How do I get rid of Hard Water
The most economical way is to soften your water is with an ion exchange water softener. This unit uses a special resin with sodium ions to remove hardness minerals. As the hard water passes through and around the resin, the hardness minerals (ions) attach themselves to the bead, dislodging the sodium ions. This process is called "ion exchange". When the resin has no sodium ions left it is exhausted, and can soften no more water. The resin is then recharged by flushing with salt water. The sodium ions force the hardness ions off the resin beads and the excess sodium is rinsed away so that the resin is ready to start the process all over again. This cycle can be repeated many, many time before the resin loses its efficacy.

What is hard water?
Hard water simply means that the water contains dissolved minerals the harder the water the higher the mineral content. The most common minerals in water are Calcium, Magnesium, and Iron. Hard water problems include scale and deposit build-up. For bathing, washing dishes and clothes and other industrial of water, hard water is not as efficient or convenient as "soft water."

What should I do if I have taste, odours, or colour in my well water?
If you have water that tastes or smells bad, call Davis & Shirtliff first. With our experience as professionals, we can advise or recommend a solution. Groundwater is naturally filtered by clay, sand and rock layers as it makes its way to the aquifers. However as this filtering takes place it sometimes picks up dissolved minerals taste and odours. New methods in effective treatment of groundwater can solve these problems.

How do I choose which water treatment system to buy?
Purchasing a new water treatment system can be a tough decision. Choosing a water treatment system depends the water quality of the water supply or feed water source, the required purity and the water volume. Davis & Shirtliff can help you evaluate your water and recommend a water treatment system that is based specifically on your application, volume requirements and budget

Will UV change the taste and/or odour of my water?
No. With chemical disinfection, such as chlorination, the taste and odour of your water will change. UV is a physical type of disinfection. This means that the UV will have an effect on the microorganisms in the water only. The water will not change chemically, nor will the taste and odour change.

Why do I need to disinfect my water supply?
Disinfection is recommended for all water supplies that are used for human consumption. Unfortunately, due to the uncertainties that exist with our current water supplies, we can no longer rely on the fact that our municipal water supplies 'may be safe'. By installing your own disinfection system, you are taking the responsibility of ensuring the safety of your water supply for you and your family.

What are the various treatment options for removal of various water contaminants?

Treatment Selection Guide:

What is desalination of water?
Desalination of water is the process of removing soluble salts from water to make it suitable for drinking, irrigation, or industrial uses. The principal methods used for desalination include distillation, electro dialysis, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.

What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)?
Reverse osmosis is the process by which water molecules are forced through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. The membrane filters out dissolved solids giving extremely pure water.

Does Davis & Shirtliff bottle water?
Davis & Shirtliff is involved in the water treatment industry at the level of equipment supply and does not bottle or treat water for clients. The company assembles and supplies water treatment equipment used both in industrial water treatment/bottling plants as well as affordable domestic water treatment equipment.