What can you use to purify water? Proven methods for cleaning tap water at home

Tap water passes through treatment facilities and according to sanitary standards Resolution of the Chief Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation “On the implementation of sanitary rules”. considered drinkable. The problem is that they clean it using mechanical filters and chlorine. They kill bacteria, but allow heavy metal salts and other impurities to pass through. Water enters the apartment through water pipes, from which rust, metal filings, sand, microbes and heavy metal salts enter the water.

All this “compote” flows from the tap. If you drink this water once, nothing fatal will happen. But if you drink tap water regularly, you may experience serious health problems.

In general, the quality of tap water is influenced by many factors. For example, the environmental situation in the region, the presence of heavy industry, mining, and the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. For example, in 2017, the cleanest tap water was State report “On the state of sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population in the Russian Federation in 2017”. in St. Petersburg, Sevastopol, Voronezh and Astrakhan regions. The dirtiest and most undrinkable waters are in the republics of Mari El and Bashkortostan, the Murmansk region, the Altai and Stavropol territories.

Why is tap water harmful?

IN tap water contains dangerous impurities that are odorless, tasteless and colorless. They are not removed by boiling and accumulate in the human body, causing serious illnesses. For example, tap water may contain:

• Residual chlorine. It remains in the water after cleaning by Vodokanal. Residual chlorine interacts with other impurities and forms Chlorine in Drinking-water. carcinogenic compounds that cause cancer.
• Heavy metal ions (lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc and others). Their water is collected through pipes. They accumulate in the body and affect Heavy Metals Toxicity and the Environment. affect the functioning of the liver, kidneys, nervous system, cause cancer and joint diseases.
• Rust. It also gets into the water from the pipes and spoils household appliances. Due to an excess of iron in the body, Iron overload disorder: All you need to know. hair becomes dull, nails break.
• Toxins, nitrates and pesticides. They enter the water from environment. They are difficult to remove from water wastewater treatment plants, so they remain in tap water after cleaning. Call Nitrate and nitrite in drinking-water. cancer, allergies, kidney and gastrointestinal diseases.

How to purify water at home

The most technologically advanced and effective method is a reverse osmosis filter. The water is purified using a special membrane that does not absorb any further substances. Therefore, harmful impurities and hardness salts remain on the membrane and are washed into the sewer. The output is bottled water, only from your tap. Soft, completely free of rust, heavy metal ions, toxins, bacteria and viruses. Such filters are used by bottled water manufacturers around the world. Only at home water will cost much less. For example, for a family from three people will cost an average of 1.7 rubles per liter in the first year after purchasing a filter and 70 kopecks thereafter.

What to remember

• Tap water in different regions differs in quality.
• Drinking water should not contain impurities of heavy metals, chlorine, rust and nitrates.
• Tap water may contain harmful impurities that can cause serious illness.
• Tap water can be purified to drinkable condition using filters.
• The coolest filter is reverse osmosis. The easiest to use is a filter jug. It also copes with water purification, but you need to know how to test it.
• After cleaning with a pitcher filter, the water still needs to be boiled to destroy viruses.
• Filter cartridges need to be changed on time. In order not to miss the next replacement, subscribe to

Tap water contains a number of harmful chemical compounds and elements. Drinking such water worsens the taste of drinks and dishes, can worsen well-being and health, and also lead to various kinds of diseases.

To disinfect tap water, it is chlorinated, which kills viruses and bacteria, but how side effect its consumption, the protein structures of the body are destroyed, the condition of the mucous membranes worsens and the intestinal microbiota suffers.

Bleach often contributes to the development of allergies. To eliminate the above problems, water must be rid of chlorine and other substances dissolved in it, for which there are a number of methods. And, of course, all the problems with drinking water water delivery decides.

Water purification filters

The most common way to purify tap water is to purchase and use household filters. These can be stationary filters built into plumbing fixtures or filter jugs.

Water is poured into the filter jug; after settling in it, it can be drunk or used to purchase food. The filter must be changed at least once a month.

But there are cheaper and easier cleaning methods.

Boiling and settling

To clean, boil the water in a saucepan with the lid removed for 15 minutes. Boiling removes all harmful elements except bleach. But the bleach will evaporate if the water sits for 8 hours. In a container with settled water, heavy metal compounds accumulate in the lower third of the container; to obtain clean water, 2/3 of the contents should be carefully drained from above for further use.

Freezing water

Melt water contains significantly fewer harmful impurities than tap water. You should not freeze water in glass containers or plastic bottles; containers made from food-safe plastic are most suitable.

Wait until the water exposed to the frost or in the freezer freezes halfway, and drain the unfrozen part. Melt the ice and use it as drinking water.

Water purification with activated carbon

Wrap activated carbon tablets purchased at the pharmacy in gauze and place in a vessel with tap water at the rate of 1 tablet of carbon per 1 liter of water. It takes 8 hours to completely purify the water.

Water purification with silicon and silver

Buy silicon in the form of pebbles at the pharmacy, rinse them with warm water, place them in glass jar at the rate of 3 g of silicon per 1 liter of water. The jar should be placed in a shaded place, and after 3 days you should drink the water carefully drained from above; the lower layers of water should not be consumed.

Metallic silver disinfects water well, for which a silver coin or spoon should be placed in a vessel with water for 10-12 hours.

Other methods of water purification

There are other methods of water purification, but they are ineffective or are not suitable for everyone. The effectiveness of water purification with magnets has not been proven, and the strength of the influence of magnets of different designs varies tens of times, and water purified by shungite is contraindicated for people with a number of diseases, acute and chronic.

We didn’t even mention purifying water with table salt, since drinking this water exceeds the recommended daily norm the use of table salt, and dry white wine (although this method was widely used in antiquity and the Middle Ages).

In camping conditions, you can purify water by adding 1-2 teaspoons of 6% table or apple cider vinegar per liter of water, or 3 drops of pharmaceutical 5% alcohol tincture of iodine; complete purification by these methods requires 6 hours of time.

Rowan purifies water even faster - place a bunch of rowan in a container for 3 hours. If rowan does not grow nearby, you can use bird cherry leaves, willow bark, juniper branches or onion peels. Such cleaning requires 12 hours of time.

Anton Smekhov

Reading time: 9 minutes

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Our careless attitude towards the composition drinking water forces internal organs be the only barrier protecting against serious diseases. But the human body is not able to cope with all harmful substances that can be found in water. Like any “equipment” that is subjected to heavy loads, this natural filter will sooner or later fail.

To the natural causes of water pollution are added the consequences of active agricultural and industrial activities. And even the treated liquid supplied by city services is far from flawless in terms of performance. As a result of wear and tear on equipment, the use of old technologies, and violations during processing, it is dangerous to drink tap water. All you have to do is take care of its quality yourself - that is, clean it at home with or without special filters.

Preparation and Precautions

An incorrectly carried out purification procedure can deteriorate the quality of water. You can avoid such situations by following a few rules.

IMPORTANT! When choosing a purification method or a combination of them, it is necessary to examine the composition of the water. The cleaning method is determined by the type of contamination and its concentration.

Should be considered side effects chosen methods and do not neglect measures that neutralize their effect. The cleaning technique must be carried out in strict accordance with the instructions.

If special equipment is used to normalize quality, before installing it you need to familiarize yourself with the operating features - maintenance requirements, replacement of replacement parts, specific operating conditions.

Types of water pollutants

Water can contain up to 4,000 types of impurities that are detrimental to quality. Some of the most common types of water contaminants include: the following types.

Coarse impurities

They are a suspension of large, insoluble particles of rust, sand, silt, and clay. Rust can most often be found in tap water due to old water pipes. Such water is unsuitable for food and clogs pipelines and faucets, leading to breakdowns of plumbing equipment.

ATTENTION! The presence of this type of pollution can be determined visually - the water is cloudy, suspended matter is separated by dirty sediment or accumulates on the surface.

Chlorine and its compounds

Chlorine is added to tap water as a disinfectant. This substance can intensify an allergic reaction, can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and skin, and negatively affects metabolism and work immune system, intestinal microflora. May provoke kidney inflammation and cancer.

ATTENTION! Water with a high concentration of chlorine can be identified by its specific odor.

Calcium and magnesium salts

ATTENTION! Salts deposit a white coating on dishes and pipes, causing corrosion of plumbing parts and household appliances.

Iron

The iron content per liter of water is 0.1-0.3 mg. Exceeding this indicator makes the water toxic. The nervous, immune, reproductive and digestive system. The liver, kidneys and pancreas are affected. The processes of hematopoiesis and metabolism worsen, and allergic reactions may occur. The process of removing toxins is disrupted.

ATTENTION! The taste of “ferrous” water is unpleasant, the color is yellow, and the smell is metallic. But the concentration of iron that is dangerous to health may not be noticeable to the senses.

Manganese

ATTENTION! The water remains clear, but excess manganese can be seen by the appearance of black spots on plumbing fixtures and dishes that appear over time.

Heavy metals

Lead, chromium, zinc, cadmium, nickel, mercury are toxic metals. They can provoke bone marrow diseases, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Lead is most likely to be found in tap water. Gaskets made of this metal are used in old pipelines due to their durability.

Nitrates

This name refers to a number of substances - nitrates, pesticides, herbicides, nitrites, which lead to oxygen deficiency in the tissues of the body. They get into water as a result of agricultural activities.

Microorganisms

Water can contain both bacteria and viruses. They cause intestinal disorders, stomach diseases, hepatitis, polio and other diseases.

Table: Ways to combat water pollution

Video information

Traditional cleaning methods without filters

People have long realized the need to purify and disinfect water. To date, human experience has accumulated a lot effective ways cleaning at home.

Boiling

Heat kills microorganisms, and removes calcium and magnesium salts into a solid sediment that can be filtered. During the boiling process, highly volatile substances such as chlorine are lost.

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Boil for 15-25 minutes with the lid open.
3. Then let it sit.
4. Drain without touching the bottom layer of sediment.

Freezing

Cleaning is carried out by displacing impurities from water that crystallizes under the influence of low temperature. However, after a certain concentration of impurities is reached in unfrozen water, they will be built into the structure of the ice crystal lattice in the form of capsules. Therefore, it is important not to miss the moment when you can separate clean water.

1. Place a pot of water in the freezer.
2. Leave for several hours.
3. When half the volume freezes, drain the liquid residue.
4. Melt the remaining ice - this water can be used.

Advocacy

The method allows you to remove chlorine and some other volatile substances (for example, ammonia) due to evaporation, as well as partially sift out salts that will fall to the bottom in the form of a solid sediment.

1. Pour water into a ceramic or glass container.
2. Leave for 8 hours.
3. Stir with a spoon for the first 2 hours: during this time the chlorine will evaporate, stirring will speed up the process.
4. Then do not touch the water for 6 hours. This time is required for other impurities to settle, so mixing should not be done.
5. Pour the water, being careful not to shake it, into another bowl, leaving about a quarter of the liquid at the bottom.
6. Freeze or boil.

Activated carbon

Coal has the property of absorbing organic compounds and gases dissolved in water, in particular chlorine. There is a special carbon for cleaning, but you can use pharmacy activated carbon tablets.

1. Wrap charcoal tablets at the rate of 4 pieces per liter in gauze.
2. Place on the bottom of the dish and fill with water.
3. Leave for 6-8 hours.
4. Strain the water and boil.

Silver and copper

Copper and silver destroy harmful microflora in water. Silver does not allow bacteria to develop subsequently (water treated with this metal can be stored for several months), but it can be consumed in doses.

• To clean with silver, you can place a silver spoon in the container overnight.
• To clean with copper, it is enough to hold the water in a copper container for 4 hours (but no more, in order to avoid metal poisoning).

Shungite

Shungite not only removes chlorine, nitrates, microorganisms, manganese and iron, but also fills it with useful microelements. One stone can be used for about six months; you only need to clean it of plaque.

Instructions: take 100 grams of shungite per 1 liter of water, leave for 3 days, then drain upper layer without affecting the lower one.

Silicon

Silicon disinfects, removes iron, mercury and phosphorus compounds and neutralizes chlorine.

Black silicon is used, the service life of which is unlimited (must be cleaned of deposits after each use).

1. Rinse the silicon and place it at the bottom of a glass container with water (3 liters - 50 grams).
2. Leave for 3 to 7 days dark place.
3. Carefully, without shaking, drain the water, leaving 5 centimeters of the bottom layer.

other methods

Several other methods are known in folk practice:

• Quartz. It is carried out in the same way as cleansing with shungite and silicon: water with quartz stones (200 g per 3 liters) must be infused for 3 days. Can be mixed with silicon. This mineral is able to cleanse heavy metals, chlorine, iron, manganese, aluminum, nitrates and pathogens.
• Kitchen salt. A tablespoon of salt, diluted in two liters of water and infused for half an hour, removes bacteria and heavy metal compounds. But this method cannot be used continuously.
• Herbal cleansers. Ripe rowan berries, juniper twigs, bird cherry leaves, willow bark and onion peel. To do this, any of the listed ingredients, pre-washed, are placed in water for 12 hours (except for rowan - three is enough for it).
• Wine. You can clean water from harmful microflora by mixing 2 parts of it with 1 part of wine and letting it sit for 15 minutes.
• Medications. For the same purpose, iodine (3 drops per 1 liter), vinegar (1 teaspoon) and potassium permanganate (light pink solution) are used. After adding iodine and vinegar, the water can be consumed after 2 hours.

Disadvantages of traditional methods

Video story

Special equipment for water purification

Technological progress has contributed to the development of methods for high-quality water purification. Currently used cleaning equipment involves:

• Filters different types;
• Chemical effects on water;
• Physico-chemical processes;
• Physical processes;
• Biological mechanisms.

The purification method is determined by the type of impurities that need to be removed.

Filtration systems

• Mechanical cleaning filters. Used to remove large particles from water, such as rust, sand, silt and others. The filter device is a liquid-permeable barrier that traps undissolved impurity particles. This is a system of several barriers - from coarse filtration meshes for large debris to fine filter cartridges for particles no larger than 5 microns in size. The water is purified in several stages, thereby reducing the load on the cartridges.
• Sorption filters. Can be used together with mechanical cleaning filters. They remove impurities through absorbents and are effective for chlorine and organic compounds. Coconut charcoal (from the shell) plays the role of absorbent material; its effectiveness is 4 times higher than that of charcoal.
• Ozone cleaners (chemical cleaning). Designed to purify water from metal impurities and microorganisms (chlorine-resistant spores). The work uses the property of ozone to release oxygen during decomposition in water, which oxidizes metal impurities. They then settle and can be removed.

Devices of physico-chemical mode of action

• Electrochemical aeration. They are used to remove dissolved impurities that can be oxidized - iron, manganese, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, heavy metal salts. First of all, they are used to remove iron impurities - these filters are effective even at high concentrations, up to 30 mg per liter. Impurities are oxidized due to the appearance of free oxygen ions in water, the concentration of which increases when passing electric current through the water. Oxidized substances settle on the filter.
• Air aeration. Used for the same purposes, but in in this case water is saturated with oxygen in another way - pumped under pressure.
• Ion exchange filters. They are used to purify water containing metal impurities - iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, as well as nitrates. Water is passed through a mass of synthetic resin containing substances that attach metal ions to themselves, removing them from the liquid. There are devices that combine the functions of sorption and ion exchange filters. In devices of this type, the absorbent mass consists of a mixture of granules of ion-substituting resin and carbon absorbent.

Equipment using physical processes

• Reverse osmosis. They retain almost all dissolved impurities - iron, magnesium and calcium salts, heavy metals, as well as nitrates and microorganisms. The role of a barrier is performed by a membrane with micro-holes through which liquid is forced under pressure. These holes are so small that only water and oxygen molecules can pass through them. The removed impurities are removed from the membranes.
• Ultraviolet filters. Disinfects water when irradiated with ultraviolet rays.
• Installations for biological filtration. Reduces the concentration of iron, hydrogen sulfide and acid in water, due to the ability of some bacteria to absorb these substances. The filter involves subsequent disinfection with ultraviolet light and removal of waste products of microorganisms using a sorption system.

Video tips

• To give water a pleasant taste, it is worth using freezing and purification with activated carbon and silicon.
• The use of coal, like shungite, allows you to remove unpleasant odors.
• To saturate water devoid of useful microelements (melt, purified by reverse osmosis) you need to add 100 ml of mineral water to 1 liter of purified water.
• The safety of the water will be ensured by shungite and silver.

Weaknesses of cleaning devices

• Reverse osmosis units show the best results in removing foreign impurities, but due to the specifics of the cleaning method, membrane filters eliminate not only dangerous compounds, but also useful microelements. Constant consumption of water purified by this method can lead to deficiency necessary substances in the body, therefore, together with such filters, it is necessary to use mineralization units.
• When using an ozonation device, you need to remember that purified water is not stored for long. Ozone quickly destroys microorganisms, but does not have a long-lasting effect. Ozonation destroys organic compounds, which creates a favorable environment for bacteria.
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation destroys the bacterial environment in water, but does not cleanse it of impurities of salts, metals, and nitrates. It is advisable to combine UV filters with ozonizing devices.
• Sorption filters, accumulating organic matter, create an environment for intensive growth of bacteria. Therefore, when using them, an additional disinfection system is required.
• Ion exchange filters are suitable for purifying water whose iron concentration is no more than 5 milligrams per liter. If the iron content is higher, it will not provide a sufficient level of purification.
• During operation of the ion exchange filter, large particles of oxidized iron clog the resin over time. A film forms on its surface, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. It is necessary to regularly wash the resin with a solution of table salt.

Service life of replacement parts

• The service life of resins for an ion exchange filter is 2-3 years.
• The membrane for reverse osmosis filters becomes unusable after 18-36 months of use.
• The carbon filter is designed for 6-9 months.

The cleaning methods used allow us to neutralize the most harmful impurities. Having picked up optimal method, taking into account the nature of pollution, ergonomics and cost-effectiveness of technology, you can provide your home with a source of living, healthy water and stay healthy.

Tap water goes through several stages of processing, but still contains a large amount of harmful chemical elements. This worsens a person’s health and well-being, and sometimes leads to various diseases. In addition, the quality of water affects the taste of cooked food and drinks. Impurities in its composition can easily spoil the taste and value of tea or coffee.

Chlorine, which is used to purify and disinfect tap water, kills dangerous bacteria and viruses. But at the same time, it destroys the protein structures of the human body, negatively affects the condition of the mucous membranes, eliminates beneficial bacteria and worsens the microflora in the intestines. This substance often contributes to the appearance and development of allergies.

Too hard water degrades the quality of clothes after washing. It can leave streaks and stains on clothes, making products rougher and tougher. To avoid these problems, you need to get rid of chlorine, purify and soften the water.

Filters for water purification

The most popular and practical cleaning method is using household filters. This can be a standard filter jug ​​with a nozzle where you need to pour and settle water. Deeper cleaning will be carried out by stationary filters that are built into plumbing fixtures, or by special attachments on the faucet.

Such devices allow you to remove chlorine from tap water as much as possible and eliminate toxic and harmful elements. In any case, filters need to be changed at least once a month.

The big disadvantage of such devices is their high cost and the need to regularly change filters. However, they effectively purify water. As a result, it becomes safe for humans and suitable for drinking or cooking.

In addition, purified water will not leave marks and rust in the sink or bathtub, as well as scale on dishes. This will make it easier to wash the kettle and clean plumbing fixtures.

However, many people prefer to use homemade and easier methods of water purification. They will also come in handy if the filter breaks and you don’t have a new device at hand. Let's look at how to purify tap water without a filter.

Boiling and settling

Boiling is the most famous and easy method Sterilize and purify water at home. To do this, boil the water without a lid for at least 15 minutes. As a result, harmful compounds will leave along with the steam. However, the bleach will remain; moreover, it will turn into a more dangerous carcinogen that causes cancer.

Boiling has a number of other negative consequences. This process also kills beneficial elements, resulting in water becoming useless. In addition, after boiling, salts settle on the walls of the kettle or pan, which leave salt deposits and stains, as well as scale. Washing such dishes is quite difficult. How to clean the thermopot from scale, see.

Another easy method is settling. Pour water into any container and let it sit for eight hours. During this time, chlorine and other impurities will evaporate. To speed up the process, you can stir the contents regularly.

But settled water will still retain heavy metals. To remove these harmful substances, pour out 2⁄3 of the liquid without stirring or shaking the contents at the end and after settling.

Water purification using special means

• Pieces of silicon will purify water from impurities. First, rinse the pebbles in warm tap water, then put them in a glass jar and pour cold water at the rate of 3-10 grams of silicon per 1-3 liters of water. Place the jar in the light, but away from direct sunlight. After three days, the purified water can be drunk, but without using the contents from the bottom of the container. You can buy silicon at a pharmacy;
• Silver has effective cleansing properties. It softens and frees water from harmful microbes, viruses and chemical compounds, and kills bacteria. In this case, a silver spoon or coin is placed in a container of water and left for 10-12 hours. Silver-purified water will retain its beneficial properties for a long time;
• Shungite — modern remedy, which can also be bought at the pharmacy. To clean, 100 grams of stone are placed in a liter of water and left for three days. Choose large stones and do not use water from the bottom of the container. Shungite can be used many times by cleaning the stone once a year with a hard sponge, brush or sandpaper. However, this method is not recommended for people with high acidity, with oncological diseases, blood clots and during exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• Magnets are another way to purify water at home. However, it is not effective enough, since it only collects iron salts. But the chlorine and most of the microbes will remain in the water. To clean, magnets are wrapped around the dishes and left for five hours;
• Activated carbon will effectively replace filters, because this very product is used in the manufacture of cleaning devices. It neutralizes the unpleasant smell of rusty pipes and bleach, removes harmful and toxic substances. Wrap the tablets in gauze and place in a container of water at the rate of one tablet per liter of water. In just eight hours the water will be clear!

Is it good to freeze water?

Freezing is a popular, most effective and efficient cleaning method today. It has been proven that melt water contains much less impurities and harmful substances than from the tap. It restores the body, improves performance and gives strength, helps with allergies, dermatitis and skin itching, with stomatitis and asthma.

To freeze, pour water into a saucepan with a lid and a plastic container, leaving some free space at the top. You cannot use glass containers; it is not recommended to take plastic bottles, as they are hazardous to health.

A suitable option would be special freezer bags or containers made of high-quality food-grade plastic. These dishes are convenient to use for freezing and storing food or water. In addition, high-quality plastic dishes are easy to wash and, if necessary, can be used. At the same time, food-grade plastic is safe for humans.

To get the maximum benefit from melt water, when the water in the container freezes halfway, drain the unfrozen part. And the remaining ice can be melted and used as drinking water. Freshly defrosted water is considered the most useful and healing.

Traditional methods of purifying tap water

• Table salt in the amount of one tablespoon is placed in two liters of water and left for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the water is purified from salts, heavy metals and dangerous microorganisms. However, it is not recommended to drink such liquid every day;
• Plant components, including juniper branches, onion peels, willow bark or bird cherry leaves, also effectively purify water. Place the product in the liquid and leave for at least 12 hours;
• A bunch of rowan produces purified water, equal in quality after purification with activated carbon or silver. To do this, rowan is immersed in water for three hours;
• The wine method should be used with extreme caution, as it can spoil the taste of drinking water. To avoid this, strictly follow the cleaning rules. In this case, add one part of dry white wine to two parts of water, mix and leave for three to four hours;
• Vinegar and iodine purify water, but can also give an unpleasant taste. In addition, after cleaning, some chlorine compounds and microbes still remain in the liquid. Place a teaspoon of vinegar per liter of water or add three drops of 5% iodine and leave for six hours.

The quality of water depends on the chosen purification method and on how much you settle the liquid or use filters. Some people replace tap water with distilled water. This liquid does not contain harmful substances and compounds, but it has no taste and frequent use flushes beneficial salts and minerals from the body.