When considering water filtration, properly selecting the right media is of utmost importance.
Each media type is beneficial in its own way, but understanding what kind of water contaminants you are dealing with and how to target them will lead you to the most efficient filtration solution.
If you choose the wrong media type, it can potentially increase the amount of pollutants entering your household’s drinking water.
For this reason, it pays to do your research and invest time in finding out which media is best for your specific needs. Investing in the correct type of media can ensure clean and safe drinking water for your family for years to come.
Water filtration medias
Resin
Resin is most commonly found in water softening systems. A water softener is a device that uses sodium ions to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water.
These ions are what make water “hard,” and they can cause buildup on pipes and cause damaging water spots. A water softener eliminates this issue by exchanging the hard minerals for sodium ions, which prevents calcium buildup and leaves behind softer water.
The drawback is that it does not remove any other contaminants.
Activated carbon
Activated carbon is used to remove chlorine, bad taste, and odors from water. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and remove PFAs. However, they do not remove other contaminants such as lead, mercury, fluoride, toxic organic compounds, or pathogens. Many times an additional layer of filtration is needed such as KDF, Reverse Osmosis Membrane, or Ultrafiltration.
KDF
Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) is a filtering agent made of copper and zinc. It works by breaking down organic compounds and chlorine into harmless substances. KDF is often used in conjunction with activated carbon filters to remove more contaminants from water.
Reverse Osmosis
A reverse osmosis water filtration system is a device that uses pressure to push water through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane blocks contaminants such as heavy metals, fluoride, and organic compounds while only allowing water molecules to pass through. The purified water then flows into a storage tank or faucet.
Ultrafiltration
An ultrafiltration water filter is a type of filter that uses a membrane to remove smaller impurities from water. This type of filter is effective at removing contaminants such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. However, they do not remove other contaminants such as chlorine so adding a layer of KDF or active carbon is recommended.
Ultrafiltration VS Reverse Osmosis
Ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis are both methods of water filtration that pass through a membrane. Reverse osmosis is a more intensive process that removes more contaminants from the water. Ultrafiltration filter water down to 0.025 microns, while the RO has a pore size of approximately 0.0001 microns.
Contaminants targets by each filtration system:
Ultrafiltration
Bacteria ✔
Copper ✔
Cysts ✔
Lead ✔
Protozoa ✔
Viruses ✔
Pharmaceuticals ✔
Reverse Osmosis
Arsenic ✔
Bacteria ✔
Calcium ✔
Copper ✔
Cysts ✔
Fluoride ✔
Lead ✔
Magnesium ✔
Nitrates ✔
Protozoa ✔
Salts ✔
Sulfates ✔
TDS ✔
Viruses ✔
Pharmaceuticals ✔
To learn more about the difference between reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration, click here.
!!!BONUS!!!
UV light filters
UV lights will remove bacteria and other organisms from water. They are effective, easy to install, and affordable. A great addition to any whole home water filtration system.
Deciding on the best water filter for your home is an important decision, and now that you can make an informed one.
By investing in a water filter for your home, you can ensure access to healthy, tasty, odorless water.
This can go beyond your drinking water, such as showering, cleaning and cooking. Consider researching various water filtration systems and technologies to find what works best for your specific needs and budget. With a good understanding of water filtration media types, finding a water filter solution for the home should be easier than ever.
Here are a few things to look forward to!
Skin and Hair Health
The benefits of filtered water don’t stop at your taste buds and nose – it also has a positive effect on your skin and hair. Filtered water is much gentler on these delicate body parts than tap water, which contains high levels of chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Filtered water is less likely to cause dryness, irritation, and other skin problems, and is ideal for use in beauty products such as shampoos and conditioners.
Save Money on Bottled Water
Every year, Americans spend billions of dollars on bottled water—an unnecessary expense when you have access to clean tap water thanks to your filtration system! With a water filtration system you no longer need to purchase bottled water each month. It’s also better for the environment since fewer plastic bottles will end up clogging landfills or polluting oceans.
Removal of all Forever Chemicals
PFAs, also known as forever chemicals, have been used in a variety of applications such as Teflon coatings, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and fire-fighting material. While PFA’s are effective at what they do, they’ve also been linked to a variety of health problems. Some of these problems include thyroid dysfunction, reproductive problems, and cancer. For this reason, it’s important to avoid drinking water that has been filtered through a system that uses PFAs.
Clean Drinking Water
Perhaps the most important benefit of installing a water filtration system is that it ensures all your household drinking water is free from harmful chemicals and pathogens. Most municipal tap water contains bacteria, chlorine, lead, mercury, viruses, and other contaminants that can be detrimental to our health. With a quality filtration system installed, you won’t have to worry about consuming any of these potentially dangerous pollutants.
Better Smelling & Tasting Water
Chlorine is added to most public drinking systems to kill bacteria and other organisms; however, this chemical leaves behind a strong odor and taste in the water. Installing a high quality filter eliminates this issue by drastically reducing the amount of chlorine in the water. This results in fresher tasting and smelling tap water.
Choosing the perfect water filtration system for your home can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to consider quality issues such as the type of contaminants in your water and potential health effects, but also budget, ease-of-use, and installation needs.
It’s important to make sure that the system meets all of your family’s health and practical needs while being within your financial means. Researching models and reading reviews can help you make sure that you select a system that will provide your family peace of mind in addition to clean drinking water.
Moreover, finding the right professional for installation is just as critical as picking the right product – be sure to find someone with experience that can guarantee quality service. Taking the time to thoroughly research all of these considerations beforehand will ensure that you make the best choice so that you can enjoy years of safe and clean drinking water.
Installing a new home filtration system is one of the best investments any homeowner can make for their family’s health and well-being. Not only will you saving money on purchasing bottled water every month, you will also eliminating unpleasant odors or tastes from chlorinated tap water.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a water filtration system, the first step is to determine the water quality in your home. Water filtration systems come in different sizes and with different types of filters, so it’s important to find the right one for your needs.
Clean Water Co provides water quality reports that can help you determine the level of contaminants in your water. Once you know the contaminants present, you can find the right water filter to remove them. Request a water test here.
When shopping for a water filtration system, be sure to research the specific media used in the system. Some filters are better at removing certain contaminants than others.
Once you have considered these factors, it should be easy to find the best water filtration system for your needs and budget.
If you’re interested in a water filtration system for your home, be sure to request a free system estimate today. Our experts can help you find the best filter for your needs and budget.
