How to Clean Contaminated Tap Water

The right way to clean contaminated tap water depends on the contaminant.  In this day and age, we are aware of thousands of different contaminants, but they fit into three basic groups; pathogens, chemicals and heavy metals.

Contaminants - What Are They?

Minerals are sometimes considered contaminants.  For example, if someone has a high level of calcium or sodium in their well, they might feel the need to clean that up.  It can make showering unpleasant.  The water may have a bad smell or taste, but at least minerals are not particularly dangerous. 

For the most part, the dissolved minerals present in freshwater are a source of nutrients and electrolytes.  While the taste may seem different to someone not accustomed to it, many people prefer it. 

Water Filter Methods

If, however, the mineral content is too high, reverse osmosis, distillation or ion exchange can be used to create a better balance.  The preferred method is ion exchange.  It is less expensive and more effective.  It is also the best choice for removing heavy metals, like lead.

Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, parasites and other microscopic organisms responsible for disease.  In areas with a public treatment system in place, there is no need to worry about most pathogens.  Public chlorination and other disinfection methods are effective against contaminated tap water of this kind. 

The only exception is when a flood, hurricane or other natural disaster damages the infrastructure.  The facilities usually recommend boiling, unless the power is out.  In that case, the EPA recommends the use of iodine tablets or 8 drops of unscented household chlorine bleach per gallon to be cleaned.

Why You Need an Ion Exchange Water Filter
  

There are some pathogens that chemical disinfectants will not kill.  They are referred to as cysts.  Giardia and cryptosporidium cysts are the most common types.  Cyst contaminated tap water may be present at any time, but are most common in the spring and summer months, particularly in agricultural areas.

The best way to clean out cysts is to use a home purifier with a sub-micron particle filter.  Other steps will remove them, such as reverse osmosis, but they cost a whole lot more and require more maintenance.

Chemicals are by far the most common source of contaminated tap water in the world today.  Industrial pollution and public disinfection are the most common causes of this kind of contamination.

Many of the chemicals found in our freshwater supplies are known or suspected of causing cancer in humans.  Chorine, which is added by treatment facilities to reduce pathogen contamination, tastes and smells bad.  When it interacts with bacteria, other chemicals called THMs are created.

Exposure to THMs is known to increase a person’s lifetime risk of cancer. 
Granular carbon and multi-media blocks are needed to remove the widest range of chemical contaminants.  There are no other home purification methods that clean up chemicals.   

Some of the better home purifiers include granular carbon, a multi-media block, a sub-micron particle filter and ion exchange.  All of those steps, yet the systems are still the most affordable and effective way to clean contaminated tap water. For more information on why you need water filter protection in your home.

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