Water Guy Unfiltered
By: Paul Gianos
Language: en-us
Categories: Health, Fitness, Education, Nutrition
Originally these episodes were recorded for our one-hour weekly radio show, airing on 101.7 FM in Richmond, VA. That format didn't allow for folks to hear it unless they caught it live, and we have built the library of them so everyone can listen at their leisure. The content is designed for our local water but applies to most of the US. We discuss private well, community well, and municipal water supplies as well as common contaminants found in each. Some examples are: Chlorine, Chloramine, Hardness, Silica, Manganese, Iron, Pathogens, PH and TDS, but we continue to expand our content as w...
Episodes
EP 45 Radon Podcast
Dec 15, 2025Send us a text
Radon is a relatively newer contaminant with regulations in place for gas level testing and mitigation, but only Maine has anything related to Radon in water. We dig into what it is, where it comes from, and why you want to stay far away from it!
You can protect your home from the gas intrusion thru the soil and basements BUT you may be piping it in along with your water and not even realizing it.
Basically, almost every home should be at least tested for the gas as well as...
Ep 44 The weird side of water tests
Nov 10, 2025Send us a text
Have you ever picked up a water test strip and seen items like “Monopersulfate” or “Cyanuric acid” and others? Had you wondered what is this doing in my water? This episode digs into those oddball things and gives you the explanation of what they are and if they would normally be found in your water.
EP 43 The Hard Water Truth
Sep 22, 2025Send us a text
We dig into unknown side of hardness as well as the complexity of PH and Alkalinity. If you don't know about "non-Carbonate" hardness then this episode is for you!
Duration: 01:02:55EP 42 DaBaDee, The Nitrogen Cycle
Sep 08, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we talk about the nitrogen cycle specifically how ammonia, nitrate and nitrate are related and how they can impact your health. Some interesting factoids along the way as usual! If you have an aquarium at your house that has been pulling your hair out this episode will explain a lot.
Duration: 01:08:10Ep 41 What is the deal with Mercury, and rare trivia facts
Jul 24, 2025Send us a text
In this episode we were curious about the mercury levels in fish and how this happened. What we discovered was bizarre, namely because mercury is a metal and in its elemental form it is heavier than lead yet it quickly evaporates into the air. This puts some perspective on those fluorescent bulbs that few of us actually bag before tossing out. It has had many uses throughout time with thermometers and barometers being some of the more common ones.
It actually changes into other forms and not all of those transformations are fu...
Ep 40 “What do you stink about your water?”
Jul 07, 2025Send us a text
AKA-How to Identify and Fix Smell in water:
This episode gets into the very tricky problem of odors in water. Check out the details and follow this guide for information that the amateurs don’t understand.
1. Does it present in the raw when run into a bucket? If yes, then part of the solution involves carbon filtration.
2. Is it in the hot water only? If YES it may be an anode rod issue and recommend an electric anode rod.
3. Does the customer have a hot-water recirculating system anywhere in the ho...
EP 39 Rice Rice Baby
Jun 18, 2025Send us a text
Recent news about the arsenic in rice started us digging into the reasons why and how dangerous it might be. White rice versus brown rice? US rice versus globally sourced? Does global warming impact it? Can I protect myself?
EP 38 Blame it on the rain
Jun 03, 2025Send us a text
Since late and 4000 BC folks have been storing water, realizing how important it is for survival and agriculture. We run through the details and highlights throughout time until modern applications. We talk about what actually makes rain and how to plan your own rain – harvesting system.
Duration: 01:01:32EP 37 Manganese, myths and facts
Apr 24, 2025Send us a text
If you are concerned or confused about Manganese, you’re not alone. It is an essential trace element that we can’t live without but it has significant health effects that are terrifying if you get too much. Learn about Manganism and what to do to avoid it!
Duration: 00:57:01EP 36 Microplastics are major problems
Apr 10, 2025Send us a text
This episode dives into the massive issue of plastics and our world. Microplastics were first identified back in 1993 on the beaches of the Isle of Man, and those colorful specs were the beginning of our nightmare. We discuss the different sources, sizes, and treatment options for this man-made problem as well as the health impacts for us and all animals. Buckle up and grab a beverage, preferably from a glass bottle!
Duration: 00:56:29EP 35 "My water is your water"
Mar 11, 2025Send us a text
We dig into a nasty water situation in California where pistachio farming and water rights collide period.
Duration: 01:03:44
EP 34 Ozone, Just O2 and energy
Feb 24, 2025Send us a text
We break down the mystery behind ozone, how it's made, used, and a history on what we have done since 1785.
Duration: 01:04:29"Water Guy Unfiltered: The Raw Truth About H2O with a Shot of Humor"
Feb 12, 2025EP 33 "What is a Real Water Softener"
Jan 31, 2025Send us a text
This is episode revisits the confusing world of water softeners. We discuss what a water softener actually does, how does it, and why it is not a drinking water system. Ion exchange is simple please just simplistically explained and how your water will change for the better, as well as what to expect in your drinking or irrigation water.
Duration: 01:07:40
EP 32 The Richmond Rollercoaster
Jan 17, 2025Send us a text
This was a quick response edition that went into details about the recent water emergency here in Richmond that cut off water to all of the Richmond and parts of surrounding counties for about 3 days. We discussed the new contamination concerns and how the “Boil Water Advisory “ impacts residential and commercial properties.
UV systems were a hot topic and we talked about the difference between true NSF certified units and the rest.
The water is back on but the rollercoaster ride continues !
Duration: 01:03:15EP 31 HAAS (not the avocado)
Dec 18, 2024Send us a text
This episode discusses the other DBP (Disinfection by products) of chlorinated water. This episode gets technical after a long runway, but the explain that the DBP are THM's and HAAS, where THM's are gases. Each as its own treatment methods but you need to make sure you are protected.
Duration: 00:56:57
EP30 Yes We Can!
Nov 25, 2024Send us a text
Before you open your next, can you need to listen to this episode. Worldwide 180,000,000,000 aluminum beverage cans are as per year! It only takes 2.5 billion stacked to reach the moon, and almost everyone has a coding on the inside. This info will cause you to reconsider every purchase at the grocery store, as it includes all types of cans. Could this be a factor in the surge of low tea and men in their late 20s?
EP29 The Coffee Chronicles
Nov 06, 2024Send us a text
Coffee is big business. $ 343 billion economic impact in the US in 2022. We dig into the history of how we got here from a goatherder in Ethiopia back in the 9th century. Coffee has 2 ingredients - coffee bean and water so obviously this episode was inevitable!
Duration: 01:07:08EP 28 Fluoride
Oct 16, 2024Send us a text
For over 75 years, the United States has been dosing our Municipal water with fluoride. Since the 1970's, Americans have been voting against the idea of adding poison to the city supplied water. But the Government trudged on, imposing regulations based on limited research of the negative side effects, mainly focused on fluorosis. What health officials failed to focus on were the cognitive issues stemming from fluoride consumption. Join the Water Guy as he exposes the battle between Strong Teeth vs Low IQs in Children.
Duration: 01:00:58EP 27 Clear Waters Ahead
Sep 30, 2024Send us a text
Allow me to re-introduce myself, my name is Water Filtration.
When beginning the journey to clear waters, you may be asking yourself where to even start. Listen along as the Water Guy talks you through a crash course on water filtration. Get to know the water woes you can find in both your city and well water. The first step in water protection is water education.
Duration: 01:00:58
EP 26 Jacked Up James
Sep 30, 2024Send us a text
In Today's Episode, The Jacked-Up James, Paul The Water Guy discusses the historical, environmental and future importance of the James River. For hundreds of years, the James River has supported its surrounding land and communities. But for the last 60+ years, the people it has provided for, have been destroying it. Learn what pollution, raw sewage and corporate greed have done to your drinking water source!
Duration: 01:01:52EP 25 Fracking Unmasked
Aug 19, 2024Send us a text
What the Frack? I'm sure you've heard of fracking but depending on what side of the political stream you heard it from, drastically changes your point of view. Take a deep dive with us, explore the facts surrounding the health concerns and environmental damages caused by fracking. Politics aside, join The Water Guy Unfiltered to get the truth from under the surface of fracking.
Duration: 00:59:37EP22 PFAS Part 2
Jul 09, 2024Send us a text
After over 75 years of contamination, 2024 will be the year of regulation. Studies, both new and old, have shown the dangers of the non-stick family known as PFAS. Have you considered how the EPA's new enforceable PFAS limits will affect you, your family and the community you live in? Learn how you can be proactive about your family's health while the Government works towards a National PFAS solution.
Duration: 01:03:31
EP 24 Scammy Water
Jul 09, 2024Send us a text
Have you ever wondered about the differences between drinking water systems? They all make the same claims, but do they have the certifications to back them up? Deep dive with us into the murky waters of over-the-counter drinking water. See what systems are worth their weight in water and who sinks to the bottom of the charts with unsanctioned statements of protection.
Duration: 01:02:26EP23 The Guardians of the tap
Jul 02, 2024Send us a text
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an enforcement alert regarding urgent cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities to community drinking water systems. This alert underscores the urgency of protecting our nation’s drinking water from cyberattacks, ensuring public health and safety. Remember, safe water is a shared responsibility, and vigilance against cyber threats is crucial!
Duration: 00:56:28
EP 21 Radio Active
Apr 30, 2024Send us a text
It is estimated that over 51% of Americans have radioactive elements in their water. We discussed where we see a significant amount, like California and Texas, and how it is getting there. We dig into natural and man made sources and finally what can be done to protect you and your family from these invisible contaminants.
Duration: 01:09:51EP20 April Showers
Apr 30, 2024Send us a text
The 18 inch of rain in the Richmond winter set a record, beating 1936 - 37 by one point 13 inches. All this water has changed our well and surface water significantly and we discussed some of these in detail.
Duration: 01:01:53
Ep19 Chlorine in Water, explained in an interesting way!
Apr 05, 2024Send us a text
We discussed the importance of clean drinking water and chlorines roll and ensuring safety. A brief history of water chlorination since 1774. Chicago was the first in 1908, then New Jersey.
We explain how it works and the types of chlorine compounds used. The diseases it has controlled have been significant. We discussed alternative methods, success stone and challenges faced. Finally, the 1993 crypto outbreak in Milwaukee WI is mentioned.
Duration: 01:06:58EP18 The Fluoride Debate
Mar 01, 2024Send us a text
In 1945 fluoride was first used. 1962 the USPHS (United States Public Health Service)) said that the 0.7-1.2mg/L ideal but this was adjusted in 2015 to 0.7. Currently the
EPA's (enforceable) MCL is 4.0 mainly for Skeletal Fluorosis risks but their
SMCL is 2.0 for dental fluorosis which is usually permanent cosmetic tooth damage.
76 out of 85 human studies showed decreased IQ from elevated exposure.
Many municipalities have stopped flouridation altogether as increasing debate over risks and benefit continue. Bottled water is not the answer! Listen to this one yourself for more info....
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EP17 Super Bowl Bad, VA Style
Feb 27, 2024Send us a text
As the knowledge about the dangers of PFAs contamination grows, many begin to wonder how this happened to us? Whether its on a wide spread scale with new EPA measures and testing, or here locally with concerned citizens, PFAs is here to stay, FOREVER. Join the Water Guy as he digs into local PFAs contamination and its long history of use in the Richmond area.
Duration: 00:54:47
EP16 "P" Is For Pools
Jan 26, 2024Send us a text
This episode we dig into some interesting facts about pools. If you are considering getting one or simply using one, this episode brings up some questions you might consider.
EP15 Angry Warfighters
Jan 12, 2024Send us a text
When your water breaks turn it off! And other interesting water stories to entertain and educate.
Duration: 00:54:23EP14 "BP-The Bottle Problem"
Dec 29, 2023Send us a text
The real discussion here is about BP'S , like BPA , BPS and all their ugly cousins.
Duration: 00:54:30EP13 "History of Tap Water in América"
Dec 28, 2023Send us a text
From 1754 to current, we talk about milestones that got our water to us.
EP12 "Seasons Savings, now and in the future."
Dec 27, 2023Send us a text
There are a lot of smart reasons to improve your water and we run your water through the most impactful. See how a Professionals water treatment system can pay for itself!
Duration: 00:56:15EP11 You Deserve Better
Nov 27, 2023Send us a text
We looked at areas of our lives that are significantly impacted by water. some are not as obvious until you hear us give our "unfiltered' recap!
Duration: 00:56:03EP7 Memorable Moments (with Stacey)
Nov 27, 2023Send us a text
We discussed our favorite challenges in the last eight years, From “you should have made me buy one” to “poop in the river”
Duration: 00:54:36EP8 "PFAS" The Forever Chemical
Nov 27, 2023Send us a text
The forever chemical created in the 1940s the per polychlorinated Alkyl
Substance are in at least 45% of our nations tapwater. There are over 12,000 types and not all are deductible so the USGS tests for 32 of them.
Duration: 00:55:32
EP9 Things To Consider Part 1
Nov 27, 2023Send us a text
This two part episode has a wealth of information that you should be familiar with when choosing a water treatment professional.
Duration: 00:54:51
EP10 Things To Consider Part 2
Nov 27, 2023Send us a text
Things To Consider Part Two
The questions were so numerous that we spilled into this episode don’t blindly except a proposal without at least listening to this
EP6 Skin and Health Impacts
Nov 27, 2023Send us a text
This episode digs into the impact of hard water and chlorinated water on your skin health. A topic dermatitis, a.k.a. eczema impacts 15–30% of children and up to 10% of adults suffer from this condition, which is made worse by bad water at Sitric water is discussed as that also can impact skin health. Do you have sodium? Laurthsulfate?
Duration: 00:49:47EP11 You Deserve Better
Nov 20, 2023We looked at areas of our lives that are significantly impacted by water. Some are not as
obvious until you until you hear us give our "unfiltered" recap!
EP10 things to consider part 2
Nov 14, 2023The questions were so numerous that we spilled into this episode don’t blindly except a proposal without at least listening to this
Duration: 00:55:04
EP9 Things to consider part 1
Nov 14, 2023This two part episode has a wealth of information that you should be familiar with when choosing a water treatment professional.
Duration: 00:54:51EP7 Memorable Moments (with Stacey)
Nov 14, 2023We discussed our favorite challenges in the last eight years, From “you should have made me buy one” to “poop in the river”
Duration: 00:54:36EP5 Signs Of A Problem
Nov 14, 2023Send us a text
Exploring the senses for evidence of problems in your water. Is your water clear? Does it have any odors? Do you see any deposits or stains? We cover them in more detail as well as give warnings of counterfeit filters or even entire unit. Final wrap up mentions water heater maintenance.
Duration: 00:55:56EP4 Landfill Juice
Nov 08, 2023Send us a text
This episode digs into the leachate, or "Landfill Juice" produced by landfills in stagging amounts. This toxic liquid is produced from decomposition of the debris plus rainwater, and surface waters in combination with groundwater intrusion. It is supposed to be collected and processed but has components that aren't able to be removed. Overflow and treated leachate goes eventually into rivers and downstream water supplies.
Duration: 00:54:43EP3 Pathogens In Your Water
Oct 11, 2023Send us a text
We got into the details on viruses, bacteria and parasites as well as how they can be in our water. We covered the Top 5 parasites in the US and how fridge filters only catch 96.6% of Live Cysts compared to 99.99% with Reverse Osmosis. Various viruses were discussed and common bacteria.
Duration: 00:54:41EP2 Drinking Water
Oct 11, 2023Send us a text
We discuss filtration compared to purification relative to the sizes of viruses , bacteria, and parasites. We did a typical cost comparison of a professional Reverse Osmosis System against buying the same water by the case of bottles. Typically the payback happens in 3 1/2 years for a 2-person household with a fridge filter being eliminated.
Duration: 00:53:31EP1 Different Water Sources
Oct 11, 2023Send us a text
We discuss private well, community well, municipal water supplies and common contaminants found in each. Some examples are: Chlorine, Chloramine, Hardness, Silica, Manganese, Iron, Pathogens, PH and TDS.
Duration: 00:55:38