How Water Filtration Works & the Benefits of Drinking Filtered Water
If you’re drinking tap water in your home, you could be consuming hundreds of chemicals and pollutants with each refreshing gulp. The Environmental Working Group actually has an online database where you can search for what’s in your water by zip code. Check it out!
However, water filters are designed to remove harmful materials from drinking water so that you are drinking the purest water possible. In this article, we’ll describe the process of water filtration, the benefits of filtered water, and where to find water faucets that conveniently act as filtration systems.
The Basics of Water Filtration
Some water filters strain water to remove large impurities through a thin membrane. Meanwhile, other filters use chemical filtration to remove impurities by chemical means when they pass through. There are a few different types of water filters commonly used. Activated carbon filters are very common and collect impurities through a process where liquids and gases become trapped. Reverse osmosis filters collect contaminants through a fine filter at pressure. Ion exchange filters are good for removing limescale because they actually split apart atoms that may be harmful. Finally, distillation is a purification method that involves boiling water, capturing the steam, and condensing it back into the water.
What’s Removed in Filtered Water?
When you use a water filter, one of the most prevalent chemicals that is removed is chlorine. Chlorine and its byproducts may cause health problems when ingested over time. Water filters also remove lead from the tap water, as well as pesticides and herbicides that seep into groundwater from agricultural run-off. Fluoride is another common water contaminant. While fluoride may have some benefit for your teeth, it has shown to cause health problems when swallowed and ingested.
Health Benefits of Filtered Water
Most people find that filtered water simply tastes better, but it also may help with digestion, nervous system functioning, immune system functioning, and detoxification. For example, your digestive system needs lots of clean water to promote good metabolism and prevent the over-absorption of sugars and carbohydrates. Without clean water, it may be more difficult for the body to maintain a healthy weight.
Although it is not typically recommended for babies to drink water before they’re a year old, clean water is very important if you feed formula mixed with water to your baby. When you use pure water without harsh chemicals, you’ll also enjoy softer skin, shinier hair, fewer skin problems, and healthier nails.
Faucets that Serve as Filtration Systems
You can filter the water in your home with a whole-house filter system that filters water from every tap or point-source filters that only filter the taps you choose. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to use filtered water not only for drinking, but also for showering, washing produce, and cooking.
At Central Plumbing Specialties, we carry faucets that serve as filtration systems to help you easily and affordably incorporate filtered water into your life. Faucet-mounted filtration systems save space in your kitchen because you don’t have to store a pitcher filter in your refrigerator or another device on the counter. These plumbing fixtures are easy to install, effective in reducing contaminants, and look sleek and aesthetically pleasing in any kitchen. Alternatively, you can also use a faucet designed with built-in filters, on-counter filters, or under-sink filters.
Filtration System Advantages
In addition to the health benefits, there are also environmental, economical, and convenience advantages associated with using a filtration system in your home. In fact, faucet filtration systems are cost-effective and beneficial to the environment because they create less need for plastic disposable water bottles. They’re also convenient and clean because filtered water comes straight from the faucet.
Stop by one of our New York showrooms to see some of our faucet filtration systems and pick the one that’s best-suited for your budget and water quality needs.