Water Purification Systems versus
Water Filtration Systems

Water purification systems, in the strictest sense of the words, are not the same thing as water filtration systems. A water purification system is specifically designed to treat bacterial and/or viral problems, whether in your home or business, or perhaps even when you're trying to purify your water source while camping or hiking in the great outdoors. Water filters on the other hand are not effective at handling bacteria or viruses in the water supply.

The main water purification options include the following:

• Ultraviolet light purifiers - effective at killing bacteria and a number of other organisms including viruses, but not 100% effective against all cysts such as giardia
• Distillation processes - effective against micro-organisms including bacteria

Both of these home water purification systems are often used along with other filtration methods, most commonly some form of carbon filter.

What about reverse osmosis?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems, although often marketed as such, are not always effective at treating bacterial or viral problems in your water supply. That being said, thoroughly research the specific RO system that you are considering using in your house or other location to determine its efficiency at handling bacteria and/or viruses.

Filtering or purifying?

If you're in the market for a water processing system, be sure to identify whether you need a filtering or purifying system or perhaps a combination of the two. As with all water quality issues, your search for identifying the underlying problems and potential treatment solutions should begin with a thorough water sample test conducted by a professional, preferably someone who isn't marketing just one specific type of filtration or purification system.