Most of Australia has clean, potable water straight from the tap. However, there are still those who use water filtration systems at home. Some may be worried about traces of contaminants left in the water. Meanwhile, others might just be looking for better-tasting, better-smelling water to drink and cook with.
There are no “wrong” reasons for wanting to have a water filter at home. After all, clean water is essential for health and safety. However, before you ultimately decide, you need to determine a few factors for choosing a water filtration system for your home. Here are some of the top things you need to figure out:
Know Your Water
It’s important to first know what’s in your water before choosing one among many types of water filtration systems. Perth locals, for example, might find that their water has high salinity and thus need a filter that can remove excess salt. You can find a copy of your area’s water quality report online, or you can request it from your utility. If you want, you can also send a water sample to an independent laboratory. There are also home test kits so you can conduct your own tests at home. The bottomline is that you have to figure out what’s in your water so you can get the most appropriate water filter system.
What Are Your Water Filter Goals?
After you find out the composition of the water, next you have to determine your goals for getting a water filter. Do you want to filter everything? Do you only want to demineralise or soften your water? Do you simply want to improve the taste and odour of the water you use to drink and cook? You should also figure out how much water you need. Consider the number of people living in your home, along with their activities (for example, do they take two showers a day?). Along with the water quality, these details can also help you figure out what kind of water filter to get.
Where Are You Going to Put the Filter
After you figure out your water goals, you’ll be able to determine where you have to put the filters. If you want to filter everything, including the water you use to shower and wash clothes, then you need a whole house water filter. However, note that whole house water filters usually need to be supplemented with another type of water filter.
There are also point-of-use systems like undersink water filters so you can filter the water only where you need it. For drinking and cooking water, hot-and-cold water filters may be ideal. You may also install separate water filters on your showers to help minimise skin irritation due to chemicals like chlorine.
Familiarise Yourself with Different Kinds of Filters
It pays to be familiar with some of the most common kinds of water filters to help you make the best choice. One of the most popular are activated carbon filters, which trap contaminants in the pores of the filter material (which is the activated carbon itself). These filters are commonly found in pour-through pitchers as well as undersink filters.
Reverse osmosis filters push the water through a semipermeable membrane, which leaves the contaminants on the other side of the filter. After water passes through the membrane, it passes through another filter to “polish” the water. Reverse osmosis is a popular filtration method for drinking water. Finally, UV or ultraviolet filters disinfect drinking water by destroying the DNA of microorganisms like viruses. UV filters are often used in tandem with reverse osmosis filters or other filtration methods.
Think About Maintenance
Once you’ve figured out what kind of water filter to buy, you should consider its maintenance. This will add to the overall cost of the machine. Manufacturers will have recommended schedules of changing filters and attachments (e.g., UV bulbs). However, this schedule may vary depending on the volume of water that you draw daily. Most water filters have indicators to let you know that it’s time for a replacement or a routine cleaning.
After you’ve taken note of everything, it’s time to purchase your water filter. Make sure to find a reliable company like Aussie Filtration to make sure that you get a high-quality and efficient water filter for your needs.
