Types of Filtration Systems
There are many different types of filtration systems to choose from, but they all fall into two main categories; Point-of-Use (POU) and Point of Entry (POE). Here’s a quick overview.
Point-of-Use (POU)
Point-of-Use (POU) systems treat water at a single tap. POU systems can be installed at multiple individual locations in the home such as under the sink, on the counter, or attached to a faucet or tap directly.
Typical POU system choices include:
- Gravity devices – such as pitchers with carbon filters
- Inline filters – like what your refrigerator might use, or a filter attached to a faucet
- Reverse Osmosis Systems – usually installed professionally, under your sink and features a dedicated spigot
POU systems provide final barrier of water treatment before consumption.
Point-of-Entry (POE)
Point-of-Entry (POE) systems treat water used throughout the entire home. POE systems are attached at the main water line that supplies water from the city into the home. This allows for every pipe in the house to use treated water.
Whole Home Point-of-Entry Water Conditioning.
Typical POE system choices include:
- Sediment and tank filtration systems
- Large inline filtration systems
- Salt-Less systems
- Ion exchange water softeners
These systems are available from independent water filtration companies both online or from retailers. Pricing will vary tremendously depending on the specific removal technologies utilized as well as quality of system manufacture and media used. Contaminant removal technologies can include reverse osmosis, activated carbon, ion exchange resin beads, alkaline filters or distillation units and professional installation is recommended.
Maintaining Your Equipment – The Key to Keeping Your Water Clean
Most POU and POE systems need ongoing maintenance to effectively remove unwanted contaminates, materials, minerals or foreign matter from the water.
If not properly maintained, unwanted contaminates will collect in the system and could actually make the water quality worse.
Simply replacing filters or purchasing units that regenerate (with salt or potassium) will ensure the water remains filtered, conditioned and refined.
Finding The Best Solution – What To Look For
Three trusted ethical organizations that certify and test POE and POU systems are the Water Quality Association (WQA), NSF International, and Underwriters Laboratory. Systems that have been tested and approved by these organizations will display the seal of approval.
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