With the number of water borne diseases rising quite alarmingly, we can no longer afford to ignore the importance of purifying drinking water. More and more urban and semi urban households are beginning to treat tap water because they have no choice. In the past, water was either boiled or filtered using candle water filters.
Today, few have the time to boil water or filter it manually. Home water filters are no longer thought to be a fail-safe method of eliminating all disease causing pathogens.
Untreated water may have both biological and chemical contaminants, which can pose serious health hazards. Apart from micro organisms, raw water might contain rust, pesticides, fluoride, heavy metals, lead and even arsenic. Using a suitable and comprehensive method of water purification prevents water borne diseases and other potentially serious physical ailments.
Most home water purifiers are based on reverse osmosis, UV purification and filtration, or chemical treatment. Let’s consider water purifiers other than UV and reverse osmosis. Chemical based water purifiers are much cheaper than UV and reverse osmosis systems. Another advantage is that they don’t require electricity. The important factor to consider while shopping for a chemical based purifier is whether the technology is capable of producing safe and clear water that tastes good. Also, remember that the water you drink should be free of the chemicals that were used to purify it. If you finally decide to settle for a chemical based water purifier, select one that is capable of chemical removal.
Eureka Forbes’ Aquasure is a chemical based purifier, which employs a four stage purification process. The water is first passed through a sediment filter to remove solids; then treated with a patented biostat carbon block that frees water of unpleasant odour and taste, and removes chlorine and organic chemicals as well; an active disinfectant is then used to eliminate all disease causing micro organisms; finally a special carbon block is used to remove anything that may have remained in the water. Aquasure is reasonably priced below Rs. 2000.
Another chemical based home water purifier that is becoming increasingly popular is Pureit, developed and launched by leading MNC, Hindustan Unilever. This is another water purifier that does not need electricity or running water to function. The company claims that Pureit removes all harmful microbes and pesticide residue as well. The system is powered by a GermKill Battery kit, which needs replacement after 1500 litres.
Pureit has been tested by major national and international scientific, public health and medical bodies. It also meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tough germkill standards.
At just under Rs. 2000, this world class domestic water purifier is very economical and reported to be sufficiently effective. This breakthrough technology was achieved by HUL after five years of meticulous research at the company’s laboratories in India and overseas. HUL’s patented technology combines chlorination and filtration and the end result is free from chlorine.
The company claims that Pureit water is pure, clear and tastes good. The system is user friendly and customers can service the purifier themselves. If you are looking for a comprehensive solution to water treatment that is economical and energy efficient, this might just be the right choice.
Expensive UV and reverse osmosis domestic water purification systems might not really be what you need. Raw water quality permitting, an advanced chemical purifier could prove more than adequate in meeting your safe water requirements.