Being away for a couple of weeks was long enough for a lot of corrosion to occur in our pipe system. The first flush of each of the toilets was pretty revealing (rusty water) and we had to run the shower for a good ten minutes or so as well until the water ran semi-clear. But the worst was our washing machine - although Mr. DRL turned the water off going to the washer, when we went to put it back on it was not working (water was not flowing into the washer). Upon further investigation by the porteira, after removing the hoses he found many chunks of rust in the hoses, which blocked the flow of water. After a couple weeks. Nice.
This is apparently not unique to our apartment either, we asked friends about it and their water was rusty after just a week away as well...
And I keep wondering why my hair (texture and color) is so out of whack here! I think it might be the water. The texture of my hair completely changed (for the better) after a couple of weeks in Canada. This makes sense as to why the salons all offer expensive conditioning treatments...
I read that it's not the bacteria levels that make Rio's tapwater unsafe to drink, but rather the chemicals and lead.
I believe you are correct. It is the actual chemical/mineral make up of the water. I believe you are noting the differences between hard and soft water.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_water
I am in Brazil's north east, and have also noticed the differences between the water here and the US. The water is much harder here than we are used to. Soap/Shampoo doesn't lather as easily due to the increased Mg and Ca content and ratio. I am sure you could find a way to treat your water supply to soften and filter your water if you prefer.
Posted by: Water Inspector | September 08, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Wow we have hard water in North America too but nothing like this!
Posted by: DRL | September 10, 2008 at 05:01 PM