Access to clean water is a human need and necessity. Water filters and purifiers work by removing contaminants that would otherwise pose serious health risks such as cholera. But how exactly do they work and what type do you need for your home or commercial enterprise? Aqua Soft Palm Beach, experts in water treatment in Palm Beach, explain.
How water filters and purifiers work?
Water filters
There are several types of water filters that are built differently to attract different contaminants to provide clean, safe drinking water. Water filters are an excellent choice to remove physical impurities including silt, sand, sediments and the like. They can also filter out some microbiological organisms such as viruses and bacteria. Some water filters may come with carbon filters that clean the water of odors and chlorine. The only downside to these filters is that they may not be efficient in filtering out chemical pollutants or heavy metals.
Water purifiers
Water purifiers, on the other hand, are highly effective in preventing physical impurities as well as pesticides, chemical impurities and heavy metals. It is recommended to install a water purifier in older homes or commercial enterprises where the water supply may pass through old rusty pipes that can pose grave health risks for those consuming it.
Types of water filters and purifiers
Types of water filters
As mentioned previously, water filters come in a variety of specifications that are able to prevent various types of contaminants. These include:
- Whole house filters: These filters prevent contaminants from entering the main supply of water to your home, enhancing safety and hygiene overall.
- Shower filters: Attached to the shower spigot, these filters reduce chlorine and other synthetic chemicals that may adversely affect your skin and hair. These shower filters also come in a variety of colors and designs to suit the aesthetic of the bathroom.
- Drinking filters: There are several types of drinking filters such as those that can be installed on countertops, under the sink or in the fridge. Several of these use a combination of activated carbon and ion exchange to attract the contaminants such as chlorine, chloramines etc.
Types of water purifiers
Water purifiers remove almost all contaminants present in water and use different methods to purify:
- Reverse osmosis (RO): In this type of purification, the water is forced through a semi-permeable RO membrane that prevents the contaminants and particles from passing through.
- Distillation: In this process of purification, water is boiled until steam is formed. This steam is then cooled and collected for use.
- Ultrafiltration: UF purification is similar to the RO process that uses a semi-permeable membrane. Here, however, the membrane has larger pores to capture colloidal particles including pathogenic organisms. It does not remove salts or dissolved solids.
- Gravity purifier: This type of purification system does not need electricity and uses gravity to force the water through the filtration equipment. They are effective in removing large solids, dusts, chlorine and more.
- UV purification: An ultraviolet lamp is used in this purification system to destroy viruses and bacteria. The lamps, though, must be replaced every six months to a year.
Now that you are aware of the difference between water filters and water purifiers and their working, which one would you choose for your property? Contact Aqua Soft Palm Beach for more advice today!
