Access to clean drinking water is important for good health. However, not everyone has access to a reliable source of clean drinking water. Contaminated water can contain some harmful bacteria, chemicals, and impurities that may lead to illness.
Fortunately, you can easily filter water at home by using some simple methods to make it safe and clean for drinking.
In this frizzlife blog post, we will guide you through the importance of filtering water, easy ways to filter water at home, safety tips, and more.
Also, read our recent blog post about Is it ok to drink softened water?
Why is Filtering Water Important?
Filtering water is important because water contains harmful things you might not see. Some of these things include:
· Germs such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites (e.g. E. coli or Giardia).
· Chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals (Lead and mercury).
· Dirt and debris such as sand or sediment.
If you drink contaminated water, then it could make you sick. Filtering water is important because it removes these harmful things from water, making it safe for drinking.
Some Popular Filtration Systems
There are numerous types of filtration systems available in the market and online, below we have discussed some of the popular ones.
1. Reverse Osmosis Systems:
For advanced water purification, reverse osmosis systems are a top choice. These RO systems can remove almost all harmful contaminants including chemicals, germs, and heavy metals (Mercury or Lead).
Learn about the Filtering Potential of RO Filters
These systems are normally installed under the kitchen sink. Moreover, reverse osmosis systems use special membranes to filter water. However, remember that these systems waste some water during filtration, so reuse the wastewater for cleaning and gardening purposes if possible.
2. Water Filter Pitchers:
Water filter pitchers are a simple and affordable solution for everyday use. They normally have an activated carbon filter to remove chlorine, odors, and some heavy metals.
To use these filters, pour tap water into the pitcher’s top compartment, let it filter into the bottom, and enjoy cleaner water. Make sure to change the water filter regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain its efficiency.
3. Faucet Mounted Filters:
Faucet Mounted filters are an excellent option for fast and convenient water filtration. These filters directly connect to your kitchen tap and filter out impurities as the tap water passes through.
Following the recommended instructions when install them and replace the filter as recommended to make sure your water remains safe and clean for drinking.
4. UV Purifiers:
UV water purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and germs in water. These purifiers are generally installed on your water line, and then UV chambers disinfect the home water as it flows through.
For advanced safety, connect a UV purifier with another filtration method such as a carbon filter to completely handle dirt and chemical impurities.
By purchasing any of these systems, you can ensure safe and clean drinking water at home without requiring any other complicated equipment.
Helpful Tips for Filtering Water at Home
Here are four simple and helpful tips to make water filtering easy and effective:
1. Know Your Water Source:
Knowing the quality and source of your tap water is the first step. Use home water testing kits to find harmful impurities such as bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals. Understanding what is in your home tap water helps you easily fix specific filtration needs effectively.
2. Choose the Right Water Filter:
Different water filters are suited to different problems. For example, activated carbon filters can remove bad smells from water. On the other hand, reverse osmosis water filters remove heavy metals from water, making it safe and clean for drinking.
3. Replace Filters on Time:
A dirty water filter cannot clean water properly. If you want to filter your water properly, then simply replace the water filters on time.
So, these are a few simple tips and tricks that you should follow for seamlessly filtering water at home.
Some Safety Considerations to Keep in Mind
When filtering tap water at home, there are multiple things you need to take care of.
1. Proper maintenance of filtration systems:
Just remember this – the more effective your system will be, the more pure water you will receive. That’s why, it is suggested to properly maintain your filtration system on a regular system.
Carefully read the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the cleaning time frame and procedure. Apart from cleaning, do not forget to change the filters with new ones. Usually, a single filter lasts 6-12 months.
Read our Detailed Guide to Changing a Water Filter
2. Testing of filtered water is recommended:
You should always keep a close eye on the quality of filtered water. Use water testing kits or get help from a certified laboratory. Going with any of these methods will help you determine whether the water still contains toxic impurities and contaminants or not.
3. Ensure proper storage of filtered water:
The heading is already saying everything – it is essential for you to store filtered water properly. The place should be clean and the container should be food-graded. With this approach, you can prevent water recontamination.
Moreover, you should also avoid sunlight exposure to filtered water. This can increase the chances of algae growth. So, try to opt for a perfectly cool and dark place.
These are three of the most important safety considerations you should keep in mind when filtering water at home.
Conclusion:
Clean drinking water is important for a healthy life and filtering water at home can keep you and your family safe. Contaminated water can contain bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and dirt that cause illness, but using some simple ways such as boiling, water filter pitchers, and reverse osmosis systems can create a big difference.
Testing your water filter, choosing the right filter, and replacing filters on time also ensures effective filtration. Keep in mind that taking small steps today helps ensure better health and a safer tomorrow for you and your family.