August 2024 Update New Hampshire residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water may now breathe a sigh of relief—House Bill 1649, signed into law on August 2, 2024, has reinstated the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) PFAS Removal Rebate Program. Beginning September 9, 2024, eligible homeowners can once again apply […]
Keith McDonald
Founder & CEO, NH Tap
Summary
Keith McDonald, founder of NH Tap, combines his New Hampshire roots with a passion for water purification. After a unique career in professional break dancing, Keith’s exposure to water issues inspired him to develop an advanced filtration system. He’s now dedicated to enhancing water quality in his home state, leveraging his expertise for community health and well-being.
Mentions
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How to Reduce Lead Exposure in Your Drinking Water
| Keith McDonald
Lead contamination in drinking water is a serious concern that can pose significant health risks, especially to young children and pregnant women. Lead can enter drinking water through corroded pipes, fixtures, and plumbing materials. From there, it contaminates tap water and, when consumed, can cause neurological damage, high blood pressure, kidney damage, and other health […]
6 Tips for Maintaining Your Home’s Water Filtration System
| Keith McDonald
If you had a water filtration system installed – or inherited one from a previous homeowner – and forgot all about it, you’re not alone. Many people experience the relief, great taste, and health benefits of filtered water, get used to it, and forget to check on how the filter runs over time. While high-quality […]
Seasonal Water Quality Concerns: What to Watch For
| Keith McDonald
As the seasons change, so too can the quality of your water supply. From increased runoff during heavy rains to changes in water temperature during the summer months, various factors can affect the safety and taste of your drinking water. In this article, we’ll explore common seasonal water quality concerns and provide practical tips on […]
Understanding the Health Risks of Too Much Chlorine and Chloramine in Drinking Water
| Keith McDonald
No one wants to get salmonella, diarrhea, E. coli, dysentery, or other waterborne diseases. We’ve come a long way from that, right? In many ways, yes. Government regulations now enforce public water supplies to monitor for bacteria and contamination like the examples mentioned, and then treat it appropriately. However, it’s crucial to strike the right […]
Comparing UV Water Purification with Reverse Osmosis: Which is Better?
| Keith McDonald
You’re ready to purchase a water filtration system for your home, and you’ve heard good things about UV water purification and reverse osmosis. But which system is right for you? As two of the most effective water purification methods available today, UV (ultraviolet) water purification and reverse osmosis (RO) are each suited to different types […]
The Environmental Benefits of Using Home Water Filtration Systems
| Keith McDonald
In today’s world, environmental sustainability is more important than ever. As we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations, small changes in our daily habits can make a significant impact. One such change is investing in a home water filtration system. Not only does this decision benefit your health […]
Choosing the Right Water Softener: A Buyer’s Guide
| Keith McDonald
If you want to know how to choose a water softener for your home or business, NH Tap is here to help! A good water softener helps to remove scale buildup, extend the appliance’s lifespan, conserve energy, improve water quality, reduce soap scum, improve the taste of the water, and even improve skin and hair […]
Choosing the Right Water Filter for PFAS Contamination
| Keith McDonald
In a world where access to clean and contaminated water is paramount, concerns over pollutants like PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) have brought water filters for PFAS to the forefront of so many people’s minds! PFAS Filtration Systems in New Hampshire Safeguarding your health and your loved ones’ health from potential PFAS-related health risks starts […]
Is Radon in Water Really Dangerous?
| Keith McDonald
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil and rock, known to be harmful when inhaled. But is radon and water really dangerous? In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the scientific reasoning behind the potential risks of radon and water, drawing from the guidelines provided by the EPA as well as […]
The Beginner’s Guide to Water Filtration in NH
| Keith McDonald
Clean, safe drinking water is the foundation of good health. Unfortunately, water quality isn’t guaranteed, and contaminants can affect the taste and safety of your tap water. This is where water filtration (and NH Tap!) comes in. The Beginner’s Guide to Water Filtration in NH In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the basics of water […]
The Benefits of Carbon Filtration for Well Water
| Keith McDonald
Clean, safe drinking water is a necessity for human health and well-being and yet its purity may be taken for granted without a close look at the invisible threats beneath the surface. For the millions of people who rely on well water as their primary freshwater source, an effective filtration system is essential. Without a […]
5 Effective Ways to Remove Arsenic from Your Drinking Water
| Keith McDonald
Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, is both a silent Intruder and a deadly threat in our drinking water, especially in the Granite State. It is a Class 1 carcinogen that has been banned for use in certain pesticides, animal feed, and pressure-treating wood. Arsenic can contaminate private wells through agricultural and industrial waste, or, most […]
How Does Road Salt Affect Your Well Water?
| Keith McDonald
Did you know New Hampshire was the first state to use road salt during the winter? Since 1938, New Hampshire residents have shared similar experiences of building snowmen, making snow angels, and watching trucks supply the streets with salt to prevent automobiles from slipping and sliding. However, these Granite State families may not have known […]
Understanding Water Filters: How They Work and Why You Need One
| Keith McDonald
When we think of health, we often think about the types of food we eat or the amount of exercise we get daily. Even though we can focus on these factors to keep our bodies in shape, it is also important to understand another factor that impacts our overall state of health every single day: […]
The Ultimate Guide to Water Filtration for New Hampshire Water
| Keith McDonald
Water is an essential resource for life, and access to clean, safe water is a vital asset to everyone in New Hampshire. While you may have never thought about water filtration before, here is a guide to water filtration that can help ensure that you have clean water throughout your life, positively impacting your health […]
The Benefits of UV Water Filtration Systems: Why You Should Consider Installing One
| Keith McDonald
As many New Hampshire homeowners know, purified water is a necessary resource for families across the state to live happily. Like families, water purification systems can come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique traits. One type of water purification is called a UV water filtration system. Compared to other methods, the […]
Water Softeners vs. Salt Free Water Softeners: What’s the Difference?
| Keith McDonald
Homeowners in New Hampshire have seen everything when it comes to water quality. But, some Granite Staters have experienced more worrisome problems in their homes due to their location in hard water zones. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium, which pose problems for daily household chores and essential appliances that rely on water to function. […]
Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS?
| Keith McDonald
Are you wondering, “Does reverse osmosis remove PFAS?” As we learn more about the terrible side effects of these “forever” chemicals, the idea of avoiding the chemical altogether is a much better option than trying to manage the systems of ingesting this chemical, namely through the water. We’ll review what PFAS is and whether or […]
Sources of PFOA Contamination: Where Does It Come From and How Does It Spread in New Hampshire?
| Keith McDonald
Residents in New Hampshire have most likely heard of the dangers that untreated water can pose to someone’s health. One of these dangers is found in the PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) contaminant, otherwise known as an infamous “forever chemical.” Knowing how to recognize sources of PFOA can help prevent waterborne illnesses statewide. In this article, we […]
How Reverse Osmosis Works: An Overview of the Filtration Process
| Keith McDonald
When we drink water, we often don’t think about the process behind the scenes until we’re faced with the need to find the right solution for our water needs. There are many ways to purify water, like distillation, chlorination, or carbon filtration. One type of home filtration is reverse osmosis (RO), which produces purified water […]
PFAS in Your Drinking Water: What You Need to Know About Refrigerator Filters
| Keith McDonald
PFAS is a pervasive and concerning issue for water contamination in daily life. Whether you’ve heard of it before reading this article — or you haven’t — many states (including NH), towns, and homes struggle with water quality. PFAS is a family of chemicals that has infiltrated the environment, soaking into groundwater and coming through […]
Choosing the Right Whole House Water Filter for Your Well Water: A Buyer’s Guide
| Keith McDonald
Need to choose the right whole house water filter for well water in your New Hampshire home? Whether you’re new to the battle waging in the NH environment for clean drinking water — you may be just buying your first home! — or you’ve been in it since the first mention of PFAS in Merrimack […]
FHA Loan Water Test Requirements
| Keith McDonald
When you want to purchase a home in New Hampshire, sometimes a Federal Housing Administration or FHA loan can benefit you. Their significance in home financing is that they can help a family get mortgage insurance on a single-family, multifamily, hospital loan, or manufactured home. With lower down payment and credit score requirements, you may […]
Hard Water Contributes to Plaque Build Up
| Keith McDonald
One little-known fact about how hard water impacts you and your family may cost you thousands in medical bills. While dental hygiene may not be your first guess, it is what I found out the last time I sat in the dentist’s chair. My dentist and I were discussing water quality issues, and through the […]
VA Loan Water Test Requirements
| Keith McDonald
If you or a loved one served in the military, you may be considering the VA loan program in your search for a new home! This loan program aims to help those who have served our country to finance their home purchase. It does have specific terms and an interest rate that can be considerably […]
EPA’s New Recommendations for PFAS Released
| Keith McDonald
On March 14th, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new recommended lower level for drinking water for PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). At NH Tap, we are passionate about seeing Granite Staters get the best water quality, so we are taking a few minutes to outline the new recommendations, how this fits in […]
The New Hampshire Saint Gobain Water Contamination Map and Rebate Program
| Keith McDonald
Photo credit: Jeffrey Hastings While many people fear health issues that run in their families, many New Hampshire residents have feared an unseen and often undetectable chemical that has spread into our environment. From the coast to mountains and everywhere in between, people have been discovering PFAS contamination problems from air emissions to the actual […]
What to Know About the NHDES PFAS Removal Rebate
| Keith McDonald
UPDATE (September 2024): The NHDES PFAS Removal Rebate Program for Private Wells has been updated and will relaunch on September 9, 2024. New changes include a shift in the rebate application process—homeowners now file directly with NHDES. NH Tap is here to guide you through these updates, helping you secure your rebate and install a […]
Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
| Keith McDonald
One of the worst things is turning the faucet on to brush your teeth first thing in the morning and being met in the face with a pungent smell. If you’ve just been dealing with it and wondering why does my water smell like rotten eggs — you don’t have to continue wondering! We’re going […]
New Hampshire PFAS Map and What This Means For You
| Keith McDonald
When you’re looking at the New Hampshire PFAS Map, it can be more than a little disturbing. With multiple sites ranking well over 45 ppt (PFOA+PFOS), there’s definitely a concern to bring further testing to more areas throughout the state and mitigate any issues with filtration. New Hampshire PFAS Map You can look at a […]
Does New Hampshire have hard or soft water?
| Keith McDonald
Whether you have hard or soft water in New Hampshire can impact your lifestyle or business in unfortunate ways. The easily visible limescale and buildup on faucets and drains is from the “hard” mineral ions. They, unfortunately, build up on the surfaces of your showers and tubs, faucets and fixtures, and dishes and utensils. While […]
How do I know if I have PFAS in water?
| Keith McDonald
Among the most discouraging news in NH has been the latest string of articles on the growing PFAS problem in the state. From questions over Saint-Gobain’s transparency to the government trying to help homeowners dealing with this issue, many wonder, “How do I know if I have PFAS in water?” To truly know if you […]
What is PFAS?
| Keith McDonald
The battle against PFAS contaminants and the family of chemicals has been going on for a while — but it is far from over. This family of chemicals is best known for being water and oil-resistant. Still, it has historically been used in many everyday products, including makeup, food product containers, and other products that […]
What is PFOA?
| Keith McDonald
Globally, there’s been a spotlight on PFOA and similar chemicals — namely, what these environmental contaminants can do to our bodies. Being called a “forever chemical,” these manufactured elements are highly stable and are used to produce various everyday products. Starting in 2016, the US phased out the use of PFOA/PFOS and other PFAS chemicals […]
Is the water safe to drink in New Hampshire
| Keith McDonald
Whether you’ve been paying attention to the water scene in NH for a few years or you’re new to the conversation, the question remains: Is the water safe to drink in New Hampshire? And honestly, the answer can be a little bit complicated. Living in a place full of natural beauty and having many neighbors […]
Why Did My Water Suddenly Turn Brown
| Keith McDonald
It’s not the best day when you turn on the faucet or jump in the shower and are met with some brown-tinted droplets! You may feel completely turned off from using your water. While we want to reassure you that it’s most likely safe to use for cleaning and bathing (it may be best not […]
More PFAS in New Hampshire — and What That Means for You
| Keith McDonald
Water is a basic need for life—and we shouldn’t have to worry about the quality or standards. NH residents hear about this issue on a regular basis—and if you have well water or live near the Pease Tradeport or the Saint-Gobain, you may be very concerned about your and your family’s well-being. Since PFAS is […]
So You Bought a Home in New Hampshire That Has Well Water….Now What?
| Keith McDonald
Whether you’re moving into a home that’s had well water for 50+ years, or you’re constructing a new build in a rural area, owning a well water home has its distinct advantages and disadvantages. We want to help you understand the basics of what well water means for you, along with the most important benefits […]
What is a boil advisory?
| Keith McDonald
When you hear “water boil advisory” on the radio or television, you may be unfamiliar with the term or unsure what it means for you — we want to alleviate your concern by giving you the steps you need to take to ensure your family is safe. What is a water boil advisory? A boil […]
7 Benefits of a Water Softener
| Keith McDonald
If you struggle with dry, itchy skin or streaking on your glasses after the dishwasher runs, you may have an issue with hard water. Hard water can drastically damage your home, and fixing the issue with water softeners will help you enjoy a better quality of life and help you take better care of your […]
Why you need a whole house water treatment system in New Hampshire
| Keith McDonald
Purified water is an investment in your families health, home, and future. The state of New Hampshire is known for natural beauty and its citizens have built a reputation as being health-conscious and environmentally aware. So it may come as a surprise to Granite State homeowners to find that the water coming from their kitchen […]