Clean Drinking Water a Major Concern

Duane Moser, an assistant research professor with Desert Research Institute, collects water samples from the Las Vegas Wash in Henderson, Nev., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A recent Gallup Poll indicates that Americans are more concerned about pollution of drinking water than global warming - and Gallup conducted this poll before the AP released its report on pharmaceuticals in drinking water that we told you about earlier. (see Drugs in Your Drinking Water)

Are you concerned about your drinking water? If so, there's some good information available in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the EPA's website. You could start there, but you may not find all the information you need to allay your concerns.

In a story from USA Today on the tap water issue, the AP reported that "Most Americans probably think they have a good idea of what's being detected in their water. Federal law requires water providers to distribute annual "consumer confidence reports" that reveal levels of regulated contaminants. Providers are not, however, required to tell people if they find a contaminant that is not on a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency list. And there are no pharmaceuticals on the EPA list."

The answer may be to have your water tested yourself. If you're on private well water this will definitely be the way to go - nobody else is watching that for you. The good news is that the California Department of Health certifies laboratories for both chemical and biological testing of water. We've found a few labs on the CDH list that are located in the Napa or Sonoma area, and we've listed them below. There are a lot more labs on the approved list. For more information, log onto www.cdph.ca.gov.

ANALYTICAL SCIENCES, INC.
110 LIBERTY STREET
PETALUMA, CA 94952
(707) 769-3128
ELAP certificate #2303, expires 4/30/2010
Tests in the following categories: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 109, 114, 115, 116, 117, 120, 126 (see below)

BRELJE AND RACE LABORATORIES, INC.
425 SOUTH E STREET
SANTA ROSA CA 95404
(707) 544-8807
ELAP certificate #1243, expires 7/31/2008
Tests in the following categories: 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, 109, 113, 126

CALTEST ANALYTICAL LABORATORY
1885 NORTH KELLY ROAD
NAPA 94558
(707) 258-4000
ELAP certificate #1664, expires 11/30/2009
Tests in the following categories: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 110, 126

K PRIME, INC.
3621 WESTWIND BOULEVARD
SANTA ROSA 95403
(707) 527-7574
ELAP certificate #1532, expires 5/31/2009
Tests in the following categories: 103, 108, 109, 114, 115, 116, 117

BACE ANALYTICAL AND FIELD SERVICES, INC.
5468 SKYLANE BLVD., SUITE 104
SANTA ROSA 95403
(707) 687-2070
ELAP certificate #2639, expires 11/30/2009
Tests for volatile and semi-volatile organic chemistry of hazardous waste.

The laboratories are certified in one or more of the following Fields of Testing:

• 101 - Microbiology of Drinking Water
• 102 - Inorganic Chemistry of Drinking Water
• 103 - Toxic Chemical Elements of Drinking Water
• 104 - Volatile Organic Chemistry of Drinking Water
• 105 - Semi-volatile Organic Chemistry of Drinking Water
• 107 - Microbiology of Wastewater
• 108 - Inorganic Chemistry of Wastewater
• 109 - Toxic Chemical Elements of Wastewater
• 110 - Volatile Organic Chemistry of Wastewater
• 113 - Whole Effluent Toxicity of Wastewater
• 114 - Inorganic Chemistry & Toxic Chemical Elements of Hazardous Waste
• 115 - Extraction Test of Hazardous Waste
• 116 - Volatile Organic Chemistry of Hazardous Waste
• 117 - Semi-volatile Organic Chemistry of Hazardous Waste
• 120 - Physical Properties of Hazardous Waste
• 126 - Microbiology of Recreational Water

So if you have concerns about the quality of your drinking water - and you're wondering just what the heck is in it beyond what your water supplier tests for and reports, your own test with a private lab might just be the ticket. After testing your water, if you'd like to find out the options for filtering household water, that's where we can help. Call the office at 707-996-8683 and we'd be glad to give you more information. You can also read our other posts on water filtration here.

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Shaken but not Stirred?

(Photo credit: USGS)
Loma Prieta, California, Earthquake October 17, 1989. San Francisco. An automobile lies crushed under the third story of this apartment building in the Marina District. The ground levels are no longer visible because of structural failure and sinking due to liquefaction.

We started gathering info for this post before news of China's devastating quake hit the wire on Monday. We thought maybe everyone could use a little reminder that earthquakes are a fact of life in California, and that it's important to be prepared. We've all been doubly reminded now.

If you're like an awful lot of people, you are not ready for a major earthquake. Even though many of us experienced the Loma Prieta quake in 1989, we don't have our emergency stash of water, tinned food, and batteries. We haven't gotten around to formulating a little plan for checking in with family and neighbors. And we haven't had a gas shut-off valve installed on our home or business.

We've been shaken any number of times, but still not stirred to action.

Take the latest reminder as the last one you need to improve your preparedness. Reports from the U.S. Geological Survey indicate that there is no question that the Bay Area will have a major earthquake at some point during the next thirty years. (See Senator Boxer's newsletter for details.) It may not be tomorrow - but it could be. Don't be lulled into inaction by the 30-year window, because for every day the big one doesn't come, its inevitability is underscored.

We are fortunate in that construction improvements over the years and mandated engineering safeguards mean that structural failures are less likely than they once were. Fires fed by ruptured gas lines remain a big concern, however. To minimize the danger from fire at your home, have a gas shut-off valve installed. It's a simple install and a reasonable expense, especially considering the benefits gained.

Questions? Need more info? Call us here at the office, we'd be glad to pass on what we know - or come out and take a look at the set-up at your house and recommend the valve that would work best for you. We're here, give us a call: 996 8683.

:: Senator Boxer's newsletter
:: FEMA recommendations

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Bathroom Reading

C'mon admit it. You read in the bathroom. You know it, we know it and the American people know it.

We also know that many a good book has been warped and smudged beyond recognition because it was taken into the tub with someone. (What did you tell the lady at the library?)

So given the reality of the situation, we thought we'd step up and help you make the best use of your bathroom time (besides making sure those faucets, drains and whatnot work smoothly, that is) by recommending a good title when we run across one.

Today's suggestion is one we just came across, although it's a book that's been out a couple of years. It's called Flushed, and it was written by W. Hodding Carter. If you'd like a little background on Carter (yes, he is the son of the other Hodding Carter), there's an interview with him here. It's interesting. Of course we're bringing this title to your attention because the subject is near and dear to our hearts, but the description and reviews at the Amazon link provided above should reassure you that it's both an informative and light hearted read. Flushed is not just for the dweeby plumber who can't resist taking his work home with him.

For a few more ideas, check out Boden Plumbing's official bathroom reading list. (Suggestions and recommendations are welcome!)

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Boden Plumbing Now Certified for Backflow

On April 9th, Casey Boden became certified to test and repair backflow prevention valves. Since then he has been busy checking valves all around Sonoma Valley.

The Valley of the Moon Water District and the City of Sonoma Public Works Department require yearly evaluation of all backflow valves that have been installed to prevent irrigation, fire sprinkler, well or other private-side water from mixing with the municipal water supply. These tests must be performed by someone who has been certified to work on backflow prevention valves.

If you've received a notice that your test is soon due, give us a call. We'd be glad to help you out - or give you more information. 707 996 8683

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

How Low Can You Gowith the new High Efficiency Toilets?

< Seriously, how is that possible?!

You might ask the same about low flow toilets. Thirty or forty years ago toilets typically used 5.5 to 8 gallons of water per flush. Today they flush with as little as 0.9 gallons of water. How is that possible?

It's the technology. Toilet design has improved significantly since low flow toilets (maximum 1.6 gpf) were first mandated in 1992. Really, it has. The new high efficiency dual flush toilets, like the Toto Aquia, are designed to clear with as little as nine tenths of a gallon of water. The single flush style toilets like the Kohler Cimmaron (1.4 gpf) and the whole line of Gerber toilets (1.1 gpf - 1.6 gpf) work well with a fraction of the water of the old style toilets. If you really want to be sure, consider a pressure assist model like the Ultra Flush from Gerber.

3.5 gallons per flush was the norm when the law was passed requiring all new toilets installed to be low flow. Rebates made it easier to make the switch and a lot of water has been saved as a result. Just as important, the load (excuse the pun) on sewage treatment plants is significantly reduced as well.

Residents of Sonoma County can still qualify for rebates if you are connected to the public sewer system and are replacing a 3.5 gpf unit with one of the newer high efficiency toilets (HET). To check the details, your eligibility, and to find a list of qualifying toilet models, log on to the Sonoma County Water Agency website for more information.

Trust us. You do not have to be leary of low flow toilets anymore. Thank goodness for improvements to design - they really do work more efficiently and predictably than they did ten years ago!

If you have questions, call the shop (996 8683). Or stop by and take a look at the Gerber toilets we have on display (20075 Broadway).

:: Lowdown on Low Flows on the HGTV website
:: EPA WaterSense Toilet Program
:: WaterSense rated toilets
:: Sonoma County rebate info

:: This image comes by way of the This Old House website. (Thank you!)



















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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Drugs in Your Drinking Water?

Sometimes people joke about there being "something in the water." Turns out there is something in the water, but the not-so-funny joke's kind of on us.

The AP gave everyone something to think about earlier this month when they reported on their five-month inquiry into pharmaceuticals in drinking water supplies. You can read their report here, as it appeared in the Washington Post. Frankly, that pharmaceuticals are pretty ubiquitous in water supplies around the world is no surprise to many, but the most recent information from the AP seems to have penetrated our Pollyanna haze. Everybody's talking about it now.

Determining the presence of drugs is a first step but determining what the implications might be and what can be done about any of it seem even more important. Another recent article suggested links between water contaminated with pharmaceuticals and deformities and reproductive problems in fish and wildlife. Read the news about Lake Mead for yourself. (Pharmaceuticals in water adversely affect wildlife.) It's not a pretty picture.

Makes you wonder what effect chronic exposure to low levels of drug cocktails through our drinking water and food supply might have on us humans. It is impossible to tease apart the food web, you know.

Fortunately there is some good news about water filtration. (Keeping Drugs Out of Drinking Water) Granular activated carbon systems and ozonation prove effective in removing at least some of these types of chemicals from water. Reverse osmosis is also good but wastes a lot of water in the process and just releases the contaminants again in the discharge water. If you don't already have a home filtration system and you're concerned about your water quality, you might want to look into the various options. Studies indicate water filtration can help.

In our service area, the Sonoma County Water Agency is the wholesale water supplier to the VOM Water District, the City of Sonoma, and the City of Petaluma. Some of our customers also obtain their water from the City of Napa or are supplied from private wells. If you have questions about water quality and testing, contact your water supplier. If you're on a private well and would like to have your water tested, check the phone directory under Laboratories-Analytical.

Valley of the Moon Water District
City of Napa Water Quality
City of Petaluma Water Resources & Conservation
City of Sonoma - no online info available. Call City Hall at 707 938 3681.

If you have any questions about installation of point-of-use or whole-house water filtration systems, give us a call here at the shop (707 996 8683). We'd be happy to give you more information. You can also go to the link on our main website for info on the Nature's Miracle whole-house system we feature. And you can read all our blog posts on water filtration here.

:: AP probe finds drugs in drinking water
:: Pharmaceuticals in water adversely affect wildlife
:: Keeping drugs out of drinking water

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7477
www.nodrips.com

Roots in the Sewer Line

TREE ROOTS VS. SEWER LINES - it's a classic match up and one that you would expect to have a predictable outcome. (The roots always win, right?) Well, not necessarily.

Roots will most certainly take advantage of any existing break, crack, or separation in a line of sewer pipe, but they will not initiate a break. Once a crack has developed, however - due to age deterioration, shifting ground, or other damage - the roots of nearby trees and shrubs will be attracted by the warmth and moisture in the line.

The flow of warm water inside a sewer lateral causes water vapor to escape to the cold soil surrounding the pipe. Tree roots are attracted to the water vapor leaving the pipe and they follow the vapor trail to the source of the moisture, which are usually cracks or loose joints in the pipe. Once the roots reach the crack or pipe joint, they will continue to grow through the opening to reach the nutrients and moisture inside the pipe - even in winter when you might think the trees would be dormant.


Problems Caused by Roots Inside Sewers
Once inside the pipe, roots will continue to grow, and if not disturbed or impeded by standing water, they may completely fill the pipe with hair-like root masses at each point of entry. The root mass then becomes matted with grease, tissue paper, and other debris that would normally flow freely through the line. The first signs of a slow flowing drainage system are gurgling noises from toilet bowls and wet areas around floor drains. A complete blockage will almost certainly occur if nothing is done to remove the roots and partial blockage.

As roots continue to grow inside the pipe, they expand and exert considerable pressure at the crack or joint where they entered the pipe. The force exerted can break the pipe and may result in total collapse of the pipe, at which point the affected section will require replacement.

Deteriorated sewer laterals leak raw sewage into the ground, which can create a health hazard. Groundwater and rain also seep into the sewer system overloading it and the wastewater treatment facility beyond their capacity. The resulting backups and overflows lead to the discharge of untreated sewage into the Bay and the creeks.


What You Can Do to Control Roots in the Sewer Lateral
Once you suspect roots in your line (inspection with a video camera can confirm this), it is possible to clear them and, with periodic maintenance, keep them clear. Here at Boden Plumbing, we clear roots from sewer lines using what we call a "scorpion cutter" that effectively scours the line of any roots and build up. We then follow that up with the application of a foaming herbicide to retard regrowth. Continue treatment every 9 to 12 months with the herbicide and that should keep the roots from growing back.

A longer term solution is to follow up the scorpion cleaning with a reline of the sewer pipe. This can be done as a spot repair if just one section of the line is compromised or along the whole length of the pipe, but it needs to be done while the pipe still retains its form. Once a section or length of pipe has collapsed, it will need to be dug up to effect a repair.

There's no need to remove a tree solely because of roots in lines. The best defense against having tree roots in lines is to make sure that your lines are in good condition and that they're not cracked. So inspect the line if you suspect a problem, and clear those roots if you find them. If you know the condition of your sewer line you can reline before the pipe collapses!

For more info, check out these resources:

:: NuFlow technology
:: Boden Plumbing trenchless services
:: About RootX