Water Treatment Glossary
Understanding water treatment starts with knowing the terminology. This glossary covers 9 key terms used in water quality testing, filtration, softening, and treatment to help you make informed decisions about your water.
C
- Chlorine
- A chemical disinfectant added to municipal water supplies to kill bacteria and other pathogens. While effective for disinfection, residual chlorine can affect taste and may form harmful byproducts.
F
- Filtration
- The process of passing water through a filter medium to remove suspended particles, contaminants, and impurities, improving water quality for drinking and household use.
H
- Hard Water
- Water containing high concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Hard water causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances and reduces soap effectiveness.
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R
- Reverse Osmosis
- A water purification process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water, typically removing 95-99% of dissolved contaminants.
T
- TDS
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measures the combined content of all dissolved substances in water, including minerals, salts, and organic matter, typically expressed in parts per million (ppm).
- Total Dissolved Solids
- A measurement of all dissolved substances in water including minerals, salts, metals, and organic matter. High TDS levels can affect taste, safety, and appliance longevity.
W
- Water Softener
- A filtration system that removes calcium and magnesium minerals from hard water through an ion exchange process, replacing them with sodium or potassium ions to prevent scale buildup.
- Water Testing
- The process of analyzing water samples to determine the presence and concentration of various contaminants, minerals, and quality parameters to identify treatment needs.
- Well Water
- Groundwater accessed through a drilled or dug well, typically untreated by municipal systems and potentially containing elevated levels of minerals, bacteria, or other contaminants specific to local geology.
Have Questions About Your Water?
Our team explains every term in the context of your home's water.
Have Questions About Your Water Quality?
Our team at Lucia Water Solutions is happy to explain any of these terms in context of your specific water situation.
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