Choosing a home water treatment
system
Area tap water is well within the standards set by the Safe
Drinking Water Act, so it's not necessary to buy a home water
treatment system to ensure the safety of your drinking water.
If you want to improve aesthetic qualities of your
water such as taste and hardness, you may want to purchase a home
treatment system.
Our drinking water is treated
through a multi-step process that includes chlorination. The chlorine
helps protect the water until it reaches your tap. There are a variety
of inexpensive filter systems to remove chlorine from your drinking
water. If you do not like the hardness
of the valley's water supply, you can invest in a softening system.
Types of home water treatment
systems
Home treatment systems vary from inexpensive carafe styles to models
that require much more maintenance. Review the pros and cons below
to choose one that's right for you:
| Activated
Carbon Filters |
|
Activated carbon filters attract and hold certain chemicals
as water passes through them.
Available in carafe units, faucet-mounted filters and models
mounted beneath the sink. |
Pros:
Reduces chlorine odor and taste; can be inexpensive
Cons: Doesn't remove minerals associated
with hardness; can require frequent filter changes; does not
remove microbes
|
| Reverse-osmosis
Filters |
|
These systems use
both a traditional (usually carbon) filter and a cellophane-like
membrane to remove most organic and inorganic compounds. This
is the only type of filter that will remove calcium and magnesium,
the minerals that cause hard water.
|
Pros:
Removes minerals that cause hardness; highly effective
Cons: More expensive; may require a plumber; requires
more storage space; many units waste water |
| Water
Softeners |
| Devices used to exchange
calcium and magnesium for "softer" minerals—usually
sodium or potassium. |
Pros: Eliminates
chalky residue; may enhance dishwasher and washing machine
performance; reduces water spots
Cons: Very expensive; higher maintenance; adds salt
to drinking water; can be harmful to health and the environment |
Many water filters feature a certification by NSF
International, a not-for-profit organization that tests water
treatment devices. While not a guarantee, the NSF label is a good
indicator that the product lives up to its claims. You may want
to be cautious if the product is not NSF-certified.
Get more information
The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) offers consumers more
detailed information about various types of treatment products.
Request a packet by calling 258-3930 or request
a copy from SNWA.
|
