Water purification systems remove contaminants from your water, which can cause anything from health issues to problems with taste or odor. Not all systems are the same. An analysis of the features of a purification system will help you choose the best option. The National Sanitation Foundation tests and certifies systems, taking some of the question work out of analyzing water purification systems.
Significance
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates over 15 million households rely on private well systems for their primary source of water. Unlike municipal systems, homeowners must test and treat their own water. Adjacent land use can impact water quality, explains the National Ground Water Association. A water purification system may be essential to ensure safe drinking water.
Disinfection vs. Filtration
Water purification involves both disinfecting and filtering water. Disinfection removes bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms or pathogens. Examples include viruses and Giardia. These contaminants can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Filtration complements that disinfection process by removing other contaminants such as salts, heavy metals and sediment.
Drinking Water Standards
To determine the effectiveness of water purification systems, an analysis of the presence of contaminants can reveal how well a particular system accomplishes this task. The EPA works with municipal water facilities to monitor drinking water. This process involves analyzing water for the presence of potentially harmful contaminants. For each of these contaminants, the EPA determines a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) based on current scientific research. The MCLG is the level for which negative health effects are not expected to occur.
Benefits
The primary benefit of water purification systems is clean, safe water. These systems can act not only on visible contaminants, but undetectable toxins such as arsenic and radon. This feature is especially important if you have small children or elderly individuals living in your home. To select the best system for your needs, you will need to begin with a test of your drinking water.
Prevention/Solution
Water testing will show if contaminants are present in your drinking water and guide your decision for a water purification system by revealing the specific issues with your water. You can then analyze water purification systems to find the best device. For example, a reverse-osmosis system will effectively remove nitrates from your water if you live in an agricultural area. If you have an arsenic problem, a granular ferric absorption system is your best option, according to the New Jersey Geological Survey. This system pulls arsenic from your water to an adsorption medium. With a purification system, you rest assured, knowing your water is safe.
References
- National Sanitation Foundation: Home Water Treatment Systems
- U.S. Census Bureau: American Housing Survey for the United States: 2007
- National Ground Water Association: What's a Private Well Owner to Do?
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Drinking Water Contaminants - List of Contaminants and Their MCLs
- Cyber Nook: Drinking Water Treatment Methods
- New Jersey Geological Survey: Arsenic Water Treatment for Residential Wells in New Jersey
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