Last Updated on March 20, 2024
Today, most people don’t think twice about clean water. They turn on their faucet and have an unlimited supply.
However, there are many chemicals and additives in some water that could make it less than safe. With this in mind, it makes sense to invest in quality water filtration systems.
There are several types of water filtration systems to choose from, and learning what these options are can help ensure you get one that suits your needs. Keep reading to learn what some of the most popular options are today.
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Benefits of Water Filtration vs. Bottled Water
The operating cost of home water purification systems is much lower compared to bottled water. While the initial cost may be higher, you will eventually see savings within a few months.
Another issue is that bottled water isn’t just about the cost. Plastic bottles aren’t always recycled, which can cause serious pollution problems.
If you want to make a positive contribution to the environment, consider investing in a water filtration system at home, and avoid bottled water. This is especially beneficial if you have a large family.
Now that you know the benefits of filtered water over bottled water, it’s time to learn more about the different types of filtration systems available.
Activated Alumina Water Filter
The activated alumina is made out of aluminum oxide, which is the same substance as ruby and sapphire, without all the coloring impurities.
The activated alumina water filter is designed for removing selenium, arsenic, and fluoride from drinking water. Thanks to the pores on the surface, the alumina can reduce about 99% of all fluoride concentrations in standard fluoridated water.
Sediment Filtration
Sediment filtration is the most used type of filtration system today. It is used in residential, industrial, and commercial facilities.
It works well for the removal of sediments such as heavy metals, silt, dust, sand, and rust, along with other larger particles found in the water. Typically, sediment filters are made of melt-blown polypropylene or pleated polyester. They usually have micron ratings that range from one to 100 microns.
Many standard refrigerator filters are sediment filters, and they offer an array of benefits. Just remember, it is possible to recycle refrigerator water filters when they are past their useful life, so keep this in mind.
Activated Carbon Filters
Also called pre-filters or carbon filters, an activated carbon filter is usually responsible for removing bigger particles from the water, such as silt and sediment. They work by attracting and then absorbing these particles, so they are eliminated from the water coming out of the faucet.
Activated carbon filters also ensure the water doesn’t have an odor and that it tastes better than unfiltered water. That’s because the filter can reduce the chlorine and other contaminants that make the water smelly or unpleasant to drink.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration
RO filtration technology uses a semipermeable membrane, which is called the RO membrane to help separate inorganic contaminants from the water. These types of filters help produce very clean drinking water.
The RO water filter has been proven to remove most components, about 99%, including minerals, from the water except for the most soluble VOCs (volatile organic compounds), chlorine, solvents, and pesticides.
Keep in mind, though, this high level of filtration does come with a few costs, including a higher initial price, a slower filtration rate, and a larger amount of brine is produced. Because of how slowly it filters water, most RO systems come with pressurized tanks to store the filtered water.
It’s important to note that the RO membrane is vulnerable to chlorine. This means there will always be at least one activated carbon filter in RO systems, along with a pre-filter to remove the chlorine.
Ceramic Filters
As the name implies, ceramic filters are made of ceramic with many small pores on it. As the water runs through this filter, anything bigger than the size of the pore remains outside.
Sometimes, ceramic filters are often treated with silver to prevent algae and mold and kill bacteria in the water.
Some of the biggest benefits of ceramic filters are that they are inexpensive and will last for several years. Also, this style of filter doesn’t require electricity to work, and it is simple to set up and use.
Ion Exchange (IX) Filters
Ion exchange filters remove any undesirable dissolved ions in the water and replace them with ions that have the same electrical charge thanks to the ion-exchange resin. The actual chemical reaction occurs as the water moves through the IX vessel, which is treated with specialized resin, either in continuous or batch mode.
You can find two types of ion-exchange processes. One is the anion exchange process, which is used for negatively charged ions. The other is the cation exchange process, which is used to remove positively charged ions.
Finding the Right Water Filtration Systems
As you can see from the information above, there are many water filtration systems to choose from. Take some time to learn more about each of these to determine the option that is right for you, your home, and your family.
The good news is, there are so many water filtration systems to choose from that there is a system for everyone, regardless of their budget.
Are you interested in learning more about how to improve your life, home, and more? If so, take the time to read some of our other blogs. Our team posts regularly to ensure our readers have access to the latest information.