By Marcella Peyre-Ferry

Lester Water Inc. is beginning its 74th year serving residents in Chester County and the surrounding region. The company specializes in installing and servicing water treatment equipment in homes that are served by wells or municipal water, and anyone who would like to improve the quality of the water in their home. 

Owner/operator Dave McKeon explains that there are a variety of reasons a homeowner would be wise to treat their water.  

“The first thing I would tell you is we need to get tests done from your well to determine if it’s safe to drink,” he said. “We take samples and a series of tests are done that will tell the homeowner where their water quality stands directly from the well, and if they will need to treat it.”  

When water treatment is mentioned, one of the first things that may come to mind is water softeners. These systems can remove hardness, iron and manganese from the water, making it better for washing, bathing and cleaning. Water softeners are also recommended if you have an on-demand hot water heating system. 

There are other issues besides water softening that Lester Water Inc. can address as well. 

“Each system is designed to solve different problems that can be in the water,” Dave said. 

Bacteria in well water is a common problem and an ultraviolet light system can be installed to kill bacteria and provide safe and healthy drinking water for your family.

A Neutralizer filtration system can address the Ph of the water so that your plumbing and appliances are protected from the effects of long-term exposure to acidic water.  Providing a neutral water to the appliances that use water in your home is an investment in their capacity to last longer.

Reverse osmosis systems reduce dissolved solids in your water which will improve the taste of the water. Reverse osmosis systems also are effective in removing nitrates – a problem that can occur in the agricultural regions like Chester County. Nitrates can not be smelled or tasted. A Reverse Osmosis system can also remove PFAS, a potentially carcinogenic, commercial chemical contaminant found in some wells.

Municipalities provide very good, quality water, but some homeowners may not like the chlorine taste in the water, so they might install a reverse osmosis system to improve the taste and quality. 

Dave characterizes household water as either working water (used for appliances and bathing) and drinking water. 

Dave explains that many people today purchase bottled water at a substantial cost, yet they cook with their tap water and use ice made from tap water. In some cases, the bottled water you buy is processed through a reverse osmosis system. That same process can be done in the home with the result of great tasting drinking water without the cost and nuisance of plastic bottles.

Even though water systems are not inexpensive, they save money over time by helping preserve the effective life of appliances, pipes, and laundry, as well as by eliminating the need for costly bottled water. 

Lester Water, Inc. installs well pressure tanks and can take care of the water from your well to your house. 

Most of their work comes from word-of-mouth and referrals from satisfied customers. The company serves Chester County, northern New Castle County, nearby Delaware County, and Cecil County in Maryland as far south as Chestertown and Rock Hall, Md. 

“When people look to install a water treatment system or are looking for service to their existing system, we stress the importance of our quality of work and training,” Dave said. He is certified as a Master Water Specialist, the highest level by the International Water Quality Association.  

“I have been in the water industry over 38 years and my men are top-quality trained,” Dave said. “We believe we provide not only the quality equipment but also the quality of service to our customers.  Once you become a Lester Water customer, you have my cell phone number and can reach me any time of the day.”

For more information, visit the company website at lesterwater.com.