Clearer Waters: A Brief Introduction to Water Filtering Methods
With the incursion of numerous chemicals, pesticides and other pollutants that contaminate our drinking water, the demand for filtered water has significantly grown over the past few years. Like when choosing among the existing policies from Sovereign Insurance, it is important to gain a basic understanding of the different water filtering methods in order to determine which filtration technique is best suited for you and your family’s needs. Below is a brief introduction to three of the most common water filtering methods used nowadays: distillation, UV Radiation and Reverse Osmosis.
Distillation is one of the oldest and simplest methods used in the purification of liquids. This process is used not only in water filtering but also in the purification of alcoholic beverages and even on petroleum products. The main principle behind distillation is the heating or boiling of a solution up to the point that the liquid vaporizes. When this happens, the vapor is then condensed, collected and stored as it returns to a purified liquid state. Distillation removes a wide variety of water pollutants, however it is a very slow process and because of the low acidity, distilled water necessitates strict handling in order to preserve its’ purity.
Meanwhile, UV Radiation is a relatively new technique in water filtration. It involves the utilization of low pressure mercury lamps that generate ultraviolet rays or UV rays, which in turn deactivate microbes and kill organisms that pollute the water. However, water filtration through UV rays does not ensure the removal of certain particles or colloids that may remain in the water.
Reverse Osmosis is also another water filtration method, and is supposedly the most inexpensive way to remove up to 90% of water pollutants. It simply requires exerting pressure on a highly concentrated solution, like saltwater for example, in order to force it through a semi-porous membrane which will then strain the water, thereby removing the contaminants, like salt or other pollutants that may have been in the water.
Get to know the different types of water filtration methods, like what you would normally do when picking among the available health insurance policies. This is important so you will know how the water you are drinking is being filtered and if it is effective.