Drink Clean Water Every Time with the Latest Water Filters for Home

Introduction to water filters

It is a well-known fact that drinking tap water can result in various water-borne diseases and other health issues. Thus, it is vital to install a water filter in your home. These devices use the latest technology and innovative features to treat the water and get rid of harmful toxins and microorganisms. They provide you with access to clean and fresh drinking water, ensuring good health for the entire family.

Importance of clean and safe drinking water

Safe water at home is one of the most basic requirements for human health. Since the human body is made of 60% water, we need to be hydrated for the physiological systems to function adequately. Clean drinking water helps maintain organ health and eradicate all kinds of toxins. Additionally, water allows the blood to attain the suitable consistency to flow freely and transport oxygen and nutrients to every cell.

It is a well-known fact that unhygienic drinking water can give rise to various kinds of diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A. The consumption of clean drinking water can eliminate the risk of such water-borne diseases.

Water type - Know your water

1. Tap water (Municipal water)
   In India, tap water, also known as municipal water, is supplied by local authorities. While efforts are made to treat and purify this water, the quality can vary across regions. In some areas, additional fluoride and chlorine are added for dental health and bacterial control.
   
   
2. Borewell water
   Borewell water is sourced from underground wells, commonly found in both urban and rural areas. Its quality depends on the geological conditions of the region and may contain minerals based on the surrounding soil.
   
   
3. Mineral water
   Mineral water, sourced from natural springs, is available in bottled form. It contains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, contributing to daily nutritional needs. Many Indians prefer mineral water for its purity and natural taste.
   
   
4. Spring water
   India is blessed with natural springs, providing clean and refreshing spring water. Minimal processing retains its natural mineral content, making it a popular choice for those who value the goodness of nature in their water.
   
   
5. Filtered or purified water
   Due to concerns about water quality, many households use water purifiers. These devices employ methods like reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, and UV treatment to remove impurities and contaminants, ensuring a clean and safe drinking water supply.
   
   
6. Well water
   In rural areas, well water is a common source, and its quality is influenced by the surrounding geological conditions. Regular testing is advisable to ensure its safety for consumption.

Types of water filters

There are several types of water filters, each with a different mechanism. Some water purifiers use a combination of two or more filters to offer better-quality drinking water.

Some of the most common filter types include the following:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO): Reverse Osmosis is probably the most popular water purification method. In this method, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane that removes the dissolved salts, impurities, and germs. RO filters are highly effective at removing chemicals and have high TDS. However, they require high water pressure and tend to waste a lot of water. Plus, they can alter the taste of water.
   
   
2. Ultraviolet light: UV light is one of the effective ways to treat microorganisms and contaminants in your water. In this filtration method, a tiny mercury lamp emits a short wave of UV radiation to purify the water. The radiation destroys bacteria and viruses. In fact, UV filters are capable of removing 99.99% of harmful organisms from the water.
   
   
3. Ultrafiltration (UF): This purification method also uses membrane technology but with more prominent pores. Though it can remove all microscopic particles from water, it is unable to eliminate dissolved solids. It has a very low TDS; thus, it is unsuitable for hard water.

Key considerations for choosing a water filter for home

When selecting water filters for your home, you must consider the following essential factors:

• Water source: Whether the water in your home comes from municipal sources (like lakes or rivers) or groundwater can affect its quality. The TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels differ; thus, they need to be treated differently. The main constituents in TDS are calcium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, hydrogen carbonate, etc.
• Type of water purifier: After determining the water source and TDS levels, you can choose the most appropriate water purifier. As a thumb rule, if the TDS levels are lower than 500 ppm, UF, UV, or UF+UV purifiers are the best choices. For TDS levels above 500 ppm, you need a well-designed and ‘intelligent’ RO or RO+UV purifier.
• Water purifier storage capacity: The tank storage will depend on the number of people in your home. Generally, each family member consumes anywhere between 2-4 litres of water throughout the day. If you have 3-4 people, 6-8 litres of water purifiers can cater to your needs.
• Electric or non-electric: While electric water purifiers are most common, there are some high-quality non-electric models as well. Some of them use UF technology, sediment filtration, and carbon filtration. Though they remove odour and chlorine, they are not capable of reducing TDS levels.

Popular brands and models of home water filters

Installation and maintenance tips

The installation of water purifiers usually involves 3 steps:

• Plumbing
• Mounting the purifier
• Connecting the purifier to the water inlet and setting up the outlet

While you can install it using the manual, it is always advisable to ask for professional assistance. The brand will assign a professional to install the purifier when required.

Also read: Buy the best water purifiers online in India

Maintenance of water purifiers

You need to properly maintain the water purifier to ensure that you always get clean and safe drinking water. For this, you must consider the following things:

• Regular filter changes: Filters can get clogged with impurities as time passes, affecting their filtration capacity. Changing the filters according to the brand’s suggested timelines is critical.
• Sanitise the tank: Apart from the filters, there are several internal pipes and parts that result in the functioning of purifiers. While changing the filters, ensure to sanitise the other parts as well. The exteriors should also be tidy and sanitised.
• Check for leakages: If you witness any drips or leakages, contact a professional immediately. It can cause harm to the machine, damaging its filtration capabilities.