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Access to clean and safe drinking water is a necessity and vital for maintaining good health. While municipal water supplies are generally treated to meet safety standards, there is still a chance of contamination by impurities, unpleasant tastes, odours, or other contaminants that would be a concern to a homeowner.
Having a reliable water purification system can help improve the quality and provide peace of mind. That being said, there are so many available options that it can be quite overwhelming to find the right system. Furthermore, before you choose a water purification system, you need to understand your water quality, household needs, and the different types of purification technologies, which will help you decide for you.
Complete a Water Test
Before you purchase a water purification system, identify what you need to remove from your water. There are several homes that have hard water because of excess minerals, with some having too much chlorine, lead, bacteria, pesticides and other foreign bodies that shouldn’t be in our water.
To test your water, use a certified home testing kit which identifies the specific contaminants in your water supply.
Understand the Different Types of Water Purification Systems
There are several common types of water purification systems, which has its own advantages. However, this all depends on the quality of your water.
Activated Carbon Filters
These are one of the more common filtration systems because they help to reduce chlorine, unpleasant odours and overall improve the taste of the water. Plus, they are affordable and very easy to keep in good condition.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems offer a higher level of purification by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. They are good because they can remove contaminants, including heavy metals, nitrates, fluoride, and specific microorganisms. The only issue with this is the level of maintenance compared to the activated carbon filter system. Nevertheless, they will give you highly purified water.
Ultraviolet Purification Systems
Up next are the ultraviolet purification systems, which use UV light to neutralise bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms, and the benefit of it all is that you don’t add additional chemicals. They are particularly useful for properties that have a private well or water source where microbial contamination is a concern.
Whole – House Filtration Systems
Whole house filtration systems are installed in the main water line which enters the property. This treats all water before it reaches your appliances and taps. Furthermore, it provides the property with water you can drink, cook, bathe, and do the laundry.
Consider Household Needs
When selecting a purification system, you need to consider your water consumption for your home. For example, households with large families will need to have a water system that has a higher flow rate and has larger filter capacities to ensure a continuous supply of clean water. To have consistent water flow, you need a good water system that works perfectly for your home.
Evaluate Maintenance Requirements and Costs
Most water purification systems do require a lot of maintenance, which can also be quite expensive. In terms of maintenance, some of the filter cartridges will need to be replaced, along with membrane changes and general wear-and-tear servicing of components. Not only will you have to choose a filter system that works effectively with your water, but also one that is cost-effective and easy to keep well-maintained.
Look for Certified Water Purification Systems
Certification is another important consideration when it comes to choosing your water purification system. The best recommendation we can give you is that you look for one that is independently tested and certified to recognised standards for contaminant reduction and safety.
To Conclude
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a water purification system for your property. It all depends on the type of water you have, your family’s needs and your overall budget. Now, your water doesn’t need to be the type of ultrapure water that you would use in a hospital; however, it does need to be purified to a certain level where it is safe to consume.