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.

G08-1614 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.

G08-1784 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.

G08-1844 Stormwater Management: Pesticide Use In The Lawn And Garden, Clyde Ogg, Erin Bauer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This 2008 NebGuide explains how the proper use and application of lawn and garden pesticides can prevent potential water contamination from stormwater runoff.