Silica In Water
Milestone for Warkworth’s water supply
December 2018 marked a milestone for Warkworth regarding drinking water production. Previously, drinking water was sourced from the Mahurangi River, which was increasingly at risk from droughts. For the first time in the town’s history, drinking water now exclusively comes from an underground aquifer. About one-third of the drinking water produced in New Zealand comes from such groundwater sources.
The new drinking water source now treats about three million litres of water each day for Warkworth. Demand has been steadily increasing as the region has seen significant development over the years. The new drinking water plant has doubled capacity to support regional growth. According to the Drinking Water Standards of New Zealand, water extracted underground is treated through chlorination and UV disinfection. This way, it produces Grade Aa (highest quality) drinking water.
Change of drinking water composition
Like water in a sponge, groundwater collects in small and large cavities underground. It is formed when rain or meltwater seeps into the ground or water from streams, rivers, or lakes drains through fissures into the subsoil. Down there, it collects to form underground lakes (aquifers). As the groundwater flows through the various layers of the earth, it is filtered and purified. Consequently, groundwater is particularly suitable as drinking water.
Albeit, Warkworth, Snells Beach and Algies Bay residents can recognise a subtle difference in the taste of drinking water. Rainwater has picked up naturally occurring minerals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and chloride from the surrounding rock on its way to the underground aquifer. However, silica is also now present in their drinking water. And not to the delight of local residents.
What is the main issue with the contaminant Silica in water?
Book a free onsite consultation
The new water extraction and treatment plant in Warkworth is contaminated with high levels of Silica. Therefore, if you live in Warkworth, Snells Beach or Algies Bay and are on mains, make an appointment with our professional. Ultimately, we know how to fix this issue with Silica in water.
Contaminants in your water: Silica
What is the issue with Silica in water
Silica (silicon dioxide) consists of the elements silicon (Si) and oxygen (O). Thus, it is a mineral compound with the molecular formula SiO2. First, it is the second most abundant element on Earth after oxygen. Second, Silicon dioxide is considered to be the mineral most frequently found in the Earth’s crust. Hence, the vast majority of all rocks are composed of the fundamental building block SiO2 . In nature, it is most recognisable as the mineral quartz, sand and granite. This mineral compound is only slightly soluble in water.
Bores, a common water supply in New Zealand, absorb Silica over the years as groundwater slowly dissolves the rocks. Even though the solubility of Silica in water is very slow, the reactive silica level is higher in our country than in other parts of the world. The volcanic activities seem to accelerate this process.
Hazy mirrors, shower doors & glass dishes
Silica does not pose a risk to human health. It is even considered supportive, and many dietary supplements contain this mineral. The problems with silica in water are primarily aesthetic. The microscopic particles deposit on surfaces such as glass, ceramics or metal and react with them. These hard mineral deposits are known as scale. It causes clouding of mirrors, shower doors and faucets, but silica also leaves a haze on cars that cannot be removed easily. The haze means that silica has chemically etched itself into the glass and ceramic surfaces.
Silica also poses a severe problem for pipes and fittings. The scale can lead to pipe blockages, damage to the hot water cylinder and other water-using appliances.
Keeping you free from Silica in drinking water
When the levels of silica in your drinking water become annoying, give us a call. Aqua Works has many years of experience in removing silica from mains water supplies. Consequently, our team knows exactly which technologies will work for you and your home.
Aqua Works has the answer for Silica in drinking water
How to remove Silica from water
In the light of the changed water source in the Warkworth area, homeowners in the area on mains struggle with high levels of silica in their water. Aqua Works has gained a lot of experience with this problem in the past. We can now offer reliable solutions to our customers.
Removing contaminants from your drinking water can sometimes be a challenging undertaking. Although silica is not considered a health hazard, homeowners do not want it in their water supply. Therefore, they need professional advice if the shower door, faucets, glassware, or an “ugly white film” covers the car. Above all, it is not hardness (calcium and magnesium deposits).
Silica in water treatment
However, the removal of silica stains is not as simple as it seems. Since a water softener will not work on water spotting, homeowners need a treatment specifically designed for silica. Therefore, Aqua Works has been successfully helping our customers in the Rodney area deal with this problem for over 20 years. Our experts know the right answer for a spotless home.
Aqua Works can help you to keep your kitchen, bathrooms, glass dishes and cars clean and clear. Our service team designs and installs the appropriate water filtration system to provide pure, clean water for a spotless home according to your individual needs. Please don’t wait until the hazy film settles on the areas of your daily life but ensure a clear view with our professional support.
What is the best way to remove Silica from water?
Aqua Works has the answer to remove Silica in water
Removing Silica in water is a challenging endeavour. Often, not just one process is enough to win the battle against the white film. At Aqua Works, over the years, we have tested all possible silica water treatments on the market, both in-house and on-site. Therefore, today we can rightly say that there are options to successfully remove Silica in water by e.g. using an anion resin or reverse osmosis technology.
Smart ideas for homeowners
For homeowners, we have found an answer that drastically reduces the effects of silica scale in their homes. In addition, this solution also reduces calcium and other scaling minerals. Our product range is a point-of-entry or whole house solution that also removes chemicals such as chlorine and heavy metals. We have successfully applied these technologies in Warkworth, Snells Beach and Algies Bay where the worst silica issue is. Additionally, our service team uses a similar product for whole house filtration in Millwater, Milldale, Orewa and Silverdale.
If you are considering reducing or removing silica or any water spotting, call us and arrange a free onsite visit to work out the best solution for you and your home. Call us on 0800 278 288.
Commercial water treatment
For commercial applications, there are options for removing silica using reverse osmosis or anion media beds. Ultimately, these are more suitable for commercial applications where water quality is of paramount importance. However, the cost is significant and reflects the difficulty of removing the silica. Additionally, we have successfully employed rainwater dilution as another option for commercial applications. Nevertheless, this solution has some limitations; it works and is relatively simple, depending on the site.
As there is not a single “one size fits all” answer, talk to our expert team today on 0800 278 296. Together we will find out how to answer your silica in water problem.
End the battle of Silica in water
Are you tired of fighting the water spots on your glass dishes, mirrors, shower doors and cars? Call us today and get your water tested before we recommend the best suitable water treatment solution for your needs.
Water is the elixir of life and our passion
Exceptional support for our water filtration customers
20+ years of experience in Rodney means Aqua Works is your local water filtration expert. Our knowledge of the community and the region we live in, combined with our passion for clean drinking water, is the foundation for our daily work. We offer customised water solutions supporting you to meet your personal needs and individual budget. Our connected, smart product range enables you to master the water in your home. At the same time, it ensures the best purification of your water for healthy, tasty water enjoyment.
As a purpose-driven, local family business, we support you in your decision making by sharing our knowledge about your water resources. This way, we help you to be informed, so you can make great decisions empowering your families health and well being. The protection and provision of safe, potable drinking water in our lives is paramount to all of us. Aqua Work’s water filtration systems, UV filter purification, water treatment, ozone systems, and water pumps give you peace of mind to have a quality trusted, safe system.
Going the extra mile at Aqua Works is what we do to ensure your water is healthy and fit for its purpose. Hence, all our water treatment products are field tried-and-tested, including innovative products and solutions. Do you need help with UV filters, water filtration systems and water pumps or our high-quality UV filter service, water pump repairs or water pump service? Give us a call today at 0800 AQUA WORKS. As we often say, “If you don’t have a filter – You are the filter”.
And if something happens spontaneously, call our 24/7 water pump emergency service at 0212 787 427. We will take care of your problem immediately and make sure that the water in your home is running again as quickly as possible.