Types of Impurities in Drinking Water and How to Remove Them
Table of Contents
- Types of Impurities Found in Drinking Water
- Removing Impurities from Drinking Water
- Importance of Water Filtration Systems
- Final Words
Water is an essential component of life, and access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. However, many sources of water, including tap and well water, often contain impurities that can pose health risks. Impurities in water can come from various sources and take different forms, necessitating the need for different ways of water purification. Before choosing a filtration system that best suits your household’s needs, it is important to understand the different types of impurities found in water.
Types of Impurities Found in Drinking Water
Impurities in water are any particles that contaminate water, rendering it unfit for consumption. These impurities can have adverse effects on human health, taste, odour, and the quality of water. Here are the different types of impurities that are usually present in drinking water:
- Organic Impurities Present in Water
Organic impurities in water are typically derived from natural sources, such as decaying plant and animal matter. These impurities include organic compounds which can give water an unpleasant taste and odor. Additionally, organic impurities can serve as a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms, making water unsafe to drink.
- Biological Impurities Present in Water
Biological impurities in water include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can contaminate water. Consuming such water can lead to a wide range of waterborne diseases, posing a severe health risk.
- Chemical Impurities Present in Water
Chemical impurities in water enter water from industrial agricultural or natural processes. These impurities can encompass a broad spectrum of chemicals, including heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), pesticides, industrial pollutants, and pharmaceuticals. Exposure to high levels of chemical impurities can have toxic effects on the human body.
- Physical Impurities Present in Water
Physical impurities are visible particles or materials present in water. These can include sediment, sand, rust, and debris. Physical impurities found in water mainly affect water clarity and taste.
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
TDS refers to the total concentration of dissolved minerals and salts in water. Although such impurities in water are not harmful in limited quantities, high TDS levels can lead to water that tastes salty or bitter and may cause scaling on appliances and fixtures. It’s important to track and control TDS levels for better water quality. Choosing a good filtration system helps in maintaining levels of normal TDS in RO water.
Removing Impurities from Drinking Water
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To ensure safe and clean drinking water one needs to remove impurities effectively. Traditional methods of removing impurities from water cannot effectively remove impurities. Methods such as boiling are also inefficient in lowering the TDS levels in water. Further, it can become tedious over time and result in the wastage of time and resources
Some of the modern methods of removing impurities from water are: –
- Filtration
Filtration passes impure water through activated carbon or ceramic filters. These filters can effectively remove organic impurities, sediment, and some chemical impurities.
- UV Purification
UV (Ultraviolet) purification systems use UV rays to destroy contaminants in water. This method is highly effective against biological impurities.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse Osmosis is a comprehensive water purification method that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of impurities, including TDS, chemicals, biological contaminants, and physical particles. RO systems are popular for achieving high water purity.
- Distillation
Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the vapor, which leaves behind impurities. The vapour is then condensed back into liquid form, providing nearly pure water. Distillation effectively removes all types of impurities, including TDS.
- Ion Exchange
Ion exchange systems use resin beads to purify contaminated water. This method can help reduce water hardness and improve the taste and clarity of water.
Also Read : What is Reverse Osmosis and its process?
The Growing Importance of Water Filtration Systems
In recent years, the demand for water filtration systems has surged. This is due to the increasing amount of impurities present in water. Here are some reasons why water filtration systems have become a vital addition to households:
- Health and Safety
The primary goal of water filtration systems is to provide safe and clean drinking water. With the growing concern over waterborne diseases and chemical contaminants, these systems offer an effective means of protection.
- Improved Taste and Odour
Filtration systems can significantly improve the taste and odour of water by removing organic compounds and chlorine, providing better taste and odour.
- Convenience
Water filtration systems offer the convenience of having purified water available at home. They reduce the need to buy bottled water or use time-consuming water purifying methods.
- Cost Savings
Over time, investing in a water filtration system can lead to a lot of cost savings compared to purchasing bottled water or frequently replacing filters on smaller pitchers.
Final Words
Impurities in water are a concern for public health, taste, and water quality. Understanding the various impurities present in water helps us to safeguard our health. Moreover, knowing the available water purification methods and technologies enables us to make smart choices.
RO water purifier on rent by Livpure Smart is the smart way to fulfil your need for purified drinking water. It provides advanced technologies such as RO and UV purification to remove impurities. Such technologies successfully target a number of contaminants, including TDS contaminants. Livpure Smart is a cost-effective service with no extra charges for maintenance or installation. This makes it one of the best options for households concerned about impurities in water.