Water is life—it’s something we use every single day, from making our morning coffee to running a relaxing bath after a long day. Yet, not all water sources are created equal. If you're a residential or commercial property owner of the Middle Peninsula, Hampton Roads, Northern Neck, or Richmond area, you might rely on well water or city/county water. Each has its own set of benefits and challenges, and understanding these can help you make the best choices for the water quality in your household or business. Here's what you need to know:

Source & Availability
The most fundamental difference between well water and city/county water lies in where they come from. Well water is drawn from underground aquifers through a private system owned and maintained by the homeowner/business owner. This gives you independence but also means you're solely responsible for ensuring its quality and safety.

​City/County water, on the other hand, is sourced from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs and is treated by municipal facilities. While convenient and reliable, city/county water depends on a shared infrastructure, which can sometimes be susceptible to issues like pipe corrosion or occasional boil water advisories.

Quality and Treatment
Well water's quality depends on local groundwater conditions. While many enjoy the taste of natural, untreated water, it can be prone to contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, or nitrates. Regular testing and appropriate filtration systems are essential to ensure safety.

The EPA has enforceable standards called “maximum contaminant levels” (MCLs) for drinking water contaminants and city/county water undergoes government-mandated testing and treatment processes to remove harmful substances and add disinfectants like chlorine. However, these additives can sometimes affect taste and odor, prompting home/commercial property owners to seek additional filtration options. The EPA has also established National Secondary Drinking Water Standards that set non-mandatory water quality for 15 contaminants because they are not considered to present a risk to human health. The EPA does not enforce these National Secondary Drinking Water Standards for contaminants such as color, iron, odor, and Total Dissolved Solids. Click here for more information

​Don’t let bad water ruin your home! We have the answer to iron stains, sulfur smells, and hard water deposits. With Water Pro, you can FINALLY get rid of the rust staining on your pretty white tub, sink, and toilet and/or that nagging rotten egg odor that makes showering unbearable.  In addition, with treatment and improved water quality, your appliances will benefit from treated water because hard water minerals bind together and cause build up. This can cause them to become clogged, making them inefficient. With treated water your appliances (ice maker, dishwasher, hot water heater, washing machine, etc.) will use less energy and last longer. With conditioned water, you will use less soap and detergent in washing machines and dishwashers. Water Pro water helps prevent spotting and build up on dishes, glassware, coffeemakers, and fixtures, too! Reverse Osmosis drinking water will make your drinking water, ice cubes, and coffee/tea delicious!

Cost Considerations
When it comes to cost, well water may save you from monthly utility bills, but it does require periodic investments. You'll need to maintain equipment like pumps and potentially install filters or a water softening system to handle water issues.

City/County water users pay for their water usage through utility bills. While generally predictable, these costs can add up, especially in areas with tiered billing systems. Maintenance costs for city/county water are managed by the municipality, but this also means less control over the process.

Unique Challenges

• Well Water Challenges: Contamination risks from nearby agricultural activities, septic systems, or naturally occurring elements in the soil. Proper maintenance and annual water testing are crucial.
• City/County Water Challenges: The taste and odor of treated water can be off-putting for some. Aging infrastructure in some areas may also lead to occasional water quality concerns.

How Water Pro Can Help
As a homeowner or commercial property owner, whether you rely on well water or city/county water, Water Pro has solutions to ensure your water is clean, clear, and great-tasting. We specialize in:

• Water Testing Services: For well owners and those on city/county water, we provide comprehensive testing to detect contaminants and offer customized treatment solutions.
• Filtration Systems: We install and maintain systems to improve water quality, whether you're dealing with odor from sulfur, chlorine taste, iron (rust) staining, hardness spotting, sediment, or you just don’t like your water quality.
• Other Services: From well system maintenance to addressing city/county water concerns, our team has the expertise you can trust.

We pride ourselves on serving the residential and commercial property owners of the Middle Peninsula, Hampton Roads, Northern Neck, and Richmond areas with tailored solutions for every household’s or business’s unique water needs.

Conclusion
Your water source matters, and so does its quality. Whether you draw from a private well or rely on city/county water, proper treatment and regular maintenance are key to ensuring the health and well-being of your family and/or providing your customers with great tasting water, while protecting your home or business investment. At Water Pro, we're here to help you navigate the complexities of water management, so you can focus on enjoying fresh, clean water every day.
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Contact us today to schedule your water testing or learn more about our water filtration services.

Although we enjoy the convenience and ease of loading and unloading our dishwasher instead of standing at the sink washing and drying those dirty dishes… do you know what your dishwasher might be doing to your glassware and possibly silverware, as well?

Effects of Dishwasher Glass Etching
Cloudy Appearance or Rainbow Coloring - Etching leaves a permanent cloudy or frosted look on glassware, reducing its transparency and aesthetic appeal.

Visible Scratches - Small, irreparable scratches on the glass surface, making it look worn and damaged.

Reduced Clarity - The etched surface scatters light, diminishing the clarity and brilliance of the glass.

Causes of Dishwasher Glass Etching
Hard Water - High concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water can cause etching. When heated, these minerals bond with the glass surface, leading to etching.

High Temperatures - Excessively high water temperatures in dishwashers can activate minerals in hard water, causing them to stick to glassware.

Strong Detergent - Harsh detergents can react with minerals in hard water, intensifying the etching process.

Improper Loading - Overloading the dishwasher or incorrect placement of glassware can lead to chipping and scratching, making the glass more susceptible to etching.

What Can YOU Do and STILL Use Your Dishwasher?
Water Softening System - Installing a water softening system can reduce the mineral content in water, preventing etching.

Lower Water Temperature - Adjusting the dishwasher’s temperature settings to a lower range can reduce the activation of minerals. The higher the temperature, the faster the etching will occur!

Mild Detergent and Rinsing Agent - Using detergents specifically formulated for glassware with low levels of phosphates can help minimize etching. (Most detergents are formulated to work with hard water. If you have softened water, you may only need to use one-half to one-quarter of the recommended dosage.) A rinsing/wetting agent will minimize any residue which may cause water spotting or aid the etching process.

Proper Loading Technique - Ensure that glassware is loaded correctly and not overcrowded which can help prevent chipping and scratching.

Regular Maintenance - Cleaning the dishwasher regularly and using dishwasher cleaner tablets can help remove mineral buildup and maintain optimal performance.
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Water Pro can assess your water quality and identify if minerals are causing the etching. Schedule an appointment for a free mineral water test! Call 804.210.5672 or click the button below. You deserve great water for a great life!

#GreatWaterGreatLife
#WaterProIncCares

Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny plastic particles about the diameter of a standard pencil's eraser and much smaller. They shed off of things that are made from plastic and are increasingly found in our drinking water, raising concerns about their potential health effects. These tiny particles can carry toxic chemicals and pollutants, which can be ingested and accumulate in our bodies. This can lead to various health issues, including inflammation, immune system disruption, and cancer, etc.  CNN reports that we may ingest a credit card's worth of plastic in a week (article from CNN 11/02/2022) others say it isn't that much... in one week.

​Well, we say ingesting ANY amount of plastic (in one week or one year), especially in your water is, quite frankly, too much! A water treatment system is one of the best ways to help curb the amount of plastic coming out of your tap.

How Water Treatment Systems Can Help
While most water treatment systems, such as water softeners and reverse osmosis units cannot eliminate all, they are designed to remove some microplastics and other contaminants from your drinking water. These systems provide an effective solution to help ensure that your water is cleaner and better for you.
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Benefits of a Water Treatment System:

• Removes some harmful contaminants
• Improves water taste and odor
• Reduces some health risks
• Protects household appliances
• Provides clean and better water for your family

The Benefits of Tap Water Over Bottled Water
Bottled water often contains higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics compared to tap water. Additionally, the production and disposal of plastic bottles contribute to environmental pollution. By using a water treatment system, you can enjoy clean tap water that’s better for you AND help protect the environment.

Whether it's your health, your home, or your appliances a water treatment system is one of the best ways to help ensure that you're doing the best for YOU and YOUR family.

Enjoy all the benefits of Water Pro water! For more information on how you can have great water or to schedule an appointment for a free water test on your existing tap water, call 804.693.7294 or click the button below or send an email to [email protected]
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Here are some common places or ways you might notice sand or sediment in your water supply at home:
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• Cloudy or Dirty Water
• Reduced Water Flow
• Frequent Clogging of Fixtures
• Sand or Sediment in Toilet Tanks
• Gritty Texture in Water
• Visible Sand or Sediment in Containers
• Water Heater Issues
• Washing Machine Issues
• Sand or Sediment in the Bottom of Filter Housing
• Dishwasher Issues
• Ice Maker Issues
• Well Water Issues

 
These signs help you identify and address sediment issues in your water supply, ensuring better water quality and protecting your plumbing system:
 
Cloudy or Dirty Water: One of the most noticeable signs is water that appears cloudy or dirty due to suspended sediment particles like sand, grit, gravel, and dirt.

Reduced Water Flow: Sediment can clog pipes and fixtures, leading to a noticeable reduction in water flow.

Frequent Clogging of Fixtures: Faucets (aerators), showerheads, and other fixtures may frequently clog due to sediment buildup.

Sand or Sediment in Toilet Tanks: Sand or sediment can settle at the bottom of toilet tanks, making it visible when you lift the lid.

Gritty Texture in Water: You might feel a gritty texture when washing your hands or dishes, indicating the presence of sand or sediment.

Visible Sand or Sediment in Containers: Sand or sediment can settle at the bottom of glasses, buckets, or other containers after the water has been sitting for a while.

Water Heater Issues: Sediment can accumulate in water heaters, causing noises, reduced efficiency, and potential damage.

Washing Machine Issues: Sediment can accumulate in washing machine inlet filters and may frequently clog, reducing water flow into the machine; clothes might come out with a gritty texture or visible particles of sand or sediment; machine might make grinding or rattling noises as sediment particles move through the system; increased need for maintenance or repairs due to sediment damaging internal components like the pump or motor.

Sand or Sediment in the Bottom of Water Filter Housing: Sand or sediment can settle at the bottom of water filter housings and can quickly clog filters, reducing their efficiency and requiring more frequent replacements; accumulation of sediment can restrict water flow, leading to lower water pressure throughout your home; sediment can provide a breeding ground for bacteria potentially leading to health issues.

Dishwasher Issues: Sediment can clog the dishwasher’s filters and spray arms, reducing their effectiveness and leading to poor cleaning performance; gritty texture or visible particles of sand or sediment on your dishes after a wash cycle; grinding or rattling noises as sediment particles move through the system; increased need for maintenance or repairs due to sediment damaging internal components like the pump or motor.

Ice Maker Issues: Sediment can clog the ice maker’s water filter more frequently, reducing it’s efficiency and requiring more frequent replacement; ice cubes might appear cloudy or have visible particles of sand or sediment inside them; sediment can restrict water flow, leading to reduced ice production or smaller ice cubes; ice maker might make unusual grinding or rattling noises as sediment particles move through the system; you might notice a gritty residue in the ice bin or on the ice itself.
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Well Water Issues: If your home uses well water, sand or sediment might be pumped directly from the well. If this is a new issue in your home, this could indicate a problem with your well system.
 
Naturally, a little sand never hurt anybody, right? Wrong. Over time, sand and sediment in your water can cause serious issues of deteriorating your fixtures and appliances and will also decrease your water pressure.
 
Additionally, the sand and sediment may cause pipes and aerators to clog up and could result in water pressure loss in your home. The fixtures in your home, including your sink faucets and shower heads, as well as your washing machine, dishwasher, hot water heater, etc. will wear out ahead of time and could cost you thousands of dollars.
 
What can YOU do if you have sand or sediment in your water? A sandtrap is a unique way to separate and trap heavier sand and particles to prevent them from getting into your home. Implementing a sandtrap is a proactive step to protect your plumbing system and ensure the longevity and efficiency of your household appliances.
 
5 Benefits of Using a Sandtrap:

1. Prevents Clogging - sandtraps effectively filter out sand and sediment, preventing them from entering your water pipes and causing blockages. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted water flow throughout your plumbing system.
2. Reduces Wear and Tear - By keeping abrasive particles out of your pipes, sandtraps help reduce wear and tear on your plumbing fixtures and appliances. This can extend the lifespan of your water heater, washing machine, and other appliances.
3. Improves Water Quality - sandtraps enhance the overall quality of your water by removing sediment that can disrupt how your water treatment and other water using appliances work. This results in cleaner, clearer water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
4. Minimizes Maintenance - with a sandtrap in place, you'll experience fewer plumbing issues related to sediment buildup. This means less frequent maintenance and repairs, saving you time and money in the long run.
5. Energy Efficiency - Clean water pipes allow your appliances to operate more efficiently. For example, a water heater free of sediment can heat water more quickly and use less energy, leading to lower utility bills.

 
Email us today or call us at (804) 693-7294 if you'd like to set up an appointment for a FREE water analysis test if you don't like the water from your faucet or think you may have sand/sediment issues. We can provide you and your family with a sandtrap unit that will help remove sand and sediment from your water.
 
(Source: AI generated. Microsoft Copilot. Accessed 2024-10-23)​

Fall is the season of colorful leaves, pumpkin spice and hearty harvests. It's also considered the favorite season for 41% of U.S adults, according to Morning Consult Data! But those falling leaves could significantly impact your water quality, whether you have a well or get your water from a local municipality. As leaves decompose, they emit and deposit nitrogen and phosphorus into the water supply. These extra minerals are great for algae and help it to grow much more rapidly. This algae then leaves bacteria in the water and reduces the oxygen levels. The challenge here then becomes filtering out the excess algae and bacteria.

For those on city water, most municipalities may find that this is an incredibly costly and intense process, which in turn means more algae and bacteria may get through than would be ideal. For those on well water, ensure you are keeping the area around your well clear of large piles of leaves and staying up to date with your maintenance.

Whether you are on city water or well water, the real answer to this problem is to ensure you are taking the steps to protect you and your family. You can have peace of mind by installing filtration systems designed to combat all the unwanted organisms that have the potential to live in your water!

A whole-house water treatment system is the best way to ensure cleaner, safer water any time you turn on the tap. Read more about the 3 Ways a Whole-House Water Treatment System Helps You. 

Call us today at 804.693.7294 or ​contact us to find out more.

Fresh produce, whether fruits or vegetables, have an amazing and succulent taste! However, due to various contaminants all around us (pesticides in the soil, on the plants, in our groundwater and air, etc.) it’s important to wash ALL produce (even organic) before eating. Unless you know the actual source and how far the produce has traveled, long gone are the days of picking and eating on the spot.

Tap water contains numerous minerals along with contaminants and sometimes even chlorine and other additives. Occasionally, tap water even has a rotten egg smell and isn’t clear. Who wants to wash their produce (or brush their teeth for that matter) with stinky or unclear water?

Water filtration is a process that removes various minerals and contaminants from the water and has many benefits to you that include your health, your home, and your appliances. And, rinsing produce with filtered water is great for YOUR health.

Why wash fruits and vegetables with filtered water?

1. Gives you the best tasting and cleanest water
2. Improves the taste and smell of fruits and vegetables
3. Helps prevent foodborne illnesses and remove harmful contaminants

A healthy diet of fruits and vegetables freshly washed with filtered water and drinking a big glass of filtered water does a body good! Speaking of fruits and vegetables… curious about what’s in season in Virginia? Click the link below for the Virginia Grown Fruit and Vegetable Availability Calendar.
https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/producechart.pdf

You deserve to enjoy all the benefits of Water Pro water! For more information on a water treatment system that provides clean and great tasting water or to schedule an appointment for a free water test on your existing tap water, call 804.693.7294 or click the button below or send an email to [email protected]

Don't miss our blog below to learn about the important ways that a whole-house water treatment system helps you, your family, AND your home!

Sure, a whole-house water treatment system can fix the rust staining, the smell of the water, and even make the water taste better. But did you know about the important three ways that the system REALLY helps you?

1) Your Health: At Water Pro, we know you want what's best for you and your  family.  Our systems provide clean drinking water which will not only make you feel better about the water you're using, but will also help to save you money. With Water Pro water your skin will stay naturally smooth and your hair will feel silky clean. 
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Whether you're on well or county water, our certified filtered water systems remove contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, disinfection by-products, lead, arsenic, and many others. Installing a water filtration system that has been specifically built for your home or business can ensure peace of mind.
 
2) Your Home: With untreated water, you may be having concerns about contaminants or noticing embarrassing stains and odors throughout your home.  Using a whole house water filtration system will ensure you protect the investment you've made in your home.  Hard water scaling can build up in your pipes and fixtures. This can cause a reduction in water pressure throughout your home, especially noticeable in the shower.

Whatever your concerns are, our Water Pro Specialists take the time to test your water and design systems that will meet your specific water needs. 
 
3) Your Appliances: Appliances will benefit from treated water because hard water minerals bind together and cause build up. This can cause them to become clogged, making them inefficient. With treated water your appliances will use less energy and last longer. 

With conditioned water, you will use less soap and detergent and your clothes will feel softer, last longer, and retain color.  Water Pro water helps prevent spotting and build up on dishes, glassware, coffeemakers, and fixtures. Reverse Osmosis water will make your drinking water, ice cubes, and coffee delicious.
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Enjoy all the benefits of Water Pro water! For more information on how you can have great water or to schedule an appointment for a free water test on your existing tap water, call 804.693.7294 or click the button below or send an email to [email protected]
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You may have heard that hard water negatively impacts your health, your home, and your appliances, but did you know that hard water can ALSO wreck a vehicle’s paint job!?!

Hard water is a major cause of water spots because it contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium. When water evaporates, it leaves mineral deposits that can etch into the paint/surface, causing damage. This type of hard water damage is exactly what happens to your glasses and dishware in your home! For many car buffs, they don’t want to see even one water spot on their car!

Hardness minerals in hard water react with soap to form scum or curd, instead of lather, which reduces cleaning effectiveness. This not only wastes soap and detergents but you end up using more product and spending more money to attempt to get the desired result. And, you end up spending more time trying to remove dirt, streaks, and water spots!

Don’t treat her like a jalopy.

With softened water or a reverse osmosis water system, you’ll use great water AND less soap while keeping your precious gem on wheels bright and shiny! And, you’ll have more fun admiring how good she looks!

Whether you’re prepping your baby or classic for the next car show or for a Sunday drive, make sure you wash her and primp her with GREAT water! If you're ready to make a change, let us know.  
 
For more information on how you can have great water or to schedule an appointment for a free water test on your existing tap water, call 804.693.7294 or click the button below or send an email to [email protected]

If you're not sure when you checked your salt tank last, it could be time to add more salt. But before you do, you need to know that it’s important to use correct salt in your brine tank AND the tank should be cleaned periodically.
 
If you’re using ordinary pellets or block salt you run the risk of problems with your brine tank; a key component to providing your family with great tasting water.

Why does the type of salt matter? Pellets are more likely to cause bridging in your brine (salt) tank. Bridging is a packed solid layer of salt that spans across the width of the brine tank and does not allow the salt level to drop. So, you may look into your brine tank and think you have plenty of salt, but the salt is actually raised above the water level and is not going into the system when it regenerates. This means your system is trying to clean itself without cleaner.

Our salt is a professional brand of salt and it's cleaner than most other brands. What makes our green bags of salt even more special? They aren't pellets. They are solar salt composition but still have the rust remover additive. Not only do you get a better value for your money, but you're using the best product for your system!

Additionally, your brine tank should be dumped and cleaned at least annually. 
 
Here are a few questions to consider:

• Have you been using pellets?
• Has your brine tank gotten dirty over time or have an inside film?
• Not sure when you checked your salt tank last? 
• Do you know how to properly clean the tank for maximum efficiency?

If any of these questions made you feel a bit uneasy and it's been more than one year since your brine tank was cleaned last, then yes, your brine tank probably needs cleaning.

Too busy or not sure how to clean the tank yourself? You'll need to let the salt run down so the brine tank is a maximum of 1 foot full and then give us a call to come out and clean the tank. We can even bring more salt or you can have your own salt available when we come to clean and we can add it for you. Proper salt AND brine tank cleaning is recommended to make sure that your system is working properly while providing you and your family with great water.

For more information on your salt or brine tank or to schedule an appointment for a brine tank cleaning, call 804.693.7294 or click the button below. 
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