How to Choose the Right Water Treatment System

<img src=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/Article_Webp/water%2520treatment%2520system.webp alt=undefined style=height: auto;width: auto/> Choosing the right water treatment system for your home is a crucial decision that affects the safety and quality of your drinking water. With a variety of systems available, each of which is designed to address specific water quality issues, it's important to select one that best meets your needs. Here's how to make an informed choice: Understanding your water quality <ul> <li>Have your water tested by a certified laboratory to identify contaminants like bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates, chlorine and hardness minerals. You can also contact your local water authority for a water quality report if you use municipal water.</li> <li>Based on the test results, determine what you need to remove from your water. The presence of certain contaminants like lead or bacteria will require specific types of treatment systems.</li> </ul> Types of water treatment systems <ul> <li>Water softeners are ideal for removing hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances.</li> <li>Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are effective for removing a wide range of contaminants, including sediment, chlorine, lead, and certain bacteria and viruses.</li> <li>Activated carbon filters improve taste and odor by removing chlorine and organic compounds, but they’re not as effective at removing minerals or salts.</li> <li>Ultraviolet (UV) purification systems are best for disinfecting water and killing bacteria and viruses without adding chemicals to the water.</li> <li>Sediment filters are used to remove large particles like sand, dirt and rust, which can be present in well water or older municipal systems.</li> </ul> Flow rate and size <ul> <li>Make sure the system you choose can handle the flow rate required by your household. The flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), should meet or exceed the combined flow rate of all appliances and fixtures that could be used simultaneously.</li> <li>The size of the treatment system should be based on your household's water consumption and the contamination level of your water. A larger system may be necessary for higher usage or more severe contamination issues.</li> </ul> Maintenance and cost <ul> <li>Consider the maintenance that each system requires, including filter changes, salt replenishment for water softeners or UV lamp replacement. Choose a system with maintenance requirements that fit your lifestyle and budget.</li> <li>Weigh the initial purchase cost against the ongoing operating and maintenance costs. Some systems may have a higher upfront cost but lower long-term expenses due to less frequent maintenance or more efficient operation.</li> </ul> Certifications and warranties <ul> <li>Look for systems certified by organizations like NSF International or the Water Quality Association. Certification indicates the system has been tested to remove the contaminants that it claims to remove.</li> <li>Check the warranty and service agreements. A good warranty can protect your investment, while reliable customer service ensures you have support for any issues that arise. </li> </ul> <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/ target=_self>Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-water-treatment/ target=_self>Sonoma County Water Treatment & Service Companies</a> <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-water-treatment/ target=_self>Alameda County Water Treatment & Service Companies</a> <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-water-treatment/ target=_self>Contra Costa County Water Treatment & Service Companies</a> <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/solano-county-water-treatment-service/ target=_self>Solano County Water Treatment & Service Companies</a> <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-county-water-treatment-service/ target=_self>Santa Clara County Water Treatment & Service Companies</a>  Related Articles <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/water-treatment-wells-and-pumps/ target=_self>The Homeowner's Guide to Water Treatment, Wells & Pumps</a> <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/ target=_self>Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href=https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/ target=_self>Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>