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Trusting the water that flows from your home’s taps isn’t always easy, given issues like environmental concerns, old pipes, or other pervasive contaminants. But many common purification methods also rely on chemicals, making eco-minded people eager to find a healthier alternative. Water should be a safe, access to clean water should be a human right. Today’s innovations can make that possible. Fortunately, new at-home testing methods and improved filtration systems can give you a purer glass of water – and one that minimizes your environmental footprint. Keep reading to explore sustainable ways to test and have clean drinking water at home.
Test Your Water at Home
The simplest way to assess water quality is by testing it. Yes, you can use water testing kits you find at the local hardware store, but many of these consist of chemicals that can leach into your water. Instead, try these natural approaches:
Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Hard water can irritate your skin and harm your plumbing, largely because of the high concentration of calcium and magnesium. If you’re wondering whether your water is too hard, you’ll just need to visit the pantry or fridge.
First, fill a glass with water to test. Then add a drop or two of lemon juice or vinegar. The citric acid can help reveal the minerals in the water, so be on the lookout for cloudiness that could indicate you have hard water.
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refer to how many dissolved substances are in your water. Ideally, you want a number for the parts per million (PPM) score that isn’t too high. A high TDS number can suggest that too many contaminants are present in your water, making it a health risk that also tastes bad.
You can test for TDS by boiling water until it evaporates. If you see a lot of residue once the water is gone, you may want to get a digital TDS meter for a more accurate reading of how contaminated your water is.
Natural Filtration Systems
Natural filtration systems are another excellent way to clean your water while avoiding the use of chemicals. The right water filter can put your mind at ease. These systems offer a more responsible solution and include some of the following options:
Ceramic Water Filters
These clay filters can be reused again and again as a durable method of removing sediments and other chemicals from your water. Unlike disposable filters, you can depend on a ceramic filter to do its job for several years, making it a sustainable option when you’re looking to reduce waste and extra costs.
Carbon Filters
Turn to activated carbon filters to remove chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your water. As the name implies, the filter collects sediments and other contaminants before the clean water emerges on the other side. These filters are a great choice for drinking filters since they can be inserted easily.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are great at removing anything from heavy metals and pesticides to bacteria. Just be aware that you’ll want to choose a more efficient, updated system to avoid excessive water waste during the actual filtration, as older systems are prone to waste. Conveniently, these systems can be installed in most homes with little effort or extra cost.
Make Sustainable Solutions a Priority
When you want to create a sustainable home, plan on prioritizing safer approaches to handling water contaminants. Treatments that don’t require harsh chemicals are possible, and you’ll need to know which contaminants to target:
PFAS
The name PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) refers to synthetic chemicals found in common household items, like cookware and cleaning products – and your water supply. These chemicals can be harmful to human health, potentially causing problems with the immune system, early childhood development, and internal organs.
Consequently, it’s essential to test for their presence in your water and use natural filtration systems, including reverse osmosis, to reduce PFAS levels. Learn about PFAS contamination so you can target it in your journey toward healthier water.
Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)
Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) uses prolonged sunlight exposure and UV rays to remove contaminants from your water. You’ll just need enough time to let the transformation happen, as water should be placed under direct sunlight for around ten hours. When clean water is hard to find, SODIS represents a simple solution.
Boiling Water
If you don’t have access to filtration systems but need an immediate solution to water contaminants, boiling water will work. When water reaches boiling for one minute, the process and intense heat can kill bacteria and viruses, all without the use of chemicals.
Make Your Water Safer
You can make your water safer without relying on chemicals or processes that remove resources from the environment. Natural filtration systems and simple treatment solutions can yield a safer glass of water to nourish your body throughout the day.
Make a point of monitoring issues like TDS levels or PFAS and acting accordingly. The right greener treatment methods will protect your household from harmful contaminants, contributing to a healthier water supply for everyone.