Water is a precious resource that sustains life on our planet. Unfortunately, not all water is safe to drink.
As our population grows and pollution increases, water contamination becomes a more severe issue. That's why purifying our drinking water before consumption is imperative.
Various water purification methods are available in the market, but how do you know which ones are effective and safe for your health?
In this blog post, we will dive into the world of water purification and explore some effective methods to cleanse your H2O.
So, grab a glass, and let's get started!
What is water purification?
Water purification is the process of removing contaminants from water to make it suitable for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other uses.
It can be done at different levels, from household to community to industrial scale.
The goal is to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and improve the taste, odor, and appearance of water.
What are some methods to purify water?
Unfortunately, not all water purification methods are equally effective.
Generally, water purification methods can be classified into two categories: physical and chemical.
Here are some of the most common water purification methods and their advantages and disadvantages.
Physical Methods to Purify Water
Physical methods of water purification use physical forces or barriers to remove contaminants from water. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common physical water purification methods:
Boiling
Boiling water is one of the simplest and oldest methods to purify water.
By heating water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or longer at higher altitudes), you can kill most microorganisms that cause diseases.
Boiling water is cheap and easy to do. However, it does not remove chemical contaminants or heavy metals. It also consumes a lot of fuel and time and may alter the taste and smell of water.
Filtration
Filtration systems, similar to the Sentry H2O Wellness System, use a porous material or device to trap and remove solid particles and impurities from water.
This method can improve water clarity, color, odor and reduce the number of microorganisms and sediments. Filtration uses various filter mediums, like activated carbon, ceramic, sand, or cloth.
It is a simple and inexpensive process.
The downside is that not all filtration systems are equal, so it can be hard to know which system is right for your water needs. Some cannot remove dissolved solids, chemicals, or viruses from water. It also requires regular cleaning and replacement of filters.
Chemical Methods to Purify Water
Chemical methods use chemical agents or reactions to kill or neutralize contaminants in water. Let's explore some popular chemical water purification methods:
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a method that uses high pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out most contaminants from water.
RO can remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, bacteria, viruses, parasites, pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful substances. It produces high-quality drinking water that is clear and odorless.
However, RO requires electricity and a lot of water to operate. It also wastes a significant amount of water (up to 80%) as rejected water containing concentrated contaminants. RO systems are also expensive to install and maintain, and their bulky size takes up a lot of cabinet space.
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a method that uses electromagnetic radiation to destroy the DNA of microorganisms in water.
UV light can kill up to 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae, fungi, and other pathogens without using any chemicals or altering the taste or smell of water. UV light systems are fast, energy-efficient, and effective at disinfection.
Unfortunately, UV light does not remove chemical contaminants or sediments and it requires clear water to work effectively. In addition, UV light systems are costly to buy and operate.
Chlorination
Chlorination is a method that uses chlorine or chlorine compounds to disinfect water.
It can kill most bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microorganisms by oxidizing their cell walls. Chlorine can also prevent the growth of algae and biofilms in pipes and storage tanks. It is widely used in municipal water treatment plants due to its relatively low cost and ease of use.
However, chlorine can react with organic matter in water to form (DBPs disinfection by-products) that may be harmful. Chlorine can also affect the taste and smell of water and may irritate your skin and eyes.
Distillation
Distillation is a method that uses heat to vaporize water and then condense it back into liquid form, leaving behind contaminants.
It can remove contaminants like salts, metals, chemicals, and microorganisms. Distillation produces pure water that is free of any impurities.
On the other hand, distillation consumes a lot of energy and time and requires special equipment and maintenance. It may also remove beneficial minerals and gases present in the water.
What are the 5 best way to purify water?
The best water purification method for you depends on various factors such as the quality of your water source, specific contaminants present, your budget, and convenience. One of the best ways to purify tap water at home is the under-sink, point-of-use Sentry H2O Wellness System.
More than a water filtration system, it's a comprehensive water treatment system!
The Sentry Wellness System treats water in 5 stages to ensure clean, healthy, delicious water. Let's explore each stage:
- Stages 1 & 2: Carbon Block Filter and Sediment Wrap
This filtration stage combines a sediment wrap that traps dirt and debris up to 5 microns in size and a carbon block filter that removes chlorine, chloramines, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the water.
- Stage 3: Scale Control CT Resin
This filtration stage prevents scale formation caused by both soft and hard water. It also neutralizes fluoride, chloride, phosphates, and other contaminants while softening the water for pH boosting.
- Stage 4: Trappsorb Media
This filtration stage removes CO₂ and H₂S gases, ammonia, phosphorus, and silica without a membrane. It also raises the pH of the water by increasing the alkalinity and enriches water with healthy minerals like magnesium and calcium.
- Stage 5: Magnesium-Coated Catalytic Carbon
This filtration stage eliminates PFAs (perfluoroalkyl acids), PFOs (perfluoro olefins), PFCs (perfluorinated compounds), and pharmaceutical VOCs from the water. It also enhances the water with a mildly sweet taste.
The Sentry Wellness System is designed to be easy to install and maintain. You can have it up and running in just 15 minutes, providing you and your family with pure and healthy drinking water.
For a comprehensive water treatment solution, the Sentry Wellness System offers a five-stage purification process that guarantees clean, healthy, and delicious water for your home. Experience the difference today and enjoy the benefits of cleaner, better-tasting water!