What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Many people trust that the water coming out of their taps is clean and safe. However, the reality is that water treatment plants often add a variety of chemicals to water supplies to make it "safe" for public use.
While these chemicals help reduce harmful pathogens, they can introduce new health concerns. From chlorine to aluminium sulphate, water treatment plants rely on these substances to purify water, but they often come with potential risks. In this post, we’ll explore the chemicals commonly added to water during treatment, the dangers they pose, and how whole house water filters can provide a safer, cleaner alternative.
What Do Water Treatment Plants Add to Your Water?
Water treatment plants play a critical role in supplying safe drinking water to communities, but their methods often involve adding chemicals to the water supply. Here’s a breakdown of the most common chemicals and why they can be problematic.
1. Chlorine
- Purpose: Chlorine is widely used to disinfect water, killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
- Health Risks: While effective at eliminating pathogens, chlorine can react with organic matter in water to form byproducts known as trihalomethanes (THMs), which have been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer and other health issues. Long-term exposure to chlorine can also lead to respiratory problems and skin irritation.
2. Aluminium Sulphate
- Purpose: Used as a coagulant, aluminium sulphate helps remove suspended particles from water.
- Health Risks: Aluminium exposure has been controversially linked to neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, residual aluminium in drinking water can contribute to digestive issues and potential long-term health risks.
3. Sulphuric Acid
- Purpose: Added to control the pH levels of water, making it less corrosive to pipes and plumbing systems.
- Health Risks: Although diluted, sulphuric acid in drinking water can cause mild irritation to the gastrointestinal system and may alter the natural pH balance of the water, affecting overall bodily functions.
4. Chlorinated Lime (Calcium Hypochlorite)
- Purpose: Another disinfectant used to treat water, ensuring pathogens are kept at bay.
- Health Risks: Similar to chlorine, chlorinated lime can produce harmful byproducts and contribute to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and potentially increased risks of certain cancers.
The Risks of Recycled Water and Chemical Additives
Many treatment plants also recycle water, including sewage effluent, to meet demand. This practice involves additional chemical treatments to "purify" the water, which may result in further chemical residues in the water supply. Although these chemicals can keep water free from harmful bacteria and viruses, their accumulation in your body over time can lead to adverse health effects.
How Whole House Water Filters Can Protect Your Home
Given the number of chemicals and additives in treated water, whole house water filters provide a vital line of defense, ensuring that the water in every tap of your home is safe, clean, and free from unwanted contaminants. Here’s how specific whole house filtration systems can help:
1. Elite Series 5 Whole House Water Filter
The Elite Series 5 Whole House Water Filter is designed to tackle a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, aluminium, and other chemicals added during water treatment.
- Multi-Stage Filtration: The Elite Series 5 uses a multi-stage filtration process to effectively remove chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals, and sediment from your water. This not only improves the taste and smell of the water but also ensures that you are not ingesting potentially harmful chemical residues.
- Carbon Block Technology: This filter incorporates a high-grade carbon block that adsorbs chlorine and other chemicals, reducing your exposure to harmful byproducts such as THMs.
- Whole House Protection: Unlike countertop or under-sink filters, the Elite Series 5 filters all the water entering your home. This means that not only is your drinking water purified, but also the water you use for cooking, showering, and laundry – all crucial for maintaining overall health and skin safety.
2. Whole House Water Softener System
The Whole House Water Softener System works by removing excess calcium and magnesium ions, which cause water hardness. While its primary purpose is to soften water, it also plays an important role in overall water quality.
- Reducing Chemical Exposure: Hard water often contains higher levels of dissolved minerals that can react with treatment chemicals, forming scale and deposits. A water softener system can prevent these reactions, ensuring that your water is free from harmful chemical residues.
- Protects Your Plumbing: By reducing water hardness, this system prevents the build-up of limescale in pipes, which can otherwise trap and release additional chemicals into your water supply over time.
- Enhances Filtration: When paired with a whole house filtration system, a water softener can enhance the overall effectiveness of water purification, ensuring a comprehensive approach to removing both chemical contaminants and minerals.
Why Invest in a Whole House Water Filter?
Using a whole house water filter system is one of the best ways to protect your family from the risks associated with treated water. These systems provide:
- Comprehensive Filtration: Whole house filters target a broad range of contaminants, from chemicals added at treatment plants to residual heavy metals and microorganisms.
- Healthier Water for Every Use: By filtering water at the point of entry into your home, you ensure that every tap delivers clean, chemical-free water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Investing in a whole house water filter can save money in the long run by reducing the need for bottled water, protecting appliances from damage, and promoting overall health and well-being.
Clean Water, Without the Chemicals
Water treatment plants may add chemicals to make water safe, but they come with their own health risks. Installing a whole house water filter, like the Elite Series 5 or a Whole House Water Softener System, is a proactive step towards ensuring that every drop of water in your home is free from unwanted chemical additives. Protect your health and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water is pure, safe, and chemical-free.
Don't let chemicals from water treatment plants compromise your family's health. Invest in a whole house water filter today. Explore our range of whole house water filters to find the right solution for your home and enjoy the benefits of truly clean water.