Learn More About Water Purification Technology and Methods of Water Purification

Water purification technology is a complicated subject. All that we are really going to cover here are some of the methods of water purification in the public and private sectors. Most treatment facilities go through many steps before they send anything to your home. But, even with there best efforts, modern contaminants make a "point of use" or home filter necessary.

The methods of water purification listed here are only a few of the systems currently in use around the world. Clean drinking water is one of the most important things in life, so the area of water purification technology is large and growing. Let's start with the oldest and work our way forward.

Distillation

Used for centuries, this method requires heat for boiling. Anything with a high boiling point stays in the tank. Water vapor and anything with a low boiling point travels through a tube, where it cools and eventually falls into another tank. The disadvantages of distillation methods of water purification include; excessive energy used for boiling, removes minerals, but not chemicals and the system requires constant maintenance and cleaning. It is better suited for certain industrial settings than home use.

Reverse Osmosis

Often advertised as the top level of water purification technology, reverse osmosis methods of water purification were originally designed for large scale treatment facilities and commercial uses. Efforts to transfer the process to the home been successful

for the most part, but there are many disadvantages. They include; additional electricity used for pressurizing and pumping, large amounts of waste water created, removes minerals, cannot remove chemicals without the use of additional steps, does not kill bacterial or biological contaminants and the units are very expensive.

Chemical Disinfection

The use of chlorine to disinfect was a major step forward in water purification technology. Before its introduction, there were numerous outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and other water-borne illnesses. This is one of the most commonly used methods of water purification, today. In emergency situations, for example during a flood or after a hurricane, household bleach containing chlorine can be used to clarify and kill bacteria. The disadvantages of chemical disinfection include; poor taste, bad odor, health problems with continued use, ineffective against cryptosporidium and other bacterial cysts.

UV Radiation Treatment

In some places, ultraviolet light emitting lamps are used to remove germs and bacteria, rather than chlorine. It is not one of the less commonly used methods of water purification in this country, but is considered a move forward in water purification technology. It is a cost effective system. The low pressure mercury lamps are relatively inexpensive. The only real disadvantage is that bacterial contamination can occur in the pipes that lead from the reservoir to the home. It has no application in the home.

Carbon Filtration

This is one of the methods of water purification that can be used in public settings and private homes. It is inexpensive, requires no electricity, removes chemical contaminants, improves taste and removes odor. It was originally developed as a counter measure against chlorine gas in WWI. It eventually found its place in water purification technology. There are no disadvantages, except that filters must be replaced regularly.

Discover why water purification technology is critical for your home.

Laurel Tevolitz is a dedicated researcher of critical issues that affect health and well-being. Visit her water purification blog now at http://www.safewaterpurifier.com to discover which water purification system she recommends after extensive research.