Article reprinted from 2015/2016 Hydrotech - Product Catalog: Water Conditioning Products.

For correct sizing and application of water conditioning equipment, a water analysis is required. A basic water analysis includes tests for the following:

• Hardness
• Iron
• Manganese
• pH
• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

Water samples should be taken as near the source as possible and represent the average water condition. Clean containers must be used. When performing the analysis, the test equipment must be clean and rinsed with the test water and the test water should be between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Use rubber stops as supplied. Do not use your fingers as contaminants and acids could affect test results.

Additional tests can be performed for tannins and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The test for H2S must be performed on-site for accurate results. Special tests can be performed for chlorides, sulfates and alkalinity by specified laboratories. If it is suspected the water supply is contaminated with coliform bacteria or nitrates, a sample must be collected in an approved sterilized container and submitted to a government approved laboratory. Iron bacteria will not be detected with the standard iron test and can be tested for by a government approved laboratory.

If the TDS is over 1000 ppm and hardness is less than 30% of the TDS, a complete water analysis should be performed to discover what other contaminants exist in the water.

If a contaminant exceeds the limits detectable by any test method, the raw water sample can be diluted with distilled water until a reading can be taken. A calculation must then be performed to determine the actual degree of contamination. All test chemicals are subject to age and extreme temperatures. Proper storage techniques and expiry dates should be observed.

The Water Analysis Report shown on the next two pages must be completed accurately to determine the correct equipment to recommend for the water problem(s) being experienced.

Hard Water
Water with a total hardness of 1.0 gpg or more as calcium carbonate equivalent.

Less than 1.0 gpg ............ Soft
1.0 - 3.5 gpg .................... Slightly hard
3.5 - 7.0 gpg .................... Moderately hard
7.0 - 10.5 gpg .................. Hard
More than 10.5 gpg ......... Very hard

Hardness
A characteristic of natural water due to the presence of dissolved calcium 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 (gpg), parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l) all as calcium carbonate equivalent.

Soft Water
Any water which contains less than 1.0 gpg (17.1 mg/l) of hardness minerals, expressed as calcium carbonate equivalent.

Softened Water
Any water that is treated to reduce hardness minerals, expressed as calcium carbonate equivalent.