Water Purification Technology

Water Purification Technology

Water purification technology has advanced in some areas and remained stagnant in others. New methods of water purification have been developed for homeowners that are more effective and more affordable than anything that was available in the past. It's a good thing.
However, water purification technology at public water treatment facilities hasn't changed much since the early days. Chlorine is still the most popular choice for disinfection, because it's cheap. No headway has been made towards the removal of cancer-causing byproducts that chlorination creates. Regulations concerning the amount of chlorine used have not been tightened, despite the known cancer risk.
There are home methods of water purification that protect us from the increased cancer risk by removing 99% or more of those byproducts as well as the chlorine. Until facilities come up with a better solution, homeowners must take the necessary precautions. But, as with most things, there's a problem.
As the need for effective home methods of water purification has grown, more companies have entered the marketplace. And this industry is largely unregulated. The advertising claims are misleading and no independent testing is required to verify those claims. There are some companies that have independent testing conducted to ensure that their devices perform as promised. But, since it is voluntary, there are many companies that do not participate.
The water purification technology necessary for removing chlorine and its byproducts, which are called THMs, is adsorption. Certain materials will trap chemicals on their surfaces as water passes over them. Granular carbon, for example, traps chlorine and many other chemicals. To further reduce chemicals like THMs, special resins are needed. Granular carbon also provides fluoride reduction, although the most effective method of fluoride removal is activated aluminum.
Reverse osmosis methods of water purification are expensive and out-dated. Better solutions are available, but many companies still promote reverse osmosis as the best solution for all homeowners. For anyone serviced by a public treatment facility, reverse osmosis is ineffective and unnecessary. The trace chemicals and other contaminants flowing out of our faucets are not removed through reverse osmosis.
Ion exchange is another advancement in water purification technology. It could be used for large-scale treatment, but because it is more expensive and would require remodeling the plants, most facilities don't use it. It can be adapted to reduce salt, heavy metals, and other naturally occurring elements.
In the home, ion exchange methods of water purification are included as a step in the most effective kitchen and shower filters, because they convert lead, copper and other metallic ions to harmless potassium and sodium. If you think that you don't need a shower filter, you might want to reconsider. Researchers have shown that more chemicals enter our bloodstream through inhalation and dermal absorption than through consumption.
Now that you know a little more about water purification technology, you next step is to buy an effective system for your home. Consider it a health investment.