Let me take just a moment and teach you some terms in the mechanical industry related to water. Hopefully you can use them.

What is the difference between surface water and well water?

Surface water supplies normally are high in suspended solids and dissolved gases and low in dissolved solids. Well water normally is high in dissolved solids and low in suspended solids and dissolved gases.

What are suspended solids?

Suspended solids represent the undissolved matter in water, including dirt, silt, biological growth, vegetation, and insoluble organic matter. Normally, suspended solids are expressed in terms of turbidity or color.

What is alkalinity?

Alkalinity is a measure of the capacity of a water to neutralize strong acid. In natural waters, the capacity is attributable to bases, such as bicarbonates and hydroxides; as well as some ammonia, phosphates, organic bases, etc. These bases, especially bicarbonates, break down to form carbon dioxide in steam, which is a major factor in the corrosion of condensate lines. Alkalinity also contributes to foaming and carryover in boilers.

What is pH?

pH is the measure of the degree of acid or base of solution. It’s indicated by a scale of 0 to 14 with 0 being acidic and 14 being the most basic.

What is the difference between deionized and demineralized water?

Nothing. When minerals dissolve in water, ions are formed. Dissolved minerals or ions are removed from water by ion exchange equipment.

What effect will demineralized/deionized water have on my boiler?

Demineralized water can have a very corrosive effect on a boiler if the water is not treated with proper chemicals and if the water has not been properly deaerated.