Water Treatment Glossary
Understanding water treatment starts with knowing the terminology. This glossary covers 17 key terms used in water quality testing, filtration, softening, and treatment to help you make informed decisions about your water. Pure Viva proudly serves homeowners across Tampa Bay with expert water solutions. Have questions? Contact us for a free consultation.
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. A water filtration system can remove chlorine and its byproducts from your home water supply.
- Contaminant
- Any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance in water that may cause adverse health effects or affect water quality, taste, or appearance. Professional water testing can identify contaminants in your water supply.
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. Learn more about whole-house filtration options for your home.
G
- GPM
- Gallons Per Minute, a measurement of water flow rate used to size water treatment systems appropriately for household demand and ensure adequate water pressure.
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. A water softener is the most effective solution for hard water problems.
I
- Ion Exchange
- A water treatment process where undesirable ions in water are exchanged with more desirable ions fixed to a resin bed, commonly used in water softeners to replace calcium and magnesium with sodium.
M
- Manganese
- A naturally occurring mineral found in water that can cause black or brown staining, affect taste, and at high levels may pose health concerns. Often found alongside iron in groundwater.
N
- Nitrates
- Nitrogen-based compounds that can enter water supplies through agricultural runoff, septic systems, or natural deposits. Elevated nitrate levels are particularly dangerous for infants.
P
- pH Level
- A measure of how acidic or alkaline water is on a scale of 0-14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. Ideal drinking water pH is between 6.5 and 8.5.
- PPM
- Parts Per Million, a unit of measurement used to describe the concentration of dissolved substances in water. One ppm equals one milligram per liter.
S
- Scale Buildup
- The accumulation of calcium carbonate and other mineral deposits on surfaces that contact hard water, including pipes, water heaters, and appliances, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
T
- 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 Hardness
- The concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water, measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm). Water above 7 gpg is considered hard.
- Water Pressure
- The force exerted by water in a plumbing system, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Normal household water pressure ranges from 40-60 PSI.
- 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. Explore our water softener services to find the right system for your home.
- 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. Schedule a water test with Pure Viva to understand what is in your water.
- Whole House Filtration
- A water treatment system installed at the main water line that filters all water entering a home, providing clean water at every faucet, shower, and appliance. Browse our whole-house filtration systems to protect your entire home.
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Our team at Pure Viva is happy to explain any of these terms in context of your specific water situation.
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