Filtered water isn’t something that should only come out of a bottle; it should be everywhere in your home. Drinking water should be clean of course, but what about the water you cook with, clean with, and wash your clothes in?
All water that comes from a treatment plant must pass strict guidelines for contamination; however, that water must pass through miles of pipeline to reach your faucets, and that pipeline is where water quality can decrease rapidly. It is likely that the water in your home has hundreds of chemical and biological substances in it. Some of these can cause your family to become sick, others can just make your water taste or smell unpleasant.
The benefits of using a water filtration system include:
- Filtered water helps keep your family healthier by removing lead, chlorine, mold, dirt, algae, and small particles
- The reduction in lime scale build-up in appliances that use water, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators, lengthens their lifespan
- Cleaner water helps maintain pipe quality
- A drastic improvement in taste and smell
- At only a few cents a gallon, there is a significant cost savings over bottled water
A water filter works using a physical barrier, a chemical process or a biological process. There are several different designs and types of filters. The best way to find the one that is right for your family is to meet with a water quality professional, who will test your water and discuss your family’s needs.
- Carbon filters are common, since they are capable of removing hundreds of contaminants.
- UV lights sterilize bacteria and viruses by exposing them to ultraviolet light as water passes through.
- Reverse osmosis systems pass water through a membrane to eliminate contaminants
- Water softeners, while they don’t reduce water contamination, will reduce water hardness and lime scaling. It’s a good idea to use one in conjunction with a water filter if you have hard water in your home.
Water filtration systems vary in size. There are individual, point-of-use systems that attach to only one water outlet, such as your kitchen sink. For most families, however, a whole-house filtration system is a good idea. Whole-house systems filter all the water that enters your home before it reaches the dishwasher, shower, washing machine, or faucet.
Water plays a large role in your family’s health. It touches everything that you touch, from the plate that you eat from, to the toothbrush you use, to the pillow case you lay your head on. Ensuring that water is clean and healthy is important, and the best way is to use a water filtration system throughout your home.
http://water.epa.gov/drink/