Point of use water purification systems (known as POUs) refer to units that attach directly to the faucet or shower and produce H20 on an as-needed basis as opposed to whole house units which connect directly to the water main and treat everything that flows in from that pipe. There are benefits and drawbacks to both types of units.
Point of use filters typically are less expensive than whole house systems; a shower unit may cost 70$ while a whole house unit may cost 700$. Whole house units usually require professional installation while POUs don't, plus the whole house units can require more maintenance.
There is also some wisdom to using point of use water purification units as opposed to whole house units because POU-treated H20 is used instantly. In a whole house system, the incoming H20 is treated, then stored in a tank and piped throughout the house. It is possible for it to pick up microbes and contaminants along the way from tank to glass. If your plumbing is older, point of use water purification systems are generally a better option.
However, there are drawbacks to point of use filters. If you want to attach one to all your faucets, this will mean more cost for purchasing and maintaining the products. Reverse osmosis or distillation point of use water purification units also have a tendency to work slowly and may not process enough H20 to suit your needs.
These drawbacks can usually be overcome by purchasing the right type of product. Point of use water purification systems that are carbon-based are the most efficient type of units. Carbon is better than ceramic, reverse osmosis, or distillation because it blocks contaminants the most efficiently but does not remove important minerals from H20. Carbon units also work more quickly and can process greater volumes of H20 than other types of systems.
However, be aware that the best carbon units exist in multi-step forms. While many homes and offices have inexpensive carbon pitcher-style units, these products only contain one strainer. Point of use filters become clogged over time, and if there is only one strainer, it is easy for contaminants to slip past.
The best units contain more than one carbon-based filtration system so that the H20 is run through a multi-step process, ensuring that all pathogens and other unwanted elements are removed.
Generally, most people think of treating just the H20 they use for drinking and cooking, so a point of use water purification unit is most likely to be found in the kitchen. However, it is a good idea to install one in your shower. The chlorine that H20 contains dries out hair and skin and can accelerate the aging process. Additionally, point of use water purification systems in your bathroom make it easier for you to wash away soap and keep mineral build-up from accumulating.
Ideally it is wise to treat all the H20 that enters your house, but once water has left a whole house purifying unit, it may pick up some contaminants on its way to your faucets. Point of use filters give you access to clean, safe H20 whenever you need it - the second it leaves the unit, it is in your glass. Point of use water purification systems are one of the the best ways you can provide your household with safe, clean H20.
