Not all water is the same, although it may look the same. You’re probably aware that the water that comes out of your tap is treated and has chemicals added. This is one of the reasons many people invest in a reverse osmosis water filter.
It’s a wise investment as it removes contaminants, including chemicals and minerals. But, what’s the difference between filtered water and purified water?
What Is Purified Water?
Purified water is as close to pure water as possible. You’ll often hear the source of purified water being stated as a specific spring. Although this may be true the source actually doesn’t matter, because the water needs to undergo a purification process.
The legal definition of purified water is that all, or very close to all, impurities have been removed. This is achieved by putting the water through a specific process.
Water is put through a filtration system to remove debris. After this, it is boiled. The steam is captured and directed to a fresh container. Because water boils at a different temperature to the contaminants in it, the contaminants are left behind.
The steam that condenses back into water is effectively as pure as the water in clouds, ready to drink.
Of course, this process is slow and there often isn’t the need to remove all contaminants from the water.
Filtration Systems
There are several types of water filters, ranging from the most popular carbon to reverse osmosis filters. They are all designed to allow water to pass through them. The filter will capture certain components of the water, preventing them from going through the filter.
In the case of the carbon filter, you’ll find chemicals, particularly the chlorine added to water, is removed. This type of filter is excellent at removing chemicals although it is unable to remove bacteria or heavy metals.
This is why more homes are turning to reverse osmosis water filters. These have a membrane that allows water through. A solution of liquid with high levels of sodium mixes with the water. The sodium replaces the heavy metals in the water, the heavy metal and other contaminants rich water is then disposed of.
You’re left with clean water that’s safe to drink. Although this type of filter is good at removing heavy metals and is capable of removing bacteria, it’s recommended to feed to bacteria-free water. Bacteria can damage the membrane inside the filter, preventing it from functioning properly.
Reverse osmosis is also not good at eliminating pesticides and chemicals. It’s why many households have reverse osmosis and carbon filters. It should be noted that purified water has all the contaminants removed. This is not the case with any type of filtered water. However, this doesn’t necessarily make purified water the better choice.
Your body needs minerals to survive, absorbing some of these through the water you drink is not a bad idea. The reverse osmosis filter removes the harmful compounds, allowing you to safely drink what’s left.
