Water purifiers or water filters are filtration systems that purify tap water before consuming it.
It is then better to consume, without taste or smell.
What types of water purifiers are there on the market and why should I use them?
Our answers.
What is a water purifier?
A water purifier is a device that uses different techniques to remove impurities and contaminants from tap water, such as pollutants, bacteria, viruses, minerals and heavy metals.
There are several types of water purifiers:
Tap
filters
: installed directly on the tap, they filter the water of its impurities, but do not form a barrier to limestone.
Water
tanks
or
filter jugs
: they are economical and easy to use.
All you have to do is change the carafe filter cartridge regularly.
Under -
sink purifiers
: connected to the city's water network, they pass the water through various filters (charcoal, sand filter, phosphates, etc.) before reaching you.
The reverse osmosis is one of them, it is a practical system, but a bit bulky under the sink.
Ceramic
beads or
vegetable activated carbon
sticks
, to be installed directly in your water carafe or kettle, can also be used to purify tap water.
They should be changed every three months.
The
water softener,
on the other hand, has anti-limestone properties and softens the water.
The technologies commonly used to purify water include filtration, disinfection, ionization, photolysis of chlorine by UV-A or reverse osmosis (used in particular for the desalination of seawater).
Read alsoPlumbing: what to do in the event of a water leak?
Why use a water purifier?
Using a water purifier to filter water has several advantages:
Water purifiers can remove impurities in water that can cause illness;
They eliminate substances that give water an unpleasant taste or smell, and make it more pleasant to drink;
By using water purifiers, you participate in the protection of the environment: you reduce your consumption of plastic water bottles;
Water purifiers remove unwanted minerals such as iron, manganese, limestone and magnesium that can affect water quality and damage your pipes or appliances (corrosion of pipes for example).
Read alsoMidges in the pipes: how to get rid of them naturally?
How to choose your water purifier?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a water purifier.
You must first take into account your needs, depending on the quality of your tap water and your use (consumption, for everyday life), but also:
The type of filter
Water purifier filters have different performance levels and are designed to remove different types of contaminants.
For example, activated carbon filtration is effective in eliminating bad odors and tastes, the ideal water softener for less dry skin, the on-tap purifier is practical for purer daily water consumption... It is important to choose a filter that suits your specific needs, but you can also combine them (water softener and under-sink purifier, for example).
Read alsoWhat are the sources of water pollution and their effects on health?
Filtration capacity
Filtration capacity determines how much water a filter can handle before it needs to be replaced.
It's important to choose a water purifier that's right for your family size and your water usage.
The size and design of the purifier
Water purifiers come in different sizes and designs.
Choose a device that suits the space you have and your interior design.
The budget
Water purifiers can vary widely in cost.
It is important to choose a device that suits your budget, but also to take into account the costs of maintenance and replacement of filters, cartridges, etc.
Our advice
Research the different types of water purifiers available on the market, read user reviews, and do not hesitate to consult a professional before making your purchase.
Either way, choose a water purifier that meets water quality standards (NSF, WQA certification).
