Treatment and conditioning systems

 

Methods used to improve the quality of water are referred to as treatment or conditioning. What is the difference? Water treatment refers to systems that reduce harmful contaminants in the water, dealing with health and safety of the water. High levels of coliform, nitrates, arsenic, lead and pesticides are examples of harmful contaminants that must be treated before water is safe to drink.

Water conditioning refers to water problems that effect water taste, color, odor, hardness and corrosivity rather than health and safety. The presence of high levels of magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese and silt are common contaminants that require water conditioning. It is not uncommon to use both treatment and conditioning methods to improve water quality.

Here is a list of possible treatment and conditioning methods:

·  Mechanical or Sedimentation Filtration

·  Activated Carbon Filtration

·  Oxidation Filtration

·  Neutralizing Filtration

·  Reverse Osmosis or Membrane Filtration

·  Distillation

·  Ultra-violet Treatment

·  Water Softener or Cation Exchange

·  Chlorination Disinfection

When shopping for in-home water treatment systems you will likely find systems categorized as point-of-entry or point-of-use treatment systems. Point-of-entry water treatment systems treat all of the water entering and being used in the home. Sedimentation filters, iron control treatment, water softener and a chlorination system used to control bacteria in the well are all considered point-of-entry treatment systems. Point-of-use water treatment systems, on the other hand, treat part of the water in the home water distribution system, usually at one faucet. The water is typically only used for drinking and cooking. Reverse osmosis, distillation and activated carbon filtration are examples of point-of-use water treatment systems.

Choosing an in-home water treatment device can be confusing and complicated if more than one water quality problem exists. Sometimes, several problems can be eliminated with one treatment. Activated carbon filters, for example, can remove taste, odor, chlorine, some pesticides and filter out particles. And occasionally, the treatment itself causes other problems. For example, ion exchange or reverse osmosis may make water more corrosive, requiring you to also use a neutralizing filter. Chlorination may form toxic organic compounds requiring you to install an activated carbon filter.

In many treatment cases two or more systems may be needed to satisfactorily treat the water. Disinfection by chlorination will kill bacteria. However, to remove the taste of chlorine, an activated charcoal filter is typically used. To remove particles of silt and sand, a mechanical filter should be added as part of the system.

Depending on your source of water, you may have to correct minor problems before you can address your major concern. The following guidelines for water treatment are based on the belief that it is practical and efficient to treat some water quality problems before others. For instance, only after turbidity, acidity, hardness and iron have been controlled with activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis units, or distillers operate efficiently.

Remember, these steps are a simplification of water treatment. When considering home water treatment, consult with water treatment professionals at a reputable and certified dealership to determine the best treatment approach for your problem.