Some people tend to get confused when it comes to the details of the water purification process. The whole thing really isn't as complicated as it sounds. In fact there are only three major steps which need inclusion when you explain water purification to the layman.
The first concern in the water purification process is the removal of parasitic threats. Parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium and their spores are prevalent in our reservoir system, and are found in up to 88% of all freshwater sources. Infection from either of these parasites can lead to diarrhea and flu-like symptoms, in some cases the symptoms are severe.
When you explain water purification to your children you must warn them that because of the threat of illness, drinking from creeks or streams is not safe. I don't know how many times I've overheard adults telling their kids that, "as long as the water is moving and not standing still it's alright to drink." This may have been true at one time, but it no longer is.
The water purification process that your town uses will not remove these parasites. It is one of the great myths of our society that water treatment centers actually purify the h20, making it safe to drink. The best way to protect yourself in this case is to install a micron filter on your tap.
The second major concern to cover when you explain water purification is blocking out chemicals and heavy metals. There are all kinds of pesticides, herbicides and assorted other nasty stuff which find their way into our groundwater system every day. In order to take care of these threats effectively, you need to use an activated granular carbon filter and a multi media block.
The third step in the water purification process is bacterial and viral contamination. Your local treatment center has proven pretty successful at removing this threat through the use of chemical disinfectants and through UV radiation. These two methods, whether used separately or together, kill just about anything found in our water.
While chemical disinfection works wonderfully in protecting us from bacterial threats, the chemicals used pose a few threats of their own. Studies have shown that drinking chlorinated water greatly increases your risk of developing certain types of cancer. THMs, which is a byproduct of chlorine, has been directly linked to breast cancer. You really need to mention that fact when you explain water purification to your friends and family.
There are a number of home protection systems available to you, but they are not all the same. Some these systems disinfect, which as stated is already taken care of by the treatment facilities. Some remove chlorine and nothing else. Still others do nothing more than de-mineralize.
The water purification process that you want to use will contain a combination activated granular carbon, multi media blocks and an ion exchange filter (for mineral balance). This balance of filters will work together to prevent any and all contaminants from reaching you and your family, giving you the purest, healthiest h20 possible.
