All water is not created equally. Depending on where you live, the liquid from your kitchen faucet, showerhead or garden hose can contain pesticides, pharmaceuticals, caffeine, petroleum products and more.
Consider, too, that only 15% of the United States has naturally occurring soft water. The rest of us get hard water and with it the increased likelihood of plumbing repairs, shorter appliance life, spotty dishes and even rougher skin.
That’s why more than 40% of Americans employ a home water treatment system.
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Treated Isn’t Filtered
Sure, your tap water is treated before it gets to your house, but virtually all treatment facilities use chlorine, which affects taste and can impact the health of sensitive people or pets. Also, contaminants can enter your water supply through piping between the plant and your house.
A whole-house filtration system can bring many benefits, including:
Safe Drinking Water
Filtration ensures water free of contaminants. Not only will filtered water be truly odorless and taste better, but also it will eliminate the health threats of long-term exposure to toxins that would otherwise find their way into your water supply.
Cost Savings
Metals and minerals in unfiltered water are rough on plumbing. Refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and even the clothes you launder are also subject to damage from unfiltered water. Filtered water will protect those investments — and you’re probably going to stop spending money on bottled water.
Healthier Skin
Certain skin conditions are aggravated by the chlorine and metals that can be found in treated water. Children washing with unfiltered water are more likely to develop skin conditions.
Healthier Planet
Whatever the label says, that fancy bottled water you’re drinking is probably tap water. Not only does the plastic bottle put you at risk for BPA exposure, but also it becomes the planet’s problem for the next 400 years or so. Without question, filtration is part of the solution.
Filtration Tips
A whole-house system is the way to go. If that’s not in the budget, however, consider interim steps such as using a filtered water pitcher for your drinking water or installing activated carbon filters on individual faucets — just remember to change the filters as recommended.
When making the leap into a whole-house system, it’s best to consult with a pro. Matching the right system to your house’s available space and typical water use is essential, and a pro will make sure the water pressure is right for the filtration system and you. To learn more about the benefits of a home water filtration system, please see the accompanying resource.
Infographic created by Allgood Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
