Education Commons^™

G08-1491 Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange), Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The presence of calcium (Ca) and/or magnesium (Mg) in water results in water being considered "hard." Calcium and magnesium ions in water react with heat, metallic plumbing, and chemical agents such as detergents to decrease the effectiveness of nearly any cleaning task. Hard water can be softened using an ion exchange softening process. This 2008 guide discusses the ion exchange water softening process and related equipment used for household water treatment.

G08-1489 Drinking Water Treatment: Activated Carbon Filtration, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Activated carbon filtration can effectively reduce certain organic compounds and chlorine in drinking water. It can also reduce the quantity of lead, dissolved radon, and harmless taste- and odor-causing compounds. This 2008 NebGuide discusses the principles, processes, and requirements of activated carbon filtration systems for the domestic (household) user.

G08-1569 Drinking Water: Uranium, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Naturally occurring uranium has always been present in some drinking water supplies in Nebraska. It became a newly regulated substance in public community drinking water supplies when the Environmental Protection Agency revised the Radionuclides Rule, which took effect in December 2003.

Uranium occurs naturally in soil and rocks. It can enter groundwater and contaminate drinking water, which, over time, can harm health. Learn what testing and treatment options are available.

Ec08-1552 Drinking Water: Arsenic, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element present in rocks and soil. Arsenic is the 20th most abundant element in the earth’s crust and often forms compounds by combining with oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur. As water passes through and over soil and rock formations, it dissolves many compounds and minerals including arsenic. The result is that varying amounts of soluble arsenic are present in some water sources. Arsenic chemistry is complex because it has many forms.

This 2008 NebGuide discusses arsenic in public and private drinking water supplies.

G08-1490 Drinking Water Treatment: Reverse Osmosis, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Homeowners can find out more about reverse osmosis (RO) in this 2008 guide, which discusses the principles and process of RO treatment for household drinking water.

Ec08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need To Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Shirley Niemeyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This 2008 NebGuide explores household water quality and treatment options and can help consumers select a treatment system suited to a particular situation.

G08-1333 Drinking Water: Lead, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt, Steve Drda

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Small quantities of lead can be a serious health concern, especially for infants, children, and developing fetuses. This 2008 NebGuide discusses how to safely manage lead in a domestic water supply.

G08-1376 Drinking Water: Fluoride, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt, Andy Kahle

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

At optimal levels, fluoride in drinking water can be beneficial to dental health. Learn more about fluoride concentration and potential health effects in this 2008 NebGuide.

G08-1360 Drinking Water: Copper, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt, Steve Drda

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Too much copper in the human body can cause stomach and intestinal distress such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. This 2008 NebGuide discusses practices to manage copper in a domestic water supply such as one for a home or business.

G08-1614 Drinking Water: Certified Water Testing Laboratories In Nebraska, Sharon Skipton, Bruce I. Dvorak, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This 2008 NebGuide explains the certification process water testing laboratories follow, and lists certified government and commercial operated laboratories.

G08-1493 Drinking Water Treatment: Distillation, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Homeowners are increasingly concerned about contaminants in their water supply that may affect health or cause taste, odor, or nuisance problems. Distillation, one of the oldest methods of water treatment, is an effective method for reducing many impurities found in water. This 2008 NebGuide discusses the process and related equipment used for household drinking water treatment by distillation.

G08-1492 Drinking Water Treatment: Sediment Filtration, Bruce I. Dvorak, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sediment filters remove suspended matter such as sand, silt, loose scale, clay or organic material from the water. Untreated water passes through a filter medium which traps suspended matter on the surface or within the filter. This 2008 NebGuide discusses the principles, processes, and requirements of cartridge sediment filtration systems for the household user.

G08-1784 Drinking Water: Nitrate-Nitrogen, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt, Bruce I. Dvorak, Ralph Pulte

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nitrate-nitrogen is sometimes present in drinking water. At certain levels it can present a health risk. Properly locating and constructing wells along with regularly testing can help manage risk and are discussed in this 2008 NebGuide.

G08-1475 Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment: Mounds For Effluent Treatment, Janet R. Hygnstrom, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A mound wastewater treatment system may be right for lots that have slowly permeable soils, sandy soils, or a high water table. Learn the advantages, disadvantages and maintenance considerations of a mound system in this 2008 NebGuide.