Even when the water source supplies ample non-infected water, water treatment should still be considered in certain areas to ensure good water quality.

Rain absorbs impurities from the air and from the earth as it seeps through sand, soil and rock. It dissolves large quantities of calcium, iron, aluminium, manganese and other minerals, and holds them in solution.

When this happens the underground water quality changes and has to be improved by treatment.

Some Facts

The Anglian Water region is one of the driest in the country with around half the national average rainfall for England and Wales.

Under dimensioned power cables result in increased operating costs and also create under-voltage for the motor which will result in a warmer motor and consequently give reduced motor life and increased maintenance costs.

Household metering is on the increase to promote efficient water use.

The average demand for new connections creates an additional requirement by some 10,000 cubic metres a day.

Aquifers hold at least 20 times more water than all our surface reservoirs.

The Anglian Region covers more than 27,000 square kilometers.

Over 60% of the U.K suffers from hard water supplied to their home.

It is an offence to pollute groundwaters under the Water Resources Act 1991. The European Community Directive on Groundwater (80/68/EEC).

Hard Water

Causes

The hardness of water is mainly due to the calcium content, but many other minerals are absorbed as the water seeps through the ground. The groundwater in the Anglian region is stated as being hard to very hard depending on your water source. The main water source in the region is from chalk.

Symptoms

• Large quantities of soap are required to get a proper result from washing machines.
• Heavy coatings below the waterline in the bathtub.
• Hot water installations develop hard deposits on the pipe internal walls.

Red Water / Brownish Blackish Water

Causes

The red colour is mainly due to the iron content in the water. The brownish blackish water is the dissolving action of water when it passes through underground layers containing manganese.

Symptoms

• White clothes turn reddish / brownish or yellow when washed.
• Bathtubs and toilet bowls get red stains.
• After a long period without water consumption, the first water that comes out of the tap is red.
• Coffee and tea taste bitter. In extreme cases the water will taste metallic.

Solution

The use of iron filtration systems and water softener have proved very successful in eliminating the majority of water treatment issues.

Panks Engineers Ltd have extensive experience and know how in installing these systems, maintaining them and selecting the right equipment for the job.