Any person exploring water filtration options for their home is following a tradition that goes right back to 2000 BC at least. Right back at the dawn of civilization, people were already using layers of gravel and sand to remove contaminants from their drinking water. Even Archimedes and Hippocrates were proponents of certain water filtration methods, and we still use them to this day in more refined formats. But, many people wonder if they really need a water filtration system in their own homes, and this is the focus of this article.
What is the Purpose of Water Filtration?
Water is filtered to remove contaminants that can compromise the aesthetic and health benefits of water. The presence of strange colors, bad odors, foul tastes, and other characteristics can make the water less palatable for drinking, food prep, and cooking. But, there are serious health considerations, too; waterborne diseases are a major cause of illness and fatalities throughout the world. Water is the perfect medium for a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, pathogens, cysts, and other microorganisms. Many of these microorganisms are unhealthy to consume, and they are linked with a number of health problems. Other contaminants that could be lurking in the water include chemicals, heavy metals, pharmaceutical byproducts, and more.
What About Hard Water?
Hard water contains elevated concentrations of dissolved minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and in certain areas, iron too. These minerals are added to the makeup of the water as it passes through various strata of sand, rock, and soil after it falls as rain. Water is an effective solvent; it can dissolve many materials that it encounters, and these are added to its makeup. But, water filtration doesn’t remove hardness from water, and a water softener is the most effective way to make the water soft and easier to use. The most reliable softeners use an ion-exchange process that replaces the mineral ions with salt ions that are more benign. A water softener is usually installed in series with filtration systems to make the water cleaner, fresher and softer.
Do I Need Water Filtration?
Private well water users are responsible for their own water quality, and annual water testing is advisable. Groundwater supplies are susceptible to contamination, and some type of water filtration system will be needed. Even public water users may want to consider adding a water filtration system to their homes. Why? Although it is true that public water is filtered and disinfected to a basic standard, there are still water quality problems. There are a number of potential causes for poor quality public water, including breaks in the aging water pipes, human error, chlorine byproducts, and more. Changes to the water quality can occur quickly, and contamination is a very real threat. For this reason, many people install a water filtration system as a last line of defense to ensure that their water is clean and healthy.
If you want to learn more about a water filtration system for your home, contact your local water treatment specialist.
By EcoWater Systems.
EcoWater Systems of Nebraska is the largest water treatment company in the state and is a member of Water Quality Association.