Understanding Water Purification: 10 Key Terms for Choosing the Right System
When selecting a water purification system for your home, understanding key terms is essential for making an informed decision. Whether you're considering installing a whole-house filtration system or a reverse osmosis system, knowing these terms will help you navigate the world of water purification. Below are the 10 most important water purification terms to know.
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water purification method where water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. This process removes up to 99% of contaminants, including bacteria, dissolved salts, minerals, and chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride. The membrane acts as a filter, allowing only water molecules to pass through while blocking most other impurities. Reverse osmosis is especially effective for producing clean drinking water and is widely used in both home and commercial water purification systems.
2. Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection
Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection uses ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in water. UV radiation disrupts the DNA of these microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing infections. This method is widely applied for disinfecting drinking water in homes and businesses, as well as treating wastewater. However, UV disinfection does not remove chemical contaminants like salts and heavy metals, so it's often used in combination with other purification methods.
3. Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF)
Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) is a highly porous material used in water filtration. Activated carbon effectively removes organic compounds, chlorine, and unpleasant tastes and odors from water. This material is usually derived from coconut shells or coal, and its micro-pores allow it to absorb and trap contaminants. Carbon filters are particularly useful for treating tap water that may contain residual chlorine from municipal water treatment plants.
4. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is similar to activated carbon fiber but comes in larger granules. GAC filters are effective at removing chemical contaminants such as chlorine, gasoline, pesticides, and organic solvents. Due to its larger structure, granular carbon allows water to flow through the filter more quickly but may be less effective at removing smaller contaminants. GAC filters are often used in household filtration systems to provide fast water flow and longer filter life.
5. Gallons Per Day (GPD)
Gallons Per Day (GPD) is a measure of how much water a filtration system can purify in a single day. For example, if a system is rated at 600 GPD, it means it can purify up to 600 gallons of water per day. This measure is important when choosing a system to ensure it meets the needs of your family or business. For instance, a high-capacity reverse osmosis system like the Waterdrop X12 can provide up to 1200 gallons of purified water per day.
6. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the total amount of dissolved organic and inorganic substances in water. These can include bacteria, algae, heavy metals, chlorides, salts, and minerals. A high TDS level indicates a significant presence of dissolved substances and contaminants in the water, while a low TDS level suggests cleaner water. Regular TDS measurement helps monitor water quality and ensures it is safe for consumption.
7. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate and can contaminate water sources. These include industrial solvents, pesticides, fuels, and other chemicals that can seep into water supplies. While municipal water treatment plants strive to remove VOCs, they may not always be fully effective. Activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems can help eliminate volatile organic compounds, making water safer to drink.
8. National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is an independent organization that sets strict quality and safety standards for consumer products, including water purification systems. If a product is NSF-certified, it means it has undergone rigorous testing and meets high safety and performance standards. Choosing filters with NSF certification provides additional assurance of their quality.
9. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a non-profit organization that develops national standards for products and services. Products certified by ANSI meet high-quality standards, providing consumer confidence. While ANSI certification is not legally required, having such a certification indicates a high level of product quality.
10. Water Quality Association (WQA)
The Water Quality Association (WQA) is a leading trade organization representing more than 2,500 manufacturers and sellers of water treatment equipment. WQA is accredited as a certifying body, testing and certifying water purification systems to ensure they meet stringent ANSI and NSF standards. Choosing WQA-certified filters guarantees reliability and efficiency.
Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with the key water purification terms, you can make a more confident decision when selecting the right water purification system for your home. Explore our Water Purifiers Collection at Tech For Healthy to find the perfect solution that ensures clean and safe water for your family. The right filter choice is essential for your health and well-being.