Water is a key ingredient for human survival and a very important factor for the existence of life in general.
More than 75% of our body is made of water[DB2] . It is responsible for regulating the body temperature carrying all the essential nutrients and vitamins to different parts of the body. Not only thus, water ensures a vital role in smooth functioning of the body and protects it from harmful diseases. Can you believe that?
We can avoid serious medical conditions by just keeping our body hydrated. While drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water should be a routine habit, one must also invest in a good water drinking system.
Five best drinking water systems you can consider for your home
Here are five best drinking water systems that can replenish you of lost fluids.
1. Reverse osmosis water filtration system
Reverse osmosis (RO) are highly effective drinking water systems known for removing minerals, impurities, and contaminants such as total dissolved solids (TDS) like fluoride, lead, heavy metals, asbestos, radium, and other dissolved organics from the water.
How does it work?
In this water filtration method the contaminants are removed from the unfiltered water. A pressure force is exerted through a semipermeable membrane so that the water flows from the highly concentrated side to the less concentrated side of the membrane where the contaminants are fewer.
This way we get clean drinking water which is also called as permeate. On the flip side, the concentrate left over water is called brine or waste.
The reverse osmosis filtration system contains a semipermeable membrane which has small pores. The pores have two jobs. The pores block the contaminants. The pores allow water molecules to flow through.
In the process of osmosis, the water becomes highly concentrated as it passes through the membrane and achieves equilibrium on both sides. However, in the reverse osmosis process, the contaminants are blocked from entering the less concentrated side of the membrane.
For instance, when the pressure is exerted to saltwater, the salt is left behind while the clean water flows through.
Take a look at the process of reverse osmosis system
Benefits of an RO system
A reverse osmosis water filtration system[DB3] [DB4] [DB5] is believed to be one of the most extensive filtration methods. Studies suggest that it eliminates 98% of the dissolved solid contents which makes water drinkable. Some of the major benefits of an RO system are as follows:
- Reduced levels of sodium and 0% lead which reduce blood pressure and issues related to liver and kidneys.
- The water is free from bad odors and bitter taste which makes it best for cooking and drinking.
- Reduce the harmful dissolved contaminants.
- Fits perfectly under the kitchen sink.
- It is [DB6] [DB7] environmentally friendly than packaged water.
- The system is easy to install and maintain.
Is this water safe to drink?
Common myths attached to water filtered through reverse osmosis system are:
-The water doesn’t contain any nutrients
-The water is too acidic
-The water is scientifically altered.
The answer is yes. Filtering water with a reverse osmosis system is one of the safest methods to get rid of health threatening contaminants and get pure drinking water.
A: The reverse osmosis water doesn’t have many nutrients good for health but neither does the tap water have. Instead, tap water has many contaminants which are highly harmful to human health. You can easily make up for the missed nutrients by taking supplements.
A: Acidic water can cause stomach problems. The reverse osmosis filter will remove impurities from the water which means that the Ph level of the water will drop below 7 making it acidic. But since the water is in its pure form, it naturally attracts more CO2 from the air which makes it even more acidic. But this isn’t something to worry about because the water is perfectly fine to drink. The Ph of the water will drop to its original standard Ph when it comes into contact with food into your stomach.
A: The reverse osmosis drinking water systems are not very common in daily life that is why many people think that the water it filters is altered through an unsafe process. This is not right because the reverse osmosis is a simple filtration process. The RO water is not the most perfect to drink, but it is safe to drink[DB8] [DB9] .
2. Ceramic water filter system with activated carbon
A ceramic/carbon filter system [DB10] is the basis of a great ceramic filtration system installed on your sink top to eliminate contaminants and chemicals from the water. It is a versatile method to filter the water because it uses a natural media to remove sediment and bacteria from the drinking water.
Ceramic filters range from under-sink or top sink for point-of-use consumption to portable camping filters that you can take with you on your trips so that you stay hydrated on your vacations. These filter systems are quite popular because of their portability, reliability, affordability, and powerful filtration function.
Ceramic filter candle: What’s in it?
According to a master water specialist, John Woodard, ceramic filters often work closely with other filtration media to boost the quality of water. Generally, ceramic filter candles are made with activated carbon core and their purpose is to enhance the absorption capacity of the filter.
The ceramic is usually infused with silver ions making the filter strong enough to self-sterilize. The silver ions avoid the growth of bacteria while preventing the buildup of mold and algae from developing inside the surface of the filter.
With the carbon inside the filter, you’ve got something that can get rid of a huge list of chemical contaminants and micro-organisms.
When should I use this filter?
Ceramic water filters are commonly used for point-of-use drinking water. It has a 0.5 micron filter that is cost-effective and simple to maintain. Plus, they are excellent counter and under sink filters in kitchens.
If your apartment or RV has a limited space, ceramic filters are the best choice for you. You can also find double open-ended ceramic [DB11] filters that can be attached into any typical 10-inch water filter and used in combination with other filters.
What does a ceramic filter eliminate from water?
Ceramic is a powerful filter and can remove many types of life threatening contaminants. Some of the contaminants it removes are as follows:
- Bacteria: They are quite effective at removing different kinds of bacteria from the water. There are some bacteria less than a micron in size. These cannot pass out from the pores. With ceramic filters, you can get rid of 99% of pathogenic bacteria including salmonella, E.coli, and shigella.
Microbial cysts like cryptosporidium and giardia are also too large to pass through and easily remove from the ceramic shell. The silver ion makes ceramic filtration beneficial to those with microbiologically insecure drinking water.
- Turbidity: It is defined as cloudiness caused by the suspended particles found in the tap water. This usually makes your water taste bad and sometimes creates shades of yellow and brown. Ceramic filters are an excellent choice to remove this murky coloration and bring back the water to its crystal clear state.
- Sediment: Particulate matter like debris, rust, and dirt are filtered out effectively by the porous surface of the filter.
What particles ceramic filters don’t remove?
These are the list of things ceramic filters don’t eradicate:
- Viruses: The size of viruses range from .004 to .1 micron which is big enough that it cannot be filtered out through a mechanical process. Though viruses often move though large particles of water that can be removed through ceramic membrane, a UV water purifier is a much better option to reduce the chances of viruses in your water.
- Minerals: Since ceramic is a natural media filter and does not include anything to the water during the filtration process, it does not filter out minerals like magnesium and calcium. This also means that you don’t need to add any remineralizer in the water if you want to protect the mineral quality of the water. But remember that ceramic filters aren’t the best option if you are looking for a system to treat water hardness.
- Total dissolved solids (TDs): Ceramic filters are not effective for removing TDs. These concerns can be best addressed by a reverse osmosis system. On the other side, this level of filtration is not needed by everyone as many of customers look for a simple point-of-use system to enhance the taste and quality of the water.
Therefore, the best way is to conduct a water test and determine the level of filtration you need.
3. Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection filter system
Next on our list is the UV disinfection water filtration system. This water purification method is very effective for eliminating waterborne bacteria. While all drinking water systems kill bacteria, the way of killing bacteria is unique with UV systems. These systems attack the genetic substance of the DNA for disabling them. The good news is that it kills both viruses and bacteria that cause dangerous stomach diseases.
It can be used as a Whole House Water Filters system but is also quite popular for industrial water treatment, in hospitals, and for purification of water supply for the entire public. UV water purification system combats microbial contamination in a natural way. The filtration process is free from the use of harsh chemicals meaning that the water’s natural taste will not be compromised. Despite being a natural process, the filtering equipment is quite expensive.
How does it work?
In this water filtration technology, an ultraviolet light with wavelength long enough of 253.7 nanometers is used to kill viruses, kinds of molds, algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms which grow and multiply in water. The UV light disables the DNA of microorganisms so that they cannot grow further.
- UV water purification systems can help you achieve high quality of water specified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- The UV systems are best designed to meet the growing problem of water scarcity and making water usable for household drinking.
- The UV water disinfection systems come in two different classes A and B. The type of unit depends on the source of water and the situation. Water clarity is a key factor that affects the dosage of UV light. The water treatment devices depend on the quality of raw water. Generally, it is recommended to install at least a 5 to 20 micron filter.
Benefits of UV disinfection system
- It is the most cost-effective and natural option to clean water amongst all drinking water filtration systems.
- Almost all microorganisms and bacteria can be destroyed with UV light.
- It is an instant purification method.
- It is an eco-friendly water filtration system and does not produce any toxic products.
- Well-designed UV systems by RV water filter store have many advanced capabilities making them easy to install and manage.
4. Water distiller system
In this water filtration system, safe drinking water is produced through a process where the water is provided heat to boil. The steam is condensed and becomes distilled water upon cooling. The process eliminates organic and inorganic harmful chemicals and substances including heavy metals that can make people sick.
Take a look at how the water distillation system:
It is also one of the most natural ways of purification. The filter removes all contaminants and makes water safe for drinking. The distillation drinking water systems are also approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These are usually available in the market as countertop distillers and are available at different prices.
How does it work?
The distiller boils the water and turns into the steam which is cooled and returned back into a liquid state. The microorganism and minerals cannot turn into steam and thus be left behind.
Benefits of water distillers
These are some of the benefits of investing in a water distiller.
- Zero nitrites and nitrates: These substances can easily make their way into your water whether you drink well or municipal water. These are harmful compounds especially for children and older people.
- No barium and copper: Barium is a very common chemical found in municipal water while copper is found in both well and municipal water. It is bad for heart health and can cause high blood pressure. On the flip side, continuous intake of copper through water can cause Alzheimer’s disease.
- Used in cars: You can use this filtered water to cool down your car.
- Cost-effective: Water distillers produce pure drinking water which is cheaper than buying bottled water from super marts.
- Can be used for babies: It is totally fine to give this water to babies older than six months of age.
- Speed up your weight-loss efforts: Studies claim that water filtered through water can help you lose inches fast. It is basically a negative calorie-food for your body and helps you with your weight loss process.
5. Ion exchange water filtration system (softeners)
If the water in your household contains radioactive material and hard water then it can be easily removed with a good ion exchange water purification system. They can be used as the best Kitchen Water Filters.
It is clear from its name, the ion exchange filter consists of a substance that will exchange one ion for another as the water flows freely through the substance. For instance, it replaces magnesium and calcium ions which are responsible for causing water hardness.
However, ion exchange is not the most suitable method to filter out organic material, bacteria, or particles found in water.
How to know if your home gets hard water supply?
Hard water usually leaves stains on dishes. The hard water also tends to build up in water pipes and also decrease the life of various kitchen appliances. These are totally unhealthy and can cause so many other problems in your household.
- Dry skin and dry hair.
- Inability of soap to create foaming lather.
- Leave white soaps on silver dishes.
Ion exchange water softener water filter essentially replaces full of sodium water with less objectionable ions making water pure and safe for drinking.
How does it work?
In this method, the ion exchange replaced unwanted sodium and minerals. The most commonly used substance in this system is chloride and hydroxide. The water is passed through the filtration system while the resin absorbs anions such as nitrate, sulfate, bicarbonates, and arsenic. This whole exchange takes place in a fiberglass tank or a steel tank filled with synthetic zeolite or resin. The water softener resin is actually a yellow color bead that binds with calcium, magnesium, and sodium at its active sites.
The final verdict
Water is essential for human health and we cannot even imagine living without it. So invest in a good water drinking system and ensure that you drink best quality water. But before making this investment it is best to test the current quality of your water. Only then you can decide what drinking water system will be best for your kitchen.
About the Author
Julie Austin, a medical graduate from University of North Carolina, is a New York Times best-selling author of “Health and Supplements”, endorsing the daily use of dietary supplements. She is a devout employee of Dr. Clark Store for a decade, living in California with her family, dog, and two cats.
