Water Quality - Treatment Options
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TREATMENT OPTIONS
Filtration:
There are various kinds of water filters you can
use to treat the contaminants that are found in your
water source. Some might get expensive but you
can look at www.homedepot.com as
an example of one place you could find further information
and pricing.
Type |
Description |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Pour Through |
Water drips through a filter by gravity into a pitcher |
Easy to install, no plumbing |
Frequent filter changes |
Faucet Mount |
Mounts on kitchen faucet, uses diverter to direct water |
Easy to install |
Frequent filter changes |
Built-In Faucet |
Replaces kitchen faucet. |
Doesn’t require separate faucet or unit. Comes with built-in filter. |
May require professional installation |
Counter top |
Placed on counter and connected to sink faucet by tubing to existing kitchen faucet |
Easy to install, longer filter capacity |
Uses up counter space |
Plumbed-in |
Installs on cold water line under sink. Filtered water is dispensed through existing or auxiliary faucet |
Longer filter capacity |
May require professional installation |
Point of entry |
Installs where the water line enters the home |
Treats all water in the home |
May require professional installation |
Shower Filter |
Installs directly to the existing pipe |
Easy to install and maintain |
Filter does not last long. |
Boiling:
Vigorous boiling for one minute will kill any disease-causing
microorganisms present in water (at altitudes above
one mile, boil for three minutes). The flat
taste of boiled water can be improved by pouring it
back and forth from one container to another (called
aeration), by allowing it to stand for a few hours,
or by adding a small pinch of salt for each quart
of water boiled.
Chemical Treatment:
When boiling is not practical, chemical disinfection should be used. The two chemicals commonly used are chlorine and iodine. Chlorine and iodine are somewhat effective in protecting against exposure to Giardia, but may not be effective in controlling Cryptosporidium. Therefore, use iodine or chlorine only to disinfect well water (as opposed to surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, and springs), because well water is unlikely to contain these disease causing organisms. Chlorine is generally more effective than iodine in controlling Giardia, and both disinfectants work much better in warmer water.
Chlorine:
Chlorine Bleach: Common household bleach contains a chlorine compound that will disinfect water. The procedure to be followed is usually written on the label. When the necessary procedure is not given, find the percentage of available chlorine on the label and use the information in the following tabulation as a guide. If strength is unknown, add ten drops per quart of water. Double amount of chlorine for cloudy or colored water or water that is extremely cold
Available Chlorine |
Drops per Quart of Clear Water |
1% |
10 |
4-6% |
2 |
7-10% |
1 |
The treated water should be mixed thoroughly and allowed to stand, preferably covered, for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight chlorine odor; if not, repeat the dosage and allow the water to stand for an additional 15 minutes. If the treated water has too strong a chlorine taste, it can be made more pleasing by allowing the water to stand exposed to the air for a few hours or by pouring it from one clean container to another several times.
Chlorine Tablets: Chlorine tablets containing the necessary dosage for drinking water disinfection can be purchased in a commercially prepared form. These tablets are available from drug and sporting goods stores and should be used as stated in the instructions. When instructions are not available, use one tablet for each quart of water to be purified.
Iodine:
Tincture of Iodine: Common household
iodine from the medicine chest or first aid kit may
be used to disinfect water. Add five drops of 2 percent
United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) Tincture of iodine
to each quart of clear water. For cloudy water add
ten drops and let the solution stand for at least
30 minutes.
Iodine Tablets: Commercially prepared iodine tablets containing the necessary dosage for drinking water disinfection can be purchased at drug and sporting goods stores. They should be used as stated. When instructions are not available, use one tablet for each quart of water to be purified.
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