We all know that water is vital for us to live, and also to other animals and plants on Earth. In the developed world, we take water and its availability for granted. Most of us simply turn on a faucet, and we have clean and usable water.
Or do we? Water is sourced from different places in different states of the USA. Generally, the original water is passed through a filtration plant, and is then channelled to our homes and other properties. The problem is that, even though these plants do their job, the water may not be as clean as you think by the time it gets to your home.
Why is this? Think of the way water gets to your home: let’s say it is sourced from a reservoir. It will be piped from the reservoir into the filtration plant. As it leaves the plant, it will be tested and passed as clean and safe – which it undoubtedly is.
Now, consider that the water filtration plant is situated on the outskirts of the town or city in which you live, by necessity. The clean, safe water has to now run down a network of pipes, which are likely decades old. These pipes harbour bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. So by the time the water comes out of your faucet, it is not as clean and safe as when it left the plant.
This is the reason why people should be using a water filter, and the right type of filter at that. Let’s have a look at water filters in a little more detail.
Types of Water Filter
In the US, four different types of water filter prevail when it comes to domestic use. Each has its own method and routine for filtering water, and each has its merits, too. If you visit Water Filter Base, a major supplier of all kinds of filters, they offer you detailed information on each one. Which one should you use? The following gives you an idea of the different filters and how they work:
Reverse Osmosis – this type of filter is a popular option for domestic users, and involves no fewer than five separate filters. The water passes through three standard membrane filters before it goes through a post membrane filter. Finally, it will pass through a semipermeable membrane filter. It is this final stage that removes the smallest of contaminants.
Distillation – in this method, the water is turned into steam by heating. The steam is then captured in a special container. It is left to cool down and becomes cleaner in the process, any bacteria having been hopefully killed by the distillation routine.
Ion Exchange – this is a filter used for hard water; it uses a process in which the water is passed through ‘zeolite beads’. When the water meets these beads, it causes a chemical reaction with the magnesium and calcium in the water. The ‘ion exchange’ takes place at this point, which effectively cleanses the water.
Activated Carbon – by far the most common, simplest and cheapest water filtration system, these filters use a carbon element – charcoal usually – to trap the bacteria and other contaminants, so the water that passes through is clean and safe to use.
The above represent the four main water filtration systems in use in the USA, and at Water Filter Base you will find further information on which to use for your particular needs. The right type of water filter will ensure that when you turn on your faucet, you get clean and safe water every time, so check them out now.
