Trace Contaminants

Trace Contaminants | Water Purification | Plumbing | Oakdale

Every drop that flows through Oakdale homes should be as pure and refreshing as the mountain streams that surround us—and that’s exactly what HEP delivers. Our trace contaminants plumbing team targets everything you can’t see but definitely don’t want to drink: microscopic metals, pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, and other hidden intruders. We pair advanced filtration media with precision-engineered valves to strip out impurities, balance pH, and leave your water tasting crisp. From initial testing to final installation, you’ll enjoy white-glove service backed by decades of local expertise and a satisfaction guarantee that’s as solid as our copper solder joints.

Choose HEP for water purification that’s custom-built for Oakdale’s unique water profile. Whether you’re retrofitting an older home or safeguarding a new build, our licensed plumbers handle the entire process—no subcontractors, no shortcuts. You’ll gain healthier hydration, spot-free dishes, longer-lasting appliances, and peace of mind knowing the contaminants are gone for good. Let us turn your tap into the purest source in the neighborhood.

FAQs

What are trace contaminants in Oakdale’s water supply, and why should I be concerned?

Trace contaminants are minute amounts of substances such as lead, copper, nitrates, PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”), disinfection by-products, and pharmaceutical residues that can enter Oakdale’s municipal and private well water through aging pipes, agricultural run-off, or industrial activity. Even in very low concentrations these contaminants can pose health risks over long periods—especially to children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Although Oakdale Water Utility meets state and EPA standards, many guidelines are based on what is economically feasible for large systems rather than what is ideal for individual health, so homeowners often choose additional purification for extra peace of mind.

How does a whole-house or point-of-use purification system remove trace contaminants?

Our systems combine several treatment stages, each tailored to a specific group of contaminants: • Sediment pre-filtration captures rust, sand, and pipe scale that can clog finer filters. • Catalytic carbon or extra-dense activated carbon adsorbs chlorine, chloramine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, and many pharmaceuticals. • Certified lead-removal cartridges use ion-exchange media to trap dissolved metals such as lead and copper leached from plumbing. • Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes provide a physical barrier down to 0.0001 microns, rejecting nitrates, arsenic, fluoride, and most dissolved salts. • Optional UV sterilization neutralizes bacteria and viruses that can occasionally appear in well systems. By layering technologies, we achieve up to 99% reduction for most trace contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals or, if desired, re-mineralizing RO water for balanced taste.

Which purification solution should I choose for my Oakdale home?

The right system depends on your water source, household size, and specific water-quality goals. We begin with a complimentary on-site test and a review of the city’s annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). If you’re on municipal water and primarily worried about chlorine taste, PFAS, and lead from household plumbing, a high-capacity catalytic carbon filter with lead-specific media at the point of entry usually suffices. Well owners often benefit from a combined sediment filter, water softener, and RO drinking station to tackle hardness, nitrates, and potential bacterial concerns. Larger families may need 1.5–2.0 cu ft carbon tanks to maintain flow, while condo owners often prefer a compact under-sink RO unit. Our water-treatment specialists will provide a written recommendation and cost comparison before any installation.

How much maintenance is involved and how often do filters need replacement?

Maintenance is straightforward and can usually be handled by the homeowner: • Sediment pre-filters: every 6–12 months or sooner if you notice a pressure drop. • Catalytic or activated carbon media: 3–5 years for whole-house tanks (back-washable) or 6–12 months for cartridge-style filters. • Lead-specific cartridges: every 12 months, verified with an in-home lead test strip. • RO membranes: 2–3 years, depending on incoming water quality. • UV lamps: annually. We offer low-cost maintenance plans that include reminder emails, discounted filters, and an annual on-site performance check with a full lab analysis if desired.

Will installing a purification system reduce my water pressure or change the taste?

Properly sized equipment will not noticeably lower pressure. We select filter housings and media beds that match your home’s peak flow rate, and every installation includes a pressure test. As for taste, most Oakdale residents report a marked improvement—no chlorine odor, a cleaner mouthfeel, and coffee and tea that brew without the white film caused by hardness. If you choose RO, the water will taste exceptionally pure; we can add a final calcite polishing filter to restore a subtle mineral note if you prefer a spring-water flavor.

Are there local regulations or incentives in Oakdale for water-purification upgrades?

Yes. The City of Oakdale follows Minnesota Department of Health plumbing codes, which require any backwash system (e.g., whole-house carbon or softeners) to include an air-gap drain connection. All devices must be NSF/ANSI-certified for the contaminants being claimed. On the incentive side, Washington County periodically offers rebates of up to $250 for certified lead-removal or nitrate-reduction systems; funds are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, many insurance companies provide a small homeowner-policy discount (typically 1-2 %) for documented water-quality improvements. We’ll handle the permit paperwork and help you apply for any available rebates at no extra cost.