Looks can be deceiving. The water coming out of your tap may seem clean but it could contain harmful impurities. For example, it is not possible to see, smell, or taste lead in water. Getting a water testing is necessary to detect its presence. If you get a positive result, then you will need to take immediate action. Any mount of lead exposure is unsafe. Children can suffer from anemia, hearing problems, slowed growth, behavior issues, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, and lower IQ. Meanwhile, adults may experience higher blood pressure, reproductive issues, and decreased kidney function.
Removing this toxic substance is vital for your family’s long-term health. There are many types of filtration systems on the market today and the cheapest and best way to filtering out contaminants like lead, is an Reverse osmosis system, but more on that later..
Types of Water Filtration Systems For Lead Removal
- Source Investigation
It is best to begin at the source. Where is your water coming from? What materials were used for the pipes? When were these installed? When was the last time they were repaired? The effects of lead-laced drinking water was not fully understood until the 1980s. The scientific findings led to a revision of building standards. New homes benefitted from the change but older homes may be stuck with leaded pipes. If you find yourself in the latter situation, then don't take any chances. Just buy bottled water for your drinks.
- Reverse Osmosis Treatment
If your source and pipework are fine but you still have a bit of lead in the water, then you may try various filters to get rid of the unwanted particles. One of the most popular options is reverse osmosis treatment. This is both affordable and effective. The system involves a dense and thick membrane that makes it hard for water to pass through. Larger particles are left out, including lead, while the cleaner water move on to the next stages of filtering to remove smaller particles.
- Carbon Filtration Treatment
The next method uses activated carbon to grab lead particles in the water. Its secret lies in the countless pores within the carbon. These tiny holes are created with the help of oxygen. They are able to trap larger particles within the liquid, including lead molecules. Carbon filters are great for people who want stress-free ownership since these require zero maintenance. They are also budget-friendly and long-lasting. They can provide reliable protection for the family without changing the taste of the water. These can also retain essential minerals like iron and magnesium that are good for health.
- Periodic System Flush
Another strategy to reduce the intake of contaminants is to flush out the water system periodically. If you have not used the taps for a while, then lead build-up may occur. Flushing can reduce the levels of lead within the pipes and make the water safer to use. This is particularly important if you have been gone from your home for a while, such as after a vacation. However, you do not have to wait that long. A six-hour period of inactivity is long enough to merit a system flush. Do it first thing in the morning as part of your routine.
- Distillation Systems
Distilled water is known as the cleanest water you can drink. It has no contaminants at all so you don’t have to worry about lead or any other kind of impurity. That’s because water is heated until it evaporates. The pure vapor travels to a colder area where it condenses. All of the undesirable substances are left behind. On the other hand, beneficial minerals are gone as well. You could purchase distilled water by the bottle or install a distallation system in your home. Experts recommend an outdoor location to separate the heat source and the taps. This should give you milder water temperatures.
- Undercounter Purifiers
Undercounter purifiers are popular household solutions. These typically come in one, two, or three filter stages. They are easy to set up since they already come with brackets that you can screw into the wall. The filters may need replacement every 3-6 months. These are a breeze to switch out as long as you have the right cartridges. Be sure to maintain the correct order to get the best results.
- Shower Head Filters
Our main focus has been the elimination of lead from drinking water but you can take a step further and clean up the shower water as well. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the skin does not absorb lead so it should be safe to shower even in untreated water. However, this is far from ideal since lead can still cause problems like hair damage. Water can also get inside the eyes, mouth, or nose. If you want to be extra careful, then you could try installing shower head filters to remove impurities.
Key Insights
Test your water to know exactly what you are dealing with. Once you get the results, you can start selecting the most appropriate solution for your home. For advanced cases, seek out the help of water treatment professionals. Invest in your family’s health with the best water filter for lead.
