Water purification is a process of decontaminating the water of any potentially harmful chemicals and elements. The municipal water supply usually provides water that is safe enough for human consumption, although there are certain risks that need to be taken into account. Whether your household is linked to a municipal water supply, or you have your own supply of water such as a well or a rainwater harvester, it’s a good practice to stay safe and introduce some sort of water purification system in your home.
Let’s take a look at different options at your disposal.
The risks of tap water
It’s common knowledge that tap water is treated with additives and chemicals in order to make it safe for consumption, and to avoid re-contamination in the process of delivering it from the processing facility to your household. The treatment plant adds chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine to it in order to eliminate any bacterial presence and make the water safe to drink, although risks of water re-contamination rise as the water travels through the decaying pipes to your tap.
The most realistic health hazards come from bacteria, viruses and protozoa. While additives in water are expected to eliminate all traces of bacteria, re-contamination can still occur if the water comes in contact with human or animal excrement. Another potential danger are the increased levels of harmful bacteria in water mains.
Finally, one of the major health concerns might come in the form of pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides can find their way into rural water supplies where they can live for a long time, potentially harbouring carcinogenic properties.
The best solutions for water purification
The best cost-effective solution for in-house water purification is the water filter. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be mounted anywhere in the house to serve different purposes, whether those are showering with clean water or mounting it on the kitchen sink for consumption. Water filters eliminate chemicals and additives primarily but they also eliminate the smell and taste that these chemicals give to the water, which can bother many people.
The first and usually the cheapest option is a jug water filter. Jug filters are used for storing and drinking water and they need to be filled up regularly due to their size. They are very convenient however, and the filter can be replaced easily. That said, they tend to require more maintenance and increase the upkeep costs due to their weaker filters.
The second solution would be either the tap-mounted or the countertop filter. Both are good for filtering larger amounts of water, with the countertop filter being less likely to clog. Seeing as how not all mounted filters can be fitted on all taps, you will need to check with the manufacturer or a plumber as to which kind of filter is the right option for you. If you look for water filters and cartridges online, you will have a better chance of finding the perfect match for your tap, as well as the most cost-effective model.
Finally, the best long-term solution is the under-sink filter. These filters may require some plumbing modifications, but they are able to purify large amounts of water without clogging up any countertop space and they have a long-lasting filter life. There is no need to attach the filter to the tap so you’re not running the risk of it getting clogged or malfunctioning.
Final considerations
While there are other purification options, such as filter mediums, water filters are the most eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. Processes such as UV treatments, distillation and reverse-osmosis consume vast amount of energy and water resources, contributing to the global waste crisis.
With a good water filter you can eliminate harmful chemicals and other substances and rest assured that you and your family are drinking the healthiest water possible, while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of the environment.