Protection Against Contaminants
With all the negative publicity in recent years about the quality of the nation's water supply, more people are thinking twice about the water they drink. Although 75 percent of the earth's surface is made up of water, less than one percent is fresh water for drinking. But due to pollution and contamination, not even all of this water is suitable for drinking.
Some of the more common causes of contamination include industrial chemicals that are contained in landfills and waste sites as well as agricultural pesticides that can leak into the soil and make their way into drinking water sources.
Chlorine used to disinfect water can have an adverse effect on taste and can create potential carcinogens, like trihalomethanes (THMs), when it reacts with organic matter in the water.
Lead-based solder used to join pipes in homes built before 1988 (when this practice was outlawed) can also cause problems with lead in the water after the water has left the municipal treatment facility or private well. |
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Microbiological pathogens like bacteria, viruses and cysts can find their way into our water during water main breaks, treatment plant errors, excessive rainfall, backwards contamination from the distribution system and cross connections with sewage lines.
As a result of consumers' concerns about "bad water" and "boil alerts," many have turned to bottled water. In fact, since the mid-1980s when bottled water first became trendy, there has been a tremendous boom in bottled water sales. Many consumers believe it is necessary due to negative publicity that has raised doubts about the quality of the nation's water supply. Such publicity has caused more than 22 million households in the U.S. to seek alternatives to tap water for drinking. It is estimated that by early next century, the market for drinking water alternatives will be worth more than $10 billion.
There are many different in-home treatment options, varying in price and effectiveness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, however, reverse osmosis (RO) systems are the most effective at significantly reducing unwanted minerals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lead, pesticides and nitrates. RO systems work by forcing pressurized water through a microscopic membrane which filters out impurities.
Even consumers who don't think they have problem water should consider their drinking water options. Just because water looks and smells good, there is no guarantee it is. Harmful microorganisms or compounds such as arsenic, lead, mercury and nitrates may go undetected. And even if your municipality routinely provides good, clean water, there is the chance of an unexpected problem. Or, in other cases, quality drinking water can leave a municipal treatment facility or backyard well and then become contaminated during the distribution process. As is the case with any contaminated water situation, infants, seniors, pregnant women and people with immune system deficiencies are most at risk. RO systems and purifiers provide a type of insurance that water is protected even if the unexpected occurs.
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