Public water systems are required to adhere to the standards for clean water as set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The water that comes from your tap is expected to be clean and safe for drinking, cooking, and other uses.
Unfortunately, that water is often filled with contaminants and minerals. Although these contaminants are not supposed to pose a health risk, they can affect infants, children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Even water that is safe to drink can have odor and taste issues or will eventually clog pipes.
Water softening and reverse osmosis are two types of water treatment processes that eliminate harmful contaminants. S & L Water Solutions is here to help you learn what these techniques are and how they differ.
Water can contain high amounts of minerals like magnesium and calcium. While this hard water is technically safe to drink, it can leave stains on faucets or clothing, a filmy residue on hair and skin, or affect the ability of soap and water to lather in washing machines, sinks, and showers. It may also have an off-putting smell and/or flavor.
A water softener contains polystyrene beads that are chemically bonded to positively charged sodium ions. When water passes through the system, calcium and magnesium ions contained in the water swap with the sodium ions from the beads. The result is soft water with a better flavor that can lather and won't clog pipes.
A reverse osmosis system works by pushing tap water against a semipermeable membrane that filters out impurities. The water first passes through a sediment filter that removes dirt and sediment. It then goes through a carbon filter that pulls out chlorine and improves the scent and the taste of the water. Finally, the water reaches the reverse osmosis membrane, which filters out up to 98% of all other water contaminants.
Contaminants are left behind on the filter, and clean water collects in a holding tank.
Is your home suited for a reverse osmosis filter or a water softener?
A water softener conditions the water by replacing magnesium and calcium ions with sodium or salt ions.
Reverse osmosis is a filtration system that filters the water of harmful impurities like fluoride, chlorine, salt, lead, detergents, pesticides, sulfates, and nitrates.
The benefits of a water softener include:
Reverse osmosis produces better-tasting water with no odor and no color without the addition of chemicals. While it does soften water to some extent, it cannot produce water as soft as a water softener can.
For maximum benefit, using a water softener in conjunction with a reverse osmosis system is the ideal solution. Reverse osmosis further transforms water that has previously been softened into water that tastes and smells great and is free from a large percentage of contaminants.
The combined processes produce the purest drinking water and together eliminate the need to purchase bottled water. This saves both money and the environment.
If you have problems with your water, S & L Water can help. We offer a variety of water treatment solutions to ensure your water is of the highest quality possible.
To get better water for yourself and your family, contact us today or give us a call at 240-313-9190. We always pick up the phone, no matter what!.jpg)
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