Are you aware that the water coming from the tap contains chemicals such as chlorine, fluoride and potentially lead? The first two are added intentionally to control bacteria, but don't be confused, they are still very dangerous to the human body. Lead and other chemicals often seep into groundwater as the result of industrial waste accidents. None of these are good, but it gets worse. Bacteria, viruses and other pathogens are known to thrive in tap water. Take a big sip to your health by installing water filtration that is good for both you and the environment.

What Kind Of Filtration Is There? If you did a search right now for water filters you would be inundated with a seemingly endless array of devices all designed to make your water cleaner and healthier. While the details differ slightly, they all basically fall into two categories: reverse osmosis filters and water softeners. Water softeners are used to remove hard water, otherwise known as the dissolved minerals and particulates that cause specks to form on dishes after they dry. This can be the reason for itchy skin after a shower, a powdery residue being left on shower curtains, rings around the tub and even greasy or stiff hair. Soaps and laundry detergents have a difficult time dissolving in hard water and can significantly raise the cost of operating heavy appliances in the home by reducing efficiency.

On the other hand, reverse osmosis filters take purification a step further by removing chemicals such as those mentioned above: chlorine, fluoride, lead and a slew of many others. RO filters also get rid of unsightly coloration caused by tannin in the water supply. Tannin is what makes tea brown, the result of decomposed plant matter in water. It is harmless but rather unsightly. A more serious benefit is that these filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.

Which Specific Unit Do I Buy? If you are a homeowner, it is highly recommended that you purchase a full-house filtration unit. Water softeners and reverse osmosis units are separate items since they do two different things. You would want the water softener first, followed by the reverse osmosis system. The reason full house filtration is preferable is because you don't want scale from hard water to get into any pipes, since over time these can form hard scale inside of pipes and even kitchen appliances. When they solidify, they are impossible to remove, thus severely limiting the useful working life of these expensive devices.

What If I Rent? Talk to your landlord about installing these units in the home. If your landlord is unwilling, you may be able to bargain by offering to take of the installation fees yourself. This is especially attractive if you intend on living in the same home for more than a few years.

Gardening Benefits Another benefit is found in your garden. Garden plants will absorb the minerals and chemicals that are present in the water you use. If you intend on eating your crops, you should also water them with the water you use inside the home. There are smaller reverse osmosis systems available for outdoor use which can be installed next to the home or kept in the shed.

Conclusion Filtering your water is one of the simplest and smartest health choices you can make. It is an environmentally friendly practice since you aren't wasting plastic bottles. You also have the convenience of not having to lug around big bottles filled at water dispensers outside of the home. Finally, you may notice your plants growing more readily, bigger, greener and healthier. Take note of your health after just a short time of using filtered water and know you've made the right choice.