Water Purification FAQs

Water purification means freeing water from any kind of impurity it contains, such as contaminants or micro organisms. Water purification is not a very one-sided process; the purification process contains many steps. The steps that need to be progressed depend on the kind of impurities that are found in the water. This can differ very much for different types of water.

Drinking water purification is crucial because it helps remove impurities, contaminants, and potentially harmful substances from water, making it safe and suitable for consumption. Purification helps protect against waterborne diseases and ensures the overall quality of drinking water.

There are two forms of impurities found in drinking water, suspended and dissolved:

a) Suspended impurities such as mud, dust, sand, bacteria, viruses etc
b) Dissolved impurities that are soluble in water such as; pesticides, industrial pollutants, chlorine, arsenic, fluoride, other chemicals and heavy metals salts like mercury, lead, copper, cadmium.

These impurities can affect the taste, odor, and safety of the water.

There are several methods for water purification, including filtration, disinfection, and distillation. Filtration involves passing water through a medium (such as activated carbon, ceramic, or reverse osmosis membranes) to remove impurities. Disinfection methods, such as chlorination or UV treatment, kill or inactivate microorganisms. Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the condensed steam to separate impurities.

The choice of purification method depends on the quality of your water and the specific impurities present. Conducting a water quality test can help identify the impurities and guide you in selecting the appropriate purification method. Consulting with water treatment professionals or local authorities can also provide guidance.

Yes, there are various types of water filtration systems available, including activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, ultraviolet (UV) filters, ceramic filters, and ion exchange filters. Each system has its specific mechanisms and effectiveness in removing different types of impurities.

Reverse Osmosis is a process where water molecules are forced through a 0.0001 micron semi permeable membrane by water pressure. A line of TFC – (Thin Film Composite) sheets are skillfully sandwiched together and rolled up around a hollow central tube in a spiral fashion. The sizes of these tubes depend on the quantity of water to be processed.

The reverse osmosis process of purification is mainly meant to reduce the ‘salt content’ from the water.

“Dissolved solids” in water refers to minerals, salts, metals and anions dissolved in water. This includes anything present in water other than suspended solids. (Suspended solids are particles or substances that are neither dissolved nor settled in the water.

In simple terms, TDS concentration is the sum of the cations (positively charged) and anions (negatively charged) ions in the water.

The frequency of filter replacement depends on the type of system and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, carbon filters are replaced every 3 to 6 months, while reverse osmosis membranes can last 1 to 3 years. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal filtration performance.

Boiling water is an effective method to kill most microorganisms and make the water safe to drink. Boiling water for at least one minute (or longer at higher altitudes) can help eliminate common pathogens. However, boiling does not remove other impurities such as chemicals or heavy metals.

Yes, there are portable water purification options available, such as portable water filters, water purification tablets, and ultraviolet (UV) light devices. These can be useful for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or during emergencies where access to clean water may be limited.

Regular maintenance is essential for the reliable operation of water purification systems. This includes following the manufacturer’s guidelines for filter replacement, cleaning and sanitizing the system as recommended, and monitoring the system for any signs of malfunction. Professional servicing and periodic water quality testing can also help ensure the effectiveness of the system.