Water purification systems have become incredibly popular currently, but what do you really know about them? Are these systems necessary or are we just following a trend?
It is no secret that our country’s tap water is full of toxins that are harmful to our bodies. Since the purpose of water purification is to remove unwanted chemicals, materials, and other contaminants from raw water; it is safe to say that this process is necessary. Granted, our public water is treated but that process does not take out all toxic metals like lead and chemicals. The water taken throughout sand beds to get rid of external particles and then chlorinate is added to remove bacteria. This explains the difference in taste when tap water is compared to filtered water, which might also give reason for the rise in bottled water purchases. However, is buying bottled water the safest way to go?
Studies have shown that bottled water is not only costly but also no better than the water flowing from your faucet. First, the water is obtained from the same source as all water … underground springs, wells, and municipal supplies. Then it goes through several processes of filtration where contaminants are removed from the water, just so it can be packaged into bottles and (depending on how long the bottles of water sit) have a chance of being tainted again by traces of the plastic it is held in. Another risk of contamination is that the company may or may not have filtered the water before it was placed in the bottles. So what are you paying for? The cost is not so much for clean water as much as it is for the plastic of the bottle, labeling, packaging, and transportation. So the question is; would you rather pay the cost for somebody else to filter water for you or filter it yourself?
If you chose to do it yourself, you are more than likely thinking of purchasing a water purification system but what kind do you want? Drinking water purification systems include filters for your faucet, pitcher, and refrigerator. Most of these systems include methods like reverse osmosis (where pressure is used to strain the water when removing impurities), sedimentation (allowing the harmful particles to settle out of the water and rest elsewhere), or the use of electromagnetic waves such as ultraviolet light (which breaks down the microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses). You can also look into shower water purification systems if you think you have “hard” water or a whole house purification system. Whether applied under the sink or on the countertop, these systems have a water conditioner designed to soften the water throughout your house and provide a few gallons of high quality drinking water to your kitchen sink or refrigerator.
No matter if you chose to drink the water from the tap, buy a bottle of water or DIY it with a water purification system, now you have a little more knowledge to support you purchase.