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Aquifer

An underground formation of rock, sand and/or gravel that water flows through.  It can be reached by a well or it can come to the surface as a spring.

Artesian Aquifer or Artesian Well

Groundwater that is reached by drilling, and then flows to the surface naturally.

Carbon Filtration

A method of removing organics and chlorine by use of carbon's natural ability to adsorb such chemicals.

Chloramines

A chemical compound of chlorine and ammonia applied to water to insure bacteriological safety.

Chloride

An ion commonly found in waters.  Together with sodium, composes table salt (sodium chloride).

Chlorine

A chemical gas that is commonly added to tap water to insure bacteriological safety.

Conductivity, Specific Conductance

(Expressed as micromhos)  A measurement of the water’s mineral and metal content by measuring its ability to conduct electricity.

Cryptosporidium

A parasite that can be found in some surface water.  Ingesting the parasite can lead to a gastrointestinal illness that can even be fatal for sensitive persons. 

Deep Well Water

Groundwater that is reached by drilling, and then pumped to the surface.

Degasification

A process in which water is aerated to allow volatile gases to escape and be moved from the water.

Deionization

A method to produce purified water, utilizing the fact that inorganic impurities, and even radioactive chemicals posses ionic charges, and can be removed from water by utilizing that charge.

Distillation

A method to produce purified water, using steam to separate water from inorganic impurities.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency which enforces laws designed to protect water and air resources - covers municipal water.

Fluoride

A mineral that, in an optimal concentration of approximately 1 ppm, reduce tooth decay.  In excessive amounts, it may cause tooth staining problems.

Food and Drug

The federal agency which enforces  Administration (FDA) food safety and purity laws - covers bottled water.

Food Grade Minerals

Minerals of the highest quality produced specifically for addition to foods and beverages.

Giardia

A parasite found in some surface waters that can cause a gastrointestinal illness if ingested. Unlike Cryptosporidium, Giardia-related illnesses are not life threatening to sensitive persons.

Groundwater

Water contained in underground aquifers that reach the surface through springs, deep wells, or artesian wells.

Hardness

A measurement of the calcium and magnesium in water.

Hard Water

A water high in calcium and magnesium.

Inorganic Chemicals

Minerals and mineral compounds including calcium, sodium, fluoride, lead, sulfate, chloride, gold, uranium and iron.

Ions

An atom or molecule or group of atoms that have an electric charge, either positive or negative.

Micron or Micrometer

1/1,000 of a millimeter or 1/1,000,000 of a meter.

Nitrate

A common impurity in ground and surface waters.  Sources can include fertilizers and natural sources in soils.  High levels can be toxic.

Organics

Chemicals including petroleum products, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, and chemicals from decaying plants and animals.

Ozone

An unstable form of oxygen which is very effective in destroying bacteria in water, and leaves no harmful residuals.

Parts per Billion (ppb)

Also equivalent to micrograms per liter (ug/l)- a measurement of weight, usually used in expressing amounts of organic chemicals in water.  It is one thousand times less than a ppm.

Parts per Million (ppm)

Also equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/l) - a measurement of weight, usually used in expressing amounts of minerals in water.

PH

Represented by a number describing the degree of alkalinity or acidity of a solution.

· pH of 7 is neutral

· pH of 0 to 7 is acid

· pH of 7 to 14 is alkaline

Most drinking waters range in pH from 6 to 9.

Purified Water

Processed through deionization, distillation or other suitable methods to produce a water that is essentially free of dissolved minerals and meets U.S.P. standards for purified water.

Resistivity or Resistance

(Expressed as ohms or megohms) A measurement of the purity of water by measuring its ability to resist electricity.

Reverse Osmosis

A process to reduce mineral content of a water by forcing the water through a semi permeable membrane.

Semi Permeable outer surface

A material which will allow primarily only water through it, leaving most minerals on the outer surface.

Sodium

A common ion found in most waters except purified.  High intake has been associated in some persons with high blood pressure.

Sodium Free

Water containing less than 5 milligrams per 8 ounce serving.

Soft Water

A water low in calcium and magnesium.

Softened Water

A water in which calcium and magnesium have been replaced with sodium.

Spring Water

Groundwater that rises to the surface through a natural orifice or opening.

Surface Water

Water collected as rain and snow runoff, and groundwater seepage, and collected in reservoirs, lakes and rivers.

Trihalomethanes (THMs)

A group of suspected carcinogenic, or cancer causing organic chemicals produced by the reaction of chlorine and organic chemicals or materials.

U.S.P.

Meeting standards for purity as established by the Pharmacopeia of the United States, standards established for purity and quality of chemicals and materials.

Volatile Organics

Those organics which will evaporate into the air naturally from water, including trihalo- methanes, and trichloroethylene.

Water Softener

Removes calcium and magnesium from water, replacing them with sodium.