Water filtration systems are a practical solution to remove chlorine, fluoride, parasites or bacteria from household tap water. Clean, healthy water can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, as well as certain types of cancer, including those of the bladder, colon, and rectum. Instant access to drinking water also means fewer trips to the store for bottled water, which is sure to be quite inconvenient and expensive in the long run.
Here are four popular types of water filtration systems:
pitcher water filters
A popular and cost-effective option is pitcher water filters. The filtration process takes place in the pitcher and relies on granulated activated carbon to help remove certain contaminants. This pitcher is most practical in areas with high chlorine content. It can help improve the taste of the water, but it is not the best option for removing fluoride, heavy metals, herbicides or pesticides.
Distillation
Distilled water systems are based on a process of boiling water and transferring the steam to a second chamber that allows the steam to become virtually contaminant-free water. It is quite a complicated mechanism, but it is very effective in removing fluoride and heavy metals from tap water. In addition, it will also kill the bacteria in the water. In addition to harmful contaminants, this system can also remove healthy minerals from the water. Also, it is not the easiest system to install at home and often requires professional assistance.
water softeners
The water softener is a practical addition to the home for those who live in areas with problems related to hard water. This system uses potassium or sodium ions to replace the magnesium and calcium ions that create hardness and are already in the water.
Inverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis systems are one of the most popular options to install in the home. A big difference with the different models is the number of steps involved in purifying the water. The high-end system is designed to complete 5 or 6 different steps, and can include carbon filters, micron filters, semi-permeable membrane, and even use ultraviolet light to destroy the most resistant bacteria.
Once installed, reverse osmosis systems are really easy to use and often have a special faucet in the kitchen sink to draw clean water from. The running cost is quite affordable and the filter needs to be replaced every 6 to 12 months.