Drinking water treatment systems have become quite popular after studies and the media have revealed the various contaminants that still exist even after plants have treated water. The EPA standards may not be enough to verify safe and healthy water which is why methods are used in homes to fully remove threats while keeping the good natural minerals.
Knowing the System
Water purification is the main goal of drinking water treatment systems which involves the removal of contaminants, harmful microorganisms and chemicals from a raw water source. Most water is purified for direct human consumption although there is also water produced for specific purposes with corresponding treatment profiles. Some of the methods include filtration, water softening, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, deionization, ultraviolet light and powdered activated carbon treatment.
Drinking water purification system can remove suspended particles of organic material, parasites, viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, toxic metals like lead and copper and particulate sand. Some processes like reverse osmosis also take away beneficial minerals like magnesium and calcium. Elective purification is also available such as taste in mineral extraction, appearance in iron encapsulation and smell in hydrogen sulphide remediation. Simple procedures like activated carbon filters and boiling may not be sufficient to remove other potentially harmful materials.
Treat the Source
Systems should incorporate processes relative to the source of your water. Ground water is described as water coming from deep ground which may have fallen as rain several years ago. Soil and rock layers filter the ground water naturally before it is pumped to treatment plants. This source has high bacteriological quality and rich in dissolved solids like magnesium, carbonates and calcium. Iron and manganese may have to be reduced to improve the taste and quality.
Upland lakes and reservoirs are found in the headwaters of river systems usually above human habitation and protected by a surrounding zone. Bacteria, protozoa and algae is usually present and the water has low pH. Drinking water treatment systems should focus on adjusting these properties. Rivers, low land reservoirs and canals usually have plenty of bacteria, algae and suspended soils.
About Pre-Treatment
To better understand the right type of drinking water purification system that suits your needs, know how water is treated in purification plants. The pre-treatment process starts with pumping and containment wherein most of the water is pumped from its source or driven into holding tanks and pipes. The materials used for tanks, pumps and pipes should be selected well to prevent contamination. Next is the screening which removes large debris like trash, leaves, etc. Some sources like groundwater may skip this process.
Storage and Conditioning
After screening, the water may be stored in bankside reservoirs for a few days or several months allowing natural biological purification to occur. Storage reservoirs are also advantageous during drought and transitory pollution incidents. Pre-conditioning involves treatment of soda-ash or sodium carbonate to precipitate calcium carbonate for water rich in hardness salts. Pre-chlorination is done to prevent foul organisms from growing.
Other techniques may also be incorporated to take out fine solids, microorganisms, organic materials and inorganic substances. The method selected will depend on the type and quality of water, the costs of treatment as well as the quality standards expected. Ask for a water quality report in your area to assess which properties still need fixing then choose the right drinking water treatment systems that will improve the condition and state.
