Are you concerned about the safety of your water? Do you wish your water tasted better? If the answer to either question is "yes," you may want to consider a water filtration system for your home. Here are a few benefits and options for water filtration.

Benefits of Water Filtration Systems

Water filtration systems are highly beneficial to many people for a number of reasons.

Removes Harmful Contaminants

The EPA estimates that  90 percent of the water supply in the US is safe to drink without filtration. That being said, there's always a chance harmful contaminants can get in your water supply. Some of the particles that filtration systems can remove from your water include:

• Pesticides
• Lead
• Microbes, like parasites, bacteria, or viruses
• Arsenic
• Radon
• Nitrates
• Radium
• Iron/sulfur

Provides Better-Tasting Water

Unfiltered water often has a grimy taste because of the abundance of minerals and other chemicals used in the purification process. If you're craving a clean and refreshing glass of water, filtration can definitely help. A filtering system can remove chlorine, which is commonly used by water utility companies. It can also take care of a metallic taste by  removing iron or manganese.

Can Reduce Risk of Disease

Many types of contaminants can even cause disease in humans. For example, giardiasis is a parasitic infection that causes diarrhea for up to several weeks. Another dangerous disease is cryptosporidiosis, which also causes stomach cramping and diarrhea. Parasites aren't the only thing that cause health problems. Having too much lead in your water can be toxic over time.

Types of Filtration Systems

You've decided to invest in a filtration system. But which type is right for you? The main types of filtration systems are point-of-entry water filters and point-of-use water filters.

Point-of-entry Water Filters

• Water Softener:  With a water softener, the filter will use sodium or potassium ions to cancel out high levels of magnesium and calcium. This creates "softer" water that is easier to drink and wash with.
• Aerator: Aerators rely on the power of air to filter out chemicals such as gasoline and radon.
• Adsorptive Media: Using the power of carbon, adsorptive media filters can collect liquid and solid contaminants in water.

Point-of-use Water Filters

• Distillers: To get rid of contaminants, distillers work by boiling your water before you use it. Contaminants are then released into the water vapor from this process, enabling the distiller to filter them out.
• Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis utilizes a thin membrane. The device puts pressure on the water, pulling out any lingering microbes or chemicals.

Deciding on a water filtration system is not easy, as you need to consider whether or not it's worth it for your home. If you'd like more help learning about your various options or with filter installation, give David Gray Plumbing a call today at (904) 467-0784.