EC08-703 Drinking Water Treatment: An Overview

Consumers concerned about their water quality must sort through an assortment of information to determine what contaminants are present, which contaminants are of real concern and the appropriate response and treatment that will be most effective for their particular situation. This 2008 extension circular provides an overview of household water problems, causes and potential­ health effects. The problem then can be matched to appropriate treatment method(s) for further investigation. The treatment methods listed in this guide are for household water problems requiring prolonged treatment

G08-1489 Drinking Water Treatment: Activated Carbon Filtration

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

G89-907 Drinking Water: Testing for Quality (Revised April 2005)

Why test water quality? Concern about water quality often leads consumers to ask questions such as What is in my water? or Is my drinking water safe? All water from natural sources contains dissolved substances. These substances are often called contaminants, especially when the amounts present are at possibly harmful or problematic levels. The substances in water can result from either natural processes or human activities. At low concentrations, many do not cause known harmful effects and may be beneficial. Research shows some substances may be harmful only when present at high enough concentrations. The only way to know if the water you use for drinking and cooking contains potentially harmful substances at levels high enough to be of concern is to have the water tested. Analytical testing can determine what substances are present and their concentration levels

G89-907 Drinking Water: Testing for Quality (Revised April 2005)

Why test water quality? Concern about water quality often leads consumers to ask questions such as What is in my water? or Is my drinking water safe? All water from natural sources contains dissolved substances. These substances are often called contaminants, especially when the amounts present are at possibly harmful or problematic levels. The substances in water can result from either natural processes or human activities. At low concentrations, many do not cause known harmful effects and may be beneficial. Research shows some substances may be harmful only when present at high enough concentrations. The only way to know if the water you use for drinking and cooking contains potentially harmful substances at levels high enough to be of concern is to have the water tested. Analytical testing can determine what substances are present and their concentration levels

EC08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need to Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment

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

G08-1491 Drinking Water Treatment: Water Softening (Ion Exchange)

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

G08-1614 Drinking Water: Certified Water Testing Laboratories in Nebraska

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

EC03-703 Drinking Water Treatment : An Overview

Extension Circular 03-703: Drinking water treatment--An Overview; using the overview tables in this guide, source protection, treatment system consideration, consumer reports and drinking water standards, summary of home water quality problems and solutions, related drinking water treatment publications, and related drinking water contaminant publications

EC03-703 Drinking Water Treatment : An Overview

Extension Circular 03-703: Drinking water treatment--An Overview; using the overview tables in this guide, source protection, treatment system consideration, consumer reports and drinking water standards, summary of home water quality problems and solutions, related drinking water treatment publications, and related drinking water contaminant publications

G08-1376 Drinking Water: Fluoride

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