Water purification removes biological contaminants, suspended particles, chemicals, toxins, odors, and pollutants from water. It is usually a multi-step process that includes water filtration and reverse osmosis.

Water filtration screens out particulates and prevents them from entering the water system. No one filter can remove every undesirable substance. Often multiple filters need to be used, one that may remove many substances, plus various single-substance filters (i.e., carbon). Filters are limited by the size of the particulate the filter can successfully capture. Most can’t capture substances that have dissolved in the water.

Reverse osmosis is the other key component in the purification process. (Distillation isn’t practical for homes.) Reverse osmosis systems use specially designed filters to remove substances that have dissolved in the water. They are highly effective at removing biological contaminants like protozoa, bacteria and viruses. They are also effective at removing common chemical contaminants like lead. With additional filters, some systems can also remove herbicides, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and pollutants such as arsenic and fluoride.

Freedom Plumbing and Drain has the expertise to answer your water purification questions and help you design the system that best meets your needs.