Question from SVE
Dear Debra,
We are on a community well (six other houses) that brings water to a tank house through PVC piping. We had copper piping installed from the tank house to our house. Also, we have copper piping inside our house.
Since there is no chlorine in the water, I understand that a carbon filter would not be practical to eliminate the PVC chemicals – microorganisms can grow quickly in the carbon. The water when tested is very good but they don’t test for PVC. We do have the problems of mineral deposits and a little iron stain on the toilets. (I use vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide – one at a time.)
Do you know how PVC can be filtered out of untreated well water for (1) drinking and (2) showering? Is there a risk to wearing clothes washed in “PVC water?”
Before we moved to our current house, one thing I noticed when we took a tour of a local bottled water facility using artesian well water was the PVC piping used in their processing! It seems it’s in city water systems, too. What to do?
Thanks so much, Debra, for all the time and effort you put into your outstanding website!
Debra’s Answer
Carbon is the proper filter media to remove PVC, but I do see your problem with the bacteria growth. Find a good local independent dealer of water filters who is accustomed to dealing with the water in your area.. I know you can purchase a chlorinator or you may be able to run your water through an ultraviolet or ozone system first to kill the bacteria before it goes through the carbon.
