Humans have attempted to purify water for thousands of years, with records of purification methods as early as 2,000 B.C. Even though the connection between impure water and disease would not be linked for centuries to come, people still attempted to improve the taste and appearance of water. Humans have come a long way since then, and so have our methods of water purification. Learn about the latest innovations in water filtration for your modern home.
Why Modern Homes Need Advanced Water Filtration
While modern water treatment has greatly improved water quality for numerous homes, there is still room for improvement. Many areas suffer from high levels of calcium and magnesium, the minerals responsible for hard water and scale deposits. Current water supplies may also struggle with chemical contamination from chlorines and chloramines, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, plastic impurities and PFAs, and heavy metals like fluoride and even lead.
Traditional water filter systems greatly improve taste, odor, and overall appearance of water, but, according to All Filters and other water filter product experts, many are not equipped to tackle heavy-duty contaminants like chloramines and PFAs. Modern filter products, however, work to integrate new technology that allows for reduction of these harmful impurities. Newer filter products also include smart technology that create easier use and maintenance, sustainability, less environmental impact, and more.
Key Features of Innovative Water Filtration Systems
New media offering advanced filtration includes GAC carbon, a highly activated granulated carbon better able to absorb chloramines, heavy metals, and even plastics like PFAs from water. UV purification keeps water fresh and clear of harmful bacteria. Reverse osmosis greatly reduces TDS (total dissolved solids), including sodium, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), PFAs, and more. Some RO systems can even filter salty sea water into drinking water!
Just as your refrigerator may have IoT (Internet of Things) technology, which allows for connection to the Internet, newer filter products are also using similar technologies. This allows for monitoring contaminant levels, filter statuses, and receiving maintenance notifications on your phone. Other filters offer remote control options via your smart device. All of these technological improvements assist in making your filtration experience that much easier.
Other ways filters have improved is through more sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Certain carbon media for example comes from natural coconut shell, for less environmental impact. Other filters are cleanable and/or reusable, for less waste. Some cartridges and systems operate at lower pressures, for lower energy requirements.
Top 5 Innovative Water Filtration Systems for Modern Homes
So where can you find these new technologies for your own home? While there are many choices of system available, here are the top five options to consider.
Smart Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems provide advanced filtration, offering 0.0001 micron filtration of water. Smart RO systems then offer sensors, software, and other tech that allows you for connection to smart devices. Then you may remotely control and monitor your system, as well as receive notifications for maintenance. For example, a smart RO might give the number and type of impurities in water, or send notifications to purchase a new cartridge. It can alert about potential leaks or that the system should be serviced. It may even track water intake, or provide interesting stats like how much you are saving by not purchasing single-use plastic bottles.
Whole-House Water Filtration Systems
Whole-house systems showcase the amount of media options available for modern homes, like carbon, sediment, and water softening cartridges, filters that target impurities like iron or manganese, dual cartridges, and more. These filters allow reduction of unwanted impurities for the entire household, from showering and cooking to laundry and cleaning.
Like RO systems, whole-house systems can have smart technology that allows you to monitor household water consumption, system leaks, filter maintenance, water quality, and more via your smart device. Some may allow your device to shut off the system at the first sign of a leak.
UV Water Purification Systems
UV water purification uses UV radiation to kill bacteria, viruses, and more from water store in an RO system, in a whole-house system, under-sink systems, and more. The UV technology doesn’t use chemicals or heat, for a safe solution to keeping water fresh and clean. Some models even go in your fish pond, keeping marine life healthy without threatening their safety with chemical additives. These filter products tend to be smaller, allowing for use in the home, RV, office, and practically any space with a water filter.
Under-Sink Filtration Systems
Under-sink systems typically fit under your kitchen sink and supply filtered water to a dedicated faucet. Most home RO systems are under-sink filters. Like whole-house systems, these filters offer a wide-variety of media to filter certain impurities from your water, but on a smaller scale.
These systems can have leak detectors that detect the smallest leak and automatically shut off the system, preventing major damage to your cupboards and flooring. The best part? The detectors usually don’t require electricity.
Manufacturers are working to create more compact systems that take up less space and are easier to install and maintain. Some units even feature panels with smart touch screens that display maintenance reminders, contaminant levels, and other useful information.
Countertop Filtration Systems
Like under-sink filters, manufacturers of countertop filters work to develop more compact models for instant access to filtered water for apartments, office spaces, campers, and even dorm rooms. These systems often require one or two cartridges that are easily installed without tools, and start filtering water by simply plugging it into the nearest outlet. Models with smart displays allow you to perform tasks like monitoring impurity levels and seeing when it is time for a filter change.
How to Choose the Right Water Filtration System
What filter should you choose for your modern home? Take into account what type of filtration you need. Water quality reports can be obtained for municipal water, or at-home tests can be purchased for well water. Once you know what is in your water, you will be prepared to know what filtration media is needed.
Next, consider how much water you want to filter. Countertop systems provide smaller amounts of filtered water for coffee, baby formula, and other minor applications. Under-sink systems offer a bit more water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. Whole-house systems provide filtration to the entire home. Apartments and rental homes may not allow whole-house or under-sink installation, making countertop or other smaller products the best choice.
Finally, consider the costs, not only upfront and for installation, but also for continued maintenance like cartridge replacement. Also consider how time-consuming and difficult the installation will be, as well as how easy it is to perform filter cartridge change-outs. Some options may require the assistance of a professional.
Conclusion
As you decide what modern amenities you need for your home, don’t forget your water filtration system. Modern homes are seeing more and more benefits from technological improvements, water filters included. Whether you choose a filter with enhanced filtration media, sustainable and eco-friendly materials, or smart features that connect to your phone, you can benefit from the modern improvements to today’s water filter systems.
