Glossary of Terms
will dissolve the common metals, and will react with a base to form a neutral
salt and water.
such as wood or coconut shells, in the absence of air. It has a very porous
structure and is used in water conditioning as an adsorbent for organic matter
and certain dissolved gases. Sometimes called "activated charcoal."
It is usually measured by titration with a standard acid solution of sulfuric
acid, and expressed in terms of its calcium carbonate equivalent. A moderate
amount of Alkalinity in your water is desirable because it reduces the effect
of corrosion. The EPA has not set a level for Alkalinity, but a level greater
than 100 ppm is recommended.
water that is corrosive or aggressive. Aluminum in the water may cause a discoloration
or cloudy appearance. The EPA maximum contaminant level for aluminum in water
is 0.2 ppm.
anions from an ion exchanger. In demineralization, for example, bicarbonate,
chloride, and sulfate anions are removed from solution in exchange for a chemically
equivalent number of hydroxide anions from the anion exchange resin.
with similar particles of the same element or a different element. ATTRITION
The process in which solids are worn down or ground down by friction, often
between particles of the same material. Filter media and ion exchange materials
are subject to attrition during backwashing, regeneration, and service.
flow opposite to the service direction to loosen the bed and to flush suspended
matter (collected during the service run) to waste.
usually classified as plants, bacteria contain no chlorophyll.
react with acids to form a neutral salt and water.
vessel.
for service.
action under specific standard test conditions. Widely used as a measure of
the strength of sewage and waste water.
the regeneration of ion exchange water softeners; also applied to the mixed
sodium, calcium, and magnesium chloride waste solution from regeneration.
when dissolved, make the water hard. The presence of calcium in water is a factor
contributing to the formation of scale and insoluble soap curds which are a
means of clearly identifying hard water.
its compounds, when dissolved, make the water hard. The presence of calcium
and magnesium in water is a factor contributing to the formation of scale and
insoluble soap curds which are a means of clearly identifying hard water.
by a water conditioner between servicing of the media (i.e., cleaning, regeneration
or replacement), as determined under standard test conditions. For ion exchange
water softeners, the capacity is expressed in grains of hardness removal between
successive regeneration's and is related to the pound of salt used in regeneration.
For filters, the capacity may be expressed in the length of time or total gallons
delivered between servicing.
in water; the smaller of the total hardness and the total alkalinity.
the gas in carbonated beverages; in water it forms carbonic acid.
sodium.
cations from an ion exchanger.
bound into a stable ring structure.
keep them in solution, and eliminate or reduce the normal effects of the ion.
waste water which can be oxidized by boiling with a strong oxidizing acid under
standard test conditions and expressed as the equivalent amount of oxygen; often
used as a measure of the strength of sewage and waste water; includes materials
not oxidized in the BOD test, and thus does not correlate with BOD.
can impact taste and also be associated with corrosion or high Sodium content.
Water with excessive amounts of chloride can be very toxic to most plants. The
EPA maximum contaminant level (secondary standard) for chloride is 250 ppm.
for organic matter, iron, manganese and sulfur.
bacteria. Even though Chlorine is used in providing safe drinking water, when
it is in excess, it is the most common cause of taste and odor problems. Also
when Chlorine is combined with ammonia as a disinfectant called chloramines,
a byproduct as Trihalomethanes are formed, which cause cancer. The EPA does
not have a level for Chlorine but a concentration of 0.1 to 0.2 ppm is recommended
and a level of 1.0 or greater is considered very high.
and other oxidizable substances in a water before a chlorine residual will be
found; the difference between the total chlorine fed and the chlorine residual.
and cause the agglomeration of finely divided particles into larger particles
which can then be removed by settling and/or filtration.
in nature, are agglomerated into larger particles.
intermediate between a true dissolved particle and a suspended solid which will
settle out of solution. The removal of colloidal particles usually requires
coagulation to form larger particles which may be removed by sedimentation and/or
filtration.
ratio, and the sodium concentration of a water. It is used to correct for the
reductions in hardness removal capacity caused by these factors in cation exchange
water.
of the electrical resistance. The unit of conductance is the mho (reciprocal
ohm).
is related to the concentration of ions capable of carrying electrical current.
due to the corrosion of plumbing materials from Acidic (low pH) or Aggressive
water (low TDS). Common problems associated with copper due corrosion are leaks
in the plumbing system or blue-green staining. High copper content can also
cause some health concerns by effecting the stomach and intestines. The EPA
has set a maximum contaminant level of 1.3 ppm.
such as the exhaustion-regeneration cycle of an ion exchange system; sometimes
incorrectly used in reference to a single step of a complete cycle.
from a solution by a two-phase ion exchange procedure. First, positively charged
ions are exchanged for a chemically equivalent amount of hydrogen ions. Second,
negatively charged ions are removed by an anion exchange resin for a chemically
equivalent amount of hydroxide ions. The hydrogen and hydroxide ions introduced
in this process unite to form water molecules. The term is often used interchangeably
with demineralization.
from a solution by a two-phase ion exchange procedure; similar to deionization,
and the two terms are often used interchangeably.
membrane which is capable of passing certain ions or molecules while rejecting
others.
differences in elevation, or to friction losses or pressure drops due to resistance
to flow in pipes, softeners, filters or other devices.
involve disinfecting agents such as chlorine, or physical processes such as
heating.
both inorganic and organic matter; usually determined by weighing the residue
after evaporation of the water at 105 or 1800C.
state by heating, and the vapor cooled and condensed to the liquid state and
collected; used to remove solids and other impurities from water; multiple distillations
are required for extreme purity. This process uses a large amount of electricity.
system; in an ion exchange system, often expressed as the amount of regenerant
required to produce a unit of capacity, such as the pounds of salt per kilograin
of hardness removal.
ions through ion-selective semi-permeable membranes, thus removing the ions
from the solution.
the concentration in ppm or mg/1 by the equivalent weight.
effective functioning due to the depletion of the initial supply of exchangeable
ions; the exhaustion point may be defined in terms of a limiting concentration
of matter in the effluent, or in the case of demineralization, in terms of electrical
conductivity.
solids) and/or some dissolved in solution constituents; in general, includes
mechanical, adsorptive, oxidizing and neutralizing filters.
to estimate flow rate requirements and drain capacity requirements.
gelatinous, particles; the development of a "floc" after treatment
with a coagulant by gentle stirring or mixing.
value over a broad range of inlet water pressures.
unit of time, often expressed in gallons per minute.
or municipal supplies. Fluoride can cause a discoloration or teeth known as
Fluorosis when in excessive levels in water. The EPA maximum contaminant level
for Fluoride in water is 2.0 ppm.
or water closet.
to flush a toilet or water closet.
media or ion exchanger, clogging pores and coating surfaces, thus inhibiting
or retarding the proper operation of the bed.
avid or hypochlorite, not combined with ammonia or in other less readily available
forms.
and the overflow or collector for backwash water; the height above the bed of
granular media available for bed expansion during backwashing; may be expressed
either as a linear distance or a percentage of bed depth.
Canada; one grain per U.S. gallon equals 17.12 milligrams per liter (mg/1) or
parts per million (ppm). One grain per British (Imperial) gallon equals 14.3
milligrams per liter or parts per million.
to be the weight of one cubic centimeter of water at 4oC.
ion exchange properties.
and magnesium; water hardness is responsible for most scale formation in pipes
and water heaters and forms insoluble "curd" when it reacts with soaps.
Hardness is usually expressed in grains per gallon, parts per million, or milligrams
per liter, all as calcium carbonate equivalent.
and Magnesium, hard water can inhibit the sudsing of detergents and soaps. Hard
water can scale pipes and decrease the life of appliances such as washing machines,
dishwashers, coffee makers. Hardness can also cause spotting of fixtures, tiles,
dishes, or glassware. The EPA has not set a limit for hardness, but if your
hardness is greater than 7 grains per gallon (gpg) then you should consider
installing a water softener.
an ion exchange water softener, often due to high concentrations of hardness
or sodium in the water being treated (see Leakage).
equivalent.
per square or in the height of a column of water which would produce the pressure.
acid, and cations are removed from the solution treated in exchanged for hydrogen
ions.
expressed as pH (see pH).
rain or snow flow of water over or through the earth, and evaporation or transpiration
to water vapor in the atmosphere. (see Transpiration).
(see Hydroxyl).
used as bleaches and disinfecting agents.
negative electrical charge, due to the gain or loss of one or more electrons.
(see Ionization).
material in exchange for other ions in a surrounding solution; the direction
of the exchange depends upon the affinities of the ion exchanger for the ion
present, and the concentrations of the ions in the solution. (see Base Exchange).
with other ions in a surrounding solution. Both cation and anion exchangers
are used in water conditioning.
positive or negative charges; sometimes used as a synonym for dissociation,
the separation of molecules into charged ion in solution.
the ratio of the concentration of ions from the compound to the concentrate
of un-ionized compound.
iron) in concentrations usually ranging from zero to 10 ppm (mg/1). It is objectionable
in water supplies because it can effect water taste and cause unsightly colors
produced when iron reacts with tannins in beverages such as coffee and tea.
Iron causes staining after oxidation and precipitation, as ferric hydroxide
(yellow, brown, and red on clothing, dishes, fixtures, and bathroom tile). Iron
can also be found in a bacterial form which will appear as black or brown slime
and can effect the odor of your water. Iron is a common water problem throughout
the United States, it can be found in well water and municipal water. The EPA
has set a maximum level for Iron of 0.3 ppm in water, iron concentrations at
this level or higher can cause staining.
or from steel pipe) in their metabolism and precipitating both ferric hydroxide
in their sheaths and gelatinous deposits. These organisms tend to collect in
pipe lines and tanks during periods of low flow, and to break loose in slugs
of turbid water to create staining, taste, and odor problems.
liquid (such as water) with a suspension of a specify type of silica, using
the turbidity measure in a Jackson Candle Turbidimeter.
used as an abbreviation for kilogram.)
be in equilibrium with, or dissolve calcium carbonate. It is sometimes erroneously
assumed that any water which tends to dissolve calcium carbonate is automatically
corrosive.
and brass fittings. Water that has a low pH or Total Dissolved Solids will provide
corrosive properties that can leach from your plumbing system. Lead can cause
learning and physical disabilities in children and also Hypertension in adults.
The EPA action level for Lead is 0.015 ppm.
or other treatment.
[Ca(OH)2].
amounts of magnesium carbonate which is where hard water comes from.
liter of water weighs 1000 grams. MAGNESIUM One of the elements making up the
earth's crust. Magnesium compounds, when dissolved in water, make the water
hard. The presence of magnesium in water is a factor contributing to the formation
of scale and insoluble soap curds.
in lower concentrations. Manganese is a typical natural occurring mineral found
in municipal and well water. Manganese effects the taste and the color or water.
Manganese can also cause staining of clothes and dishware and black stains and
other problems similar to iron. The EPA has determined that concentrations greater
than 0.05 ppm can cause these asthetic problems.
surface the higher oxides of manganese. The product has a mild oxidizing power,
and is often used in the oxidation and precipitation of iron, manganese and/or
hydrogen sulfide, and in their removal from water.
certain suspended solids or dissolved molecules.
that will be removed. As used in industry standards, this is an "absolute" not
nominal rating. The larger the micron rating, the larger the particle size that
will pass through a filter.
waste water analysis. In diluted water solutions it is practically equal to
the part per million, but varies from he ppm in concentrated solution such as
brine. As most analysis are performed on measured volumes of water the mg/l
is a more accurate expression of the concentration, and is the preferred unit
of measure.
found in the earth strata, as opposed to organic substances such as plant and
animal matter. Minerals normally have definite chemical composition and crystal
structure. The term is also applied to matter derived from minerals, such as
the inorganic ions found in water. The term has been incorrectly applied to
ion exchangers, even though most of the modern materials are organic ion exchange
resins.
the smallest particle of a substance which will still retain the essential composition
and properties of that substance, and which can be broken down only into atoms
and simpler substances.
which, according to statistical theory, would be most likely to produce the
results observed in certain bacteriological tests; usually expressed as a number
in 100 ml of water.
of an excess of electrons.
lack of electrons; a condition of balance between positive and negative charges.
In chemistry, the term used to indicate a balance between acids and bases; the
neutral point on the pH scale is 7.0, indicating the presence of equal numbers
of free hydrogen (acidic) and hydroxide (basic) ions.
to produce a neutral solution. The use of alkaline or basic materials to neutralize
the acidity of some waters is a common proactive in water conditioning.
from fertilizers, industrial wastes, septic systems, and animal wastes. High
amounts of nitrate effect the bloods ability to carry oxygen. Most susceptible
are infants where nitrate poisoning can cause death by a health diagnosis known
as "The Blue Baby Syndrome." The EPA has a set maximum contaminant
level of 10 ppm for Nitrate Nitrogen.
chlorides, sulfates or nitrates; the excess of total hardness over total alkalinity.
which a water conditioning device or water system is designed to function.
membrane which will transmit the solvent but impede most dissolved substances.
The normal flow of solvent is from the dilute solution to the concentrated solution.
The addition of oxygen is a specific form of oxidation. Combustion is an extremely
rapid form of oxidation, while the rusting of iron is a slow form.
as determined by its smallest dimension, usually expressed in microns.
indicating the number of parts by weight of a dissolved or suspended constituent,
per million parts by weight or water or other solvent. In dilute water solutions,
one part per million is practically equal to one milligram per liter, which
is the preferred unit.
and magnesium, which will not be precipitated by boiling. This term is largely
replaced by "noncarbonate hardness."
scale is from zero to 14, and 7.0 is the neutral point, indicating the presence
of equal concentrations of free hydrogen and hydroxide ions. pH values below
7.0 indicate increasing acidity, and pH values above 7.0 indicate increasing
base concentrations.
to a water system with special fittings, and disconnection and transport to
a central station or plant for regeneration or servicing.
of electrons.
by settling or filtering, such as in the removal of dissolved iron by oxidation,
precipitation, and filtration. The term is also used to refer to the solid formed,
and to the condensation of water in the atmosphere to form rain or snow.
in elevation and/or pressure drop due to flow.
molecules of water, and external friction due to irregularities or roughness
in surfaces past which the water flows.
between regeneration's, or amount of time between servicing of a filter, as
determined under specific test conditions.
or filter at the rated service flow, with clean water at a temperature of 60
F, as determined under standard test conditions.
will deliver soft water, or a filter will deliver quality water (as specified
for its type) as determined under standard test conditions. A manufacturer may
also specify a minimum flow rate or a range of service flows.
producing soft water between successive regeneration's, and related to the pounds
of salt required for each regeneration as determined under standard test conditions.
device or process.
iron and/or iron bacteria.
system. Sodium chloride brine is used as a regenerate for ion exchange water
softeners; acids and bases are used as regenerants for the cation and anion
resins used in demineralization.
to prepare a water softener exchange bed for service after exhaustion. Specifically,
the term may be applied to the "brine" step in which the sodium chloride
solution is passed through the exchanger bed. The term may also be used for
similar operations relating to demineralizers and certain filters.
system, usually expressed in pounds per regeneration and/or pounds per regeneration
per cubic foot of ion exchange.
treatment process. May refer to material remaining as a result of incomplete
removal (see Leakage) or to material meant to remain in the treated water (see
Residual Chlorine).
exchange resin widely used in water softeners.
reverse of the usual order ) in a deionization system.
is used to force the water through a semi-permeable membrane, which will transmit
the water by reject most other dissolved materials.
mg/1. SALT The common name for the specific chemical compound sodium chloride,
used in the regeneration of ion exchange water softeners. In chemistry, the
term is applied to a class of chemical compounds which can be formed by the
neutralization of an acid with a base.
soluble compound, thus preventing undesirable action by the ions.
keep them in solution, and eliminate or reduce the normal effects of the ions.
For example, polyphosphates can sequester hardness and prevent reactions with
soap.
to public water supplies. Silica is not regulated by the EPA and does not cause
any health concerns. However, silica can cause spotting of glassware, fixtures,
and automobiles during the cleaning process. Sand and glass are made of silica.
formed by the reaction of a fatty acid with a base or alkali. Sodium and potassium
soaps are soluble and useful, but can be converted to insoluble calcium and
magnesium soaps (curd) by the presence of these hardness ions in water.
builder in come soap and detergent formulations; to neutralize acid water,;
and in the lime-soda ash water treatment process.
exchange water softening process. Sodium compounds are highly soluble, and do
not react with soaps or detergents. The effects of Sodium are not clearly understood.
A high sodium intake can effect your blood pressure and cause stress. The EPA
has set a maximum contaminant level of 20 ppm for people who have a sodium restricted
diet.
exchange water softeners.
of hardness minerals, expressed as calcium carbonate.
or less, expressed as calcium carbonate.
the minerals found in water, are solutes.
of the same volume of pure water at 4 C.
taste of water, and when combined with bacteria or heated (water heater) may
effect the odor. High levels of Sulfate may impact the digestion system causing
a laxative effect. The EPA maximum contaminant level for sulfate in water is
250 ppm.
sulfide gas, thus producing obnoxious tastes and odors. These bacteria have
no sanitary significance, and are classed as nuisance organisms.
as a slang expression to refer to water containing hydrogen sulfide gas.
decaying vegetation in the well system. It causes the water to have a yellow
of light brown color and can provide a bitter taste. There is currently no EPA
regulatory level for tannin in water.
to indicate the concentration which can just be detected.
is added to a measured volume of sample until an endpoint, such as a color change,
is reached. From the volume of the sample and the volume of standard solution
used, the concentration of a specific material may be calculated.
and acid salts. Total acidity is usually determined by titration with a standard
base solution to the phenolphthalein endpoint (pH 8.3).
to the methyl orange endpoint (pH approximately 4.5); sometimes abbreviated
as "M alkalinity." Total alkalinity includes many alkalinity components,
such as hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonates.
usually determined by the evaporation of a measured volume of filtered water
and determination of the residue weight. Total Dissolved Solids is a measurement
of any minerals or salts in the water. Bicarbonate, Chloride, Sulfate, Calcium,
Magnesium, Sodium are the major components of dissolved solids in water. High
amounts of these salts provide the major cause of water taste problems. High
TDS can cause the water to appear inappropriate to drink, and spotting of glassware,
fixtures, or painted surfaces such as automobiles. Also high dissolved solids
can diminish the life of home appliances. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant
level of 500 ppm.
concentration of calcium carbonate. Primarily due to calcium and magnesium in
solution, but may include small amounts of metals such as iron which can act
like calcium and magnesium in certain reactions.
per unit volume of water; usually determined by the evaporation of a measured
volume of water at 105 C in a pre-weighed dish.
causes the scattering and adsorption of light rays.
a galvanized plumbing system. Zinc can effect the taste and color of the water.
The EPA maximum contaminant level for zinc is 5.0 ppm.