Water filtration and its improtance

Water is the most important natural substance needed for human survival. Man can live without food for up to forty days under extreme conditions, but only for seven days without water. Water regulates the body temperature, lubricates the joints, gives flexibility to muscles and is essential for regular body functions like digestion and blood circulation. So we can conclude that it is mandatory to drink enough water for all humans. We should remember that the quality of water also matters. Pure water which is free of any contaminants is the need for all to stay healthy.

The earliest known method to make water drinkable is to boil it, cool it and then filter it. This is a very cumbersome method. With the passage of time newer and easier methods have been devised, of which the most popular is water filtration at home with the help of various kinds of filters available. These may be counter top water filters, whole house filters, shower filters or under sink filters. The under sink filters are assembled below the sink. The supply water actually passes through the filter first. The filter traps all the impurities which may be chemicals or organic substances or even unpleasant odors present in the water. The resultant clean and pure water then flows into the sink via a dedicated tap.

A water purifier may work on the reverse osmosis principle or may be carbon block purifier. In reverse osmosis, pressure is used on water to force it through a membrane. The membrane allows only pure water molecules to pass through and all water molecules which contain any impurities are trapped. This water then flows away as waste water. This system may include a pre- filter that is carbon based. It removes the large particles and then the water is passed under pressure though a fine membrane.

The carbon block water purifier system uses a replaceable cartridge filled with activated carbon. Depending upon the size of the filter and density of the carbon, this system can capture chemicals, pesticides, chlorine radon and most other impurities. The filters need to be replaced once in every six months. The replacement cartridges are easily available and easy to change.

There are many contaminants present in water like THMs, lead, cysts and chlorine to name a few. A standard under sink water purifier will remove all these. It is also much cheaper than a whole house filter and saves space as compared to a counter top filter.

The water which we receive at homes passes through a treatment system and then a distribution system. Water is treated with chlorine to kill harmful bacteria. Chlorine itself is harmful for human beings. During distribution also water is subject to chemicals leeching from pipes and other micro organisms. So it is mandatory that we go for an under the sink water purifier which removes these impurities and makes water as healthy as nature meant it to be. Using filtered water for home is an eco friendly alternative to bottled water.