If you’re a Californian, you’re likely familiar with the state’s ongoing water crisis. Many areas of the state have long been experiencing droughts and water shortages, which have only been exacerbated by climate change. As a result, water quality has also been affected, with contaminants and pollutants finding their way into the water supply.
Why Californians Need Whole-House Water Filters
Water filters are a solution to this problem. Still, many people only think of point-of-use filters attached to a single faucet. However, a whole-house water filter is a more effective and efficient solution that provides clean water to every tap in your home. Installing a whole-house water filter provides several benefits, including the following.
Clean and Safe Drinking Water
One of the significant benefits of a whole-house water filter is that it provides clean, safe drinking water. These filters remove contaminants like lead, chlorine, pesticides, and other harmful substances from your water supply. This means that you can drink from any tap in your home without worrying about the quality of the water.
Better-Tasting Water
Filtered water tastes better than unfiltered water. A whole-house water filter removes the chemicals and minerals that make your water taste unpleasant or metallic. As a result, you’ll enjoy the taste of your water, whether you’re drinking it plain, using it to make coffee or tea, or cooking with it.
Protects Your Appliances
Contaminants in your water can also damage your appliances. Over time, minerals can build up in your dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances that use water, causing them to work less effectively and break down faster. A whole-house water filter protects your appliances and helps them last longer.
Better for Your Skin and Hair
Chlorine and other chemicals in your water can dry out your skin and hair, causing irritation, itchiness, and even dandruff. A whole-house water filter removes these chemicals, making your skin and hair softer, smoother, and healthier.
What’s in Our Water?
To give you an idea of what is found in California’s water supply, these are listed on the California State Water Resources Control Board’s website:
- Arsenic
- Benzene
- Chromium-6
- Cyanide
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Mercury
- Nitrate
- Perchlorate
- Pesticides
- Pharmaceuticals
- Radon
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
This is not an exhaustive list, and the specific contaminants present in California’s water supply can vary depending on the location and source of the water. However, whole-house water filters can effectively remove many of these contaminants, providing clean, safe water to every tap in your home.
The PPIC has excellent information on California’s public policy issues, including water management and conservation. The report highlights several challenges facing California’s water supply, including aging infrastructure, changing weather patterns, and population growth. These challenges can lead to water quality issues, such as contaminants and pollutants in the water supply.
The report notes that while California has significantly improved water quality over the past few decades, much work remains to be done. This includes investing in infrastructure upgrades, addressing contamination from agriculture and urban runoff, and ensuring access to affordable and safe drinking water for all Californians.
Recommendations
The CDC recommends using a certified water filter that meets the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards to ensure that it effectively removes specific contaminants. It is also crucial to consider the filter’s maintenance needs, such as replacing filter cartridges on time and keeping the filter clean.
Furthermore, the CDC notes that whole-house water filters can be an effective solution for removing contaminants from water at the point of entry into the home. This can be especially beneficial in areas where water quality is poor and contaminants are present at levels that can harm human health.
As we discussed earlier, whole-house water filters provide numerous benefits, such as clean and safe drinking water, better-tasting water, protection for your appliances, and better skin and hair health. These benefits make entire-house water filters an attractive option for many homeowners in California, where water quality can be a concern due to droughts, pollution, and other factors.
However, it’s essential to choose the right type of water filter for your home’s specific needs. As the CDC notes, different types of filters remove different contaminants, and no one filter can remove all contaminants. Factors such as the type and level of contaminants in the water, the water source, and the water flow rate should be considered when selecting a whole-house water filter.
EPA Recommendations
The EPA notes that point-of-use and point-of-entry water filters can effectively improve water quality by removing contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and other chemicals. However, they recommend that consumers select a filter certified by an accredited organization, such as the NSF, to ensure that it meets specific standards for removing contaminants.
The EPA also notes that whole-house water filters effectively remove contaminants at the point of entry into the home, providing clean and safe water to every tap in the house. As we’ve discussed, this can be especially beneficial in areas with poor water quality or where contaminants are present at levels that can harm human health.
What the AWWA and WHO Say About Clean Drinking Water
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is an organization that represents the water industry and provides resources and guidance on water quality and management. The AWWA recognizes the importance of providing clean and safe drinking water to the public and recommends using point-of-use or point-of-entry water treatment devices, such as whole-house water filters, to reduce exposure to contaminants.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidance on drinking water quality and the health risks associated with exposure to contaminants. The WHO notes that exposure to contaminants in drinking water can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and cancer. They recommend implementing effective water treatment and disinfection methods, such as using certified water filters, to improve water quality and reduce exposure to contaminants.
At Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, our team of experts can help you choose the right whole-house water filter for your home. We offer a range of options, including carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, and UV filters. Our filters are certified to meet NSF standards, and we ensure that they are installed and maintained correctly to provide the best possible results.
Why Choose Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning?
Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a California-based company specializing in whole-house water filtration systems. Our team of experts can help you choose the right system for your home and install it quickly and efficiently. We offer a range of options, including carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, and UV filters, so you can find the system that best suits your needs and budget.
In addition to whole-house water filters, we offer other water-related services, including water softeners, water heaters, and water leak detection. We always aim to provide our customers with the highest quality water and the best customer service possible.
If you want a whole-house water filter system installed in your California home, contact Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today for more information. Our team can answer all of your questions and provide you with a quote for your new system. With a whole-house water filter from Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, you can enjoy clean, safe, and delicious water from every tap in your home.
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