Filtering drinking water from the tap can remove undesirable bacteria and parasites found in groundwater and surface water sources. Although water treatment plants add fluoride and chlorine to treat the water and kill these pests, some bacteria and parasites can still find their way into your home. There are several at-home filter kits sold in stores, and filtering your water can also save you money when your only other option is bottled water.
Step 1
Conduct a water test to determine the types of bacteria, microorganisms and pathogens that are present in your chosen water source. Testing kits can be purchased at some drug stores and home improvement stores.
Step 2
Visit the CDCs website at www.cdc.gov/crypto/factsheets/filters.html to determine what types of water filtration devices effectively treat the bacteria, microorganisms and pathogens that your home test has detected. The CDC offers a complete list of filters that are currently on the market for water filtration.
Step 3
Purchase the appropriate filtration system for your situation. An ideal system will contain a chemically enhanced filter to kill microorganisms and rid your water of fluoride and chlorine. These chemicals are completely safe and EPA-approved for home use.
Step 4
Affix your filtration system to your kitchen water faucet if purchasing a faucet water filtration system such as PUR. Make sure that you screw the faucet filter fixture on tightly to avoid leaking.
Step 5
Turn on the faucet and allow water to run through the filter for a couple of minutes before filling your pitcher. Then place the pitcher or glass under the faucet and fill with water. The water should not be cloudy. Filtration strains the bacteria and pathogens, holding them in a netlike metal filter. Minerals are allowed to pass through so as not to harm the water's taste or nutritional benefits.
Step 6
Place your pitcher in the refrigerator. The pitchers that are offered with filtration systems contain additional filtration that will ensure it stays free of harmful components each time you pour the water for consumption.
Tips and Warnings
- Boiling water can remove certain bacteria, adding additional peace of mind to drinking water safety.
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