Water is one of the most essential resources in our daily lives, and ensuring that the water we drink is clean and safe is vital for our health and well-being. However, the process of water purification can be complex, with many technical terms that can be overwhelming for homeowners. Understanding these key terms is the first step toward making an informed decision about your water filtration needs. In this blog post, we’ll break down the essential water purification terminology to help you better understand how to choose the best water filtration system for your home.
1. Contaminants
Contaminants are any substances present in the water that can pose a threat to health or quality. These can be naturally occurring, like minerals, or introduced through human activities, such as pesticides or chemicals from industrial waste. Common contaminants found in drinking water include:
- Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury)
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- Bacteria and viruses
- Sediment
Different water filters target specific contaminants, so understanding which contaminants are present in your local water supply can help you choose the right filtration system. A professional consultation can help educate you so you can make an informed decision.
2. Filtration
Filtration is the process of removing impurities from water by using a physical barrier or chemical process. Water filtration systems use various methods to purify water, depending on the type of contaminants you’re trying to remove. Common types of filtration include:
- Carbon Filtration: Uses activated carbon to remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): A process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, salts, and bacteria.
- UV Filtration: Uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Understanding the different types of filtration will help you select the most effective system based on your needs.
3. Microns
When discussing water filtration, the term “micron” refers to the size of the pores in a filter. Microns measure the size of particles that the filter can remove from the water. The smaller the micron size, the more contaminants the filter can trap. For example:
- 1 micron filters can remove particles as small as a bacteria or large microorganisms.
- 5 microns filters can remove dust, rust, and larger particles.
If you have concerns about smaller particles or microorganisms, choosing a filter with a smaller micron size may be beneficial.
4. Sediment
Sediment refers to solid particles that can be found in water, such as dirt, rust, sand, or other debris. These particles can affect the taste and clarity of your water. Sediment filters are designed to trap and remove these particles, protecting other filtration systems and improving water quality. If your water has a cloudy appearance or contains visible particles, a sediment filter may be your first line of defense.
5. Hard Water
Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. While hard water is not harmful to health, it can cause scaling in pipes, water heaters, and appliances, leading to inefficiency and potential damage over time. A water softener is often used to treat hard water by removing excess calcium and magnesium ions, making the water “softer” and better for household use.
6. pH Level
The pH level of water measures its acidity or alkalinity, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 being neutral. The ideal pH level for drinking water is typically between 7.0 and 8.5. Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can affect the taste and quality of your water, and in some cases, it can also cause corrosion in pipes. Water filtration systems may include pH balance adjustments to ensure water is within the ideal range.
7. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
TDS refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including minerals, salts, and metals. High TDS levels can affect the taste and quality of water and may indicate the presence of harmful contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are effective at reducing TDS, providing purified water with fewer dissolved solids.
8. Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is a form of carbon that has been treated to be highly porous, giving it a large surface area for adsorbing (binding) impurities. Activated carbon filters are commonly used to remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bad odors, and tastes. They are particularly effective for improving the taste and smell of tap water, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for better drinking water.
9. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis is a water filtration process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities from water. It is highly effective at removing a wide variety of contaminants, including lead, arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, and even some bacteria and viruses. RO systems are often used for purifying drinking water, and while they may be more expensive, they provide some of the cleanest water possible.
10. UV (Ultraviolet) Purification
UV purification uses ultraviolet light to disinfect water by destroying the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. UV filtration is effective at killing germs and pathogens but does not remove chemical contaminants. It is often used as an additional step in conjunction with other filtration methods like reverse osmosis or carbon filtration to provide comprehensive water purification.
Conclusion
Choosing the right water filtration system for your home requires understanding key water purification terms and how they apply to your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with contaminants like lead, hard water, or bacteria, knowing the basics of filtration technology—like reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, and UV purification—can help you make an informed decision.
If you’re unsure which filtration system is best for your home in Charlotte, NC, it’s always a good idea to have your water tested. Many water filtration companies offer water testing services to help you determine the specific needs of your water supply.
By understanding the key terms in water purification, you’re already on your way to ensuring that the water you drink is safe, clean, and healthy. Stay informed and take control of your water quality today!
If you’re interested in clean water in your home – schedule a free, no-obligation in-home water analysis with an Artisanal Water local expert.
Call (704) 315-6344 or fill out our contact form.
