subject: Water Filtration Systems [print this page] According to Dennis Friedrichs of Chicagoland Water Conditioning & Purification in Morton Grove, Illinois, water filtration systems differ widely in terms of cost and effectiveness. But how can you choose the right water filtration system for your home or office? As a long-time provider of water filtration in Chicago, Friedrichs says that the type of water filtration system you need will depend on several factors.
If youre concerned about contaminants in your tap water, a water filtration system is the best way to ensure that you have access to clean, healthful drinking water. When choosing a water filtration system for your home or office, learn all you can about the local water supply and which contaminants may be of greatest concern. Tap water varies greatly from city to city and even from home to home, so youll want to get the type of filtration system that is most appropriate for your situation.
Once you have an idea of your tap waters quality, there are two primary types of water filtration systems to consider.
Mechanical Filtration Systems
Todays water filtration systems are extremely effective at removing most chemical and biological contaminants from drinking water as well as heavy metals like lead. The most common types are those that remove unwanted particles from water through mechanical means. Mechanical water filtration systems work by forcing water through a screen or bed of very fine material (usually sand or carbon). The filter captures and retains any solid matter in the water while allowing the liquid to pass through.
At Chicagoland Water Conditioning & Purification, the types of filtration systems we use can remove up to 99.7% of particles that are 0.5 microns and larger in size. That means a major improvement in taste and odor, and much more healthy drinking water.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems not only use filtration to remove contaminants, but also use a semi-permeable membrane to remove even the very tiniest of particles. Reverse osmosis is really a purification system rather than purely a filtration system. For those who want the purest possible water, the systems deliver water that is almost equivalent to distilled water. In fact, reverse osmosis systems are so effective that they can remove up to 99% of contaminants, even from well water.
The reverse osmosis system that Chicagoland Water Conditioning & Purification uses was originally developed by the U.S. Navy. They were looking for a way to make sea water potable. Reverse osmosis is the only way to remove sodium from water. Scientists have since made the application of this technology accessible for home use.
Although some people with city water feel strongly that theyd prefer a reverse osmosis system, its really more appropriate for those whose water comes from a well. That is because well water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. In order to soften the water, sodium is used to replace calcium and magnesium. Reverse osmosis can be used to remove the sodium and improve the waters taste.
On the other hand, reverse osmosis also strips your drinking water of minerals while it delivers very pure water. Even though it may seem counterintuitive, consuming de-mineralized water for long periods of time can actually be unhealthy. Nowhere on Earth does de-mineralized water occur naturally. We rely on the minerals in our water for good health. If you do choose to drink de-mineralized water, consider a mineral supplement to make up for whats been removed from your drinking water.
