Top Reasons You Need to Purify Your Water

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), around 90 percent of tap water in the United States is safe to drink. However, some households still need a water purification system to ensure the quality of their drinking water at home.

A water purification system removes impurities, such as lead, microbes, and pesticides, from water through filtration and decontamination. If you’re not sure whether you need some type of water purification system, here are some signs of impure water to look out for

Strange tastes and smells

If you already have a water softener installed but your tap water still tastes or smells strange, you may need to call in a water softener repair specialist. Otherwise, strange tastes and smells in tap water indicate the presence of a contaminant or an excessive amount of a certain organic compound.

Discoloration or cloudiness

Does your water look cloudy or discolored? If so, it is a clear indication that there is something wrong with your water and you should have it checked out.

Water-borne illnesses

When water is contaminated with microbes, such as pathogens and bacteria, it can cause illnesses when consumed straight from the tap. If your household starts experiencing more frequent gastrointestinal problems, your tap water may be the culprit.

Oily or grainy texture

Oil and sand can appear in your water if your well line or water main is compromised. In this case, it is advised to not drink or cook with tap water until you can determine where the damage is.

Types of water purification systems

There are several types of water purification systems, which can be divided into two categories: point-of-entry (POE) and point-of-use (POU). POE water systems filter the water as it enters your home, while POU systems filter the water at a particular fixture. Here are some examples under each category:

Point-of-entry water systems:

• Aerators. These are water filtration systems that remove chemicals from the water through jets of air.
• Water softeners. Water softeners soften hard water through ion exchange, which replaces the calcium and magnesium in hard water with sodium and potassium. Soft water is healthier for the skin and nails, does not form scale, and does not cause white spots on dishware.
• Water filters. Using carbon-based filtration systems, water filters remove contaminants from the water as it passes through.

Point-of-use water systems:

• Ultraviolet (UV) systems. UV water systems disinfect tap water using ultraviolet rays, which can eliminate bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, but without affecting the taste, smell, or appearance of the water.
• Reverse osmosis systems. A reverse osmosis unit makes use of a semipermeable membrane to filter contaminants while allowing water molecules to pass through.
• Distillers. This type of water filter system boils the water to turn the contaminated water into vapor, leaving only safe water to consume

The best way to ensure safe drinking water in your home is to install a combination of point-of-entry and point-of-use water purification systems. This way, any contaminants that your POE system may have missed will still be filtered by your POU devices. If you suspect that your tap water is not safe for consumption, contact a water specialist to have it tested as soon as possible.