The Most Common Types of Water Purification and Filtration Systems
May 18, 2018
Clean drinking water is vital for our health. Our body comprises of nearly 70% water, and we must ensure that we are consuming it in a purified form only. While apparently the water running in our taps may seem clean, contaminants can still be present.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbers suggest that you should buy a water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA so as to ensure that you’re always drinking clean and purified water. But before you invest in such a system, you should also get your water tested. Once you know the types of contaminants that are present in your home water, you can accordingly select a suitable water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA.
Generally, a water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA can be divided into many types. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.
BOILING
The simplest and probably the most economical water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA. Boiling was often used in the old days to kill bacteria found in water. It was quite effective then, and even today, when the market is flourished with so many different types of purifiers and filters, boiling is still one of the most effective options out there.
Collect water in a kettle or pot, and keep it on the stove. Let the water reach its boiling point, and when it does, wait for around 2 more minutes before turning off the heat. The biggest advantage of boiling is that it kills every living organism found in water and vaporizes most of the chemicals. However, the concentration of metallic ions may increase after water is boiled.
SLOW SAND FILTER
The slow sand filter, biological sand filter or bios and filter is another common water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA. Featuring a graded sand bed and a gravel layer for support, this filter confines the filtration medium in a box opened from both ends. Water flows into the filter, and comes out in a purified form.
While sand filter removes solids and muddiness found in water, it fails to treat some bacteria.
FIBER FILTER
A fiber filter comprises of rayon, cellulose or another similar material which is used for making a porous mesh. The net effect is similar to pouring water over a piece of cloth, but a fiber filter, of course, does a better job. Efficiency is increased by applying force on the water and ensuring that it passes around and through the wrapped fibers.
A fiber filter can be classified into several other types. Ideally, you should choose a filter with a rating lower than 1 micron for greatest efficiency.
CERAMIC FILTER
This kind of water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA is similar to a fiber filter in terms of functioning. The appearance, however, is slightly different. Just like a fiber filter, you select a device with ratings lower than 0.5 or 1 micron.
A ceramic filter does remove bacteria and asbestos fibers which find their way in water when insulation and pipes degrade. However, this kind of water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA doesn’t remove lead, chlorine, mercury and other similar compounds.
ACTIVATED CARBON FILTER
An activated carbon or charcoal filter is subjected to oxygen which opens up tiny pores in the carbon atoms. Through advanced manufacturing techniques, a highly porous form of charcoal is produced with surface areas between 300 to 2000 square meters per gram.
The treated charcoal is then used for adsorbing different substances found in water and other liquids. The contaminants present in water bond to the surface of charcoal, and hence, the material traps all impurities including chlorine.
Please note that some chemicals like nitrate and sodium aren’t attracted to carbon, and so can easily pass through the filter. Also when impurities cover the surface of activated carbon completely, the filter stops functioning and ceases to be effective.
GRANULAR ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER
Just as the name implies, this type of water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA comprises of loose charcoal granules. For this kind of filter to work effectively, a constant flow rate must be maintained. And don’t forget to change specifications as and when recommended by the manufacturer.
A granular activated charcoal filter effectively removes chlorine and other particles, thereby improving the water taste and odor. Plus, it can also be used as a whole house water filter and doesn’t consume any electricity, which makes it a preferable water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA.
SOLID BLOCK ACTIVATED CARBON
This type of water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA also uses activated charcoal as the filtration media in the form of a uniformly bonded matrix. Charcoal is pretreated and then constructed in a manner that allows greater adsorption rate and particulate filtration.
Though this kind of water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA performs effectively, it has to be replaced when it clogs.
REVERSE OSMOSIS
Reverse osmosis forces water through a semi-permeable membrane by subjecting it to increased pressure. This membrane comprises of microscopic holes and retains contaminants on one side. Pure water is passed out onto the other side, and the contaminants are flushed down the drain.
Reverse osmosis filters remove salt, inorganic matter, viruses and parasites. When used in conjunction with a carbon filter, efficiency is improved even more. Moreover, the unit doesn’t require electricity to run and can last for around 3 years. But reverse osmosis eject clean water at a slower pace; the speed may not be sufficient for all uses. Also some organic chemicals are still left in the water.
DISTILLATION
A distilled unit boils water, captures the steam, and then lets it condense into a liquid form. Generally, carbon filter or a vapor trap should be used with distillation for greater efficiency. Nonetheless, the process effectively removes all metals, minerals, chloride and salt from water. Virus, bacteria and other organisms are killed when water evaporates.
Get in touch with us at Benjamin Franklin, and we’ll help you select a suitable water filtration system in Paso Robles, CA.