Why does your water need treatment?
Nowadays, tap water can hardly be called safe. At the same time, the impact of water on our lives is enormous. Every day we take a shower, make food and drinks, do laundry and clean using tap water. In order not to harm our health, and even, on the contrary, to improve it, as well as the quality of life in general, we need clean water. Modern water treatment systems for the whole house help purify water, remove contaminants and harmful chemical and organic compounds from water, and make it soft and "crystal" clear.
Chlorine
The main health concern is that Chlorine has a very low boiling point at 78 degrees Fahrenheit (the average shower temperature is above 85) and vaporizes quickly in hot water turning into a gas. This causes the steam in the shower to become concentrated with as much as 20 times the level of chlorine that's coming out of the tap and is being inhaled directly into the lungs.
During water treatment, chlorine also can combine with naturally occurring organic matter in the water to form compounds called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Halogenated trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are two major classes of DBPs.
Chloramines
Chloramines (also known as secondary disinfection) are disinfectants used to treat drinking water. They are considered to be disinfection byproducts (DBPs) of Chlorine. They are most commonly formed when in water Chlorine combines with Ammonia in a series of chemical reactions. They can cause and aggravate respiratory problems. Chloramine fumes can cause an individual to become congested and cause sneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, choking, wheezing, shortness of breath and asthma.
THMs and some HAAs
Halogenated trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are disinfection byproducts (DBPs) of chlorine. They are formed when chlorine combines with naturally occurring organic matter.
Taking in THMs in small amounts on a regular basis over many years may develop bladder and colon cancers. Exposure to higher amounts of THMs may also cause reproductive problems and birth defects.
When people consume Haloacetic acids (HAAs) over many years, they increase their risk of developing bladder cancer. Other health effects that may be associated with haloacetic acids include rectal and colon cancer, and adverse developmental and reproductive effects during pregnancy.
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic chemicals that both vaporize into air and dissolve in water. VOCs get into the environment through industrial dumping, leaks, spills or from the use and improper disposal of household products that contain these chemicals. Once released in groundwater, they are persistent and can migrate to drinking-water supply wells.
Breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, can cause difficulty breathing and nausea. Some VOCs can increase your risk for cancer if breathed in large amounts over a long period of time. At very high levels, they can cause damage to the nervous and immune systems and to the kidneys and liver.
Heavy metals
Arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, iron, copper, boron and radon are common in hard water. Some of these contaminants come from industrial runoff, and others like lead, can enter a water supply through the plumbing.
People that consume high levels of heavy metals risk acute and chronic toxicity, liver, kidney, and intestinal damage, anemia, and cancer. Lead is a primary concern for homeowners. It is especially harmful for pregnant women, infants, and young children. Even small amounts of lead in your water can be dangerous, because it accumulates in your body over time, causing damage to your brain, liver, kidney, heart, or bones.
Sediment
You have sediment in your water if it looks a bit dirty or murky, or you've even noticed sand or dirt clogging your faucet. Sediment is made up of tiny grains of organic materials like silt, sand, clay or rust. The greater concern is its impact on your plumbing and water-using appliances. Over time, those particles can cause staining and spots on clothing, sinks, toilets, appliances, and other fixtures.
Sediment can be a sign that your water is contaminated with lead and iron. If lead is present in your pipes and sediment is slowly deteriorating those pipes, lead can be released into your drinking water. Both iron and lead can cause serious health issues.
Mineral deposits
If you have hard water, you likely have scale, film, and lime deposits on your household surfaces such as porcelain, enamel, tile, stainless steel, fiberglass, chrome and glass. Hard water increases films and stains from soaps, minerals, and other substances, so bathroom fixtures, sink, dishes, and other surfaces are very difficult to keep clean without using a lot of chemicals. When the surfaces are no longer cleanable with chemicals due to an extensive layer of scale build-up, then items will have to be replaced.
The gradual accumulation of lime deposits also can quickly disable household appliances, such as a washing machine, dishwasher, steamer, iron, etc., which use tap water during operation.