Why Water Treatment is Important

During cooking, preparing baby food, or brushing teeth, tap water is used multiple times a day. Clean water plays a key role in health, while contaminated water introduces harmful substances into the body.

Health Risks Without Water Treatment

Old pipes can release heavy metals, which accumulate in the body and cause health issues. Zinc can impair metabolism; copper may harm the liver. Arsenic and mercury are toxic in small doses. Warm water can harbor Legionella, causing respiratory infections.

Water Softening with Ion Exchange

Ion exchangers are commonly used for descaling. Water passes through a sodium-rich resin that binds calcium ions and releases sodium ions. The resin must be regenerated weekly using salt.

Chemical and Physical Water Treatment

Substances like lemon juice or vinegar can bind calcium in the water. Though calcium remains, it is neutralized. Physical systems use electromagnetic fields to prevent lime buildup in pipes.

Membrane and Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis pushes water through a membrane that filters out larger particles like bacteria, hormones, and heavy metals. The natural process of osmosis is reversed using pressure, producing clean water but also a high volume of wastewater—up to 10 liters per 1 liter of clean water—making it inefficient for households.

Filtration Systems

Filtration systems are installed in the water supply and remove various contaminants. However, regular cleaning and filter replacement are required.

Activated Carbon Filters

These filters use fine charcoal to bind contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, and chlorine. They allow minerals to pass through but not calcium or nitrates. Filters must be replaced every 3–6 months.

Types of Filters

Filtration is categorized by pore size:

• Microfiltration: removes turbidity, algae, and bacteria
• Ultrafiltration: removes viruses and heavy metals
• Nanofiltration: removes calcium, dyes, and pesticides

Conclusion

Various home water treatment options exist depending on water quality. Regular maintenance is key. Some systems may affect water taste and require significant upkeep.