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Water Problems - Aluminum

Aluminium or Aluminum is widely used in water treatment as a coagullation aid.This is the coagulation part of the coagulation/flocculation process; flocculation follows coagulation. During the flocculation process the particles join together to form flocs; the larger the flocs, the faster they will settle within a clarifier.

Other chemical coagulants used are Ferric Chloride and Ferrous Sulfate. Alum works best in the pH range of natural waters, 5.0 - 7.5. Ferric Chloride works best at lower pH values, down to pH 4.5. Ferrous Sulfate works well in through a range of pH values, 4.5 to 9.5.

In South Africa there is no limitation to the amount of Aluminum that can be dosed to the water merely the guidelines. I have always found it interesting why the human population in Africa appears to be so resistant to toxic pollutants and therefore doesnt share the protection of the limitations that the EPA offers with their Max Contamination Levle system.

The excerpt below is taken from the SAWQG - 1996 - 2nd edition which is used as the "bible" of South Africa Drinking Water Safety . Have a look at the note after the dosing table .
Aluminium is also used in water treatment processes,
which may result in increased concentrations of aluminium in the final water.
Prolonged exposure to aluminium has been implicated in chronic neurological disorders such as dialysis dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is, however, not clear whether the presence of aluminium causes such conditions or is an indicator of other factors. Therefore, the link between aluminium in water and adverse effects on human health remains to be
conclusively identified.

   
Aluminium Range Effects
Target Water Quality Range 0 to 0.15 No acute or chronic health effects occur. Intake from water is < 5 % of the total dietary intake of aluminium. 0 - 0.15 Generally, no adverse aesthetic effects occur. Very slight discolouration of water may become apparent when iron or manganese is present in association with aluminiumat the upper limit of the range
0.15 - 0.5 Intake from water may exceed 5 % of the total dietary intake, but no effects on health are expected. Noticeable
adverse aesthetic effects (colour) occur when aluminium is present in association with iron or manganese
> 0.5 Intake from water exceeds 5 % of the total daily intake, but no acute health effects are expected except at very high
concentrations. There may be long-term neurotoxic effects. This relationship has not been conclusively demonstrated. Severe aesthetic effects (discolouration)
occur in the presence of iron or manganese

However after these statements there is a byline which says " Where water is used for renal dialysis or for the preparation of intravenous fluids, the TWQR for aluminium should be 50 times less than what is indicated above, that is, a TWQR of 0 - 0.003 mg/R should be applied.

Now if no relationship exists between aluminum dosages and serious disease, why bother with this caution unless a link has been proven to exist ?

It is imperative that you filter your water to a quality that you can rely on and in a way that when municipal systems fail you will still be safe. Reverse Osmosis is best and most effective for this.

If you have a drinking water problem we can probably help you with your requirements . If you are interested in Bottling Water then please have a look here

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