Posts Tagged ‘Water supply’

Emergency Water Purification

Saturday, January 30th, 2010
A kettle boils
Image by Getty Images via Daylife

You never known when a natural disaster or other crisis may occur that could adversely affect the safety of your drinking water supply. Be prepared. Know where the closest water source is located and how to purify water for your family in the event of an emergency. Please Note: Never use floodwater for drinking, even if it has been treated.

Boiling water for drinking is the preferred way to destroy harmful organisms. If needed, water should be filtered and settled to remove as many impurities as possible prior to boiling. Filtering can be done through clean pieces of cloth. Once settled, the clear water should be boiled vigorously for a full minute in most areas and three minutes at high altitudes. (more…)

Hard Water Solutions

Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Hard Water
Image by *clairity* via Flickr

Hard water is a widespread problem in the UK that affects over 60% of British homes. The term hard water simply refers to water that contains minerals. There are three possible solutions to the problem of hard water – chemical cleaners, a conventional water softening system and an electronic or magnetic descaler.

Chemical Cleaners

Various chemical cleaning products are available to deal with the problem after it occurs. Designed to dissolve the residue that hard water leaves behind, these products must be used regularly. Not only are chemical cleaners a lot of work, requiring frequent scrubbing, they also cause wastewater pollution. (more…)

The Importance of Water Conservation

Monday, September 28th, 2009
Preserve Water
Image by Thibaut.M via Flickr

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” is a familiar mantra. When it comes to conserving water, it is important to understand the value of these efforts. Because of water’s vital importance, we need to ensure that our safe supply lasts. By preserving water, we can save energy, reduce costs and protect the ecosystem.

Every time water runs down the drain, it becomes waste water, needing treatment in order to be used again. The operations of water treatment facilities are costly, and massive amounts of energy are used to turn waste water into potable water. When we reduce the amount of water that needs to be treated, we conserve energy and money. (more…)

Plumbing for Beginners - Leaks

Thursday, May 21st, 2009
Faucet
Image via Wikipedia

Tackling a plumbing project in your home can seem like a daunting task at first. With a little knowledge and the proper tools, you can well be on your way to repairing leaky faucets and keeping that plumbers bill at bay. You first want to ensure you have the proper tools. Most generally, you will need a pipe wrench or a pair of locking pliers.

One of the most common plumbing repairs needed around the house is a leaking faucet. Whether it is the kitchen, bath or an outside faucet, the rules are basically the same. Start by tightening the packing nut with a pipe wrench. Hold a pair of pliers on the handle of the faucet to ensure no movement while turning the nut behind the handle. This tightening will almost always fix the leak. If water drips continue, a bad washer is most likely to blame. Repairing this is simple and easy. (more…)