Be Informed about Home Water Treatment Devices
If you choose to purchase a home treatment device, independently research the product to make sure it does what you intend it to do.
Be assured, the Columbus Division of Water is responsible for the quality of your drinking water and we take this job very seriously. The water treatment plants and laboratories are staffed by certified, highly trained, professional chemists, biologists and plant operators who perform hundreds of tests each day to assure the quality of Columbus drinking water. As a result of our rigorous treatment process and our compliance with federal and state regulations, we are confident the water you are receiving is of the highest quality.
There are a variety of home water treatment devices on the market and each varies in its ability to change the content of the water.
- Ion Exchange water softeners exchange sodium ions for naturally occurring magnesium and calcium ions in your water. If you are on a low sodium diet, consult your physician before purchasing this type of water softener. We soften the water at the plants to an OEPA recommended moderate hardness of 7gpg (grains per gallon). Water that is too soft can be corrosive to the distribution system and to your home plumbing and fixtures.
- Activated carbon filters can be used to remove some taste and odors, but if not maintained properly, they can become breeding grounds for microorganisms.
If you believe you have been solicited by a company that is using misinformation or scare tactics to sell a home treatment device, contact the State Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-282-0515 or
www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov to report your concern.
CALL US: if you have questions about Columbus’ water quality. The Division of Water’s Water Quality Assurance staff will be happy to answer your questions at 614-645-7691 or email: [email protected]. Or to check on the quality of Columbus' water, view the "
Water for Living Consumer Confidence Report." It shows the types and amounts of key elements in your drinking water, their likely sources and the maximum contaminant level (MCL) that is considered safe. The water delivered to your home meets ALL of the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
CALL THE EPA: for additional information on drinking water regulations — EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline is 1-800-426-4791.