Idaho Water Solutions

Boise & Meridian Area Water Information

Admin — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:34:15 +0000

This is an actual photo taken last week of Meridian water found in the filter housing during a routine filter change for one of our clients. We see this at every filter change service we do in the Boise, Meridian and surrounding areas. The water gets even worse as you head towards Garden Valley...

How Good is Our Area Water?

The Boise Valley and surrounding areas are prone to water quality issues. Some of our water issues are caused by geological conditions of our area.

The mountains around us contain high concentrations of minerals or toxins like arsenic, those items run down into our water supply.

Other factors that effect our water quality are air pollution, surface water run off, and chemicals that are flushed down toilets and drains (like unused medications, cleaning chemicals, etc.)

What About Water Treatment Plants?

Water treatment facilities work to remove inorganic chemicals, heavy metals, volatile organic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and radionuclides from ground run off and sewer water before returning this water to the river.

In spite of water treatment, there are still compounds found in our water that are not healthy. .. even though EPA standards are met.

Source of Most Boise Area Water

In the Boise City area, approximately 70% of your water is supplied from 85 wells located in the area.

The remaining 30% of your water comes from two surface water treatment plants (Marden Water Treatment Plant and Columbia Water Treatment Plant) which treat water from the Boise River.

Outlying areas such as Meridian, also rely on municipal wells for the main water supply. Municipal wells tap the groundwater supply from 300 to 800 feet below ground level. Water from these various depths and locations varies in chemical composition and overall quality…

Fluoride?

Although no supplemental fluoride is added to the water, Fluoride is a naturally-occurring element in the Boise area. Fluoride levels run between .20 – .60 mg/L (or higher) depending on your location.

What’s interesting is while we were researching this post, we couldn’t find a 2011 water test or quality report online for either the Boise or Meridian area.

One thing for sure, the photo above and many others we take monthly, visually show what the water looks like around our clients water filter systems during filter changes.

This water is from the same home after treatment with one of our reverse osmosis systems. No matter how bad your water is, we have a system that can fix it!

Should You Buy Drinking Water?

From what we see and test weekly, buying drinking water is definitely better than drinking the water from your tap (if untreated.) Most people we know and talk to buy drinking water…

But when you run the costs over a year, it’s actually much cheaper and easier to have us install a quality water filter system. Not only that, but your water will even be better than what you can buy in most cases.

You may also have noticed the lime and scale build up on your sinks, toilets, tubs and showers. This is another problem with the water in our area.

We offer the newest technology water filter systems and water softeners all at an investment costs that will surprise you. We also back all equipment and service with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Get a FREE Water Analysis & Equipment Needs Assessment!

If you’d like to find out how to have better water in your home, improve your quality of life and save money & hassle in the long run… simply call 208-475-4046. We’ll give you a free water analysis and talk with you about the best way to go. There’s no pressure or obligation.

Already Have a Water Filter or Water Softener System?

We’re offering this special:

Get a FREE $60 Service Call for any Existing Water Softener or Water System!

We’ll come out and check your entire system and make sure all is running properly. If it’s not, we’ll discuss what needs to be done to get it that way.

No matter what type of water quality issue you have… we have a solution.

Save time. Save money & Save Grief.

Call: 208-475-4046

Boise Area Hard Water… 5 Fatal Problems

Admin — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:34:14 +0000

The water in Boise & surrounding areas is inherently hard due to naturally occurring ground conditions...

Whether we are at home or work, hard water conditions are something we all battle in the Boise, Treasure Valley & many areas throughout Idaho. Before we look at the fatal problems of hard water, we’ll quickly answer 2 questions people ask us every week. They are: “What is hard water?” and “Where is the hardest water in the Treasure Valley?”

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is Calcium and Magnesium within the water supply. You will notice the effects on anything hard water comes in contact with, it leaves behind a lime scale build-up. Water hardness is classified as Grains Per Gallon (GPG) on the Water Hardness Scale:
1-3 GPG (lower end of the hardness scale)
4-7 GPG (Middle of hardness scale),
8-11+GPG (high end of hardness scale)

Where is the Hardest Water in The Treasure Valley Area?

As you travel around the Treasure Valley, water hardness levels range from 6-15 GPG. Eagle water rates the lowest at 6-9 GPG… still high. The Boise area, Meridian & Nampa areas rate at the high end… 8-15 GPG!

5 Fatal Problems with Hard Water

1. Scale build-up inside your pipes. Hard water causes a build-up of scale from mineral deposits. Over time, pipes clog, water flow diminishes, and water pressure is reduced.

2. Scale build-up inside water heater. Water heater life dramatically drops. Heating elements burn out prematurely. A 1/8” of scale build-up at the base of a water heater causes 30% more energy needed to heat water, meaning longer recovery rates and cold showers!

3. Scale build-up on plumbing fixtures and shower doors. You will notice when hard water adheres to your shower doors or fixtures it leaves the scale behind. In most cases the scale build up causes permanent damage and is nearly impossible to completely remove. Note: Houses with scale prevention systems in place have a higher resale value and homeowners spend no time scraping scale from these surfaces.

4. Soap usage increases with hardness levels. Soaps do not lather or rinse well. There is a big difference in this area with soft water. Soft water uses less soap–whether it’s dish detergent, shampoo, or laundry soap. Soft water creates better washing power so you can use less soap and get superior results. Soft water allows a use of 1/2 to 2/3 LESS soap with the same or even better results. Plus, the soap rinses completely from your skin, clothes & household surfaces.

5. Water using household appliances are damaged with hard water. Life is reduced and performance decreased due to minereal deposits building up within. With soft water, appliances will last longer. Whether it’s your coffee pot, your humidifier, hot tub, or ice-maker, soft water inhibits a build-up of minerals and adds life to these products.

Hard water costs thousands of dollars in damage to our homes & appliances but can be stopped very cost effectively with a good water softener.

Water softeners have come a long way in recent years. New technology even allows us to soften water and stop scale build up without using salt!

There are so many claims & water softener products out there… which one do you choose?

We’ve compiled water softener facts, comparisons & reviews here.

Idaho Water Solutions is currently having a salt or salt free water softener bonus sale and specializes in getting you the best system for you at the best price!

Check out the water softeners we recommend and an incredible bonus you won’t want to miss… all at a price that beats comparable systems hands down!

Simply go here: This Months IWS Water Softener Bonus Sale!

Actual Photo of Area Water Filter Change…

Admin — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:56:12 +0000

Here is a photo taken this month of a filter installed in a house in Meridian, ID (city water) for 4 months. The cup along side is the water taken from around the filter in the housing. Think Meridian has good water? You really don't see just how bad the water is until you use a filter and trap the sediments over a peoriod of time! These results are typical for the water throughout our area... PS: The filter is also supposed to be white!

Check this out!

We are dedicating this blog to consumer awareness regarding the water quality issues we face in our area, solutions and water information to help you live a happier, healthier life!

Stay tuned for upcoming info on the incredible water problems & solutions we have throughout the Boise & surrounding areas.

We are gathering photo’s & water analysis info that will surely suprise and interest you… like the photo to the left!

Watch for water softener (salt & salt free), water filtration system, drinking water and commercial water conditioner system monthly specials… plus bonuses & gifts!

Meanwhile…

Be sure to check out our salt & salt free water softener bonus sale going on right now!