Last Updated on December 17, 2022 by TODD FRANZEN
Is there such a thing as a water filter for viruses? The simple answer is Yes. And with the advent of the Coronavirus and issuing pandemic, a lot of questions and concerns have been raised.
It’s no secret that viruses are a common and often deadly threat to public health. In fact, the World Health Organization has declared viruses to be one of the leading global health threats of the 21st century.
As such, it is critical for everyone to have access to effective water filters that can remove viruses from drinking water. Unfortunately, many people remain unaware of this vital health issue and the solutions available to them.
In this blog post, we will explore the topic of water filters for viruses and provide information on how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious threat.
Bacteria and Viruses are a Global Problem
Viruses and bacteria are serious global health threats. These organisms can cause a wide range of illnesses, from relatively mild cases of diarrhea to more severe diseases such as cholera.
In many cases, these illnesses can be treated with antibiotics or other medications. However, if left untreated, they can often be deadly. This is especially true in developing countries where access to clean water and medical care is limited.
Fortunately, it is easier to filter out bacteria. The best types of filters are:
- Reverse Osmosis
- Water Distillers
- Ultra Filtration
- Ceramic Filters
- Nonafiber Filters
- UV Purification
But viruses are a different matter due to their much smaller size. About 100 times smaller in size! Chemicals like chlorine are able to kill viruses as well as UV Light will disrupt the DNA of the virus making it unable to reproduce and basically making it harmless.
I think it is important to distinguish the difference between viruses in air and water.
Water bourne viruses are less likely than airborne viruses to cause illness, but they do exist. This is because water bourne viruses are larger and less mobile than airborne viruses. As a result, they are not as easily spread from one person to another.
However, water bourne viruses can still cause serious illness, especially in developing countries where access to clean water and medical care is limited.
What about the transmission of Coronavirus?
The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a new and deadly virus that has been spreading around the world. So far, it has caused millions of deaths and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared the virus a global pandemic.
The virus is believed to be spread through contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus by coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.
There is currently no cure for COVID-19. However, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself from the virus. These include washing your hands regularly, not touching your face, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying away from public places where the virus is most prevalent.
Can the Coronavirus survive in water?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not been able to confirm the presence of the coronavirus in water. However, it is important to take precautions against the virus, especially if you are traveling to areas where the virus is present.
Wash your hands regularly, don’t touch your face, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay away from public places where the virus is most prevalent. These are all important steps you can take to protect yourself from the virus.
The Risk of Water Bourne Viruses
Over 3 billion people, nearly half of the world’s population, still lack access to safe drinking water. This means that these individuals and communities are at an increased risk of contracting bacteria and viruses in contaminated water sources.
Sadly, the dangers of infected water run deep. Every year, over 884,000 people die due to illnesses caused by unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation, with children under five accounting for a staggering 90% of those deaths.
In many areas around the globe, access to proper water filtration systems is limited or nonexistent. For example, in some Sub-Saharan African countries such as Somalia and South Sudan, more than 75% of the population lacks access to improved drinking sources.
This is a worldwide problem
Similarly, up to 98% of rural households in Ethiopia do not have access to safe drinking water. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable as communities often rely on untreated or contaminated surface waters for their daily needs.
This puts them at risk for gastrointestinal infections caused by viruses like rotavirus or norovirus which can cause diarrhea in both adults and children.
Furthermore, access to medical care is often limited in these regions making it even more difficult for individuals affected by contaminated water sources to seek help from health professionals.
In addition to this challenge, there are also cultural barriers that prevent many from recognizing the severity of the issue or taking preventive measures against it. Education about the importance of clean drinking water combined with investments in better infrastructure is key to reducing the number of people affected by unsafe water globally.
But what about viruses in the USA?
The United States is not immune to the dangers of water-borne viruses. Although there are more safeguards in place, the aging infrastructure is beginning to show its weaknesses.
Contamination from raw sewage, water main breaks, and even environmental emergencies like floods and severe weather can cause unforeseen urgent boil warnings. Even when a localized test doesn’t pass, just like the notification I received about our local water supply.
(Photo of TOB letter)
Best way to remove viruses in your homes water supply
In the fight against water-borne viruses and bacteria, one of the most effective tools available is ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. UV disinfection uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, in water.
This technology has been used for many years in both residential and commercial settings and is a proven method for killing harmful pathogens in a water supply.
How does UV disinfection work?
UV disinfection works by using short-wavelength ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, in water. UV light penetrates the cell walls of the micro-organisms and damages their DNA, preventing them from reproducing.
What are some of the benefits of using UV disinfection?
Some of the benefits of using UV disinfection include:
• Kills 99.9% of all viruses and bacteria in water supplies
• No chemicals or additives are needed
• Easy to install and operate
• Relatively low maintenance requirements
What are some disadvantages of using UV disinfection?
•UV disinfection requires electricity to function, and if it fails or goes down, the water supply will not be disinfected.
•UV light systems can be expensive to purchase.
•UV light systems require frequent monitoring and maintenance in order to ensure the lamps are working efficiently and effectively, as well as maintaining proper chlorine levels.
•The effectiveness of a UV system is affected by the clarity of the water. If the water contains particles that absorb UV radiation (such as suspended solids), then it may reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches pathogens in the water.
•Regular maintenance is required to remove any sediment or biological growth that has accumulated on or near the lamps.
Even though the disadvantages seem to outweigh the benefits, a number of issues can be solved in how the entire filter system is designed.
The biggest advantage is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re preventing serious health issues for yourself as well as your family and friends.
What about Using Chlorine for disinfection?
Chlorine is a chemical that can be used to kill harmful viruses and bacteria in water. It is very effective in doing so, but it can also be harmful to people’s health.
Chlorine is a carcinogen, which means it is linked to cancer. It is also corrosive, so it can damage pipes and other equipment. It has been linked to a number of health problems in humans, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, skin irritation, headaches, and dizziness.
What about boiling water?
Boiling water is an effective way to kill some viruses and bacteria in your water supply. However, it doesn’t remove all of the impurities or contaminants that may be present in the drinking water.
Boiling will not remove chemicals such as chlorine or lead from the water either. Furthermore, boiling takes a long time and requires energy which can make it inconvenient for some households.
As the answer to this post’s question, Can You Filter Out Viruses, The best way is to use reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis water filtration will strip the water by removing contaminants including VOCs, heavy metals, waterborne pathogens, and even endotoxins. Because Viruses are so small, atomically speaking, RO is the water purifier of choice for these pesky little bugs.
Conclusion
Yes, you can filter out viruses in water using the information provided. UV disinfection is a proven way to kill harmful pathogens in a water supply and has many benefits, such as no chemicals or additives being needed and easy installation and operation.
Then using Reverse Osmosis to remove any remaining viruses from the water is also a viable way to make sure your water supply is safe and free of any harmful bacteria or pathogens.
However, it’s important to remember to keep up with regular maintenance and monitoring of your filtration system to ensure it’s working efficiently and effectively, as well as maintaining proper chlorine levels.
There are some disadvantages to using UV disinfection, such as the system requiring electricity to function and regular maintenance being required; however, these disadvantages seem to be outweighed by the advantages of using this technology.
Chlorine is also a chemical that can be used to kill harmful viruses and bacteria in water, but it comes with health risks. Boiling water is an effective way to kill some viruses and bacteria in your water supply, but it doesn’t remove all of the impurities or contaminants that may be present in the drinking water.
The end goal is to make water safe to drink!
FAQ
Q: Is UV disinfection safe?
A: Yes, UV disinfection is a safe way to kill viruses and bacteria in water without introducing any harmful chemicals. However, it does require regular maintenance in order to ensure the lamps are working efficiently and effectively as well as maintaining proper chlorine levels.
Q: Does boiling water remove all impurities and contaminants?
A: No, boiling water will not remove chemicals such as chlorine or lead from the water. Furthermore, boiling takes a long time and requires energy which can make it inconvenient for some households.
Q: Are there other ways to filter out viruses?
A: Yes, filtration systems using activated carbon or reverse osmosis can also be used to remove viruses from your water. However, these systems are more expensive and require regular maintenance. Additionally, some chemicals such as chlorine cannot be removed by these systems. It is important to do your research when selecting a filtration system for your home.