TECHNOLOGY OF TREATING IRRIGATION WELL WATER WITHOUT REVERSE OSMOSIS
Well water often contains high levels of minerals dissolved in it expressed as high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and referred to as brackish or salty water. Once the TDS level of 1000 mg of minerals per liter (PPM) is measured in the water, crops require an additional quantity of water to continue to thrive. This doesn’t mean or imply that the minerals are toxic to the plants. Rather, the high TDS water fails to adequately flow within the circulatory system (xylems) of plants. The extra required watering levels are scary because of the possibility of running a well dry.
One popular way to overcome the issue of high TDS is to incorporate reverse osmosis to reduce the level of minerals in the water. There are pitfalls to this approach. First, as much as 50% of water is wasted in the process thus increasing the scarcity scare. Second, the capital and operating costs are extremely high. Finally, the disposal of wasted water becomes an issue.
We are convinced through testing years ago that reverse osmosis is effective not because dissolved solids are reduced but because the resulting surface tension reduction of water enhances the capillary action within plants allowing water to flow freely to the plant’s extremity. If a method to reduce surface tension without the pitfalls of reverse osmosis were available, significant cost and water savings would occur. Some refer to this as making water wetter.
If we look closely at the chemistry of water at the molecular level, there are two items that enter into its flowing/surface tension characteristics. One is directly related to the level of the dissolved solids in the water and is called the hydrated radius of ions (HRI). All dissolved solids in water exist as small, invisible charged particles called ions. These charges attract and loosely hold a small cluster of water molecules to each ion. These cluster formations last from nanoseconds to years and raise surface tension. The second is hydrogen bonding (HB) of multiple water molecules creating clusters. This bonding is due to the non-symmetric placement of the two hydrogen atoms around the single oxygen atom in water which leaves electrons to bond to the oxygen atom of adjacent water molecules. These bonds are transient and disappear/reappear in nanoseconds without rest. The bonding of molecules with clusters also increases the surface tension.
The entire issue of elevated surface tension and its negative effect on the successful watering of plants is the result of relatively small forces naturally occurring at the molecular level of water. It would appear that disruption or elimination of these forces would be extremely helpful in making less water go further in hydrating plants. How can this be done? By applying various frequencies of electrical energy into the water! In previous blogs, we have described how an electrical conductor (such as water containing dissolved solids) is passed through a magnetic field (such as Neodymium permanent magnets), and an alternating current is produced in the conductor (water) in accordance with Faradays Law upon which all electrical generators are based.
Dime Water, Inc. offers two product lines that produce this energy and have demonstrated their water-saving capabilities over many years. One is the MGM family designed exclusively for surface tension reduction and the other is the ESF family which not only reduces water surface tension but also prevents hardness scale in irrigation pipes and hardware. Neither requires electricity, chemicals, or field service. Both are constructed to last for many years in harsh environments and not waste a drop of water.
For those looking to improve the quality of their well water, exploring well water treatment systems is a wise step. These systems are designed to address various issues, including high levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and other minerals that can affect plant health. By incorporating well water treatment systems, such as ESF, MGM or other innovative technologies offered by Dime Water, Inc., crop growers can effectively reduce the mineral content in their water, leading to improved plant hydration and growth. Investing in well water treatment systems not only benefits plant life but also helps in conserving water resources, making it a sustainable choice for agricultural practices.
