solids. Flavors and aromas are diverted, and we are deprived of the pleasure of great tasting coffee.

One of the ways coffee shops provide you with the excellent coffee you enjoy is through sophisticated filters that remove impurities from the water.

The best way get the premier coffee shop taste at home is to use Reverse Osmosis water that has also been re-mineralized by an additional filter. Then you will be saying, “Now THAT is a great cup of homemade coffee!”

Call us today to find out more: Gainesville: 352-372-2707 Ocala: 352-369-1707

Soft Water Energy Efficiency

Are you thinking about how to reduce your carbon footprint ? What about how to save money on your electric or gas bill?  Read on to learn how a Water Softener can help you accomplish both!

What is soft water you ask? Soft water is water that you treat to remove minerals such as dissolved limestone and iron.

Recently, a comprehensive study done by the Battelle Memorial Institute proved with actual numbers that removing hardness from water entering a home results in significant savings. For example, soft water maintains the factory efficiency of water using appliances (i.e. water heaters, washing machines and dishwashers).

In fact, having soft water significantly decreases maintenance and replacement costs, which reduces your carbon footprint!

Some of the Major Appliances that Experience the Beneficial Effects of Soft Water Are:

Water Heaters:

Gas storage tanks and tank-less water heaters used with soft water maintained its original factory efficiency rating over a 15 year lifetime. With hard water, there was a 24% reduction in efficiency in the gas storage tank heaters. The tank-less water heaters failed to function due to scale accumulation after only 1.6 years.

• For electric water heaters, the study showed that for every 5 gpg of hardness there was 0.4 lbs of scale accumulation per year in their storage tanks.  This scale build-up also shortened the life of the heating element and increased its operating temperature.

• Over 15 years the carbon footprint of water heaters increased 18% when operated on 26 gpg hard water versus the same operation on zero gpg softened water. Tank-less water heaters’ foot print increased by an additional 4% when using hard water.

Dishwashers & Washing Machines:

After only 30 days of use with hard water dishwashers and washing machines showed significant scale build-up on all interior surfaces. Imagine how it would appear after 365 days or more! Dishwashers and Washing Machines that used softened water showed no signs of build-up after 30 days of consistent use.

• Reduction of hardness is significantly more effective on stain removal than either an increase in water temperature or an increase in detergent dose. Soft Water saves money by allowing consumers to use 50% less detergent and to wash in cold water. Detergent savings up to 70% was also observed on dishwashers.

Shower heads & Faucets:

Shower heads using hard water lost 75% of their flow rate in 18 months. Where as, shower heads and faucets using soft water maintained full flow and their exterior luster.

Faucets could not maintain their flow rates due to substantial scale buildup in their strainers.

In a day when energy efficiency seems to be the mantra of manufacturers and top priority for consumers, one would wonder why it is not standard for homes to come equipped with water softeners.

Save Money Starting Today!

As proven by the Battelle study, energy efficiency can only be achieved in the long term if the water entering the appliance is soft. If a homeowner purchases high-efficiency appliances to save money or to decrease their carbon footprint, she/he needs to retain that energy efficiency and extend the appliance’s lifespan by using soft water.

In 2009 Water Quality Research Foundation funded the Battelle Memorial Institute Energy Savings Study. In 2010 it funded the Scientific Services S/D Inc. Detergent Savings Study. The facts in this blog are taken from those studies.

For more information call: Gainesville: 352-372-2707 Ocala: 352-369-1707

Psssst! Hey, the secret to good beer is water!

Surely you have heard the joke: “Save Water, Drink Beer!”  Funny! But technically… beer IS water!

Water is a Key Ingredient in the Brewing Process

Water is a key ingredient in the brewing process and 95% of the finished product. This main ingredient that seems so simple is often overlooked, when it actually determines the style, taste and quality of beer.

The source of water used to brew beer can vary from a municipal distribution system, private well or can be purified water or bottled water. Either way, parameters such as hardness (amount of Calcium and Magnesium contained in the water), presence of chlorine or other chemicals, pH and alkalinity of the water can cause great variations in your tasty beverage.

Municipal water supplies and private wells have impurities like chlorine, arsenic, iron, hard minerals, heavy metals and other nasty stuff which produces funky beer.  If you want your buddy to crack open your beer and say “Good Job! This rocks!“ you’ve got to clean up your water before you start brewing.

Okay, you removed the stuff that can make your beer funky, now what?

Now You Choose What Style Beer You Want So You Can Select the Right Type of Water

English Stouts are defined by the water used to brew them.  Want to make a certain style of beer? You have to look into the style of water that comes from that region and mimic that. For example, Pilsner Beer comes from Pilsner in Czech Republic, they have very low levels of Calcium and Magnesium in the water, in essence they have soft water.  Get it? Got it? Brew it!

In Gainesville, Swamp Head Brewery hired us to install 2 huge Backwashing Carbon Filters designed to remove chlorine, chloramines, Trihalomethanes (THMs), Haloacetic Acids (HAAs) and any organics present in their water.  This ensures the consistent high quality beer they produce.

Regardless of your brewing experience level or your choice of doing all-grain or extract batches, getting to know the composition of the water you plan to use for your beer and adjusting it to the needed style is crucial in the final result and will give your beer the unique taste you are looking for.

Happy Brewing and Call us today for a FREE Water Analysis and find out which Water Treatment solution is best for you!

P.S. Water quality plays a significant role in your home brewed wines as well!

Have you ever experienced a Boil Water Advisory? If so, you know they inconvenience you greatly but must be followed in order to protect you and your families health.

Boil Water Advisories are given by the government or health authorities when a communities drinking water may be contaminated by bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites that can make you very sick.   Contamination of the municipal water supply can be caused by various factors such as equipment failures, leaking or broken pipes, or deficiencies in the amount of disinfectant used.

Contamination of wells can be due to flooding and other factors.  If you are in an area where there is a Boil Water Advisory follow it even if you are on a private well.

Boil Water Advisories should be taken very seriously as they are designed to deliver critical information in order to protect your health.

Below are guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency to be followed during a Boil Water Advisory.

Fact Sheet About What to Do During a Boil Water Advisory

Boil your water:

• Fill a pot with water
• Heat until the water bubbles up from bottom of the pot (212 degrees F)
• Let it boil for 1 minute
• Turn off the heat & let cool
• Pour cooled water into a container for future use

Disinfect your water:

If tap water is clear:

• Use unscented bleach
• Add 1/8 tsp household bleach to 1 gallon of water
• Mix well & wait 30 minutes before drinking
• Store disinfected water in clean container with cover

If tap water is cloudy:

• Filter water through a clean cloth
• Add ¼ tsp unscented household bleach to 1 gallon of water
• Mix well & wait 30 minutes before drinking
• Store in clean container with cover

To sanitize containers:

• Make a sanitizing solution by mixing 1 tsp of unscented household bleach to 1 quart of water
• Pour sanitizing solution into a clean storage container and shake well making sure it coats the entire inside of the container
• Let solution sit in container for at least 30 seconds
• Let empty container air dry or rinse with water that has been previously sanitized

Water Filters:

• Boil tap water even if it is filtered. Most household water filters do not remove viruses or bacteria

Preparing and cooking food:

• Wash all fruits and vegetables with boiled water that has cooled or with bottled water
• Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute before adding food to cook
• Use boiled water when preparing drinks, such as coffee, tea and lemonade
• Wash food preparation surfaces with boiled water

Feeding babies & using formula:

• Breastfeeding is best, but if that is not an option:
• Use ready-to-use baby formula, if possible
• If you must use concentrated or powdered formula, prepare it with bottled water. Use boiled & cooled water if you do not have bottled water. Disinfect water for baby formula if you cannot boil your water

Ice:

• Do not use ice from ice trays, ice dispensers or ice makers
• Throw out all ice made with tap water
• Make new ice with boiled or bottled water

Bathing & showering:

• Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or showering
• Use caution bathing babies and young children. A sponge bath is a good alternative during times of boil water alerts

Brushing teeth:

• Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use untreated tap water

Washing dishes:

• Wash dishes using hot water
• Add 1 tsp unscented bleach for each gallon of warm water
• Soak dishes in water for at least 1 minute
• Let dishes air dry

Laundry:

• You may continue your normal laundry routine during a boil water alert

Pets:

• Give pets water that has been boiled and cooled

Source: www.cdc.gov

For more information on Boil Water Advisories:  http:www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/emergency/drinking-water-advisory-communication-toolbox.pdf

There is an easier way to protect your family year round.  Call us for a Free Water Analysis and we can advise of Water Treatment Equipment that can provide you hassle free safe pure water even when there are Boil Water Advisories in your community.

Gainesville: 352-372-2707 Ocala: 352-369-1707

Your Drinking Water:

Your drinking water typically comes from a municipal water supply,  private well and/or spring. We tend to think water from a private well or spring is always clean.  However, if you live in North Central Florida all water comes from the same source, wells that are tapped into some underground source of water.

Exposure to contamination from natural source (sand, iron, limestone, arsenic, bacteria, viruses) is possible for all water -municipal supplies, private wells and/or spring water. Also, from man made sources (agricultural chemicals, industrial and animal waste – nitrates, leaching from landfills and septic tanks, lead, cadmium). The difference is the city monitors municipal water on a regular basis, while homeowners typically do not monitor their private water sources.

Studies Show

According the EPA more than 90% of municipal water systems in the USA meet EPA’s water quality standards. However, the National Academy of Sciences has found hundreds of other toxic contaminants in municipal water supplies. There is no requirement to test nor safe levels established by EPA for these.  Additionally, the National Academy of Sciences recognizes that disinfection by-products of chlorine such as Trihalomethanes (THM’s) and Haloacetic acids are harmful to people’s heath.

Once municipal water leaves the treatment plant it can be exposed to additional contaminants before it reaches your home due to breaks in pipes, aging and deteriorating pipelines.

Scientists at the National Academy of Sciences state that private wells and spring water carry the same contaminants as municipal water. Though, the EPA does not impose regulations on wells.

Some contaminants can pose a danger to you and your family’s health. Others can harm water using appliances, and stain fabrics, bathroom fixtures and more.

Best Water Solutions goal is to ensure that the water you drink and use in your home is as pure and safe as possible. Therefore, we offer a FREE Water Analysis and Consultation in your home.

Some Reasons You Should Test Your Water:

• Expose the presence of harmful contaminants that you cannot be see, smell or tasted. Such as heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury), or bacteria, viruses, cysts and more
• Identify the causes of odors or colors in the water
• Determine if your water contains elements destructive to your water using appliances and plumbing fixtures
• Reveal the causes of spotting and streaking in shower doors, tiles, flatware, glassware, coffee pots, etc.
• Find out why your water pressure is diminishing
• Detect the reason for blue/green stains in your sinks, bathtubs and toilets
• Reveal the cause of the unsightly rings in your bathtub
• Determine if you can save money on your energy bills

Once our specialist completes the Water Analysis they will explain the results.  If beneficial to you, they will recommend treatment options to improve the quality of your water.

Best Water Solutions carries a wide range of options such as Conditioners, Iron and Sulfur Filters, Ultraviolet and Ozone Disinfection, Ultra-Filtration, Low Pressure Membranes and Reverse Osmosis.

To schedule your FREE Water Analysis today, fill the form on this link:  https://bestwatersolutions.comfree-water-analysis/

A member of our team will contact you to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.

You can also call us: Gainesville: (352) 372-2707   –   Ocala: (352) 369-1707   –   Toll-Free: (800) 516-8962

Or Email us: info@BestWaterSolutions.com

Water is a key element for life on Earth. It plays an essential role in our health, economy, food production, industry, recreation and environment.

Water may seem abundant, but only 2% of the world’s water can actually be used for human needs!

Many countries in the world and some states in the U.S. are already facing great water scarcity problems and if population projections prove accurate (8 to 9 billion people by 2050 per the Population Reference Bureau) many regions of Earth will be facing even more significant water shortages within the next 50 years.

Northeastern University civil and environmental engineering associate professor Auroop Ganguly states that “Population rise will lead to a greater demand for water, and climate change will decrease global rainfall, increase evaporation, and lower supply.” These prognostics are alarming and a great incentive for us to increase our water conservation efforts.

Although many of us are fortunate not to live (for now) in areas with water shortages; it is our responsibility to safeguard this essential resource as much as we can. Many lives in the coming years depend on it!

Here are some easy ways you can save water (and money!) in your everyday lives:

Kitchen:

• Don’t let water run when washing dishes. Instead, fill one large basin with wash water, the other with rinse water.
• Dishwashers use less water than washing by hand. Look for the Energy Star sticker on your appliances since they use even less water and energy.
• Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water rather than under running tap.
• When you are done rinsing your vegetables use the water to water your plants.
• Cook in the least amount of water possible. This also helps retain more nutrients.
• Use leftover water from cooked foods to make a very nutritious soup.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting water run while you scrape them clean.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable waste or throw it in the trash – this saves gallons of water.
• Don’t defrost foods or melt ice under running water.

Bathroom:

• Take shorter showers. If you keep them under 5 minutes you’ll save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Cutting your regular shower time by 1 or 2 minutes will save up to 150 gallons per month.
• To save up to 4 gallons a minute, turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. A family of 4 can save 200 gallons per week.
• Throw your tissues in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.
• Check your faucets and shower heads for leaks. One drip per second could add up to 5 gallons per day.
• Collect running water while you wait for it to heat up. Use it to water your plants or wash veggies and fruits.
• Test your toilets for leaks at least once a year.

Yard:

• Run your sprinklers before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. – 65% of water applied mid-day evaporates.
• Water for one hour or less per zone, up to 3/4-inch: Set a timer and place shallow cans in your yard to monitor volume.
• Water only on your scheduled day.
• Check your sprinkler system frequently. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.
• Install rain sensors that disable your irrigation system’s irrigation controller from operating during periods of wet weather.
• Install tree T-PEEs around your 1-5 year old trees. These water and nutrient containment systems save 75% of the water used to grow each tree. Makes them stronger and protects them from frost! http://treetpee.com/products

General tips:

• You can save up to 1,000 gallons if you only run your washer and dishwasher when they’re full.
• Reuse your towels whether in your house or in hotels.
• Watch your water bill and water meter closely as they could help you discover leaks.
• Turn off faucets tightly after each use and teach your family members to do the same.
• Install water-saving aerators on all your faucets.

Let’s all help in this mission to make the world a better place for our descendants!

These are a few easy-to-follow tips you can start using today! Even the smallest adjustments can have a big impact! For a 100 water conservation tips, visit http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/?view=list