Activated carbon filtration systems use carbon to absorb organic contaminants that impact the taste, safety, and odour of water. Some activated carbon filtration systems also remove byproducts of chlorination, solvents, and pesticides. Activated carbon filters are especially efficient at removing metals from water, but do not remove dissolved minerals, nitrates, or bacteria.
Ion exchange water purification systems use cation resins activated alumina to remove minerals that produce hard water, such as calcium and magnesium as well as other contaminants. However, if your water contains iron bacteria or oxidized iron, the ion exchange mechanism will become coated and clogged, reading its ability to soften and purify water.
A distillation unit purifies water by boiling it to convert it into steam, then cooling the steam to convert it back into water. This process removes bacteria, sodium, nitrates, metals, and most organic compounds from water. It does not, however, remove certain pesticides, solvents, and volatile organic contaminants.
In a reverse osmosis or “RO” water filtration system, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane with pores which blocks contaminants and allows clean water to flow through to the other side, where it is then sent through your home’s plumbing to be used.
RO systems produce the purest, cleanest-tasting water and are a very popular option for health-conscious homeowners due to their effectiveness in removing potentially harmful contaminants. Many homeowners are upgrading to RO filtration systems in order to have the cleanest, safest water possible. If you are interested in installing an RO system in your home, contact us!