As consumers, it’s important to understand the different types of water that are available to us and the various processes they go through before reaching our faucets. Two popular types of water are purified and filtered water, but what exactly is the difference between the two?
In this post, we’ll delve into the specifics of purified and filtered water, including the processes involved, the contaminants each type removes, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each.
Purification Processes
Purified water is water that has gone through a process of purification to remove impurities, contaminants, and other unwanted substances. There are several methods of purification, including distillation, deionization, and reverse osmosis.
Distillation
Distillation involves boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid form. The process removes contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and inorganic minerals, but it can also remove beneficial minerals that are naturally present in water.
Deionization
Deionization, also known as ion exchange, involves passing water through a resin bed that removes charged particles, or ions, such as sodium and chlorine. This process leaves the water with a neutral pH and removes minerals, but it does not remove bacteria or viruses.
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes contaminants that are larger than the pores in the membrane. Reverse osmosis can remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and dissolved minerals, but it can also remove beneficial minerals and can be less effective at removing certain contaminants such as pesticides and herbicides.
Filtered water
Filtered water, on the other hand, is water that has gone through a process of filtration to remove impurities and contaminants. There are several types of filters that can be used, including carbon filters, sediment filters, and ultraviolet (UV) filters.
Carbon filters, also known as activated carbon filters, use a process called adsorption to remove contaminants from water. Adsorption involves attracting and trapping contaminants on the surface of the filter. Carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine, pesticides, and some heavy metals, but they may not remove all contaminants and may not be effective at removing bacteria and viruses.
Sediment filters are designed to remove particulates such as dirt, sand, and sediment from water. These filters can be made of various materials, such as ceramic, polypropylene, or cellulose, and are rated by the size of the particles they can remove. Sediment filters may not remove all contaminants and may not be effective at removing bacteria and viruses.
UV filters use UV light to kill or inactivate bacteria and viruses in water. UV filters are effective at removing bacteria and viruses, but they may not remove other contaminants and may not be effective at removing minerals or chemical contaminants.
Contaminants Removed
Purified water is generally considered to be of higher quality than filtered water because it removes a wider range of contaminants. Distillation and reverse osmosis are the most effective methods of purification for removing contaminants as they are able to remove a wide range of contaminants including bacteria, viruses, dissolved minerals, and chemical contaminants such as pesticides and herbicides.
Deionization is effective at removing charged particles, or ions, such as sodium and chlorine, but it may not be effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and certain chemical contaminants.
Filtered water, on the other hand, is able to remove a more limited range of contaminants.
Carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine, pesticides, and some heavy metals, but they may not be effective at removing all contaminants and may not remove bacteria and viruses. Sediment filters are able to remove particulates such as dirt, sand, and sediment, but they may not be effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and certain chemical contaminants.
UV filters are effective at killing bacteria and viruses, but they are not effective at removing other contaminants such as minerals and chemical contaminants.
Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
Purified water has several potential benefits, including the removal of impurities and contaminants that may be present in tap water. It can also be beneficial for those who have sensitivities to certain minerals that may be present in tap water, as the purification process can remove these minerals. However, purified water may also have some drawbacks.
The purification process can remove beneficial minerals that are naturally present in water, which can lead to mineral deficiencies in the body. Additionally, purified water can be more expensive than other types of water due to the cost of the purification process.
Filtered water also has potential benefits, including the removal of impurities and contaminants that may be present in tap water. It can also be less expensive than purified water, as the filtration process is typically less expensive than the purification process. However, filtered water may not remove as many contaminants as purified water, and it may still contain impurities and contaminants that can be harmful to health.
Other Factors to Consider
There are several other factors to consider when deciding between purified and filtered water. One factor to consider is the source of the water. If the source of the water is contaminated, such as in the case of a natural disaster or a waterborne illness outbreak, purified water may be the safer option as it removes a wider range of contaminants.
Another factor to consider is the intended use of the water. If the water will be used for drinking or cooking, purified water may be the better option as it removes a wider range of contaminants that can be harmful to health. If the water will be used for other purposes, such as watering plants or filling a swimming pool, filtered water may be sufficient.
Choosing the Right Option for You
When it comes to choosing between purified and filtered water, it’s important to consider your specific needs and concerns. If you are concerned about the quality of your tap water and want to remove as many impurities and contaminants as possible, purified water may be the better option for you.
If you are looking for a more cost-effective option or if you are only concerned about removing particulates such as dirt and sediment, filtered water may be sufficient. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences.
In Conclusion
Purified water and filtered water are both popular options for improving the quality of tap water, but they differ in the processes they go through and the contaminants they remove. Purified water is able to remove a wider range of contaminants and is generally considered to be of higher quality, but it can be more expensive and may remove beneficial minerals.
Filtered water is able to remove a more limited range of contaminants and is typically less expensive, but it may still contain impurities and contaminants that can be harmful to health. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
FAQ
What is purified water?
Purified water is water that has gone through a process of purification to remove impurities, contaminants, and other unwanted substances. There are several methods of purification, including distillation, deionization, and reverse osmosis.
What is filtered water?
Filtered water is water that has gone through a process of filtration to remove impurities and contaminants. There are several types of filters that can be used, including carbon filters, sediment filters, and ultraviolet (UV) filters.
What contaminants does purified water remove?
Purified water is able to remove a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, dissolved minerals, and chemical contaminants such as pesticides and herbicides. The specific contaminants removed may depend on the method of purification used.
What contaminants does filtered water remove?
Filtered water is able to remove a more limited range of contaminants. Carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine, pesticides, and some heavy metals, but they may not be effective at removing all contaminants and may not remove bacteria and viruses. Sediment filters are able to remove particulates such as dirt, sand, and sediment, but they may not be effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and certain chemical contaminants. UV filters are effective at removing bacteria and viruses, but they may not be effective at removing other contaminants such as minerals and chemical contaminants.
Is purified water better than filtered water?
Purified water is generally considered to be of higher quality than filtered water because it removes a wider range of contaminants. However, purified water may also have some drawbacks, such as the removal of beneficial minerals and a higher cost due to the purification process. The decision between purified and filtered water will depend on your specific needs and concerns.
Is purified water safe to drink?
The purified water that has been properly purified and bottled should be safe to drink. However, it is always a good idea to check the source of the water and the purification process used to ensure that it meets safety standards.
Is filtered water safe to drink?
Filtered water that has been properly filtered and bottled should be safe to drink. However, it is always a good idea to check the source of the water and the filtration process used to ensure that it meets safety standards. Filtered water may not remove as many contaminants as purified water, so it may not be as safe to drink if the source water is contaminated.
What are the potential benefits of purified water?
Purified water has several potential benefits, including the removal of impurities and contaminants that may be present in tap water. It can also be beneficial for those who have sensitivities to certain minerals that may be present in tap water, as the purification process can remove these minerals.
What are the potential benefits of filtered water?
Filtered water also has potential benefits, including the removal of impurities and contaminants that may be present in tap water. It can also be less expensive than purified water, as the filtration process is typically less expensive than the purification process.