i have been finding lately that when i leave a glass of water out for my cat. the next day there is a shiny metallic film over the top of it. which has explained why all of a sudden my cat refuses to drink water unless it is fresh. i stuck my finger in it and the film latched onto my finger like soap in a bath tub does when you get out. it also has stained a ring around the glass a light blue color. i was wondering if this was something dangerous or at least what it was. freaked me out anyway. if anyone has any suggestions let me know.
I bet you have hard water which is forming a deposit of calcium or magnesium carbonate or sulphate. Harmless minerals.
QUOTE (jeanev78@hotmail.com+Feb 26 2008, 12:11 AM)
i have been finding lately that when i leave a glass of water out for my cat. the next day there is a shiny metallic film over the top of it. which has explained why all of a sudden my cat refuses to drink water unless it is fresh. i stuck my finger in it and the film latched onto my finger like soap in a bath tub does when you get out. it also has stained a ring around the glass a light blue color. i was wondering if this was something dangerous or at least what it was. freaked me out anyway. if anyone has any suggestions let me know.
jeanev78@hotmail.com,
Perhaps a few questions:
Do you have a well or city water
Has this problem just started
do you have any filtration for the water
jeanev78@hotmail.com,
Perhaps a few questions:
Do you have a well or city water
Has this problem just started
do you have any filtration for the water
Also what is the Ph of the water and do you have copper pipes?
The blue color staining suggests there is a high copper level in the water.
The blue color staining suggests there is a high copper level in the water.
QUOTE (paul h+Feb 26 2008, 08:48 PM)
Also what is the Ph of the water and do you have copper pipes?
The blue color staining suggests there is a high copper level in the water.
Copper sulphate or copper carbonate?
The blue color staining suggests there is a high copper level in the water.
Copper sulphate or copper carbonate?
QUOTE (barakn+Feb 26 2008, 04:49 AM)
I bet you have hard water which is forming a deposit of calcium or magnesium carbonate or sulphate. Harmless minerals.
if your answer is correct, a new answer arises.....
"why"?
why would there be a deposit calcium or magnesium carbonate, if the water is in perfect harmless conditions (as in as good for a cat).....?
if your answer is correct, a new answer arises.....
"why"?
why would there be a deposit calcium or magnesium carbonate, if the water is in perfect harmless conditions (as in as good for a cat).....?
QUOTE (Sir Carnage+Feb 29 2008, 07:43 PM)
if your answer is correct, a new answer arises.....
"why"?
why would there be a deposit calcium or magnesium carbonate, if the water is in perfect harmless conditions (as in as good for a cat).....?
Simple.
He said he left it overnight.
Water evaporates.
Said hard water minerals precipitate out of the solution (as they become supersaturated in solution).
That's highschool chemistry.
There's other possibilities as well, but the key point here is that the glass is left overnight.
"why"?
why would there be a deposit calcium or magnesium carbonate, if the water is in perfect harmless conditions (as in as good for a cat).....?
Simple.
He said he left it overnight.
Water evaporates.
Said hard water minerals precipitate out of the solution (as they become supersaturated in solution).
That's highschool chemistry.
There's other possibilities as well, but the key point here is that the glass is left overnight.
QUOTE (jeanev78@hotmail.com+Feb 26 2008, 05:11 PM)
i have been finding lately that when i leave a glass of water out for my cat. the next day there is a shiny metallic film over the top of it. which has explained why all of a sudden my cat refuses to drink water unless it is fresh. i stuck my finger in it and the film latched onto my finger like soap in a bath tub does when you get out. it also has stained a ring around the glass a light blue color. i was wondering if this was something dangerous or at least what it was. freaked me out anyway. if anyone has any suggestions let me know.
When you shower, does the soap lather up nicely? Or is it kinda 'flat' and filmy?
When you shower, does the soap lather up nicely? Or is it kinda 'flat' and filmy?
I had ask what the Ph was because most complaints of a blue or blue/green stain comes from copper and with low Ph (~6 or <) the water can attack the copper pipes. (there are other sources but) A water filter at the tap can rid most of the problem. But a whole house filter system with a water softener would be best. The best advice is to have a good water test done. (often) by a privet testing company. (~ $45.00) You never know what may turn up in your water. (Even city water). At least run the water for a few gallons before using it first thing in the morning.
QUOTE (paul h+Mar 1 2008, 01:10 AM)
I had ask what the Ph was because most complaints of a blue or blue/green stain comes from copper and with low Ph (~6 or <) the water can attack the copper pipes. (there are other sources but) A water filter at the tap can rid most of the problem. But a whole house filter system with a water softener would be best. The best advice is to have a good water test done. (often) by a privet testing company. (~ $45.00) You never know what may turn up in your water. (Even city water). At least run the water for a few gallons before using it first thing in the morning.
Water with a pH (note, the caps are the other way around) of 6 or less is not up to most international drinking standards.
Water with a pH (note, the caps are the other way around) of 6 or less is not up to most international drinking standards.
Thanks for the spell check,,, 
Most well water is 8.5 to 6 and yes 6 or lower is not good and rare.
Most well water is 8.5 to 6 and yes 6 or lower is not good and rare.
PhysOrg scientific forums are totally dedicated to science, physics, and technology. Besides topical forums such as nanotechnology, quantum physics, silicon and III-V technology, applied physics, materials, space and others, you can also join our news and publications discussions. We also provide an off-topic forum category. If you need specific help on a scientific problem or have a question related to physics or technology, visit the PhysOrg Forums. Here you’ll find experts from various fields online every day.
To quit out of "lo-fi" mode and return to the regular forums, please click here.