Water is a necessary commodity in each household, but the type of water entering our faucet is not always what we would prefer. As awareness about whether contaminants exist in well or municipal water increases, homeowners have been looking to the best whole home water filtration solutions for that reassurance. But how in the world do those systems operate, and why would you install one on your home? The following is an overview of whole house water filtration systems.
Contaminants that are Found in Water
As an overview of what the filtration process is all about, it is helpful to know the types of contaminants being removed. Municipal water supplies, although treated through processes that are regulated, contain contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals in the form of lead, pesticides, and even deadly bacteria. For well users, risk can vary from sediment to mineral over-abundance and potential contamination by adjacent farm run-off. Those contaminants may impact everything from odor and taste of water to the life and longevity of your appliances, and even family well-being.
How Whole Home Filtration Systems Work
Whole home water purification systems, or point-of-entry (POE) systems, purify water before it enters your faucets, showers, and appliances. They are put in at the primary water entry point to your home and treat the water at its source so every faucet will dispense cleaner, safer water.
Filtration tends to take place in a series of stages. A pre-filter initially removes larger material such as sediment, rust, and debris. This protects the system, and your pipes, from clogging and buildup. The water then passes through one or more specialty filters, depending on the system. These might be as straightforward as activated carbon to take out chlorine and organic molecules right up to more advanced steps that will tackle heavy metals, bacteria, and even hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Finally, some systems even use UV technology for destroying harmful microorganisms and attaining maximum water purity.
Types of Whole Home Filtration Systems
The ideal system for your home is based on the specific water problems and needs of your home. Activated carbon systems are typically the most sought-after ones as they perform outstandingly well in chlorine removal, taste improvement, and odor removal. If hard water is a problem in your area, a water softener system can be the ideal solution in reducing mineral buildup.
For even more efficient filtration, reverse osmosis (RO) systems employ a semi-permeable membrane to remove up to 99% of contaminants, including heavy metals, nitrates, and even prescription medications. UV filtration systems are an additional assurance of protection since they actually sterilize water from bacteria and viruses.
You may also discover that there are combination systems in your area, those that combine multiple technologies to work towards eliminating a general range of contaminants and to offer whole-house water treatment to your residence.
Why Not Invest Today?
A whole house water filtration system is not a convenience, but an investment in your home, your health, and your lifestyle. By removing harmful contaminants, the systems provide cleaner drinking water, healthier skin and hair when showering or bathing, and longer appliance life. Pure water not only tastes better, it provides a healthier environment for your family with none of the risks of unfiltered water.
Although the initial cost of a whole home water filter system will appear to be expensive, long-term savings in terms of lower plumbing repair, appliance maintenance, and healthier living cannot be measured in dollars. A water treatment specialist will tell you the best solution depending on the need of your home.
Cleaner, healthier, safer water is nearer than you believe. The decision to put in a whole house water filter system means that all the water in your home is serving your well-being and health.
