Thursday, June 29, 2017

The Effects Of Water Type And Your Garden

Summer is in full swing. And just like us, your plants need plenty of water to stay healthy throughout the summer months. Water at the Lake of the Ozarks can be extremely hard. If you use a water softener to treat the water in your home, you may be wondering what kind of water is best for your plants. Here is how hard and soft water can affect your plants so you can make the right decision for everything in your garden.


Hard Water & Your Garden

Hard water contains calcium and magnesium carbonate salts It causes stains, spots and build-up on sinks and fixtures in your home. In the right amount, hard water minerals can actually benefit your plants. However, at very high levels, calcium and magnesium can hurt a more diverse garden, so be sure to check for any signs of stunted growth.

If you're growing plants that love acid like Azaleas, Caladiums and Begonias, you'll need to check the pH of your water. High alkalinity is common in hard water, which could cause problems for plant growth.

While it's ok to use hard water on your plants, if you have a diverse garden or have delicate plants, they have issues, especially if hard water is their only source of water. Keep an eye out for damage caused by pH water or high levels of minerals.


Soft Water & Your Garden

If your plants get plenty of rainwater, then occasional soft water won't hurt. However, watering plants exclusively with soft water isn't recommended. Most water softeners use sodium chloride, which can cause a gradual build-up of sodium in garden soil, which can cause plant growth problems.

Soft water is fine to use in your garden, but it doesn't provide any benefits to your garden. Soft water should only be used occasionally on an outdoor garden that receives natural rain as well.


How Reverse Osmosis Water Can Help

A reverse osmosis filter can greatly reduce contaminants in the water, which makes it a very popular choice for gardeners with plant diversity. The biggest benefit is creating clean, consistent water. You can easily control the nutrients and fertilizers you add. Gardeners with bacteria, iron and chlorine problems will appreciate the benefits of reverse osmosis water. It's basically like having rain water from your faucet. Plus, the pH of RO water can easily be changed, so plants with specific acid or alkaline requirements will benefit from the versatility of reverse osmosis.

Reverse Osmosis is the best water for a serious gardener, as it allows precise control of the nutrient flow to the plants. If you would like to learn more about Culligan® reverse osmosis system, give our Lake of the Ozarks water experts a call at 573-719-1314. We would love to help you have the garden of your dreams!

277 Lower Business Park Road • Linn Creek, MO 65052 • (573) 719-1314

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Friday, June 23, 2017

The Truth About Iron In Well Water

There is nothing better than a tall, cold glass of water on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, if you have well water, that cold water may have a funky taste. Well water in many areas, including the Lake of the Ozarks have many different contaminants in them that could lead your water looking, tasting and smelling bad. One of the most common contaminants in well water is iron, and it can leave your water tasting like you have a bloody lip, and nobody wants that when they want to enjoy a glass of refreshing water.


How Iron Enters Water

There are two ways that iron enters well water:

Seepage
Rainwater or melted snow can travel from the ground's surface and through the soil to become part of the water supply. If the soil contains iron, it can dissolve into the wandering water and travel with it.

Corrosion
Exposure to a combination of water and oxygen causes iron to deteriorate. Unfortunately, if the casings and pipes of a well water supply are made of iron, it can corrode. Rust can flake off the well's components and into the water traveling from the well to your tap.


Is Iron Harmful?

Our bodies need iron to function properly, but iron, like many substances, is toxic at high dosage. However, we don't drink enough water to consume iron at toxic levels. The Environmental Protection Agency considers iron in well water as a secondary contaminant, which means it doesn't have a direct impact on health.

Damage Iron Can Cause

While iron may not affect your health, it can cause costly damages and other issues.

Stains
Iron in well water can take it tolls on laundry, dishes, sinks and tubs. It can stain these items red, yellow or brown and they are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove.

Clogs
When iron travels with water, it can often time settle in certain spots. When iron settles, it can accumulate and end up clogging your dishwashers, washing machines, sprinklers, wells, water pumps and other similar appliances and accessories.

Food
Iron in well water can affect your food and beverages. Iron causes water to taste metallically, which can carry into coffee, tea and other beverages made with iron contaminated water. In addition to the bad taste, iron can add an unpleasant, inky blackness to beverages. Food, especially vegetables, cooked in water containing iron can turn dark and absorb the taste of the water.

Let Culligan Help

If your water contains iron, our Lake of the Ozarks water treatment company can help! We offer a wide range of products to help with your water issues. From water softeners to whole house water filters, no matter your problem, Culligan® Lake of the Ozarks can help! To speak with one of our water experts at the Lake of the Ozarks, call us at 573-719-1314.

277 Lower Business Park Road • Linn Creek, MO 65052 • (573) 719-1314

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Friday, June 16, 2017

Is My Water Safe?

There are many different minerals and contaminants that can get into your water. However, sometimes it can be hard to tell what is in our water or if our water has any contaminants in it. Your Lake of the Ozarks water treatment company is taking a closer look at a few common water contaminants and how to tell if they're in your water.


How to tell if your water has...

Lead
Lead can enter your home when lead plumbing materials, which can include faucets, pipes, fittings and the solder that holds them together become corroded and begin to release lead into the water. According to the EPA, corrosion is most likely to happen when water has a high acid or low mineral content and sits inside pipes for several hours. As of January 2014, all newly installed water faucets, fixtures, pipes and fittings must meet new lead-free requirements, which reduces the amount of lead allowed to 0.25 percent. However, this doesn't apply to existing fixtures found in many older homes. Metals like copper, iron and lead found in tap water have their own unique smells and tastes. However, the best way to tell if your water contains lead is to schedule an in-home water test from a professional water treatment company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Iron
Iron can seep into your water the same way that lead can. While iron won't harm you, it can cause damage to your property and food. Iron can stain your laundry, dishes and water receptacles like sinks and tubs red, yellow or brown, and they are difficult, if not impossible, to remove. It can also clog dishwashers, washing machines, sprinklers, wells, water pumps and other similar appliances and accessories. Iron in the water can also affect the food that cooked in it as well, turning it into unappetizingly dark and absorbs the taste of the water. It causes water to taste metallically and it can be carried into coffee, tea and other beverages made with water.


Chlorine
Chlorine is one of the most commonly used water disinfectants used by water companies. However, it can leave an unpleasant taste in your water when it reaches your home. In addition, you may also be able to smell the chlorine in your water.

Sulfur
Hydrogen sulfide gas produces a strong and unpleasant "rotten egg" or "sulfur" odor and taste in water. In some cases, the odor may be present only when the water is first turned on or when hot water is run. Heat forces the gas into the air, which may cause the odor to be especially offensive in the shower. Sulfur, sulfates and hydrogen sulfates are not generally considered harmful because the taste and odor are so unpleasant at such low levels that the taste and smell would prohibit most people from drinking it well before it reached harmful levels. It can also cause yellow or black stains on kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and it can tarnish silver and can discolor copper and brass utensils.


Hey, Culligan Man!®

The best way to know if there are any contaminants in your water is to schedule an in-home water treatment test. When you schedule on with your local Lake of the Ozarks Culligan Man®, we can let you know what kinds of contaminants are in your water and the best way to treat them. To schedule your water test, call us today at 573-719-1314.

277 Lower Business Park Road • Linn Creek, MO 65052 • (573) 719-1314

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Friday, June 9, 2017

The Importance of Staying Hydrated In The Summer

We know it's important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. However, it's even more important to do so during the summer months. With the extreme heat and outdoor fun, it's important to stay hydrated as to not suffer the consequences of dehydration. Your Lake of the Ozarks water service company is looking more in-depth on the importance of staying hydrated during the summer.


Staying Hydrated This Summer

While most people have heard they should they should drink 6 - 8, 8-ounces glasses of water a day, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. Water is the best for staying hydrated. While other drinks and foods can help you stay hydrated, they can add extra calories from sugar to your diet.

Signs of Dehydration

It's important to be able to recognize the signs of dehydration. They include:

- Little to no urine
- Urine that is darker than usual
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Extreme thirst
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- No tears when crying

Don't wait until you notice the symptoms of dehydration to take action. It's important to be proactive and drink plenty of water. Some people are at a higher risk of dehydration, including those who exercise at high intensity for too long, have certain medical conditions, are sick or are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, older adults are also at a higher risk, as the brain may not be able to sense dehydration and don't send signals for thirst.


Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke

 When dehydration is not taken care of, it could turn into heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Heat exhaustion is the precursor to heatstroke. It's the direct result of the body overheating.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

- Heavy sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headaches

When heat exhaustion is not addressed, a heatstroke can occur.  Heatstroke is the most severe heat-related illness and without treatment can lead to death. Heatstroke results when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. At this temperature, your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles can also become damaged, which can lead to serious complications or death.

Signs of Heatstroke

- High body temperature
- Altered mental state or behavior
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flushed skin
- Rapid breathing
- Racing heart beat

If you believe that someone is experiencing a heatstroke, it's recommended to take them to seek emergency care.


Avoid Dehydration This Summer

- Keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day.

- Try adding fruit slices to your water to encourage you to drink more.

- Drink water before, during and after working out, especially when working out outdoors.

- When you're feeling hungry, try drinking water. The feeling of hunger is often confused for thirst.

- If you have trouble remembering to drink enough water, try drinking on a schedule. For example, try drinking water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch and drink and before you go to bed. Or a small glass before the beginning of each hour.

Water makes up more than half your body weight, and we lose water each day through sweat, going to the bathroom and even breathing. You lose water even faster when the weather is hot. If you don't replace the water you lose, you can become dehydrated. Make it easy to stay hydrated this summer by keeping clean and refreshing water nearby. Culligan Lake of the Ozarks can help you do that with our water filtration systems and bottled water delivery services. To learn more about our Lake of the Ozarks water services, call us today at 573-719-1314.

277 Lower Business Park Road • Linn Creek, MO 65052 • (573) 719-1314

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Friday, June 2, 2017

Find Out What's In Your Water

We've discussed what could be found in water. From calcium to lead, there are a lot of things that could be lurking in your water. However, have you ever wondered what is in your water at home? Culligan Lake of the Ozarks offers a FREE in-home water test so you no longer have to wonder. While some water contaminants are easy to spot, others don't have obvious symptoms. Having a professional Lake of the Ozarks water service professional test your water can let you know exactly what is in your water and how you can treat it.


FREE In-Home Water Test

Culligan Lake of the Ozarks offers a FREE in-home water test so you can find out exactly what is in your tap water! (No purchase required, no obligation, it is absolutely FREE). Testing of your water by a licensed Culligan water expert is the perfect solution to determine if you have any water problems. Rest assured, if any problems are found, we will properly solve your water problem with Culligan backed equipment and services that may be necessary to have high-quality water.

How Your Free In-Home Water Test Work

1. Your Culligan Man® will come to your home and provide a complete analysis of your water, fixtures, plumbing and water-using appliances. They will answer any questions you have about your water and provide a detailed report and equipment estimate. The whole process takes about 30 minutes and will be scheduled at a time that's convenient for you. Remember that this is a free public service — there is no cost or obligation associated with a Culligan Free Water Analysis.

2. If you decide a Culligan water treatment option is best for you, a trained and certified Culligan service professional will install your new unit to your satisfaction.


Schedule Yours Today!

If you're curious to find out what's in your water, schedule a free in-home water test with your Culligan Man®. It's never been easier to know exactly what's in your water and to get better quality water. You can schedule your test by either calling 573-719-1314 or visiting us online at www.CulliganPro.com

Culligan® is here for all your Lake of the Ozarks water treatment needs. From water filtration systems to bottled water, we can help you have better, more refreshing water. To learn more about our Lake of the Ozarks water services, give us a call today at 573-719-1314. 

277 Lower Business Park Road • Linn Creek, MO 65052 • (573) 346-5221

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