Clean water is an essential resource for you and your family. Whether you use it for drinking, cooking, and other domestic and recreational purposes, clean water forms the basis of your life.

A water filtration system is an answer to this problem. You can choose a water filter that removes contaminants specifically found in your water supply.

Let us look at the state of the water supply, the effects of consuming unfit water, and how a home filtration system can help you. 

What Can Your Water Contain?

Let us consider the EPA’s view on water contaminants. By law, anything other than water molecules can be regarded as a contaminant. According to the EPA, the four categories of water contaminants are:

• Physical

• Chemical

• Biological

• Radiological

• Physical

Any contaminants that alter water’s physical appearance and properties fall under this category. This could be dirt, soil, sediments, and other organic materials in water bodies.

• Chemical

Natural or manufactured chemicals, elements, and compounds are under this category. Pesticides used for agriculture, nitrogen, bleach, sodium, and metals are examples of chemical contaminants.

• Biological

Organisms in the water are known as biological contaminants. Your water may contain some natural organisms that may not cause health concerns. But the water can also carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. 

• Radiological

Radioactive materials can be naturally-occurring or artificial. They can contaminate surface and groundwater sources. Examples include uranium, actinium, cesium, plutonium, and thorium, among others.

What are the Harmful Effects of Consuming Contaminated Water?

All types of water will include some or the other kind of contaminants. But it is the level of contaminants that makes a difference.

For example, in the case of waterborne germs, healthy people may not be affected when exposed to such germs. But people older than 50, young children, and people with health issues are at risk of getting sick.

When contaminated water is consumed, or people are exposed to it, they can develop health concerns like:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Stomach upset

• Skin irritation

• Lung diseases

• Eye issues

• Brain issues

So, before you get into water filters, you must understand what your water contains. You can get a report at the local government office or water company or use a water testing kit.

What is the Importance of a Water Filtration System?

Now that you know why your water needs filtration, let us understand how water filters work for your home.

• Safe Drinking Water

The primary purpose of a water filtration system is to provide you with safe and clean water. There are different filtering techniques available that remove specific contaminants. Thus testing your water is vital for the right choice of filter.

For example, activated carbon filters can efficiently remove pesticides, lead, copper, and chlorination byproducts. In addition, an advanced reverse osmosis unit with carbon can remove nitrates, petrochemicals, and other organic and inorganic compounds.

So, with an appropriate water filter, you and your family can always have access to clean water.

• Improves Taste of Drinking Water

The filtering techniques mentioned above can also help remove organic contaminants that cause the water to smell and have a weird aftertaste. 

• Improved Skin Health

Using contaminated or hard water on your skin will make it difficult to rinse the soap from the skin’s surface. This can lead to dryness.

The contaminants can also irritate your skin. It can worsen the situation if you are prone to issues like acne, inflammation, or eczema. 

Filtered water is good for your internal as well as external health.

• Protect Your Plumbing

Minerals and chemicals entering your plumbing systems, faucets, showerheads, and appliances through contaminated water is not a good sign.

They can build up over time, cause damage and affect the durability and performance of pipes, fixtures, and appliances.

Filtered water reduces build-ups, keeps the plumbing system in order, and saves you costs on repairs.

• Environment - Conscious Choice

Investing in a home water filtration system reduces your dependability on bottled water. It helps reduce the waste you generate and also saves you money.

Some water filtration systems can be expensive but have lower maintenance costs. So, it is like a one-time investment you make for your family’s health and the environment’s benefit. 

Summary

Your water can contain physical, chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants. All types of water have certain contaminants, but if the level is too high, it can lead to health issues.

Water filtration systems help reduce contaminants and provide safe drinking water while improving taste and helping save money. For more information on water filters, you can visit Waterseer.