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Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Does Water Pressure Affect Your RO Purifier's Performance?

Does Water Pressure Affect Your RO Purifier's Performance?

RO membranes require a minimum inlet pressure of 40 psi (2.8 bar) to operate effectively. Below this threshold, membrane rejection rates fall and output slows significantly. Most Nairobi households on upper floors experience inlet pressures below this minimum. Why Pressure Matters in Reverse Osmosis Reverse osmosis is a pressure-driven process. The applied pressure must overcome the osmotic pressure of the feed water, a force that opposes water movement across the membrane. For typical Kenyan tap water with a TDS of 200–400 mg/L, the osmotic pressure is approximately 10–20 psi. The system must exceed this threshold, plus overcome membrane resistance, to produce permeate (purified water). The relationship between pressure and performance is not linear: below 40 psi, rejection rates fall disproportionately, meaning contaminants pass through the membrane at an increasing rate. A system running at 25 psi may be producing water with only 80–85% rejection of TDS, well below its rated performance. Typical Pressure Conditions in Nairobi Municipal supply pressure in Nairobi ranges widely by zone, supply period and floor level: Scenario Typical Inlet Pressure Impact on RO Ground-floor, full supply period 50–80 psi Optimal performance Second floor, full supply period 35–55 psi Marginal to adequate Third floor and above 15–40 psi Below minimum; booster pump required Low-demand periods (e.g. 3–5 am) 60–90 psi High; consider pressure regulator Peak demand (7–9 am) 20–40 psi Often below minimum; pump needed Solutions for Low-Pressure Households Booster pump: A small electric pump fitted to the RO inlet raises pressure to 60–80 psi regardless of incoming supply. This is the most common and reliable solution for upper-floor apartments. Gravity-feed design: Some systems are designed for gravity-feed from an elevated storage tank, operating at lower pressure with a larger membrane area to compensate. Elevated storage tank: Storing water at 3–4 metres above the RO system generates approximately 4–6 psi per metre of head, sufficient for ground-floor installations if storage is high enough. When Pressure Is Too High Excess pressure (above 80 psi / 5.5 bar) stresses membrane fibres and can cause premature failure. Buildings where pressure exceeds 80 psi, typically rare but possible during off-peak hours in low-lying zones, benefit from a pressure regulator fitted at the household inlet. Q: How do I know what pressure I have? A: A simple pressure gauge fitting available at any hardware store threads onto any standard tap connection and gives you a reading in psi or bar within seconds. Optimised for Kenya's pressure conditions iClear systems are configured for Nairobi's variable supply pressure. Find out more. Keywords: water pressure RO purifier Kenya, low pressure reverse osmosis Nairobi, booster pump RO system, RO performance pressure

Why Is My RO Purifier Producing Less Water Than It Used To?

Why Is My RO Purifier Producing Less Water Than It Used To?

A 30 to 50% drop in output flow is usually caused by a clogged pre-filter, low inlet pressure or a faulty check valve, all of which are straightforward to diagnose and fix. How RO Output Works Reverse osmosis systems are pressure-driven. The pump or incoming water pressure forces water across the RO membrane, filling a pressurised storage tank. The system produces a slow, steady trickle into the tank, typically 50–150 litres per day for a household system, which accumulates for on-demand use. When output slows, the tank takes longer to refill and you may run out of purified water during high-use periods. The Seven Most Common Causes of Low Output Cause Symptoms Fix Clogged PP sediment pre-filter Slow flow everywhere; discoloured first stage Replace pre-filter (every 3–6 months) Low inlet water pressure Slow output even when tank is empty Ensure inlet pressure ≥ 40 psi / 2.8 bar Fouled or expired RO membrane High TDS at tap; slow output Test membrane rejection rate; replace if <95% Faulty or stuck check valve Tank drains back when system is off Replace check valve Waterlogged or failed storage tank Rapid fill cycle; water at tap is flat or tasteless Check tank pre-charge pressure (5–6 psi / 0.35 bar); replace bladder if failed Kinked or pinched tubing No output on one line Inspect all tubing runs; remove kinks Cold water temperature Normal in harmless season variation Allow for 10–15% lower output in cold months; no action needed When to Call a Technician If steps 1–5 don't identify the problem, or if output has dropped to near zero, the issue may be a failed pump (in booster-pump systems), a cracked membrane housing or a faulty automatic shut-off valve. A qualified technician can diagnose these with a pressure gauge at each stage of the system. Q: My RO system is only 6 months old, can the membrane already be failing? A: A new membrane can fail prematurely if the pre-filters were not replaced on schedule, allowing sediment or chlorine to reach and damage the membrane. Always replace pre-filters first. Q: Will fitting a booster pump fix my low-pressure problem? A: A booster pump helps if low inlet pressure is the root cause. It won't fix a clogged filter or expired membrane, so diagnose the cause before investing in hardware. Keep your system performing at its best iClear's service team can diagnose and restore your system's output to factory specification. Find out more. Keywords: RO purifier low output Kenya, reverse osmosis slow flow, RO membrane troubleshooting, water purifier pressure

What Happens If You Don't Replace Your Water Filter?

What Happens If You Don't Replace Your Water Filter?

A clogged filter reduces flow rate and pressure, but a saturated carbon filter can release previously captured contaminants back into your water, a phenomenon known as - dumping. Replace on schedule, not just when pressure drops. The Three Failure Modes of an Ageing Filter Water filters don't simply stop working when they reach the end of their service life. Depending on the filter type, expiry manifests in three distinct and increasingly serious ways: 1. Reduced Flow and Pressure As a sediment pre-filter loads with particles, flow restriction increases. You may notice slower fill times, reduced pressure at the tap, or the RO storage tank taking longer to refill. This is the most visible sign of a spent filter and the one most homeowners act on. 2. Breakthrough, Contaminants Passing Through Unfiltered RO membranes have a finite capacity to reject dissolved solids. A membrane that has exceeded its service life shows declining rejection rates. A new membrane rejects >97% of total dissolved solids; a degraded one may only reject 80–85%, allowing fluoride, nitrates and heavy metals through at levels approaching the untreated source water. 3. Dumping, The Worst-Case Scenario Activated carbon filters work by adsorption: contaminants bind to the carbon surface. That surface area is finite. Once fully saturated, a carbon filter cannot adsorb any further contaminants, but temperature fluctuations, pH shifts or simply continued water flow can cause previously captured contaminants to desorb and re-enter the water stream. This means a severely overdue carbon filter can produce water with higher contamination than the unfiltered source. Recommended Replacement Schedule Component Typical Lifespan Primary Failure Mode if Overdue PP sediment pre-filter 3–6 months Restriction, bacterial growth in filter media Granular activated carbon 6–12 months Contaminant dumping Carbon block post-filter 6–12 months Taste degradation, chloramine breakthrough RO membrane 18–36 months TDS rejection decline, membrane fouling Mineralisation / alkaline filter 12 months Mineral depletion, acidic output Signs Your Filters Are Overdue Noticeable drop in flow rate or tap pressure. Return of chlorine taste or odour in filtered water. TDS reading at the tap approaching the level of your unfiltered source water. Visible discolouration in the first filter housing. Q: Can I just clean and reuse my RO membrane? A: RO membranes are not designed to be cleaned and reused by end users. Chemical cleaning by trained technicians can extend membrane life in some commercial contexts, but household membranes should be replaced on schedule. Q: How do I know what stage my system is at in its service life? A: The best practice is to log the installation date of each filter stage. A TDS meter measured before and after the membrane gives a real-time indication of membrane health between service dates. Never miss a filter replacement iClear's service schedule ensures every filter stage is replaced at the right time, every time. Find out more. Keywords: water filter replacement Kenya, expired water filter, RO membrane lifespan, filter replacement schedule

How Often Should You Test Your Borehole Water in Kenya?

How Often Should You Test Your Borehole Water in Kenya?

Kenya Water Act 2016 and KEBS KS 459 recommend testing private borehole water for bacteriological quality at least twice per year and for full chemical quality annually. The Set-and-Forget Mistake When a borehole is drilled and certified, owners often file the initial water quality report and assume no further testing is needed. But borehole water quality is not static. It changes with season, with changes in land use around the borehole, with ageing infrastructure and with the water table. A study of peri-urban boreholes in Kiambu County found that 44% of boreholes that passed their initial certification showed elevated coliform counts within 18 months. Source: Groundwater Quality Assessment in Kiambu County, Chuka University Repository. Recommended Testing Schedule Test Type Frequency What It Detects Bacteriological (E. coli, coliforms) Every 6 months Recent faecal contamination Physical-chemical (pH, TDS, hardness, nitrates) Annually Mineral imbalances, agricultural contamination Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, fluoride) Every 2–3 years or after change in local land use Industrial or geological leaching Pesticide residues After rainy season or nearby agricultural activity Agrochemical runoff Key Triggers for Unscheduled Testing Any flooding or significant rainfall event that reaches the borehole head. A change in the taste, colour or odour of the water. New construction, fuel storage or farming activity within 50 m of the borehole. A new household member joins who is immunocompromised, pregnant or an infant. Unexplained gastrointestinal illness in regular users. Where to Get Your Borehole Tested in Kenya Accredited laboratories for water testing include Kenya Water Institute (KEWI) in Nairobi, the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch labs in county hospitals, and several private analytical labs registered with the Kenya National Accreditation Service (KENAS). Source: Kenya Water Institute, Water Quality Testing Services. What Happens After Testing? If bacteriological contamination is found, the first step is to check the borehole casing for cracks or a loose wellhead seal. The borehole can be shock-chlorinated to disinfect the system, after which re-testing confirms effectiveness. For chemical contamination, the appropriate treatment depends on the specific parameter, RO filtration handles a broad range including nitrates, heavy metals and pesticides. Q: Is borehole water automatically safe because it comes from underground? A: No. Shallow boreholes are especially vulnerable to surface contamination. Even deep boreholes can have naturally occurring fluoride, arsenic or other minerals at levels above safe limits. Q: Can I test my borehole water myself? A: Home test kits provide a rough bacteriological indication but are not accredited for official purposes and may miss important chemical parameters. Laboratory testing from a KENAS-accredited facility is recommended for reliable results. Pair testing with reliable purification iClear's RO purifiers provide consistent protection between your scheduled borehole tests. Find out more. Keywords: borehole water testing Kenya, borehole water quality, how often test borehole, groundwater safety Kenya    

How to Read Your Water Test Results: TDS, pH & Fluoride Explained

How to Read Your Water Test Results: TDS, pH & Fluoride Explained

A water test reports TDS, pH, and fluoride as numbers, but few explain what those numbers mean. Below 300 ppm TDS is excellent, pH between 6.5 and 8.5 is safe, and fluoride should stay under 1.5 mg/L per WHO guidance. TDS: Total Dissolved Solids TDS measures everything dissolved in your water, salts, minerals, metals. Below 300 ppm is generally excellent. 300 to 600 ppm is acceptable with rising concern toward the top. Above 600 ppm signals significant dissolved contamination worth treating. pH: Acidity and Alkalinity pH measures how acidic or alkaline water is, on a scale where 7 is neutral. Safe drinking water typically falls between 6.5 and 8.5. Water far outside this range can affect taste and, at the extremes, corrode plumbing or irritate the gut. Fluoride The WHO guideline value for fluoride is 1.5 mg/L. iClear's field team has measured Rift Valley borehole readings above 8.75 mg/L, over five times that limit. Fluoride is invisible and tasteless, so a test is the only way to know your actual exposure. The same gap a home test can reveal: iClear's field reading against the WHO guideline. What to Do With a High Reading Boiling and basic filters do not remove dissolved salts or fluoride. Reverse Osmosis does. If your test shows elevated TDS or fluoride, an RO system like the iClear Standard is the practical household fix. FAQ Q: What is a good TDS reading for drinking water? A: Below 300 ppm is generally excellent. Above 600 ppm signals significant dissolved contamination worth treating. Q: What fluoride level is unsafe? A: The WHO guideline is 1.5 mg/L. Readings meaningfully above this, common in parts of Kenya's Rift Valley, warrant treatment. Get your water tested and understand the numbers. Free delivery and professional installation in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa. Visit the iClear shop. Keywords: water test results explained, TDS meaning, fluoride water test kenya, iClear Kenya

Moving Into a New Home in Nairobi? Check the Water First

Moving Into a New Home in Nairobi? Check the Water First

Relocating to a new house or apartment in Nairobi involves a long list of priorities: painting, shifting furniture, setting up internet, and organizing security. However, one critical element is frequently overlooked until after move-in day: checking the quality of the property's drinking water. Water quality in Nairobi varies dramatically from one estate to the next, and assuming a new home has clean water can lead to serious health issues and unexpected costs.   What You Inherit Depending on the Location When you move into a new Nairobi neighborhood, your water profile is determined by local infrastructure and groundwater geology: 1. Premium Suburban Neighborhoods (Karen, Runda, Lavington) Many renters and buyers assume upscale addresses come with pristine water. However, Karen and Runda rely heavily on private property boreholes. While TDS levels are moderate (150 to 180 ppm), deep groundwater carries elevated calcium, magnesium, and dissolved iron that scale kettles and alter beverage taste. 2. Densely Populated Estates (Embakasi, Donholm, Buruburu) In Eastlands, municipal water supply is highly intermittent. Landlords rely on large underground and overhead storage tanks that are rarely cleaned. Water sitting in these tanks gathers rust, biofilm, and sediment sludge that flows directly into your apartment's taps. 3. Commuter Suburbs (Kitengela, Syokimau, Kajiado) If you are moving to Kitengela or Syokimau, municipal water is scarce, and boreholes dominate. Water here measures at high TDS levels (450 to 600 ppm) and frequently carries high fluoride levels. Unfiltered water in these areas tastes salty and poses long-term dental risks for children.   The Move-In Water Audit Checklist Before settling into your new property, run through these four practical checks: Ask the Source: Is the property connected to municipal water, a private borehole, or a commercial water tanker service? Inspect the Storage Tank: Look inside the roof or ground tank. Is there visible sludge at the bottom, or algae along the walls? Check the Tap Fixtures: Look for white crusty deposits (limescale) or reddish-brown rust stains on the taps and sinks. Taste and Clarity Test: Does the water taste salty, metallic, or chemical, even if it looks visually clear in a glass? The 30-Minute Water Upgrade You cannot change your landlord's plumbing or the neighborhood's underlying geology, but you can control what comes out of your drinking tap. Installing an iClear Standard under-sink Reverse Osmosis system takes just 30 to 45 minutes on installation day. Our professional technicians assess your plumbing, mount the system, flush the filters, and connect a dedicated stainless-steel faucet directly to your sink counter. If you are renting and prefer not to modify under-sink plumbing, the iClear Desktop offers a portable, plug-and-play solution that sits directly on your kitchen counter, providing high-level RO purification with zero plumbing changes required. You can also book a free water assessment before you unpack. Start your life in your new home with complete peace of mind. Schedule your iClear installation today. Free delivery and professional installation in Nairobi and Nakuru. Visit the iClear shop or contact our installation team. Keywords: new home Nairobi water, water purifier Nairobi, storage tank contamination, Karen water quality, Eastlands water quality, iClear installation, iClear Kenya  

Why Your Kettle Keeps Breaking (And What Your Water Has to Do With It)

Why Your Kettle Keeps Breaking (And What Your Water Has to Do With It)

If you live in Nairobi, Kitengela, Karen, or Nakuru, you are likely familiar with this frustrating cycle: you buy a brand-new electric kettle, and within weeks, a thick, chalky white crust forms on the bottom heating element. Shortly after, the kettle begins overheating, making loud rumbling noises, and eventually breaks down completely. The problem is not appliance quality; it is the dissolved mineral profile of your water. Understanding Water Hardness and TDS What Kenyans commonly call "salty water" or "hard water" is water loaded with high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), specifically calcium, magnesium, carbonates, and iron. When hard water is heated, the dissolved calcium and magnesium ions precipitate out of the liquid state and bond to hot surfaces, forming calcium carbonate scale (limescale). This high mineral content causes widespread damage across your home: Kettles & Coffee Makers: Limescale insulates the heating element, forcing the appliance to draw more electricity and overheat until the coil burns out. Showerheads & Plumbing: Scale builds up inside pipe walls and spray nozzles, restricting water pressure and ruining solar water heaters. Stained Fixtures & Laundry: Elevated iron and manganese leave yellow, brown, or reddish stains on porcelain sinks, toilet bowls, and white clothes. Taste Alteration: High mineral content imparts a brackish, metallic, or salty taste to tea, coffee, and cooked food. The TDS Profile Across Kenyan Neighborhoods iClear's field technical team measures TDS across different residential areas every day: Karen & Runda: 150 to 180 ppm TDS. While relatively low, deep boreholes here still carry enough calcium and magnesium to cause kettle scaling. Ruiru: 220 to 300 ppm TDS. Moderate mineral content that benefits significantly from RO filtration. Naivasha & Nakuru: 300 to 600 ppm TDS. High mineral hardness combined with dangerous fluoride concentrations. Kitengela & Kajiado: 450 to 600+ ppm TDS. Severe mineral loads that destroy appliances quickly and leave a strong salty aftertaste.   Why RO Is the Ultimate Fix Boiling hard water actually worsens scale buildup, while simple mesh filters cannot stop dissolved calcium ions. A Reverse Osmosis system like the iClear Standard or iClear Premier strips out over 90% of dissolved solids from your water supply. A borehole reading 600 ppm TDS before treatment drops to under 50 ppm post-filtration. With an iClear system installed under your sink, limescale disappears entirely. Your kettles remain spotless, your tea tastes pure, and your appliances last for years. For homeowners seeking an instant, counter-top solution, the iClear Desktop purifier offers a brilliant alternative for kitchens and office spaces, dispensing purified, scale-free water with built-in instant heating across precise temperature settings. Bring genuine mineral balance to your home. Free delivery and professional installation in Nairobi and Nakuru. Visit the iClear shop to order your purifier today. Keywords: hard water Kenya, kettle scale Kenya, dissolved minerals borehole water, water purifier Karen, water purifier Runda, iClear Kenya, Reverse Osmosi

What Do Water Purifier Filters Actually Cost? An Honest Breakdown

What Do Water Purifier Filters Actually Cost? An Honest Breakdown

Water purifier filters need periodic replacement, and this ongoing cost is real. But even including filter changes, the total cost of owning an RO purifier over several years remains far below what a household spends on bottled or dispenser water in the same period. Why filters need replacing at all A purifier works by trapping and blocking contaminants. Over time the pre-filters fill with the sediment and particles they have caught, and the RO membrane and carbon stages gradually lose effectiveness. Replacing them on schedule is what keeps the water genuinely purified. A filter left in far too long stops protecting you and can itself become a problem, which is exactly why scheduled replacement is not an optional extra but part of how the system works. What the replacement actually involves An RO system has several stages, and they do not all need replacing at the same time. The sediment and carbon pre-filters are changed most often because they do the heavy lifting of catching particles. The RO membrane lasts considerably longer. Because the stages are on different schedules, the cost is spread out over time rather than landing all at once. The comparison that puts it in perspective Here is the context that matters. A household buying bottled or dispenser water spends roughly KSh 3,000 to 8,000 every month, which is KSh 36,000 to 96,000 a year, every year, forever. Against that, an RO purifier is a one-time purchase plus periodic filter changes. Even when you add the filter costs into the total, the yearly running cost of the purifier remains a small fraction of the bottled-water bill it replaces. This is why iClear's own estimate is that customers save up to 80% compared with buying water, filters included. The iClear Standard is KSh 25,000 to buy, with free installation, and its scheduled filter costs are modest and predictable. See the full five-year picture in our bottled water cost breakdown for Nairobi families. The honest way to judge filter costs is not on their own but against the alternative. Filters are a real cost. Bottled water is a much larger one, and it never stops. The purifier plus its filters is still the cheaper path by a wide margin. How iClear keeps this manageable Filter replacements are scheduled, so you are not guessing when they are due. The cost is spread across stages on different intervals, not a single large annual hit. iClear supports the replacements, so you are not sourcing parts alone. The predictability means you can budget for it, unlike a bottled-water bill that rises with usage. FAQ Q: How much do water purifier filters cost to replace in Kenya? A: Filter costs vary by stage and how often each is changed, with pre-filters replaced more often than the RO membrane. Even including replacements, the yearly running cost stays far below a household's bottled-water spend. Ask iClear for the current per-stage pricing and intervals. Q: How often do RO filters need changing? A: The sediment and carbon pre-filters are changed most frequently since they catch the most, while the RO membrane lasts considerably longer. Because the stages are on different schedules, the cost is spread out rather than landing all at once. Q: Is a water purifier still cheaper than bottled water after filter costs? A: Yes, by a wide margin. A household spends KSh 36,000 to 96,000 a year on bottled water. An RO purifier is a one-time purchase plus modest scheduled filter costs, keeping the total far below the bottled-water bill it replaces. See the real running cost, and the real saving. Free delivery and professional installation in Nairobi and Nakuru. Visit the iClear shop. Keywords: water purifier filter cost kenya, ro filter replacement cost, purifier running cost, filter replacement kenya, iClear Kenya, water purifier maintenance    

What Happens When RO Systems Are Not Maintained Properly

What Happens When RO Systems Are Not Maintained Properly

Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification systems are highly effective, but only when they are properly maintained. Many users assume that once an RO system is installed, it will continue delivering safe water indefinitely. Unfortunately, this assumption leads to declining water quality, system damage, and unexpected costs. In reality, RO systems require timely filter changes and servicing to function as intended. Ignoring maintenance doesn’t just reduce performance, it can defeat the entire purpose of purification. Why Maintenance Is Critical for RO Systems An RO system works by pushing water through multiple filtration stages, each with a specific role. Over time, these filters trap contaminants such as: Sediment Chlorine and chemicals Salts and dissolved minerals Bacteria and organic matter As filters become clogged or exhausted, they lose effectiveness and place strain on the entire system. In most cases, the recommended replacement interval for the first filter is every 6 to 12 months. However, this is not a fixed rule. What Actually Determines Filter Lifespan? Filter replacement timing depends on two key factors: 1. Water Quality High sediment levels Salinity High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Borehole or mixed-source water Poorer water quality causes filters to clog faster. 2. Consumption Rate Larger households Offices or shared spaces Frequent guests or peak usage Higher daily usage means filters reach capacity sooner. This is why some systems may need filter changes earlier than six months, while others may last slightly longer. What Happens If Filters Are Not Changed on Time? Failing to replace filters leads to a chain reaction of problems: 1. Damage to the RO Membrane The RO membrane is the most critical and costly component. When pre-filters fail: Sediment and chemicals reach the membrane Membrane pores clog or degrade System efficiency drops dramatically Replacing a damaged membrane is far more expensive than routine filter changes. 2. Reduced Water Output Clogged filters restrict flow, resulting in: Slower purification Inadequate water during peak hours User frustration and system misuse 3. Higher Long-Term Costs Skipping maintenance may seem like a saving, but it often leads to: Costly repairs Premature system replacement Increased service needs Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than corrective repairs. Health Risks of Poorly Maintained Systems A neglected RO system can become a liability rather than a solution. Risk include bacterial buildup in filters How to Maintain an RO System Properly Best practices include: Replacing the filters approximately every 6 months Adjusting replacement schedules based on water quality and usage Using professional service when recommended Monitoring changes in flow rate, or output Routine maintenance ensures the system performs as designed. Conclusion RO systems are powerful tools for ensuring safe drinking water—but only when properly maintained. The filters are typically replaced every six months depending on water quality and consumption, plays a critical role in protecting the entire system. Neglecting maintenance leads to declining water output, higher costs, and potential health risks. Proper care, on the other hand, extends system life, preserves performance, and ensures every glass of water remains safe and reliable.

Home Water Testing Methods in Kenya, What You Can Measure Yourself and What Requires a Lab

Home Water Testing Methods in Kenya, What You Can Measure Yourself and What Requires a Lab

You can test basic water quality at home using TDS meters, pH strips, hardness kits, and chlorine tests. However, fluoride, heavy metals, and bacterial contamination require certified laboratory analysis to confirm compliance with WHO and KEBS drinking water standards. Why Home Testing Matters in Kenya Kenya relies heavily on groundwater and ageing municipal infrastructure. According to WHO, visual clarity and taste are not reliable indicators of safety because fluoride, nitrates, and bacteria are invisible and tasteless. Source: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549950 Common Home Testing Methods pH Strips and Digital Meters pH Range Meaning KEBS Standard Below 6.5 Corrosive acidic water 6.5 to 8.5 Above 8.5 Alkaline, scaling risk 6.5 to 8.5 Source: KEBS KS EAS 12:2018 https://www.kebs.org Hardness Test Kits Detect calcium and magnesium causing scale and soap inefficiency. Source: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/hardness-water Residual Chlorine Test Confirms municipal disinfection presence. WHO recommended free chlorine at point of use 0.2 to 0.5 mg/L Source: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-FWC-WSH-15.04 What Cannot Be Reliably Tested at Home Contaminant Reason Required Method Fluoride Colour kits inaccurate above 2 mg/L Ion selective electrode lab test E. coli Microscopic detection required Membrane filtration lab culture Lead and arsenic Trace level detection ICP-MS laboratory analysis Sources https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/testing.html When to Test Your Water in Kenya • New borehole commissioning • Change in taste, colour, or smell • After flooding or pipeline repairs • When installing a purifier system FAQ Can a TDS meter tell me if my water is safe No, it only measures dissolved minerals, not bacteria or toxins. Does boiling replace testing No, boiling kills microbes but does not remove fluoride, salts, or heavy metals. How often should borehole water be tested WHO recommends at least once per year for chemical parameters and every six months for microbial quality. Source: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549950

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