If your home runs on ground water or is a few decades old, you've likely thought about a water filter system. Filtration is a key component of our relationship to water. Without it, there is literally no way for you to know that the water you use is contaminated with something-you would need to have the insight and tools to test it every single time you go to use it.
Further, it could be that the water isn't contaminated by something, it's just 'hard'. The hardness of your water depends on how much calcium and magnesium is in it. Now, drinking and using hard water is not a health hazard, but it can prompt stomachaches, headaches, and general stomach issues if consistently used. This can foster a dislike for water if kids experience these symptoms. This can be detrimental if they live in an environment where water is a necessity. The quality of your water plays a huge impact in how they will approach water as adults, but it will also play a key role in your family's health.
Options for Better Water
No matter where your water comes from (unless it's bottled) you need to have a filtration system at home. We all remember the issues in Flint, Michigan-their lead pipes finally rotted away and nearly killed people. You cannot put your family in a position where they will be unprotected from situations like that. Further, since the general public doesn't know exactly where their water comes from, or how it's filtered-it's up to you to put in a defense system.
Traditional filtration methods are normally a single filter system which relies on a single substance to eliminate contaminates from the water before it runs out of your sink. Most of the time, these are one of five options:
- Activated alumina: this makes most water metallic tasting
- Activated carbon: cannot remove inorganics from water
- Ceramic filers: extremely slow but cheap
- Ultraviolet purifiers: removes bacteria, increases electric bill
- Water distillation: takes hours to work and still increases electric bill
With all of the disadvantages that come with traditional one filter systems, you'd think that they would be less common; in fact, they are used by most water companies. Using one filter system to get out the big issues to make it consumable 'enough'. Instead of relying on these one-stop solutions, you'll need to get the next step in the process, which is really, the most important step since it removes the particles that the one-step missed.
Reverse osmosis filtration is the filter that needs to be put in your home. At least in the kitchen. And since reverse osmosis is more than just a one-step process, there is a lot to know and learn about it. For instance, how does reverse osmosis work? In short, it works by applying pressure to the unclean portion of water in a way that forces the water through a membrane that produces fresh, clean water on the other side. This process removes chlorine, sediment, microbial cysts, lead, chemicals, and dissolved solids from the dirty water. It is the best option available for your home and it is the safest long-term option for filtration.
Times Where the Quality of Water Matters the Most
The quality of your water always matters, but there are sometimes when it matters more. As the planet heats up, the summer months become vital for water consumption. Even people who insist that they "get enough water" from soda and coffee, turn to water in the heat waves. This is particularly true for those people who live with high humidity temperatures, as the water in the air will increase heavier breathing and draw a need for more water. Water has been vital to us as animals for millions of years, that doesn't stop because we have air conditioning and soda. The summer months are some of the deadliest months during the year. They get hot enough to fry eggs on the street and cook steaks inside of cars (no, really). So, making sure that your family has access to water is a necessity of its own-and making sure that that water is clean for them, will help to boost a better relationship with them and water, and it will also ensure that they are consistently drinking it too
