Types of Home Water Treatment Systems

Before we discuss water treatment systems, let us talk about the concern of our water supplies as a whole. This is a time when there is increasing and genuine concern about our water supplies. Currently, there are over 2,000 contaminants that may be found in water.

People worldwide have turned to bottled water being presented to consumers as safer and healthier. Millions are spent on bottled water each year. The bottled water industry is not regulated, and as a result, some of the brands are not any better than tap water. They can contain some of the contaminants consumers are trying to avoid. Home water treatment systems have been designed to provide the purest water possible to homes.

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A popular seller is the reverse osmosis system. Osmosis pushes a weak solution through a semi-permeable membrane to a stronger solution until the solution on both sides is equal. Reverse osmosis initiates the osmotic process. It then stops the process and reverses it. The result is that pure water is one side and contaminants are trapped on the other side. The problem with these however, is that they can also get rid of the much needed minerals, we as humans need. By checking out the water filters we personally use below, you will avoid this known problem.

Faucet-mounted filters are also called point of use systems. Shower filters are attached to the shower head and can be attached to a shower wand as well. Drinking water filters can be faucet-mounted, pitcher purifiers; individual sport bottles are also available. Straws with filters in them are also available and purify the water with each sip.

Counter top models are available. Under the sink and under the counter models are available and designed to be installed out of sight. These systems are effective in purifying water.

Home water treatment systems have many benefits. They improve health preventing many diseases. The Reduced purchase of bottled water means there is a lesser need for the plastic to produce them. There will be fewer plastic bottles that find their way into landfills.

Types of Home Water Treatment Systems

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Whole-House Water Treatment Systems - The Biggest Bang For Your Clean Water Buck

If you're thinking about buying a home water treatment system for your home but aren't quite sure which direction to take, let me point you in the direction of whole-house water treatment systems. In my humble opinion, these comprehensive systems give you the biggest bang for your clean water buck.

You see, when it comes to a home water treatment system, drinking water shouldn't be your only concern. Because you also need clean water to bathe and cook its just makes sense that whole-house treatments are the better investments.

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Let me explain why I'm making this recommendation.

I'm sure you're already aware that providing your family with clean, contaminant-free water helps to promote their health and well-being. Whole-house treatment systems are the most convenient way to deliver clean water from everything that dispenses water in your home.

Just think about it. By connecting this home treatment system to the main water line that comes into your house, you can have safe, pure water from faucets, baths, showers, toilets, washing machines, etc. And because the water flowing through the pipes in your home is free of corrosive chemicals, your family won't be exposed to lead or copper that has leached from the pipes.

There is also an environmental bonus attached to whole-house treatment systems. The water that leaves your home and goes back into the sewer line will be free of chemicals and bacteria, further protecting your family and community.

Last, but not least, is the cost of this type of home treatment system. At less than fifty cents a day, quality whole-house water treatment systems are, by far, the least expensive and most convenient way to filter and purify water.

Just as a comparison, you could pay between and a gallon for bottled water and not be sure of the true quality of the water. In my way of thinking, that's an expensive chance to take with the health of your family.

So now that you know all this, what's your next step?

My recommendation is to be a good consumer and take a look at some whole-house water treatment systems. As a starting point, I recommend looking at a home treatment system that uses a multi-stage filtration process. I have found this technology to be the best at removing a wide range of toxins, bacteria and odor-causing sediments, while lowering dangerous levels of chlorine. As an extra health bonus, multi-stage filtration leaves beneficial minerals untouched.

Make no mistake about it. Whole-house water treatment systems can give you the biggest bang for your clean water buck!

Whole-House Water Treatment Systems - The Biggest Bang For Your Clean Water Buck

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The Truth About Home Water Treatment Systems

We have excellent choices for home water treatment systems, today. But, regretfully, not everyone make the most excellent choice.

Of course, some experts say that any attempt at purification is better than none. But, some water treatment products are definitely better than others.

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Do you know much about what's in your water? The list of possible contaminants is long, but primarily, you should be concerned about chemicals used for disinfection, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria that are resistant to chemical disinfection, as well as, hazardous compounds that are man made or naturally occurring.

The right home water treatment systems can remove all of these things. Luckily, some of the most affordable water treatment products do the best job. Let's look at a few examples.

Perchlorate is a naturally occurring compound that is used to make rocket fuel and as a medication to treat hyperthyroidism. If ingested by an otherwise healthy individual, it causes dysfunction of the thyroid gland or hypothyroidism.

In children, this causes developmental problems. In adults, it causes metabolic disorders. Researchers have found it in over 800 test sites around the United States. But, it is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. So, currently, you have to assume that it is present in your tap-water.

The water treatment products that remove perchlorate target "volatile organic compounds" or VOCs. Most of the highly advertised home water treatment systems do not target those compounds.

For example, Brita and PUR do not remove them and neither does reverse osmosis technology. A technology called adsorption (not absorption) is needed to remove them. Typically, the process is performed using a carbon block, not granular activated carbon, which is what the cheapest water treatment products (PUR, Brita, and Ever-pure) include.

Public providers add chemicals to surface or groundwater to kill bacteria, algae, viruses and protozoa. Byproducts, primarily THMs, are created by this process. THMs are similar in composition to VOCs. They can only be removed through adsorption.

THMs are toxic and constant exposure can cause cancer. They become airborne due to boiling or the use of hot water in the shower. They can also be consumed by drinking unfiltered tap-water.

You can purchase whole home water treatment systems and remove the threats entirely. But, at the very list, you need a kitchen purifier and a showerhead filter. Only two of the five most popular showerhead filters remove THMs.

If you compare product performance data, you can learn what health hazards a system removes and to what extent. The data should also give you an idea of how much per gallon, your water treatment products will cost.

However, many companies do not provide complete information before you buy. Reverse osmosis providers may tell you "what" is removed, but not "how much". Brita is very evasive. It took a lot of time to find out that their pitchers only reduce lead by 93% and chlorine by 75%.

But, it was worth it, because now I have home water treatment systems that I know are effective. They gave me the freedom to drink and shower without worry.

The Truth About Home Water Treatment Systems

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The Purpose of Water Treatment Systems

There is great concern regarding the purity and safety of some of the world's major water supplies. Contamination can occur from industrial wastes, chemicals in the pipes, as well as by organic waste from humans and animals. Bottled water has become extremely popular due to its portability and convenience. It is also purported to be purer than tap water and considered healthy.

Recent research and claims have raised concerns that bottled water may be no more beneficial than plain tap water. Since bottled water is not regulated, it may contain some of the contaminants that consumers are trying to avoid by not drinking tap water.

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Water treatment systems are available for in-home and personal use depending on the need. In home systems include whole-house systems. These systems are hooked up to where the water enters the home. This purifies the water through out the house including the bath, shower, toilet, and all faucets or points of use. A whole-house system may be in order if the home is large. Some whole-house systems may aid in purifying the air as well.

Point of use or faucet mounted water treatment systems are attached to the faucet. It only purifies the water that passes through that particular filter. Faucet-mounted systems are great if only the drinking/cooking water is to be treated.

Shower-head systems are attached to the shower head. Only the water that passes through it is purified. These water treatment systems can also be attached to a hand-held shower wand.

Countertop models are exactly that. They sit upon a counter and linked to the water supply. Under countertop/sink models are larger than countertop models. They are designed to be installed out of sight.

Personal use systems can include water bottles with filters, pitcher systems, and straws with filters. These are available on the market and from the internet. They could in the long run be more economical than bottled water.

The type of water treatment system that may be chosen can depend on budget. They may also be chosen according to available space or lack of space. The type of system may also depend on whether only the drinking/cooking water is to be treated. The best system is the one that will treat the most water at a reasonable price.

The Purpose of Water Treatment Systems

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Home Water Treatment - Your Options

If you suspect an issue with your water system you might have looked into purchasing a home water treatment unit. In this article, we will discuss various considerations and options available when making your final decision.

Do I Even Need a Unit?

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Consumers obtain their water from two select sources: private wells and public supplies. As determined by the Safe Drinking Water Act, all public supplies must meet the standards set in place by the EPA. Some states even have more stringent standards.

In contrast, private supply owners are subject to only local and state laws. They alone are responsible for the quality of the product from their wells. The majority of well is safe, however there are some instances in which treatment is required. If you happen to come across an issue with your system, you may want to hire a competent quality contractor to help in selecting the most suitable treatment unit.

Things to Consider

Once an appropriate unit is decided on, comparison shop for costs, refund policies, maintenance requirements, installations methods, and warranties. Ask how the unit should be installed and whether it needs professional assistance. If professional installation is required, inquire as to whether the purchase price reflects the install.

Certain types of units are installed underneath the kitchen sink and treat all cold water flowing to the tap. Others, treat only the flow diverted from the cold line and deliver to a separate faucet. Some mount to the faucet itself, while others rest on the countertop.

To ensure long life, treatment units must be maintained properly and regularly. Certainly models require more maintenance than others. After a period of time using the device, be aware of any changes in pressure, sediment, and taste. These changes may indicate when a replacement is needed.

If your unit comes with a written warranty, take the time to read which costs and parts are covered. Be sure to note whether you can obtain a replacement or refund in the event the model turns up with issues. Find out where repairs are performed and the typical turnaround time. Prior to purchasing a treatment device, contact your state consumer affairs office to find out whether they have received any complaints pertaining to the company.

Hopefully you now have a good idea of where to begin your journey. Remember to do your research and ask any questions that come up.

Home Water Treatment - Your Options

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