Tap water is a staple in most households, but we all know it’s not entirely pure. It’s often tainted with various contaminants like chlorine, pesticides, and lead, among others, which can affect its quality, taste, and even odor. However, just because it’s a common issue doesn’t mean we should accept it. Luckily, water treatment systems like water softeners and water filters can help improve the quality of your water. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what is in your tap water, the differences between these two systems, and help you determine which one is the best fit for your home’s unique water treatment needs.

What’s In Tap Water?

Tap water can contain a variety of contaminants, depending on where it comes from and how it’s treated. Some of the most common impurities found in tap water include:

• Chlorine
• Fluoride
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Lead
• Pesticides
• Nitrates
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals from industrial sources

While most of these contaminants are present in small amounts and are not harmful at low concentrations, prolonged exposure to high levels of some of these substances can be detrimental to your health. That’s why many people opt to use water treatment systems to remove these impurities and ensure the safety and quality of their drinking water. Not only is this better for your overall health, but it can also greatly improve the taste of your water as well as the food you use it to cook with.

Reverse Osmosis System

A reverse osmosis (RO) system is a type of water filtration system that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water. RO systems are particularly effective at removing dissolved solids, like minerals and salts, as well as contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.

RO systems work by applying pressure to the water, forcing it through a semipermeable membrane that only allows water molecules to pass through. This membrane effectively filters out impurities, leaving behind clean, pure water.

RO systems are commonly used in homes and businesses that want to improve the quality of their drinking water. They are particularly useful for removing contaminants that may be present in the local water supply, like chlorine, lead, and pesticides.

One of the main benefits of an RO system is that it can provide a constant supply of clean, pure water without the need for bottled water. This not only saves money, but it also reduces plastic waste and is more convenient than having to constantly purchase and store bottled water.

Overall, an RO system is an effective and efficient way to improve the quality of your water and ensure that it is safe for drinking and other household uses. When it comes to RO water vs tap water, there’s no contest—RO water is far better.

RO System Add-Ons (Supplementary Filters)

While a reverse osmosis system is effective at removing many contaminants from water, there are some impurities that it may not be able to filter out completely. In these cases, supplementary filters can be added to an RO system to further improve the quality of the water.

One common type of supplementary filter is a sediment filter, which removes larger particles like sand, dirt, and rust from the water before it passes through the RO membrane. This can help prolong the life of the RO membrane and ensure that it operates at peak efficiency.

Another common type of supplementary filter is a carbon filter, which can help remove additional contaminants like chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pesticides. Carbon filters come in a variety of forms, including activated carbon blocks and granular activated carbon (GAC) filters.

In addition to sediment and carbon filters, other types of supplementary filters that can be added to an RO system include alkaline filters, which add minerals back into the water to improve taste and pH balance, and UV filters, which use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the water.

The type of supplementary filter that is best for your RO system will of course depend on the specific impurities present in your water and your individual water treatment needs. A water treatment professional can help you determine which supplementary filters will work best for your situation.

Why Get a Water Softener?

A water softener is a type of water treatment system that is designed to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that can make your water “hard” (that is to say, containing a lot of minerals/micro-sediment). Hard water can cause a range of issues, including dry skin, dull hair, mineral buildup in appliances and pipes, and a reduction in the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.

Water softeners work by using an ion exchange process to replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium or potassium ions. The process involves passing water through a resin bed that contains negatively charged beads. These beads attract the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions, which are then replaced by sodium or potassium ions.

While not everyone needs a water softener, they are particularly beneficial for those who live in areas with hard water. If you’ve noticed mineral buildup in your pipes or appliances, have dry skin or hair, or have had issues with soap and detergent not lathering effectively, a water softener may be a good option for you.

Overall, the primary purpose of a water softener is to improve the quality of your water and prevent the negative effects of hard water on your skin, hair, and home appliances. Water softeners don’t do much to help the taste and overall health benefits that something like a reverse osmosis water system would—that said, water softeners typically provide whole house filtration, as opposed to most water filters that are installed at the faucet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having access to clean and pure water is essential for maintaining good health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are many different types of water filtration systems available, each with its own unique advantages and benefits. Whether you choose a reverse osmosis system, a carbon filter, or another type of filtration system, it’s important to do your research and consult with a water treatment professional to determine which system is best for your individual needs. With the right water filtration system in place, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your family are drinking and using clean, pure water.