Home Filtration of Tap Water – 5 Choices
Home filtration of tap water is a necessary and important safety step. Home filtration of tap water is also an environmentally friendly option that is more affordable than buying bottled water. However you must choose the right purification method.
You see, the use of some purifiers is accompanied by unreasonable costs and increased energy usage, while some brands are simply ineffective. Let’s look first at the different options available.
Home Filtration of Tap Water through Reverse Osmosis or Distillation
These methods of purification share some similar disadvantages. Both require additional energy (electricity) to function. Neither system removes chemical contaminants. Both are expensive. Both de-mineralize. Both are expensive to purchase and difficult to maintain. Both supply a limited amount of drinking water on a daily basis.
Reverse osmosis is unnecessary for homeowners serviced by a public treatment facility. Distillation is only a necessary step when bacterial contaminants are present, as might occur after flooding, a hurricane or other natural disaster. But, it’s simpler just to pre-filter and boil.
GAC or Carbon Blocks and Other Filtering Media
These are the best systems for removal of chlorine and other chemical contaminants. The better companies use both GAC or granular activated carbon and a multi-media block to remove the widest range of cancer-causing chemical contaminants.
Ion Exchange
This is an extra step that can be utilized to remove lead and other metallic ions. The best companies include this step, because lead is a hazardous compound that causes brain damage and other long-term health problems. In addition, the step improves the taste, while balancing mineral content and pH level.
Sub-micron Particle Removal
The Environmental Protection Agency warns that giardia and cryptosporidium cysts may be present in any publicly treated supply and even in bottled water brands. A sub-micron particle filter is needed to remove cysts. This step also removes tiny sediments that may not be hazardous, but do affect taste and appearance.
The most effective home filtration of tap water is achieved with products that include all four steps.
PUR & Brita
These inexpensive systems do not include enough steps or filtering media to remove all of the chemical contaminants present in our supply. Neither product will remove THMs or VOCs.
THM exposure is one reason that home filtration of tap water is recommended for anyone whose facility uses chlorine or bromine for disinfection. The chemical compounds are released when chemical disinfectants react with bacteria and algae. THMs are known to cause cancer.
THMs may also form in the shower, as chlorine reacts with bacteria on the skin or because of the use of antibacterial soaps containing triclosan. The amount that is present in the water before you turn on the shower becomes airborne in the steam. Thus, exposure in the bathroom is likely greater than elsewhere in the home.
So, when you shop for home filtration of tap water, remember to include a shower filter. Some companies offer great deals on multiple systems. You’ll save money and protect your health at the same time.
Home filtration of tap water leaves you only one real option. To properly protect your health from diseases and health threatening contaminants you must have an effective home filtration system. My research found one that I would personally recommend. This is because it does the best job at a reasonable price.
By: Larry L. Taylor
About the Author:
Larry L. Taylor is a dedicated advocate of living a healthy lifestyle and diligent researcher of water purification systems. Visit his site at: http://www.CleanWaterPure.com to discover which home water filter Larry recommends.