Water treatment - overview

Water is essential for life yet at the same time is one of the best solvents known to man.

Its corrosiveness is dependant on its impurities, and more things can be dissolved in water than almost any other solution. Despite this fact Water is essential for life and is commonly heated to drink and is universally accepted as a heat transfer medium in indirect heating systems.

This feature aims to clarify the key problems that are associated with water heating devices and systems, in particular, scale, corrosion and fouling, for both direct and in direct usage. With the ever-increasing growth of water treatment solutions, the aim is to give an impartial view of the current solutions available. Manufacturers of these solutions and the United Kingdom Physical Water Conditioning Association (UKPWCA) have been invited to contribute to this feature. We are indebted to those individuals who have given the their time to provide information for all to share.

This reference source has been laid out in five key sections. To access a section simply click on the title that you wish to visit.

Using a water softener in your home

Many of us, however, must live with very hard water. Often, people with hard water don't even realise what they're missing until they visit someone with soft water. But it isn't necessary to live with the problems caused by hard water.

The problems caused by water in heating devices

A factual, unbiased source of reference that clearly identifies the cause and effect of problems caused by using water in heating devices.

Generic solutions to problems caused by water in heating devices

Industry experts in these fields have written factual accounts of the solutions available and how and why these methods work. Where possible links have been included direct to manufacturers product information.

Product solutions to problems caused by water in heating devices

A listing of commercially available products designed to help and prevent the problems associated with water based systems.

Legislation for physical water conditioners

An outline of British Standards for Physical Water Conditioners.

United Kingdom Physical Water Conditioning Association

The role of the UKPWCA (United Kingdom Physical Water Conditioning Association) is outlined here.

Hydroflow water treatment products

Hydroflow specialise in manufacturing water treatment products that are not dependant on the use of chemicals or water flow.