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Nowadays, most people are aware of the importance of quality water. The composition of drinking water affects not only our health but also the longevity of appliances and plumbing. However, many people are still unclear whether they should filter or treat their water and what form of water treatment to choose. In this article, we will guide you through all the options for water filtration and treatment and explain how to decide.
The method of filtering or treating water can only be determined based on a water analysis. There is no universal solution; it must always depend on specific harmful impurities. Have the analysis done in an accredited laboratory, as commercial entities might intentionally distort the data.
If you have water from a municipal water supply, the water company must provide you with information about the composition of the supplied water free of charge. However, if you draw water from your own well or borehole, you must arrange for a professional water analysis yourself. By comparing the measured and recommended values, you will find out what is problematic or harmful in your water.
The quality of drinking water from waterworks in the Czech Republic is generally quite high and is strictly monitored. However, it is important to realize that the water supplier is not responsible for the condition of the plumbing. This is where the risk of water contamination, such as rust particles, arises. High levels of disinfectants can also harm your health and are not good for your skin when washing. Cases of contamination from municipal water supplies are also not entirely uncommon.
Consider treating water from the municipal supply if:
Otherwise, treating water from the supply is usually not necessary.
Filtration and treatment of water from private sources (well or borehole) is always necessary. In this case, the water is not disinfected, and there is a risk of contamination. Other risks are posed by impurities that seep into the water sources from the soil and precipitation.
It is also important to clarify whether you want to use the water as utility or drinking water. Much stricter standards apply to the treatment of drinking water than for utility water. For utility water, lower quality requirements apply. Nevertheless, it is essential to filter and treat it so that it can be used for specific purposes and also to prevent damage to pipes, pumps, or appliances.
Filtration and treatment of water can take place either at a specific tap or at the entry point, i.e., for the entire building.
So, what is the difference between filtration and water treatment? A water filter captures mechanical impurities that are present in the water, especially from private sources. Water treatment, unlike filtration, removes dissolved substances in the water. There are many methods of water treatment depending on the type of contamination. Filters and water treatment units can be combined in so-called combined filters.
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Honeywell combined water filter.
Water filtration is used exclusively for removing mechanical impurities, such as sand particles, rust, microplastics, etc. For these purposes, drinking water filters with a fine mesh are used. Choose a mesh density that matches the particle size. Unnecessarily higher density would lead to more frequent clogging of the mesh.
Chlorine is an important component of water from waterworks. Its presence in the water ensures the necessary hygiene standard and disinfection. However, chlorine also negatively affects water quality, worsens its taste, and can cause eczema and skin problems. Chlorinated water is also not suitable for watering plants.
The solution is a water filter with activated carbon, which captures most chemical impurities. Besides chlorine, a carbon water filter will help you remove residues of medicines and other substances commonly found in drinking water. Activated carbon also improves the sensory properties of water, removing unpleasant odours and tastes.
So-called hard water has an increased content of calcium and magnesium. Although these minerals do not harm health even in higher concentrations, they can damage appliances, plumbing, and taps. Water softeners capture these minerals and thus prevent the formation of limescale. It is one of the most common methods of water treatment.
Honeywell hard water treatment unit.
Iron and manganese, like calcium and magnesium, are not a threat to your health but can damage household equipment. Specifically, they increase the risk of clogging pipes and taps, discolour water to a typical yellow-brown colour, and cause a metallic taste in the water. The solution is filters for iron-rich water, so-called iron removers.
Especially in agricultural areas, residues of dangerous industrial fertilizers seep into water sources. In small children and sensitive individuals, such contamination can cause a decrease in haemoglobin levels in the blood or malignant cell growth. Nitrates and nitrites can be removed from water using so-called anion exchange filters.
A common misleading practice by water filter sellers is the promotion of so-called reverse osmosis, sometimes called membrane filtration. This device removes all dissolved substances from the water, which sellers use as an argument in their favour – such a device may seem like a universal solution to all water quality problems to laypeople. However, reverse osmosis also removes essential minerals from the water, creating distilled water. Consuming such filtered water is a proven health risk. The necessary concentration of minerals cannot be achieved even with so-called remineralization.
If you draw water from a borehole or well, there is a risk of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms being present. Water disinfection is extremely important in such cases and can be done chemically (most commonly with chlorine) or using UV lamps.
Boiling is also an effective method of water disinfection, but it is only recommended for short-term water contamination. The water must be brought to a boil for at least one minute, after which it is safe and suitable for consumption.
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