Most consumers cannot tell between a filter and a purifier for water, as well as make a distinction between a filter, purifier and a softener. There are industries that use the terms interchangeably by mistake, and think that all of them make use of one and the same process.

Consumers who are in search for cleaner drinking water without impurities – such as lead and chlorine that the filters remove – would be glad to learn that a softener would not be able to meet their needs. Such products are created for a totally different purpose, like for instance, removing minerals from the water to prevent scale build up. In the same way, consumers who are seeking for a way to remove disease causing viruses from the water would benefit from a purification method.

As you read on, you will be able to look into the advantages offered by a filter as opposed to a water softener. You may discover that in treating your water, you may need one, two or all three options.

What does your water contain that you want to remove?

When it comes to comparing filters, purifiers and softeners, the first thing you need to do is find out what is in your water that you want to be removed. You very well know that the purest form of water consists of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O). However, the purest form does not occur naturally. Along the way, it picks up chemical compounds, impurities and minerals.

A number of mineral sediments like calcium and magnesium are desirable, while the others picked up in the ground and municipal water collection cycle are undesirable. As an example, municipal water can consist of traces of chlorine, herbicides, industrial waste, pesticides, and at times, bacteria and viruses.

The Comparison

Filters

They help minimize or remove impurities like chlorine, chromium, copper, hydrogen sulfide, iron, lead, magnesium, mercury and nickel, among others. They keep algae, bacteria and fungi from further developing, but should not be thought of as the final solution for removing bacteria and viruses. Such a claim is set aside for water purifiers.

Purifiers

As per many definitions, purification means that water does not contain any bacterial contaminants or viruses. In this definition, though, this excludes chemical contaminants like the ones removed by filters (refer to the above).

This is the reason why the terms filtration and purification are used in conjunction with each other. While filters effectively remove undesirable chemical components, such as chlorine and fluoride, water filters effectively remove bacteria and viruses.

Softeners

Water softeners are totally different from water filters and water purifiers, but all these three systems can be used in combination to produce the cleanest and purest water. Water softeners can be used on their own, as they are effective in preventing scale build up in pipes and appliances.

The advantages of removing scale from water are clearly seen in clean silverware and glassware, scale-free faucets and shower heads, plus more effective products for bathing and laundry. Keep in mind that water softeners could neither remove impurities from drinking water, nor make it safe to drink, but simply remove the minerals that cause appliances to be inefficient, thus prolonging their life.

Before you purchase any water filters, it would be best to get some knowledge on the topic to understand which type better suits your needs. Another option is to contact a water filtration professional and ask for advice – so contact us today!