Understanding Water Contaminants: What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Filtration System

Clean water is essential for health, but not all water sources are free from contaminants. Understanding what’s in your water and how to filter it can make a significant difference in your household’s wellbeing. A.M. Plumbing & Rooter, the go-to plumber in Menifee, CA, discusses the different types of water contaminants and which filtration systems are best suited to remove them.

Physical Contaminants

These are non-chemical substances that can make water appear cloudy or discolored. Some examples include sediment, rust, sand, and debris. While these contaminants may not be harmful, they can affect the taste, odor, and appearance of water.

Water filtration systems that use a combination of sediment filters, carbon filters, and reverse osmosis are effective at removing physical contaminants from water. These systems work by trapping particles and sediment, leaving cleaner and clearer water.

Chemical Contaminants

Chemical contaminants include both naturally occurring and man-made chemicals that have seeped into water sources. These can include pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals like lead and arsenic, and disinfectants used to treat drinking water.

Different types of chemical contaminants require specific filtration methods for removal. For example, activated carbon filters remove organic compounds like pesticides, while reverse osmosis is best for removing heavy metals. It’s essential to know what chemicals are in your water to choose the right filtration system, so it’s a good idea to ask expert plumbing services for a water test.

Biological Contaminants

These pertain to living organisms found in water that can cause illness. These can include bacteria, viruses, and parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

To remove biological contaminants from water, your plumbing company may recommend a filtration system with a UV light or an ultrafiltration membrane. These methods use high-intensity UV rays or tiny pores to kill or trap microorganisms.

Deciding on the Right Filtration System

As mentioned, obtaining a comprehensive water test from your plumbing repairs and services provider is an important first step in determining what type of filtration system is best for your home. Other factors to consider include the cost, maintenance requirements, installation process, as well as the volume of water your household consumes. By thoroughly understanding your water quality and filtration options, you can make an informed decision that ensures your family has access to clean, safe, and great-tasting water.

A.M. Plumbing & Rooter takes pride in providing a wide range of top-notch services, from emergency plumbing repairs to helping homeowners choose a water filtration system that best fits their needs. Contact our team today or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.