Activated Carbon Home Water Filters
Activated carbon filters are effective at removing bad odors and tastes from drinking water. They also remove some pollutants. These filters contain carbon that absorbs contaminants and other particulates from water. The Environmental Protection Agency states that these systems remove several chemicals from water, including chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, phosphates, and pharmaceuticals. There are some contaminants like heavy metals that are not removed by activated carbon filtration, but they also leave in healthy minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Home Water Filters That Use Reverse Osmosis
Water that has been processed using reverse osmosis has fewer contaminants. It is one of the most effective types of filters available to remove lead, fluoride, harmful chemicals, viruses, and bacteria. It also improves the taste of water. Some of the disadvantages of having a reverse osmosis system is that they can become clogged if not properly maintained, and they are not water-efficient.
Water Ionizers
Water ionizers make your water more alkaline, which is suggested to have health benefits. Some of the downsides of this type of water treatment are that it does not remove pollutants from the water, and they don’t filter soluble minerals. They are also expensive water systems for the home.
UV Filters
Ultraviolet water purification systems work to remove harmful bacteria from the water in your home. The system uses ultraviolet rays to kill dangerous pathogens and destroy the DNA of microorganisms.
On the downside, the ultraviolet water purification system will not remove arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, fluoride, or other dissolved impurities. You will need to install a separate system like a water distiller, reverse osmosis, or an activated carbon filter to remove any non-living pollutants.
Water Distillers
Water distillers are one of the most effective ways to remove contaminants. This type of purifier works by vaporizing the water into steam. The process removes minerals and contaminants. It also strips salt and heavy metals from the water. These systems are fairly easy to maintain.
A few of the disadvantages of using a water distiller are that the system does not remove chlorine, and it takes electricity to run. These systems are slow in processing the water, taking from four to six hours for one gallon of distilled water.
To determine the best type of filtration system for your home, call a professional to test your home’s drinking water. Knowing what contaminants are in your water will help you choose the most effective filter for your household.
Carolina Homechek provides home inspection services, including water testing, to Mecklenburg County and the surrounding counties. Contact us to request an appointment.