The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recently did a multi-year study of the quality of bottled water versus tap water.

The results were a shocker. The results showed the drinking water contamination in over 33% of the bottled water exceeded allowable limits by bottled water standards and state regulations. Yes, you read that right. The bottled water didn’t even meet the minimum standards. Scary?

Overall the study showed bottled water companies were distributing water that contained a higher level of pollutants and contamination than tap water.

Now don’t get me wrong. Tap water isn’t much better but at least we aren’t paying a premium for a poor quality product. Considering our bodies consist of over 70% water — drinking water contamination is a critical issue.

Health has become an issue at the forefront of public concerns. People are becoming increasingly weary about the foods they eat and the products they purchase. With this craze, greater scrutiny is put on the additives and other chemicals that we consume on the daily basis. Is it not only logical that we extend this concern to the water which we rely on to replenish our lost body water and to flush toxins out of our bodies? The same additives and trace compounds that we are so weary of when they end up in our food can just as easily end up in our water supply, with the addition of heavy metals and other toxic substances. This is where drinking water purification systems suddenly become highly significant.

So, what exactly is a drinking water purification system, and why can you as an individual benefit by having one installed in your home? First, we need to examine the purpose of a home water purification system, and the problem that it claims to alleviate. The problem that water purification systems are meant to solve is the problem of unclean water, or water with small amounts of pollutants. Pollutants found in tap water can range from organic microbes to dissolved heavy metals and arsenic. Even treated city water has dissolved substances that can be detrimental to health over a long period of time. Not to mention, filtered water tastes better.

Now that you understand drinking water purification systems are built to address the problem of unclean water, how exactly do these systems accomplish this task? There are a range of water purification systems which include under the counter installed versions which filter all the water which reaches a particular tap, for example your kitchen sink. This type of filter is typically expensive and large, yet highly efficient. On the other hand, there are small filters which attach at the end of the tap. These also perform a satisfactory job of filter contaminants from your drinking water, but they are not as efficient as the under the counter versions. They are typically cheaper, and a realistic investment for the average home owner. The final type of commonly utilized drinking water purification system is the pitcher or stand alone type, which filters water as it is poured into a pitcher. These are typically the cheapest, but still are better than nothing.

All in all, drinking water purification systems can lead to a healthier source of water in your household. Drinking clean pure water daily can help ward off disease, so any initial investment in a drinking water purification system pays for itself in the long run.

Having access to clean tap water is something we often take for granted. Sadly, studies have indicated the pollution and old, failing plumbing systems are not always providing clean safe water. This creates health risks and serious issues to users of the water.

What are the pollutants found in tap water?

The primary pollutant is chlorine and is considered a poison. Chlorine in large quantities can have a foul smell and taste. Studies have linked people that drink chlorinated water to increased health risks like: birth defects, cancer, miscarriages, asthma and eczema. Also bathing and showering can be harmful since you can inhale the steam from the water.

Reverse osmosis is a water system that forces water through a membrane (a filter like tube) to force out contaminants in the water.

It does a good job removing certain pollutants such as garbage, large particles and a few others that end up in your drinking and bathing water. Unfortunately, there is a significant problem with this system — it does not remove all of the contaminants like microbes or bacteria.

I hope this post has provided a better idea of “What Is Reverse Osmosis“.