Nearly everyone in the industrialized world takes clean drinking water for granted. We turn on the tap and out comes water that is supposedly safe to drink. But what most people don’t realize is that the water supply is not always as clean as you might think, and there are many contaminants in water that can make you sick – from harsh chemicals used to purify it to heavy metals and bacteria. This is why it’s important to have a good water filter in your home to keep you safe from these contaminants. But how do water filters keep you safe from contaminants? Well, there are several key ways.
1. Removing Harmful Chemicals
One of the ways that water filters keep you safe from contaminants is by removing harmful chemicals from your water. This is especially important if you get your water from a well, as it may be contaminated with chemicals used in farming or industry. Filters can also keep your family healthy by removing chlorine and other chemicals used to purify water. These chemicals can be harmful to your health in excess amounts and can cause problems like skin irritation, headaches, and nausea. Of course, the reason they’re used is that they do kill bacteria – which leads us to the next way water filters keep you safe from contaminants.
2. Killing Bacteria
Water filters also keep you safe by killing bacteria in your water. This is important because even if your water comes from a municipal source, it can still be contaminated with bacteria like E. coli or salmonella. These bacteria can cause serious illness, and in some cases, they can even be deadly. A water filter can combat these bacteria by using UV light to kill them. It’s important to note that not every water filter is equipped to do this, so if you’re concerned about bacteria in your water, make sure to choose a filter that specifically says it kills bacteria.
3. Removing Heavy Metals
Heavy metals like lead and copper can also be found in tap water, and they can be harmful to your health. These metals can cause problems like neurological damage, kidney damage, and high blood pressure. Some water filters can remove heavy metals from your water by using a process called reverse osmosis. This process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, which traps the heavy metals on one side and allows clean water to pass through to the other side. It’s usually installed under your kitchen sink, but it can also be a whole-house filter. The downside to reverse osmosis is that it can remove some of the healthy minerals in your water, so if you do use this type of filter, you may want to add some supplements back into your diet.
4. Preventing Scale And Lime Build-Up
In addition to all of the above, water filters can also keep your plumbing and fixtures cleaner by preventing scale and lime build-up. This is because many water filters remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water. These minerals can cause a lot of problems in your plumbing, including build-up on your fixtures and clogged pipes. By removing these minerals, water filters can help to extend the life of your plumbing and keep it running smoothly. However, these aren’t only problematic because of the plumbing. The buildup can cause damage to your pipes, which can lead to corrosion, and that can have negative effects on your health.
5. Maintaining A Healthy pH Balance
Another way water filters keep you safe is by maintaining a healthy pH balance in your water. This is important because if the pH of your water is too high or too low, it can be harmful to your health. Too much acidity in your water can cause problems like gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting. On the other hand, too much alkalinity can cause problems like kidney stones. Water filters can help to maintain a healthy pH balance in your water by removing excess acids or alkalis. However, there’s no need to worry about the pH getting too low as most water filters will only remove a small amount of acid or alkali.
6. Eliminating Bad Tastes And Odors
Finally, water filters can keep you safe by eliminating bad tastes and odors from your water. This is important because it can make your water more palatable and enjoyable to drink. It can also help to remove any chlorine taste or smell, which some people find unpleasant. While bad tastes and odors can sometimes stem not from the water itself being contaminated but rather from the pipes it’s traveling through, a water filter can still help to remove them. This is usually done by using activated carbon, which is a type of charcoal that’s highly porous and absorbent. Again, not every water filter will have this feature, so if it’s something you’re interested in, make sure to choose a filter that specifically says it eliminates bad tastes and odors.
Water filters are an important part of keeping your drinking water safe. By removing contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, and calcium build-up, water filters can help to improve your health and extend the life of your plumbing. Be sure to choose a filter that meets your specific needs in order to get the most benefit from it.