The importance of clean water in homes cannot be overstated. Every aspect of human life relies on access to clean water — from cooking and drinking to showering and cleaning. Remarkably, the human body itself is composed of 60% water, which needs constant replenishment. However, increasing pollution and environmental contamination have made tap water less reliable for safe consumption. As a result, more households are turning to home water treatment systems to ensure access to clean and safe water. Here’s what you need to know about these systems.
Understanding Water Quality
Before diving into home water treatment systems, it is crucial to understand what affects water quality. Quality water is not just about the absence of visible particles and sediments; it also involves the presence of certain minerals, chemicals, and microorganisms. For instance, hard water is characterized by high mineral content, mainly calcium and magnesium ions. Although not harmful to human health, it can negatively affect household appliances and plumbing systems.
Common Water Contaminants and their Sources
Microorganisms
Humans have a unique microbiome that must always stay in balance. Consuming water contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi can upset this balance and cause illnesses.
Chemicals
Industrial activities and agricultural practices release harmful chemicals such as lead, arsenic, chlorine, and fluoride into water sources. Prolonged exposure to something like lead can cause serious health issues, including neurological damage.
Sediments
Sediments like sand, clay, and silt are common in water sources. While they might not directly harm you, they often serve as effective carriers of microorganisms and chemicals. They could also block plumbing systems and reduce their efficiency.
Types of Water Treatment Systems
Point-of-Use (POU) Systems
Point-of-use systems treat water at a single tap, providing clean water directly where you need it most. They include reverse osmosis systems, ultraviolet purifiers, and activated carbon filters.
Reverse osmosis systems pressurize and pass impure water through a semi-permeable membrane, trapping impurities such as salts, metals and minerals, most microorganisms and many organic chemicals. It’s important to note that these systems work best in homes with an ample water supply. You should also have a plan for the water that gets filtered out, as it will go to waste.
Ultraviolet purifiers use UV light to kill microorganisms in water by disrupting their DNA. If your water also has chemicals and sediments, consider combining these systems with activated carbon filters for better results.
Activated carbon filters trap contaminants and impurities by adsorption, which is the process of attracting and holding particles on a surface. They are commonly used to remove chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, and other organic compounds from water. However, they can become saturated over time and need replacement for continued effectiveness.
Point-of-Entry (POE) Systems
Point-of-entry systems treat water at the main supply line. They include whole-house Water filters, water softeners, and chemical feeders.
Whole-house filtration systems remove impurities and contaminants from the water supply entering your home. They can include multiple stages of filtration, such as sediment filters, carbon filters, and UV purifiers, to ensure high-quality water for your household.
Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that cause hard water. They can either be salt-based or salt-free. Salt-based softeners work by exchanging soft ions of sodium or potassium for hard ions of calcium and magnesium. Salt-free softeners use resin beads with a negative charge to attract and bind with positively charged hard minerals.
Lastly, if you have done a water test and found out that you have uncommon contaminants like iron, sulfur, or a particular type of microorganism in your water, you can install a chemical feeder. These systems automatically inject specific chemicals, such as chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, into the water to neutralize and remove the contaminants.
Specialized Water Treatment Systems
Distillation systems and ozone water purifiers are often considered specialized treatments because their mode of action differs from traditional filtration methods. Distillation systems work by boiling water and then condensing the steam back into a liquid. This process removes nearly all impurities but can be time-consuming and energy-intensive.
Ozone water purifiers use ozone gas to disinfect and purify water. Ozone kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms through a process called oxidation, which breaks down their cell walls. While effective, ozone systems can be expensive and require regular maintenance to replace the ozone-producing bulbs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Treatment System
Water Quality
Conduct a water test to identify the contaminants present and their concentrations. You could easily mismatch a treatment system and your water quality by relying on assumptions. For instance, using a salt-based water softener in an area with hard water containing high levels of iron can lead to rust-stained clothes and appliances.
Water Usage
Consider the amount of water your household uses daily when selecting a treatment system. High-capacity systems are suitable for large families or households that use a lot of water, while smaller systems may be more appropriate for single-person households or apartments.
Budget and Maintenance
It is in your best interest to get a system you can afford upfront and in the long run. Systems like ozone purifiers and distillers may require regular maintenance, while carbon filters and reverse osmosis membranes will need periodic replacements. Consult with your water treatment professional to determine the overall cost of ownership for each system.
Certifications and Warranties
When selecting a water treatment system, make sure to research the company’s certifications and warranties. A reputable company should have certifications from organizations like NSF International or the Water Quality Association to ensure their product meets industry standards. Additionally, be sure to read the warranty terms and conditions carefully to understand what is covered and for how long.
Ease of Use
While a manual can help, it’s a good idea to get a system that you can easily operate and diagnose whenever there is a problem. Some systems may require professional installation and maintenance, while the homeowner can easily maintain others. Note, however, that even if you are good at DIY projects, scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year will ensure the system is working properly.
Benefits of Water Treatment Systems
Economic Benefits
Investing in a water treatment system can save you money in the long run. Treated water protects your plumbing and appliances from damage caused by contaminant buildup, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.
Health Benefits
Water without impurities can significantly improve your health. It not only nourishes your body but also helps prevent waterborne diseases and illnesses caused by contaminants.
Environmental Benefits
Using a water treatment system reduces the need for bottled water, which in turn minimizes plastic waste. Additionally, treating water at home reduces the demand for energy-intensive water treatment processes used by municipal systems, leading to a smaller carbon footprint.
Contact Woodward Heating Air Plumbing for More Information on Water Treatment Systems
If you need expert advice or assistance in choosing and installing a water treatment system in Salem, OR and surrounding areas, contact Woodward Heating Air Plumbing. We also offer other plumbing services like shower repair, faucet, water heater, and water line repair, maintenance, and installation; garbage disposal; and HVAC solutions. We can help you keep your water and plumbing systems in top condition for a healthier, safer, and more comfortable home.
