In the regular course of business, I am often presented with requests for home water treatment systems that are unreasonable, and often unnecessary. This comes primarily from consumers being misinformed by unscrupulous water treatment dealers, or confusion of typical water treatment terminology, and what it means. In this post I will attempt to address some of the common misconceptions about various water treatment products, and what to expect from each technology, as it relates to water quality.
Most consumers in the Phoenix area are getting their water from a municipal water supply. There are three typical processes when it comes to improving the quality of tap water in the home.
These three technologies are:
- Water Softening
- Water Filtration, and
- Water Purification.
Although these terms may sound similar in what they do, they are actually very different. I often receive calls from potential customers wanting whole house water filtration systems. This relatively new term has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Unfortunately, many are under the impression that these systems remove water hardness, or soften the water. This assumption is completely untrue, due to the fact that to make water soft — or to remove minerals like calcium, magnesium, and lime — requires an ion exchange process.
Water filtration can consist of two medias, or filter types. A sediment filter to remove dirt and sediment ranging from 5 to 50 microns. Or a carbon filter designed to remove chlorine, chemicals, VOC’s, THMs, pesticides, herbicides and improve taste. Water filtration systems will remove approximately 5% of all total dissolved solids (TDS), from the water. It is important not to confuse filtered water with purified water, where most dissolved solids are removed. A water softening system is designed to address hard water problems. It works by exchanging chloride for hardness minerals. Generally they are used in a home to assist in cleaning. Soft water is beneficial to hair, skin, clothing, and water using appliances. A water softener does not remove organic compounds like chlorine, chemicals and dissolved solids, which in high levels can be objectionable in drinking water.
The third technology used to improve water quality is water purification. Reverse Osmosis Systems, often called RO, is the most widely accepted technology for purifying drinking water. Reverse Osmosis should only be used for drinking water, ice cubes, and cooking. Water that is purified by reverse osmosis is typically 95-98% pure! This means that a significant portion of all TDS has been removed from your water. Recently, I have received several customer requests for whole home reverse osmosis systems. This is not recommended, or practical for a whole home water system. Reverse osmosis water is very aggressive, due to its lack of dissolved solids. RO water can leach metals into the water from copper, and water fixtures. Eventually leaks can occur withing the home plumbing system.
Many consumers think that one water treatment system can solve all of their water problems, and concerns. As previously mentioned, this is primarily due to ignorance, or dishonest sales practices. Consumers should be skeptical of any company or individual representing water treatment products that claim to solve all of your water problems in one system. Typically you should address your water treatment needs in two separate categories:
- Working water for every day use
- Consumable water
Determine what you want the system to remove, and make an informed and intelligent decision. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.