You might already know that Cincinnati consistently ranks high on lists of cities with the cleanest, most healthy tap water in the U.S. But do you know where Cincinnati’s water comes from and how it’s sourced? If not, keep reading. We’ve got the scoop on Cincinnati’s water supply, how it’s filtered, and how it flows from the Ohio River to your home’s faucets. 

Two water plants, one big job 

First, it’s important to know that the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) gets the city’s water from two sources. The Miller Treatment Plant, located in the California area of Cincinnati, is responsible for supplying customers with 88% of drinking water from the Ohio River. 

Additionally, the Bolton Treatment Plant has an aquifer that’s between 150 and 200 feet deep and two miles wide. Known as the Great Miami Aquifer, it contains 12 wells that treat ground water. 

How does Cincinnati keep its waters safe? 

A lot goes into making sure that the city’s water is safe for use. It starts by closely monitoring and testing the water from the Ohio River. In fact, the team at GCWW tests water even before it reaches the plants. 

The GCWW also employs an early warning organic detection system that features 13 monitoring stations along the Ohio River. The system alerts treatment plants downstream about spills so they can take measures to protect the waters once the spill reaches the area. Interesting fact: This system is the first of its type in the U.S.

Isn’t the Ohio River dirty?

On one hand, yes. In fact, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) has designated the Ohio River as one of many in the country that is highly susceptible to contamination. Since it is a large body of water that is open to the environment it’s easy for pollution to gather and spread downriver. 

On the other hand, thanks to significant measures taken by the OEPA and GCWW, by the time the water gets to homes, it isn’t just safe – it’s some of the healthiest and cleanest water in the country. 

Another thing to keep in mind: the GCWW is one of only a few treatment plants in the nation that has included granular activated carbon (GAC), recognized as the best available technology for removing the common chemicals found in the Ohio River.

So, the next time you pour a glass of Cincinnati tap water, you can relax knowing that a lot went into making it incredibly safe and clean. Still concerned about your home’s water? Give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call. Our team can check your faucets and pipes and address any issues quickly and thoroughly. 

 

February is an excellent month for home improvement. Unless you’re a fan of cold, rainy weather, there’s a good chance you’re inside, waiting for spring. In the meantime, take a look at our list below of easy ways to update – and elevate – your home’s plumbing. 

We’ve included simple DIY projects, ways to make your home greener and healthier, as well as a couple of things that the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter can take care of – like installing a new water softener or performing a routine plumbing inspection.    

Schedule routine maintenance

If you could only do one thing on the list, let it be this one. Having your home’s plumbing checked by a professional is critical for many reasons. First, it will help identify small problems that could become bigger ones down the road, so you won’t have to pay for an expensive repair later. And regular maintenance will give you peace of mind, knowing that your plumbing is in top shape.

Invest in a Novo water softener

Did you know that Novo water softeners are the highest efficiency water softeners available today? In fact, they use up to 75% less salt and 64% less water compared to conventional calendar clock models. Choose a Novo water softener and say good-bye to hard water problems including clogged pipes and hard water spots on your glasses and dishes. 

Learn how to use a plunger

You may be surprised by how many people don’t know how to use a plunger correctly. If you do, it will save you a few headaches and maybe even a call to the plumber.

Your guide to household plungers and their different uses 

Brush up on drain dos and don’ts

If you’ve forgotten what you can and (perhaps more importantly) can’t put down the drain, it’s time for a refresh. We recommend printing out our article below and keeping it on your fridge. And remember, disposable wipes are not made to be flushed down the toilet, no matter what the packaging says. 

Ten items to never put down the kitchen drain 

Update your bathroom (in a weekend)

Is your bathroom in need of some sprucing up? If so, all you need is one weekend to make it look fantastic – and more efficient, too. Choose paints specifically developed for bathrooms to keep mold and mildew at bay. Replace old faucets or the shower head, or simply invest in new towels, rugs and a shower curtain. 

Seven easy bathroom updates that you can do In a weekend  

Do mold control

Mold in the home can be a serious problem if it isn’t addressed quickly. Not only can it lead to respiratory issues, but it can exacerbate allergies as well. One of the places mold tends to grow in the home is in the bathroom because it thrives in damp areas. Make sure the bathroom is well ventilated, repair cracked tiles and walls and keep towels and bathmats dry.

Resolve to save water

Using less water isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also a great way to save a little money. This year, why not water your lawn just twice a week? Only use your washing machine when you have a full load, take shorter showers, and check your home for any water leaks.  

Go green in 2022

Even small changes can impact the planet in a big way. Invest in environmentally friendly faucets and toilets, buy eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and choose a water saving showerhead.  

Want to get your home’s plumbing ready for the year ahead?  Call or contact  the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter. We’ll make sure your home’s plumbing is ready for the new year. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. We’re here to help Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs. You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

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When a plumber takes you to the cleaners: Five ways plumbers try to upsell you 

When news broke in 2016 that the amount of lead found the city of Flint, Michigan’s water had risen to toxic levels, it was cause for concern across the county. The situation in Flint was so bad that in one home, water was 867 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 15 ppb limit. 

As Flint scrambled to find ways to solve the problem while securing ways to get safe water, cities in the U.S. looked into their own lead levels. The dire situation in Flint also shed light on how important clean drinking water is, and how serious the consequences can be if they aren’t.

How safe is Cincinnati’s drinking water? 

The short answer is: very safe.

Flint’s problem, specifically, was lead contamination in the drinking water. The culprit was corrosion in aging lead pipes that was not filtered properly by the city before the water went through city pipes and into homes.  

The good news here in Cincinnati is that Greater Cincinnati Waterworks (GCWW) has had an established corrosion control process long before the issue in Flint arose. In fact, GCWW has always met or exceeded EPA health standards for drinking water. 

Additionally, GCWW’s state-of-the-art water treatment process also includes “sand filtration, Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) and ultraviolet (UV) light to remove and treat for natural and man-made contaminants from our drinking water,” according to its website. 

In fact, the California, Ohio treatment plant was one of the first in the country to use all four treatment methods. 

The GCWW’s extensive water treatment means it’s highly unlikely for something like what happened in Flint to happen here. However, it does not mean that we’re entirely in the clear. That’s because no level of lead in water is healthy. 

In an historic city like Cincinnati, extra attention to lead levels in water need to be given in old homes and especially in schools, because children run the highest risk of anyone of lead poisoning. Fifty percent of lead they ingest gets absorbed by their bones (in adults about ten percent gets absorbed). 

Lead poisoning: Know the signs 

If you’re worried you or your loved one has been exposed to toxic levels of lead, here are the symptoms to watch for, according to mayoclinic.com: 

Testing your home’s water 

Currently there are no lead issues in the city, but if you’re worried about the quality of your drinking water, we recommend getting it tested. GCWW offers a free water testing kit to detect lead in your water. You can also purchase water testing kits on Amazon.com, and at your local hardware store. 

Most kits range in price from $10-$20. That’s a small price to pay for your family’s health, and for your peace of mind.

We also recommend investing in a water filter system for your home. Whole house water systems are ideal, but if they aren’t in your budget, consider adding filters to your faucets, especially in your kitchen. These can not only help filter lead from the water, but other chemicals and pollutants, too.  

Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.