Water Purification methods and its Importance explained
Purifying your drinking water can offer a range of benefits, from safeguarding your health to enhancing the taste and smell of your water. As humans, access to clean drinking water is critical to our overall well being, yet many regions around the world continue to face challenges in this regard.
While this may seem like a daunting issue to tackle, the solution can be as simple as installing a water purification system in your own home. With a water purifier, you can rest assured that your water is safe, sustainable, and free from harmful contaminants. After all, the importance of water purification methods cannot be overstated - as humans, we are more vulnerable to water contamination than other living beings.
Benefits of Purified water we get from water purification methods
Purified water, which has undergone a process of filtration or distillation to remove impurities, can provide several benefits for our health. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why purified water is beneficial for our health.
Removes impurities
Purified water is free from impurities such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, and minerals. While some of these substances may not be harmful in small amounts, they can build up over time and potentially cause health problems. By removing these impurities, purified water can reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses and protect our bodies from harmful toxins.
Improves hydration
Drinking purified water can help us stay hydrated. While tap water is generally safe to drink, it can contain varying levels of minerals and chemicals that affect its taste and odour. Some people may find that the taste of tap water discourages them from drinking enough, leading to dehydration. Purified water, on the other hand, has a neutral taste and is free from any additives that may discourage us from drinking enough to stay hydrated.
Supports digestion
Drinking purified water can support our digestive system. Impurities in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride, can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in our gut, leading to digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and constipation. By drinking purified water, we can help maintain the balance of good bacteria in our gut, promoting healthy digestion.
Better for cooking
Purified water is also better for cooking. Impurities in tap water can affect the taste and quality of food, especially when used in recipes that require boiling or simmering. Purified water can improve the taste and appearance of food, making it a better choice for cooking and baking.
Good for skin health
Purified water can also benefit our skin health. Tap water can contain harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, that can strip the natural oils from our skin, leading to dryness and irritation. By using purified water to wash our face and body, we can help maintain the natural moisture barrier of our skin, keeping it healthy and hydrated.
What are the traditional top 5 water purification methods?
Boiling
Boiling is the simplest and most traditional method of water purification. It involves heating water to its boiling point (100°C) and maintaining it for several minutes to kill bacteria and other pathogens. Boiling water for at least five minutes is sufficient to make it safe to drink. The main advantage of boiling water is that it is an easy and effective way to kill most pathogens.
Filtration
Filtration is a method of removing impurities from water by passing it through a filter. The filter can be made of materials such as sand, charcoal, or ceramic. Filtration can remove impurities such as sediment, bacteria, and some viruses. However, it may not remove chemicals or heavy metals. The main advantage of filtration is that it is a cost-effective way to purify water, and it can be done on a large scale.
Distillation
Distillation is a process of purifying water by boiling it and then condensing the steam back into liquid form. This process removes impurities such as minerals, chemicals, and heavy metals. Distillation can produce high-quality, pure water, but it is an energy-intensive process that requires specialized equipment.
Chlorination
Chlorination is a chemical method of water purification that involves adding chlorine to water. Chlorine kills most bacteria and viruses and can be used to disinfect large quantities of water. The main advantage of chlorination is that it is an effective way to kill pathogens and can be done on a large scale. However, excessive amounts of chlorine can cause health problems, and it may not remove all impurities.
What are the modern water purification methods?
Ultraviolet (UV) Treatment
UV treatment is a method of water purification that uses UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. The UV light damages the DNA of the pathogens, making them unable to reproduce. UV treatment does not remove impurities such as chemicals or heavy metals, but it is effective in killing most pathogens. The main advantage of UV treatment is that it is an environmentally friendly way to purify water.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a method of water purification that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities. The membrane allows water molecules to pass through but blocks impurities such as minerals, chemicals, and bacteria. Reverse osmosis can produce high-quality, safe water, but it is an energy-intensive process that requires specialized equipment.
MicroFiltration and Ultra-Filtration
An ultrafiltration filter has a pore size of approximately 0.01 micron, while a microfiltration filter has a pore size of around 0.1 micron. When water is subjected to microfiltration, a significant number of microorganisms are eliminated. Microfiltration is capable of eliminating microbes, as well as a substantial amount of natural organic matter and certain natural minerals, such as divalent ions, that cause water hardness.
Why opt for a water purifier with multi-stage purification?
Multi-stage water purifier systems offer several advantages over other filtration methods. As a purchaser, it is important to take note of the following key points regarding multi-stage filters before making a purchase decision:
- Comprehensive Filtration: The system's efficiency is enhanced by the use of multiple cartridges and filters in a multi-stage system. Each filter is assigned to a specific stage of filtration, resulting in a more thorough filtration process.
- Eliminates Multiple Contaminants: Because each cartridge is designed to filter out specific pollutants, a multi-stage filtration system can remove more contaminants than a single-stage filtration system. The system's ability to deal with various impurities is increased by the use of multiple filters.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are various methods for purifying water, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Boiling, filtration, distillation, chlorination, UV treatment, and reverse osmosis are some of the most common methods of water purification. The method you choose will depend on your needs and the contaminants you are trying to remove.
Regardless of the method you choose, purifying water is an important step in ensuring safe and healthy drinking water. Purified water is a beneficial choice for our health. Removing impurities and providing a neutral taste, it can encourage us to drink more water and stay hydrated. It can also support our digestive system, improve the taste and quality of food, and promote healthy skin. While tap water is generally safe to drink, choosing purified water can provide additional benefits for our health and well-being.