Is Your Tap Water Safe? Learn How to Purify Your Home Water Supply

Such contaminants can negatively impact your and your family’s health. Purifying the water from your faucets and showers can go a long way in keeping your family (and pets!) safe from potential health hazards caused by impure drinking water.

In Northeast Ohio—from Cleveland to Lorain County and the Eastside, in communities like Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Solon—most of our drinking water comes from Lake Erie, that big and beautiful body of water to the north.

With so many water purification options on the market, it’s difficult to choose a suitable water purification method for your whole home. Let’s look at several water purification methods you can use for your home.

Whole-House Water Purification Methods

The most common and reliable way to keep your home water supply pure and healthy is to purify the water where it enters your home, typically through reverse osmosis or water filtration.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

RO is a water purification technique that is usually known for purifying seawater. It works like this:

• Water passes through a semi-permeable membrane, or filter, that allows water molecules to pass through.
• At the same time, the membrane blocks dissolved inorganic solids—such as fluoride, chlorine, pesticides, and lead, cleaning the water entirely of any impurities.

RO machines use high-pressure pumps to push contaminated water through the membrane, which clears almost 99% of contaminants.

Filtration

Filtration separates submerged substances in liquids by passing them through suitable media—like sand, carbon, nutshells, wood, and coal. Most commercial water filters use a combination of materials to purify your home water supply. Water filters are affected by the water flow and temperature, so consider that before choosing this solution.

Types of Water Filters & Purifiers You Can Use at Home

You can usually use two types of water filter systems for home: a Point-of-Use (POU) system or a Point-of-Entry (POE) system. Both these systems use a combination of reverse osmosis and filtration methods to purify the water.

Point-of-Use (POU) Systems

POU systems purify the water where you use it. Usually, they are fitted in your kitchen and include:

1. Pitcher filters: Pitchers with filters have two sections—the activated carbon portion, where you pour the water, and the other part that holds the purified water. These are low-budget options and remarkably convenient to carry with you.
2. Faucet filters: As the name suggests, these filters are attached to the faucet and remove any dirt and solid impurities from your tap water.
3. Under-the-sink filters: These are attached to the water line as described and are quick and effective in cleansing your kitchen’s water supply. But, they take up a lot of space.
4. Countertop filters: These are affixed to the kitchen counter and connected to the supply faucet. The benefit is that you don’t have to refill the water jug repeatedly like pitcher filters.

Point-of-Entry (POE) Systems

POE systems are fitted to the connection where water enters your home or your tank (if you draw water from a well). They treat the entire water supply of your home, not just the drinking water. They are often expensive and require much work to install. Like POU systems, POE systems also use a combination of purification methods—including filtration, distillation, reverse osmosis, and UV lights.

Which Water Purification Method Is Right for You?

Are you ready to install a whole-house water purification system? How can you know which solution fits your family’s needs and budget? Don’t base your choice on just one article—ask a Gorjanc Healthy Home Expert or schedule a Healthy Home Assessment. We will recommend the right water purification system for your Northeast Ohio home.

About Gorjanc Home Services

If you want professional help to install and maintain the plumbing at your home in the Cleveland region, Gorjanc Home Services is your one-stop destination. Our experienced technicians maintain and install home cooling and heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. We’ve been providing excellent service to customers since 1963. Call us at (216) 545-1776 or complete our online contact form to book an appointment today.