Purification Products
There are dozens of purification products on the market. To decide which ones are best for you and your home or office, first get an analysis of the makeup of your water. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, test your water before buying any water treatment product. If you know what's in your water, you can make a better decision on which, if any, equipment or filters you should buy. Then shop and compare alternatives. Water treatment is very specific to your needs--there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all filtration system.
Before you buy any products, you should know what impurities are in your water supply. To determine the types and amounts of impurities in your water, you should have it analyzed by a certified laboratory. The results of the water test will help determine the best water treatment system to use. If you obtain water from a private water supply (you supply your own water), you also make the final decision about water testing. However, it is recommended that testing be done on a regular basis. When problems do occur, more frequent testing may be required until a solution is found.
What to Consider When Choosing Purification Products
Like large water purification systems, the accoutrements of different products vary in size, price, and quality. We recommend that you shop and compare prices and features between reputable national companies. Make sure the company provides you with literature, specifications, costs to operate, consumer publications/third party validations, and manufacturer's warranties so you know exactly what you are purchasing. For example, if shopping for a whole house system, does the price you are quoted include installation?
The cost to maintain a water treatment system is one of the most overlooked issues in deciding how to spend your money. All systems have a cost to purchase and a cost to operate, and both costs need to be examined to determine the ultimate cost of owning the system. A low priced system is no bargain if the maintenance costs over time exceed what you thought you saved in the first place. In many cases, it will be hard to tell one system from another without a thorough review of the maintenance program needed to keep the system working properly. Today's consumer is looking for the best value for her investment so an evaluation of all aspects of chosen purification products is essential in making a good decision.
