Water should be pure and devoid of impurities. The unfortunate reality is that we’re depleting the naturally occurring resources that make the earth’s water purification process possible. As a result, our water supplies are exposed to many pollutants. That means that the water from your taps is likely contaminated even after being treated at the municipal level. To understand and appreciate the work it takes to get water to your home; it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different treatment processes.
The treatment process will differ depending on the location and a lot of other variables. The most crucial bit is that the underlying principle is the same, and we’re going to highlight some of them.
Flocculation
Also known as Coagulation, this is the process of adding polymer or liquid aluminum sulfate to water that hasn’t been treated. It is done with the aim that the resulting particles will coagulate. The particles glued together, called floc, are easy to remove with any filtration process. This treatment is usually used for residential water treatment and commercial water treatment as well.
Sedimentation
This kind of water treatment involves the simple scientific principle of floating and sinking. During this process, water is taken through sediment basins. Water is transferred slowly to enable the floc to settle at the bottom of the basin. The floc that settles at the bottom of the container is usually referred to as sludge. After the sludge settles at the bottom, the clear water is then piped out of the container for further purification.
Filtration
Filtration is the most crucial step in the water treatment process. The water passes through a filter that removes particles and other contaminants from the water. The filters constitute crushed anthracite, sand, and gravel. The reason for having different sized material in the filter is to ensure all particles in the water are removed.
Disinfection
Water will have to be disinfected before it is connected to the distribution system. Disinfection is done to get rid of bacteria that could result in diseases. It can also help get rid of viruses and parasites. It’s at this stage where chlorine will also be added.
Sludge Drying
The solids that have been filtered out are taken to the drying lagoon. This process is done to make it easy to dispose of the sludge, especially in commercial applications where every gram matters when trying to keep the costs down.
Fluoridation
Although fluoridation has been controversial for decades, most municipalities will have to perform this process in compliance with the NSW Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1957. The process is to balance the concentration of free and naturally occurring fluorides in the water. Fluorine is a naturally occurring element in water. However, too much or little of it can be dangerous for your health. You might have noticed some people from the same area with browned teeth. This is often a result of an imbalance in water fluoride.
pH Correction
Lime is used to correct the pH levels of the treated water. Lime can also help in stabilizing soft water, which can help minimize corrosion.
As the final consumer of the treated water, you’ll still want to take extra precautions. To be on the safe side, you should invest in a water filtration system for your home or building. There are some things to look for when buying a water filter. Let us highlight some of them:
What’s in the Water?
Before you can decide on the water filter to get, you’ll first need to figure out what’s in the water. It is a requirement by The Environmental Protection Agency for suppliers to provide a report on the level of the contaminants, and it complies with EPA’s. You can get a copy from the local water company that is in charge of the supply.
Fit To Your Needs
There are different pitchers in the market, and what can be filtered will significantly vary depending on a couple of variables. In most tests, most pitchers can filter chlorine, but not all of them will handle lead. You can only choose the ideal filter once you know what’s in the water. The pitcher filter will need to be replaced regularly if it is to work at optimum capacity.
Conclusion
Before choosing the right water filter, you’ll need to consider the maintenance, budget, and needs. It’s not always that you’ll require a house-wide filter. It can be confusing with so many options in the market to choose from. Ensure you’re doing your due diligence, as not every product will be suited for your individual needs. You also shouldn’t just focus on the price to make a purchasing decision.