Clean water is one of the basic human needs that must be met. Clean water is not only useful for drinking, cooking and bathing, but also has an effect on body health. Water contaminated by dirt, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, or dangerous chemicals can cause various diseases, such as diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis, cancer, and others.
To get clean water that is safe and healthy, we need to use a water purifier. A water purifier is a tool that functions to filter, remove or reduce the content of unwanted substances in water. There are various types of water purifiers available on the market, with different technologies and working methods.
Types of Water Purifiers and Benefits
The following are five types of water purifiers that are commonly used, along with their health benefits:
RO (Reverse Osmosis) Water Purifier
An RO water purifier is a device that uses a semipermeable membrane to separate water from the substances dissolved in it. This tool is very effective for purifying water that is hard, salty, or contains lots of heavy metals and dangerous chemicals, such as arsenic, fluoride, lead, chlorine, nitrates and sulfates. This tool can also eradicate bacteria, viruses and germs in the water.
The benefits of RO water purifiers for health are:
- Improves the quality of the taste and aroma of water, making it more pleasant to drink.
- Prevents diseases caused by heavy metals and dangerous chemicals, such as cancer, poisoning, nervous disorders, etc.
- Prevents diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and germs, such as diarrhea, typhus, hepatitis and others.
UV (Ultraviolet) Water Purifier
A UV water purifier is a device that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses and cysts that can cause disease. This tool is an environmentally friendly tool, because it does not use any chemicals in the cleaning process. This tool is suitable for use in water that has low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels, such as lake or river water.
The benefits of UV water purifiers for health are:
- Prevents diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and cysts, such as diarrhea, typhus, hepatitis and others.
- Maintains the mineral content and essential substances in water, because it does not change the chemical composition of the water.
- Saves costs and energy, because it does not require electricity and chemicals.
UF (Ultra Filtration) Water Purification Equipment
A UF water purifier is a device that uses hollow fibers which function as a filter to filter impurities from the water. This tool can remove large particles, such as mud, sand, dust and organic dirt. This tool can also remove bacteria, viruses and germs in the water.
The health benefits of UF water purifiers are:
- Improves the quality of clarity and freshness of water, making it more comfortable to use.
- Prevents diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and germs, such as diarrhea, typhus, hepatitis and others.
- Easy to maintain and clean, because it is not easily clogged by dirt.
Activated Carbon Water Purifier
An activated carbon water purifier is a device that uses activated carbon as a medium to absorb unwanted substances in water. This tool can remove odors, tastes, colors, chlorine, pesticides and other organic substances in water. This tool can also reduce levels of heavy metals and dangerous chemicals in water.
The benefits of activated carbon water purifiers for health are:
- Improves the quality of the taste and aroma of water, making it more pleasant to drink.
- Prevents diseases caused by chlorine, pesticides and other organic substances, such as cancer, allergies, irritation, etc.
- Prevent damage to household equipment that uses water, such as washing machines, dispensers, etc.
Ionization Water Purifier
An ionization water purifier is a device that uses electricity to change the molecular structure of water into alkaline water and acidic water. Alkaline water is water that has a high pH, while acidic water is water that has a low pH. Alkaline water can be used for drinking, while acidic water can be used for hygiene and beauty.
The benefits of ionization water purifiers for health are:
- Improves the body's pH balance, making it healthier and fitter.
- Increases the body's resistance, making it more immune to disease.
- Improves healthy skin, hair and teeth, because it has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Benefits of Using a Water Purifier
Here are some of the advantages of using a water purifier:
Safer Water to Drink
Water purifiers remove disease-causing bacteria and other microorganisms. Technologies such as Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultrafiltration (UF) help ensure the water you drink is free from contaminants.
Removing Dissolved Solids
Water containing dissolved solids is not suitable for drinking. A water purifier can remove these substances so you get purer water.
Improves Skin Health
Clean water helps maintain healthy skin. By using a water purifier, you can reduce the risk of skin irritation due to chlorine or other chemicals.
Reducing the Use of Mineral Water Bottles
By having a water purifier at home, you no longer need to buy bottles of mineral water. This helps reduce plastic waste and costs.
Reduces the Risk of Disease
Contaminated water can cause various diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, typhus, cholera and polio. Using a water purifier helps protect your health.
Long Term Cost Savings
Even though the initial cost of buying a water purifier may be higher, in the long run, you will save money because you don't need to buy bottled mineral water.
Environmentally friendly
By using a water purifier, you reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bottles which damage the environment.
Tips and How to Choose a Water Purifier
The following are some tips and ways to choose the right water purifier that suits your needs:
Check the water flow and adjust it according to needs
You have to know how much water you need every day, and how large the capacity of the water purifier you choose is. Don't let the water purifier not be able to meet your needs, or even be too excessive.
Choose based on the filtering media used
There are various types of filtering media used by water purifiers, such as mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, ultraviolet filters, ionization filters, and others. Each filtering media has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as the ability to filter certain substances in water. You must choose filtering media that suits the water problems you face, such as dirt, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals, etc.
Pay attention to how it is installed
You must choose a water purifier that is easy to install and maintain. You also have to pay attention to the location where the water purifier is installed, whether inside or outside the house, in the kitchen or bathroom, above or below the sink, etc. Make sure the water purifier is installed properly and safely, and does not interfere with your activities.
Consider choosing products that are sold in one package
Some water purifiers are sold in one package which is complete with all the components and accessories needed, such as filters, hoses, faucets, etc. This will make it easier for you to install and maintain the water purifier. You can also get more affordable prices than buying components and accessories separately.
Remember to choose a water purifier that suits your needs and quality. Hopefully this article helps you understand the benefits of using a water purifier.
