Let’s face it- the drinking water that comes out of your tap could taste better. Several factors, including rusty pipes, small mineral deposits, and other contaminants, can cause your city’s water supply to taste less than satisfactory. In fact, many people are so turned off by the taste of their tap water that they spend large amounts of money on bottled water. This is not only inconvenient and costly, but the waste produced by non-biodegradable plastic water bottles can do a lot of damage to our environment. If you’ve made the choice to reduce your carbon footprint by installing a residential water filtration system, good for you! You’ll be drinking clear, delicious water in no time. However, you may still have some questions about water treatment before making the right purchase for you.
One of the most commonly-asked questions about home water filtration systems is what the difference is between water treatment and water filtration. Since these two terms are often used interchangeably, many people assume they are the same thing. However, water filtration and water treatment are two very different processes that work to accomplish different goals in improving the clarity and taste of drinking water, and it’s important that you know the difference prior to purchasing your home filtration or treatment system. We’re here to explain how both processes work and help you decide which type of system best fits your situation.
Water Filtration
Water filtration works by removing impurities such as sand and living organisms out of your drinking water in order to improve its taste. This is accomplished by installing a home water filtration system, which can either be purchased online, at hardware and home improvement stores, or through your plumber. Water filtration systems can be permanently installed, or you may opt for a portable, removable system. This type of filtration system is preferred if you rent rather than own, or if you think you will be moving in the near future. Additionally, portable water filtration systems are typically less expensive than their permanent counterparts.
If you choose water filtration over water treatment, keep in mind that your filtration system will only be removing impurities like water organisms and sediment; however, it will not filter out any trace amounts of chemicals or potential viruses. If it is important to you to eliminate all contaminants from your water, your best bet is a water treatment system. If your primary focus is on removing virtually all trace minerals for an improved taste, a water filtration system will more than suit your needs.
Water Treatment
Also known as water purification, water treatment is the process of removing potentially harmful impurities from drinking water. This includes chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and other biological contaminants. Unlike water filtration, water treatment systems can get rid of all unseen materials by chemically treating the water with iodine or chlorine. This purifies and sterilizes the water; however, it does nothing for eliminating particles and sediment. If the removal of these contaminants is important to you, it may be a good decision to choose a water filtration system instead. However, if you are more concerned about the viruses, bacteria, and other biological contaminants in your water, a treatment system will be the best option for you.
Which is Best?
Whether you choose to install a water filtration system or water treatment system in your home ultimately comes down to what you are trying to eliminate from your drinking water. If you are simply trying to get water that tastes better when you drink it, a water filtration system will work well for you. However, if you live in an area with contaminated or polluted drinking water and you are concerned about what may be in the water you and your family drink, it may be best to opt for a water treatment system. Ideally, you will be able to find an affordable system that performs both filtration and purification duties so that you can be sure each sip of water you drink is clean, pure, and free from mineral deposits, chemicals, and biological contaminants. These double-duty systems are available on the market and can come in quite handy for people wanting the very best in fresh, clean drinking water.
Things to Consider
When shopping for a water treatment or filtration system, there are several important things that you should keep in mind. First of all, make sure to carefully read the product description and ask questions about the system’s capabilities, advantages, and drawbacks. Secondly, stick to your budget and only shop for water treatment or filtration systems that are priced comfortably for you. Third, weigh the pros and cons of a permanent water treatment or filtration system versus a portable, detachable system, so you are able to get exactly what you want without any negative surprises or regrets.
Asking questions about various models of filtration and treatment systems is an excellent way to make an informed decision. Your local plumber is a great resource for helping you decide whether to opt for a filtration system, a treatment system, or a hybrid system that handles both purification and filtration for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, your plumber can help you install a permanent filtration or treatment system if you require extra assistance. This can take the guesswork and hassle out of your installation process and give you peace of mind that your unit was installed properly the first time.
Contact a Water Treatment and Water Filtration Expert
By choosing to install a water filtration or treatment system in your home, you are making a commitment to our environment. Your purchase will help preserve our fragile ecosystems and significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy considerable savings by not having to purchase bottled water every time you shop. You can put this saved money toward other home improvement projects, a fun vacation, or a big-ticket purchase that you’ve been thinking of making. Water filtration and treatment systems are the environmentally-responsible way to ensure that the water you drink is clean, clear, pure, and delicious. Cheers!
