Water is an essential element of our lives and we need plenty of it each day. However, we can never know what our home water contains and if it’s actually safe for drinking. In order to provide clean drinking water for you and your family and avoid taking in any pollutants and chemicals, you should consider finding the right water treatment system for your home. Here are some tips that will help you manage this issue.
Water quality problem
If you suspect that there is a problem with your drinking water, you should get it tested as soon as possible. Look for a local state-certified laboratory for water testing and deliver a few samples of your water (or as many as they require). It might happen that your water is just fine, but it might also fail the test. If it does fail a primary health-based standard, meaning it contains bacteria or lead, you should take the necessary precautions to purify it because your health might be at stake. However, there are secondary pollutants, such as manganese or iron, which do not put your health at risk. Nevertheless, the water could use purification in order to reduce odors, tastes, and stains such pollutants cause.
Consult with the experts
Once you receive test results from the laboratory, the figures might be unclear to you. In order to know for sure in which condition your drinking water is, you should consult an expert. Make sure that the expert is unbiased. They will help you interpret the results and teach you how to fix any water quality issues in your home.
Research all the options
Carbon filters
Once you have figured out the water quality issues, you can start looking for the right solution. However, there are several water treatment options and no filters or solutions will remove all toxins and pollutants. That’s why you need to match the solution to the problem. You can opt for carbon filters which can be installed on your pitchers, faucets, under the sink or on the whole water system of your home. Carbon in these filters absorbs pollutants such as lead, chlorine byproducts, radon, pesticides and other similar pollutants and purifies water, making it safe for drinking.
Reverse-osmosis system
Another option is the reverse-osmosis system which pushes water through a semi-permeable membrane which acts as a filter. This system can remove sulfates, fluoride, perchlorate, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and other pollutants that carbon filters might miss. Lastly, you can opt for UV home water treatment which disinfects water. Such water treatment will kill any bacteria and viruses in water, but it should be paired with carbon filters because it cannot fully remove chemicals and metals.
Thoroughly research companies
It is in your best interest to find the right water treatment system. That’s why you should rely on reputable companies only. Find the companies and research their history. Look for a firm that has been in your area for at least several years and make sure to avoid fly-by-night operations.
Ask about maintenance
Water treatment equipment can be quite expensive. What’s more, regular maintenance requirements make everything complicated. In order for the system to work properly, you have to fully understand what’s at stake before purchasing the equipment. In some cases, maintenance is simple, but some filters and systems might need some more knowledge and effort. Talk to experts, let them explain your responsibilities and you will have safe drinking water in your home.
There are several things to be considered before choosing the water treatment system, but it’s worth it. The health of your family is at stake, so don’t hesitate; test the water and give it the right treatment as soon as possible.