Introducing a home water filtration system to your water supply can help get rid of costly future problems. You can preserve the quality of your pipes and prevent damaging your home appliances by using a filtration system. Beware that there are filters that have a certification, but there are also filters that do not. A manufacturer provides certification to indicate how much water a filter can treat before Berkey replacement filters are needed. There are even water filters that can notify the owner when the filter needs replacement. There are markers on the filtration systems to indicate that a product has been independently tested in a laboratory for quality control and assurance.
Before purchasing a home water filtration system, you may be curious about your local water supply. How do you know if your tap water is safe for drinking? Consumer standards for tap water are known to be stricter in terms of safety and quality control compared to bottled water. You can request your local water utility for a water quality report. It is a document required by federal law that provides a brief description of the state’s water source assessment. It measures how susceptible water is to contamination, indicates whether your water has been contaminated within the year, and how you can get the complete water assessment.
Considerations in Choosing a Filtration System
The easiest way to remove bacteria from water is through chlorination or UV radiation, but it can also have adverse effects if chlorine or UV levels are unmonitored. Leave the chlorine at the swimming pool. Did you know that when chlorine mixes with water, it creates an acid? Over time, consuming chlorinated water can damage the body because of its corrosive nature. You can eliminate harmful chemicals like chlorine in water by installing a home water purification system and consistently get clean water.
Freshwater can originate from different places such as a lake, river, or groundwater aquifer. These bodies of water are sources of our drinking water. The water filtration system removes unwanted minerals from tap water, but it does affect the taste. Although water is known to be tasteless, some people have complained about the distinct taste filtered water has. Now different tap water filters can still give you great-tasting, safe water.
Some filters are pitchers or carafes. Some filters need installation, like faucet mounts that connect directly to the kitchen tap and plumbed-in filters under the sink. There are also reverse osmosis filtration systems that are the only filtration systems that will effectively kill harmful bacteria in the water supply. Although water filters can remove harmful organisms, it is possible for the regrowth of new bacteria. If your water filter is not properly maintained or if the water is not properly stored in a hygienic container, it can also become a source of bacterial growth.
Available Types of Water Filtration Systems
Today, there are different types of home water filters available such as the activated carbon, reverse osmosis and distiller, and polypropylene and ceramic home water filtration systems. According to several studies, the most effective removing chemicals are activated carbon filters. These chemicals may include chlorine, manganese, and iron that can leave a distinct taste. Consumers like these filters because the activated carbon removes the tap water taste and unusual odors.
Polypropylene and ceramic filters effectively get rid of sediments like grit and foreign material in a discolored water supply; however, it does not effectively remove bacteria. The polypropylene fibers create a fine net that physically traps and removes unwanted particles to purify the water. As the filter is used, it can be clogged due to the number of trapped particles, so the owner must replace the filter.
The most refined water filtration systems are the reverse osmosis filters because they remove harmful bacteria and other remaining chemicals such as minerals; however, these filters do not remove hydrogen sulfide in acidic waters, which activated carbon filters can do. Reverse osmosis filters are also the costliest and need a professional for the installation.
Before choosing your home water filtration system, you need to consider several items for a checklist. You need to estimate how much water you need to be filtered at a given time. You need to determine if you want to prioritize filtering out bacteria, physical sediments, unwanted chemicals, the unusual tap water taste, and odor. You need to identify if the water filtration system will have available Berkey replacement filters when change-outs are needed. Finally, has the model been independently tested and certified with the standard Plumbing Safety Type Test mark for quality assurance? Find the right water filtration and get great-tasting and safe water for your family!