The water purification process does more than improve the taste of water.
Water purification further refines water quality and makes it better for human consumption. In our homes, there are two main uses of water. There is the water we drink and cook with, or drinking water, and the water we use for bathing and cleaning, called working water.
The process of water purification is meant to remove contaminants from water like chemicals, minerals, solids and gases. In some cases, water purifiers can be used to reduce contaminants that are tasteless, odorless and invisible.
Why does water purification matter?
Whether your water comes from a municipal water source or you have well water, it probably has some contaminants in it. Some water supplies contain more contaminants than others, but many people would prefer to have contaminant-free water in their homes. Water purifiers can help. Many in-home water purifiers are designed to reduce the levels of certain substances in the water. You may have a water purifier that reduces the smell and taste of chlorine in water. Some water purifiers can filter tasteless and odorless gases, like arsenic, from water. A water purifier using reverse osmosis technology can purify water by reducing multiple contaminants at once.
Water Purification Options
Some water purification systems take unsafe water and make it safe, but most take good water and make it better. This can be done where the water enters the home or at the point of use, like a kitchen or bathroom. Depending on your needs and the treatment technology, one or several processes may be used to purify your home’s water.
Water purifiers are often purchased to address the following contaminants.
Chlorine
Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria in well water and municipal water supplies. Municipal water treatment facilities use chlorine to treat city water before it enters the public distribution system.
Though chlorine is a great disinfectant, once the water reaches your home, the chlorine is no longer needed. Many people do not like the smell and taste of chlorine in their water. Chlorine can also cause problems like dry skin and brittle hair, dry out rubber seals in water-using appliances and fade laundry.
If your home’s water has a chlorine taste and smell, Kinetico’s Dechlorinator can help solve the problem. The Dechlorinator is a whole-home system to purify your water from chlorine, reducing the unwanted taste and smell while protecting your appliances. Carbon filters, installed at the point of use, are also available to reduce chlorine from drinking water.
Chloramine
Like chlorine, chloramine can be used to disinfect water. Chloramine is an inorganic compound created by combining free chlorine and ammonia. Approximately 40 percent of water treatment plants now use chloramine instead of chlorine.
Like chlorine, chloramine can give water unwanted tastes and smells, and it can also dry out rubber seals. Because chloramine is slightly different from chlorine and lasts longer, an alternative method of treatment is required.
If your municipal water provider uses chloramine to disinfect water, the Kinetico Chloramine Reduction System (CRS) can significantly reduce chloramine levels. In addition to protecting against chloramine, the CRS can also be used to reduce chlorine levels in your water.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring substance that can seep into water sources through groundwater. It is hard to detect because it is tasteless, odorless and invisible. To determine if your water contains arsenic, your water must be tested.
If you think your water supply may be affected by arsenic, Kinetico has purification systems that can help. If your drinking water is affected, we offer an auxiliary cartridge with our K5 Drinking Water Station for arsenic reduction. If you want a whole-house solution, we offer the Arsenic Guard, a point-of-entry water filtration system to reduce arsenic throughout your home.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, do not occur naturally. VOCs found in water are the result of them being released into the environment.
VOCs, like gasoline, solvents, cleaners and degreasers, paints, inks and dyes, and pesticides, evaporate or vaporize easily. When VOCs come in contact with water, they are picked up and transported. VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and more significant long-term effects with overexposure.
Kinetico reduces VOCs in your water with the VOC Guard cartridge that is included with a Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station. The VOC Guard will significantly reduce VOCs from your drinking water and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Perchlorate
Perchlorate is a naturally occurring and man-made chemical used in the production of rocket fuel, munitions, explosives, fertilizers, chlorine cleaners, and pool chemicals. There are high levels of perchlorate naturally in some areas such as the southwestern United States. Its widespread release into the environment is primarily associated with defense contracting, military operations and aerospace programs. Perchlorate has been detected in groundwater supplies in 35 states throughout the United States.
Kinetico can help reduce perchlorate in water with Perchlorate Guard, a FlexFilter option for the K5 Drinking Water Station with VOC Guard.
Hydrogen Sulfide
If your home’s water smells of rotten eggs, or sulfur, there may be some level of hydrogen sulfide gas in it. Hydrogen sulfide causes water to smell and taste unpleasant. This can also cause you or your clothing to smell when washed and it can ruin the flavors of foods and drinks made with water. In extreme cases, hydrogen sulfide can stain surfaces that are frequently touched by water.
If your home is affected by hydrogen sulfide, Kinetico’s Sulfur Guard water filter system can help. The Sulfur Guard will purify your water of sulfur smells and tastes throughout the home.
Iron
If you notice red or orange stains on surfaces in your home, your water may have iron in it. Although iron is not harmful to drink, you may not like the taste of water containing iron. Iron can also cause problems like stains on showers and tubs, clothing and even hair.
If your water has iron in it, Kinetico Powerline Pro Series filters can help purify your water from iron.
Multiple Contaminants
Reverse osmosis systems produce some of the purest water you can find. RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane which allows only water molecules to pass through. This leaves you with water that has been purified from most contaminants. Most reverse osmosis systems also include a prefilter to block larger particles from clogging or damaging the membrane. A postfilter gives the drinking water a final polish before it is dispensed from the dedicated faucet, ensuring fresh, clean and great-tasting water.
In most cases, a reverse osmosis filter, like the K5 Drinking Water Station with VOC Guard, is used to supply a home with water for cooking and drinking. Installing a drinking water system will allow you to eliminate the use of bottled water and water filter pitchers. In addition, the K5 with VOC Guard has several FlexFilters, like the Arsenic Guard, Perchlorate Guard and more, so that you can customize the purification process.
Which water purification systems are best for your home?
It all depends on your water, and what level of purification you want. The best place to start is to contact a water professional to discuss your water treatment needs. They can test your water and come up with specific solutions that are right for you and your water.
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