Supplemental Treatment

Whole house water filtration systems are designed to provide clean and safe water for the entire home by removing contaminants from the water supply. These systems are typically installed at the point where the water enters the house, such as the main water line or the water meter.

Whole house water filtration systems use various types of filtration media to remove different types of contaminants. For example, sediment filters can remove sand, dirt, and rust, while activated carbon filters can remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and other chemicals that affect taste and odor. Some whole house water filtration systems also use reverse osmosis or other advanced filtration technologies to remove dissolved solids, bacteria, and viruses.

The specific type and number of filters used in a whole house water filtration system depend on the quality of the water supply and the types of contaminants present. Some systems may also include water softeners or other water treatment components to address specific water quality issues, such as hard water or high levels of iron or manganese.

Whole house water filtration systems provide many benefits, including improved water quality for drinking, cooking, and bathing, as well as reduced wear and tear on appliances and plumbing fixtures due to the removal of sediment and other contaminants. However, these systems can be expensive to install and maintain, and they may require professional installation to ensure proper operation and performance. If they are not maintained on a regular basis they can create undesirable problems. 

One of the downsides of a whole house filtration system is that it can remove hardness, which can protect pipes and prevent pinhole leaks. RO treated water, for example can make water more aggressive on plumbing, causing plumbing material to corrode over time. 

A point-of-use filtration system is a type of water filtration system that is installed at the point where water is consumed, such as a kitchen sink, bathroom faucet, or showerhead. These systems are designed to provide clean and safe water for drinking, cooking, and bathing by removing contaminants from the water supply.

Point-of-use filtration systems come in a variety of types and styles, including under-sink filters, countertop filters, faucet filters, and showerhead filters. The specific type of filter used in a point-of-use filtration system will depend on the contaminants that need to be removed from the water supply.

Common types of filtration media used in point-of-use filters include activated carbon, ceramic, and reverse osmosis membranes. Activated carbon filters are effective in removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals that affect taste and odor, while ceramic filters can remove bacteria and other pathogens from the water. Reverse osmosis filters are effective in removing dissolved solids, such as minerals, salts, and other impurities.

Point-of-use filtration systems offer several benefits over whole house filtration systems, including lower cost and easier installation. These systems can be installed by homeowners themselves in many cases, without the need for professional installation. However, point-of-use filtration systems may not be as effective in addressing all water quality issues as whole house filtration systems, and they may require more frequent maintenance and filter replacement.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water treatment process that removes contaminants from water by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. The membrane has tiny pores that allow water molecules to pass through while blocking larger molecules, such as dissolved minerals, salts, and other impurities.

The reverse osmosis process typically involves several stages of filtration to remove different types of contaminants. The first stage usually involves a sediment filter that removes larger particles such as sand, dirt, and rust. The second stage often involves a carbon filter that removes chlorine, organic compounds, and other chemicals that can affect the taste and odor of the water.

The reverse osmosis membrane is the heart of the system and removes up to 99% of dissolved solids, such as salts and minerals, as well as other contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and pesticides. The treated water is stored in a tank before being delivered to the point of use, such as a faucet or appliance.

Reverse osmosis is an effective water treatment method for producing high-quality drinking water, especially in areas with high levels of dissolved solids or other contaminants. It is commonly used in households, commercial buildings, and industrial processes. However, reverse osmosis systems can be expensive to install and maintain, and they require a significant amount of water pressure to operate efficiently. 

Drinking RO water can be healthy as long as the water is properly treated, and the minerals and nutrients that may have been removed during the reverse osmosis process are replaced through other sources in the diet. Reverse osmosis is an effective water treatment method that can remove many contaminants from water, including dissolved minerals, salts, and other impurities.

However, some studies have suggested that drinking demineralized water, such as RO water, over a long period may lead to mineral deficiencies in the body, especially for people who are already on a mineral-deficient diet. In particular, some studies have found that drinking demineralized water may be associated with increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.

To address these concerns, some reverse osmosis systems are designed to add minerals back into the treated water before it is delivered to the tap. Additionally, a balanced and healthy diet that includes a variety of minerals and nutrients can help offset any potential mineral deficiencies that may result from drinking RO water.

Overall, drinking RO water can be healthy, as long as the water is properly treated, and the minerals and nutrients that may have been removed are replaced through other sources in the diet. It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your drinking water or your overall health.

Reverse osmosis (RO) is an effective method for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that are widely used in various industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, and waterproof fabrics. These chemicals have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental issues.

RO systems are designed to remove dissolved solids and other contaminants from water, including PFAS. The semi-permeable membrane used in the RO process has tiny pores that block most contaminants, including PFAS, from passing through. As a result, RO systems are considered one of the most effective treatment methods for removing PFAS from drinking water.

However, it's worth noting that not all RO systems are the same, and their effectiveness in removing PFAS may vary depending on the specific type and number of filters used. In addition, some PFAS compounds are more difficult to remove than others, so it's important to choose an RO system that is specifically designed to remove PFAS if this is a concern.

Overall, if you are concerned about PFAS contamination in your drinking water, it's important to choose a water treatment system that is effective in removing these chemicals. RO systems can be a good option, but it's important to research the specific system you are considering and ensure that it is designed to effectively remove PFAS.

A carbon filter is a type of water filtration system that uses activated carbon to remove impurities and contaminants from drinking water. Activated carbon is a highly porous material that is made by heating organic matter, such as coconut shells or coal, at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. The resulting material has a large surface area with many microscopic pores that can trap and absorb contaminants from water as it passes through the filter.

Carbon filters are effective in removing a wide range of contaminants from water, including chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that affect taste and odor. They are also effective in removing some heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, from water.

Carbon filters are commonly used in point-of-use water filtration systems, such as under-sink filters, countertop filters, and faucet filters. They are also used in some whole-house filtration systems to remove contaminants from all of the water that enters a home.

It's important to note that carbon filters have a limited capacity to remove certain types of contaminants, such as dissolved minerals and salts, nitrates, and some types of bacteria and viruses. In addition, carbon filters can become saturated over time, reducing their effectiveness in removing contaminants. It's important to replace carbon filters regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure that they continue to provide effective filtration.

A water softening system is a type of water treatment system that is designed to remove minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that can cause hard water. Hard water is a common problem in many areas, particularly in areas with high levels of dissolved minerals in the water supply. Hard water can cause a variety of problems, including mineral buildup in pipes and appliances, soap scum in showers and sinks, and reduced effectiveness of soap and detergents.

Water softening systems use a process called ion exchange to remove dissolved minerals from water. The system contains a resin bed that is coated with sodium ions. When hard water passes through the resin bed, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water are exchanged for sodium ions, effectively "softening" the water.

Water softening systems can be installed as point-of-use systems, such as under-sink units, or as whole-house systems that treat all of the water that enters a home. Whole-house systems are typically installed near the point where the water enters the home, such as in the basement or utility room.

It's important to note that water softening systems can have some drawbacks. The process of ion exchange can increase the sodium content of the water, which can be a concern for people on low-sodium diets or with high blood pressure. In addition, the process of removing minerals from water can reduce the mineral content of the water, which may be a concern for people who rely on their drinking water as a source of minerals. Some water softening systems also require regular maintenance, such as adding salt to the system, to ensure that they continue to function properly.

It's important to note that while some water softening systems may have additional filtration stages, they are not designed to remove all types of contaminants from the water supply. If you are concerned about the presence of other types of contaminants in your water supply, you may want to consider a separate water filtration system that is designed to address those specific concerns.