Monitoring Water for Calcium With KETOS SHIELD

KETOS SHIELD gets the job done with efficient real-time water quality monitoring. Our technology is not only EPA compliant and highly accurate for water testing parameters (measuring in ppb). It’s also helping organizations lower up-front costs via a $0-CAPEX subscription model.

As an award-winning water quality management solution, KETOS SHIELD provides real-time monitoring for calcium and 30+ other water testing parameters (such as inorganic materials, heavy metals, and other environmental factors). Monitoring happens via an interoperable, modular system that uploads your data to the cloud for safe, secure, 24/7 access. Water operators get real-time access to current and historical data to understand water quality and composition better.

Why Monitor Water for Calcium with KETOS

Calcium and magnesium enter the water mainly by leaching rocks, which often happens when water in streams runs over rocks containing the mineral.

Calcium can begin to deposit or build up in existing infrastructure, including pipes, water heaters, and boilers. When water is used in cleaning operations, an overabundance of calcium affects the efficacy of soap (preventing it from lathering). While too much calcium can be bad for business, conversely, not enough calcium causes water to become oligotrophic or nutrient efficient, meaning it will only support minimal plant and animal life.

How hard water is depends on the milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter (or ppm). Water with 60 ppm or less is soft. Water with 60-120 ppm is moderately hard, and water at greater than 120 ppm is hard.

Depending on how your operations are using water, it’s vital to monitor its levels. This can ensure disinfection is effective and equipment and infrastructure are protected.

What are the Issues with Calcium in Water?

Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in water sources worldwide, often celebrated for its role in supporting bone health and overall bodily functions. However, despite its beneficial properties, excessive levels of calcium in water can give rise to a range of issues that impact both human health and household infrastructure. Here are some key concerns associated with elevated calcium levels in water:

• Scale Build-Up: One of the primary issues stemming from high calcium content in water is the formation of scale deposits. When water with elevated calcium concentrations is heated, such as in boilers, kettles, and water heaters, calcium carbonate precipitates and forms scale. Over time, this scale can accumulate within pipes, appliances, and fixtures, leading to decreased water flow, reduced appliance efficiency, and increased maintenance costs.
• Soap Scum: Calcium ions react with the fatty acids in soap to form insoluble calcium salts, commonly known as soap scum. This residue can adhere to surfaces in sinks, bathtubs, and showers, creating unsightly stains and making cleaning more challenging. Soap scum can also contribute to clogged drains and plumbing issues, further exacerbating the maintenance challenges associated with high calcium levels in water.
• Skin and Hair Irritation: Water with elevated calcium concentrations may leave a residue on the skin and hair after bathing or showering. This residue can lead to dryness, itchiness, and irritation, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions. Additionally, the mineral deposits left on the hair may affect its texture and appearance, causing dullness and brittleness over time.
• Impact on Water Quality: Excessive calcium levels can affect the taste and odor of water, leading to an unpleasant drinking experience for consumers. While calcium itself is not typically harmful to human health at normal levels, its presence can alter the overall aesthetic quality of drinking water, reducing consumer satisfaction and potentially influencing water consumption habits.
• Appliance Damage: The accumulation of calcium scale within water-using appliances, such as coffee makers, dishwashers, and washing machines, can impair their performance and longevity. Scale build-up may interfere with the proper functioning of internal components, leading to decreased efficiency, increased energy consumption, and premature appliance failure. This can result in costly repairs or the need for replacement, posing financial burdens for homeowners and businesses alike.

Causes of Calcium in Water

Calcium in water mainly originates from natural sources and human activities. Naturally, calcium is abundant in many types of rocks, especially limestone and gypsum. As water flows over and through these geological formations, it dissolves calcium, leading to higher calcium levels in groundwater and surface water. This process is common in regions with significant limestone deposits, contributing to what is known as “hard water.” Human activities can also increase calcium levels in water. For example, agricultural practices using calcium-based fertilizers and lime to improve soil quality can lead to calcium runoff into nearby rivers and lakes. Industrial processes and water treatment facilities that use calcium compounds can further contribute to the calcium content in water. Understanding these sources helps in managing water hardness and related issues in water systems.

Acceptable Levels of Calcium in Water by Industry

Calcium levels in water vary by industry due to differing requirements and impacts on processes and equipment. The acceptable levels of calcium in water are crucial for maintaining efficiency, safety, and product quality. In the beverage industry, for example, calcium content must be controlled to ensure taste and prevent scaling in equipment. The pharmaceutical industry requires highly purified water with minimal calcium to avoid contamination in drug formulations. Agriculture benefits from calcium-enriched water for plant growth but must avoid excessive levels that can hinder absorption of other nutrients. In the textile industry, controlled calcium levels prevent fabric damage during processing. Each industry adheres to specific standards to optimize their operations and meet regulatory requirements.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Calcium

Instead of measuring calcium with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. Don’t stop monitoring water at calcium. With KETOS, we make it easy for organizations to choose which water testing parameters they want to track, all from one place.

Expand your water monitoring beyond calcium with KETOS. Our platform simplifies parameter selection, allowing organizations to effortlessly choose which aspects of water quality to track. With KETOS, access comprehensive data on various parameters, all managed conveniently from a single platform, ensuring thorough monitoring for optimal water quality management.

Whether you’re analyzing surface water for copper contamination, measuring wastewater conductivity, or ensuring safe drinking water by detecting chromium, KETOS’ automated water monitoring system is your reliable partner. Save time and streamline compliance with our cutting-edge technology.