Water Purification Methods

Water Purication Methods

By Amita Vadlamudi Clean water is essential for quality of life. Contaminated water causes harmful illnesses and is detrimental to human health. Fortunately, many water purifying methods are available throughout the world. Purification of

water helps eliminate impure sediments, chemicals and harmful parasites and micro-organisms.

There are many simple ways to purify water. The most common ways are mentioned below.

1. Boiling Boiling water is one of the cheapest and easiest water purification methods available. It is nearly impossible to detect certain parasites and germs in water. Boiling helps kill these harmful parasites and germs.

In this method, clean water needs to be boiled for 15 to 20 minutes. People who live in high altitude areas should boil their water for a longer period of time. Once the water is boiled, it can be cooled down in the same container, then consumed.

2. Filtration Filtration is a modern purification method that is commonly used both in homes and industries. It is effective in ridding water of compounds that could be dangerous to one’s health.

Filtration eliminates both large as well as small compounds that might be present in water. As compared to other methods, filtration does not deplete mineral salts. In this way, water that has been filtered is considered healthier.

There are many types of water purifying filters are available in the market, such as sand filters and membrane filters.

3. Distillation Distillation, another popular water purification method, utilizes heat to collect pure water in the form of vapor. As water has a lower boiling point than other contaminants and disease-causing elements, the heated water is quickly separated from the undesirable contaminants. In this process, water is heated until it reaches the boiling point and vaporizes. The vapor is

channeled into a condenser to cool. During the cooling process, the vapor is reversed into liquid water, making it safe to drink and be used for other purposes.

Distillation is ideal for homeowners who have access to dirty and untreated water. The method helps remove bacteria, germs, salts, and heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic.

4. Chlorination Typically, chlorine tablets or chlorine liquid are used to treat water. It is one of the most effective water purification methods that helps kill germs, parasites, and other disease-causing substances.

One of the advantages of chlorine is that it is inexpensive and effective, resulting in the 100% purification of water.

About the Author: Amita Vadlamudi is a former technology professional, now retired and active in researching and writing. Science, particularly, environmental science is Amita Vadlamudi’s special interest. Ms. Vadlamudi’s many other articles can be found on this website.