Blue-Green Staining
Why does my water leave blue-green stains?
This type of staining is normally a result of a disruption in the pH balance of your water. Acidic water is corrosive and can eat away at your copper pipes, sink and bath fixtures and appliances. Often the water can become acidic and lead to a blue-green staining. The normal factors that lead to this are corrosion of copper pipes or fixtures in your home or business. This is caused by the acid water dissolving copper (pipes). The dissolved copper then adheres to fixtures producing a blue-green stain. Central PA Soft Water can install a water purification system in your home to resolve these issues.
Common signs of acidic water.
Common issues include... noticeable blue-green stains on white surfaces like toilets, sinks, tubs, showers and even clothing.
Is the high or low pH balance of my water harmful?
The EPA and most state regulations deem a pH of 6.5 to 8.5 as a safe drinkable range for water consumption. If water pH falls out of this range, it can cause health effects.
Highly acidic water may result in:
-
Blue-green staining of sinks, toilets, and other fixtures
-
Laundry staining
-
Water that tastes bitter/sour or metallic
High alkaline water may result in:
-
Bitter tasting coffee, tea, and other brewed drinks
-
White scale build-up in household pipes and plumbing fixtures
-
Decreased efficiency of electric and on-demand/tankless hot water heaters
-
Really high pH water can cause a laxative effect resulting in diarrhea
These heavy metals can cause an array of heath issues if found in high levels including: nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, mental/brain & nervous system issues, cancer, kidney failure, and liver disease especially in young children.
Treatment for High and Low pH Water
Low pH/acidic water can be easily treated using an acid neutralizing media filter. High pH/alkaline water can usually be treated with a water softener. In extreme cases, an acid such as citric acid, can be used to decrease high pH levels.