Water Treatment System

As already brought out - the first step to buying a water treatment system is to establish the quality of your water supply - on this fact rests two decisions firstly, if water treatment is needed and secondly, if treatment is needed, what kind of treatment would be most appropriate. To know the different types of treatments and the options available - read on. The best option would be to remove the root cause itself - this is the simplest and the most economical solution to the problem - remove the source of contamination or obtain a new source of drinking water. This however, may not be possible and thus the appropriate solution would be to treat the water with a water treatment system.

Tips: When buying a Water Treatment System : ask the following questions

What type/sort of testing is needed to evaluate the water supply to my home

Irrespective of what any one may tell you, safety of water cannot be determined by any single test - may it be some fancy capsules, pills, or claimed high technology processes. Many retailers offer on-site demonstrations - these certainly are not an accurate indicator of contaminant levels. For viable results, water must always be tested for suspected contaminants through a certified water testing laboratory. Here the results shall be accurate and can be relied upon. these shall put you on the path to choosing the most apt water treatment system.

Is the water treatment system that I am procuring designed to treat the specific water quality problem?

This issue can easily be settled by checking the NSF rating for performance standards of various water treatment devices and their suitability to your problem.

How many gallons of treated water does the unit produce per day? Is the produced amount adequate for your household requirements?

The requirement in terms of quantity would dictate your choice of device. For those where requirement of water is low, it may be better and more economical to purchase a water cooler than purchasing a complete water treatment system.

Is there a sufficient water supply (in terms of quantity and volume) for the treatment unit to work properly?

Some water treatment systems such as distillation and RO units use large amounts of water. In areas where water supply is not in adequate volume, such systems would not work.

How will you know if the unit is not working properly?

Most new water treatment systems come with an in-built alarm or indicator light that should alert you to a malfunction.

What is the kind and frequency of maintenance required?

Do not get taken in by statements such as ' this is maintenance free'. Every equipment requires a modicum of maintenance and service. The type and frequency of maintenance depends upon the quantity of treatment. More the treatment, greater your responsibility and requirement of maintenance.

What routine servicing is offered by the supplier/ manufacturer?

A good point to consider is the availability of a service contract. There are very few of us who are motivated, dedicated and determined to work like robots. Unless you are one of these, it is better to select automated and self-monitoring features or dealer's service agreements to ensure correct operation and high quality water. Breakdowns is not what you desire as that is the time you will be consuming tainted water - the very problem you want to defeat.

Is there a warranty available with the new system? What all does it cover and for how long is it available?

You must ensure that all claims about the performance of the treatment unit are clearly identified in writing. They must be clearly understood and clarified with the supplier.

What is the total cost of the water treatment system?

When calculating the total cost of the system, one needs to consider all factors such as the expected life, purchase price, installation cost, maintenance cost and operation cost. This would give the total cost of the system and allow us to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different water treatment systems.

When you choose to rent the equipment, does your agreement include an option to buy provision?

You need to compare the rental cost to the purchase price and the expected life of the equipment. This will allow you to choose between the rent and purchase options.