Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

High oxygen content in city water and blueish tint to laundry and 1 tub

July 5, 2010

Hello, I need advice. $3000.00 later and still confused. My home is 10 years old and has copper piping. About 2 months ago I started noticing a bad skin irritation and bluish/green water in my tub and washing machine. I immediately call the city, they checked their water supply for copper and lead and stated within limits set by the EPA. I hired an independent lab to analyze the water in my home and at the hose bib; again these results came back as normal. Ok, maybe I have sensitive skin as I age. Upon the recommendation from the city, I hired a plumber whom told me the pressure regulator valve to my home was putting in 150 psi; I then hired him to replace the pressure regulator valve. Then he determined the hot water heater was bad and there was a stubbed line for recirculation pump that was never installed, so we replaced the hot water heater and installed a recirculation pump, in this process we discovered calcium deposits and blue deposit in the sink aerators. The problem was supposed to be fixed and it isn't. I hired an electrician to check for electrolysis and none; I had the local utility check the ground on my home and its fine. The ph level of water is 6.5 - 7.0. 2 Weeks later and the pressure regulator is not working, maybe the first one installed was bad? So we installed new pressure regulator valve and I am getting lots of oxygen in the water lines. We have bled the water lines 3 times to no avail. The final analysis I am getting is it's the water supply coming in from the city.

I have taken a clear glass of water from the tub and went outside the water looks clear, I opened the drapes in bathroom and water looks clear. My neighbors are not having the same issue in their homes; however the water at the bib hose is just like Alka-Seltzer and clears within 3 - 5 minutes. I am a corner house and the first feed on the water supply line. We have marked the water meter to test for a leak and there is no leak.

It has become obvious to me the city is not going to do anything, as they tell me they are now mixing well water with their water supply and had a pump down for repairs.

Actually the city printed out this question and answer format and left a note on my door with a good luck message as our side is fine.

I have had countless plumbers, electrician's water test and well specialist at my home over the last 2 months. I have had suggestions from coating the copper pipes to installing an electric rod to moving, etc.etc.etc.

Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please I am going crazy.

Thanks,

Frustrated in Northern California

Dotty Land
Homeowner - Lincoln, California

Hi, Doty. Sorry for your problems. But I think it's a huge leap to presume the water issue is the cause of your skin irritation. It's not impossible, but I don't see any reason to form such a conclusion.

I believe you've already seen letter 30479, which contains very informative comments from professional electrical and water chemistry troubleshooters.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 7, 2010