Water Purification System: 3 Options to Choose From

The concern over water purification is continuing to grow. If the liquid that comes out of the faucet doesn't smell or taste right, no one wants to use it. Instead of living with this type of difficult situation, homeowners have the option to install a system in their home that will reduce the number of particles and provide fresh, clean results. Most people choose carbon filters, reverse osmosis and ultra violet light.

Carbon Filter

One of the most common types of water purification systems, the carbon filter is easy to own, easy to operate, and tends to be the economical choice. Some refrigerators come with a carbon filter to produce purified results through the icemaker. A system can be hooked up to the kitchen faucet to make the system simple to use. Some people even use pitcher with carbon filter as a way to purify the liquids they plan to drink.

While this may get rid of most impurities, there are still things that could slip through the cracks including bacteria and even some larger particles. As with any type of filter, over time it will need to be replaced. The amount of time it will last depends on the contaminants it is removing and how much it is used.

Reverse Osmosis

This water purification system does a thorough job of sorting out particles both large and small. The liquid goes through the system twice, forced through with pressure. The first time, larger impurities are removed. The second time around, a reverse osmosis membrane pulls out even smaller impurities. This type of system can be stored underneath the sink in the kitchen. If you aren't confident in your handyman skills, consider bringing in a professional for proper installation.

On the positive side, reverse osmosis tends to get a majority of particles and impurities out because it does go through the system twice. On the down side, the amount of liquid that is actually used by the homeowner is small. Some consider the system to be a waste of resources and don't forget that that filter will need to be replaced at certain intervals to ensure the success of the system.

Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet light focuses on killing biological contamination. A lamp in mounted so that all of the liquid that passes through is exposed to the light. It effectively removes bacteria and viruses but does not remove any of the other contaminants that are often found in addition to the bacteria. Because of this, the UV light is often used in conjunction with other water purification systems.

If you are unsure about which water purification system is right for your home, talk with a professional. He or she can conduct a test that will let you know which system will be most effective and how it can be installed into your home.