You’re not alone if you’re trying to determine, is purified water the same as filtered water? Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re two different things. Understanding the differences between the two can help you make an informed decision about the type of water you want to drink.
Water is essential for life, but not all water is created equal. Many factors can affect the quality and safety of your drinking water. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of water, the differences between filtered and purified water, and the factors you should consider when choosing the proper water for you.
Key Takeaways
- Filtered water and purified water are different.
- Filtered water is passed through a physical barrier to remove impurities, while pure water is made by removing impurities through a chemical or biological process.
- When choosing between filtered and pure water, consider safety, quality, health implications, taste, and cost.
Understanding Water Basics
When it comes to drinking water, there are a few basics that you should know. This section will discuss tap water, drinking water, and water sources.
Tap Water
Tap water is the water that comes out of your faucet at home. It is typically treated with chemicals to remove bacteria and other contaminants, but it may still contain minerals and other substances that affect its taste and quality.
Drinking Water
Drinking water is any water that is safe to drink. It can come from various sources, including tap water, bottled water, and filtered or purified water. Drinking water should be free from harmful contaminants and meet the government’s specific quality standards.
Water Sources
Water sources can include rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. Water quality can vary depending on the source, and it may require treatment to make it safe for drinking.
In general, the goal of water treatment is to remove harmful contaminants and improve the taste and quality of the water. Purified and filtered water are two common types of treated water, but differ.
Purified water goes through a process that removes almost all dissolved solids, while filtered water goes through a process that reduces contaminants but may not remove all dissolved solids. So, while both types of water are treated, they are not identical.
Understanding the differences between purified and filtered water is essential to deciding which type is best for you and your family.
What Is Filtered Water?
If you’re wondering if purified water is the same as filtered water, it’s essential to understand what it is. Filtered water is water that has been passed through a filter or physical barrier to remove unwanted contaminants. The filtration process can vary depending on the type of filter used, but the basic principle is the same: to remove impurities from the water.
Filtration Process
The filtration process involves passing water through a filter that removes impurities. The filter can be made of different materials, such as activated carbon or sediment. It can have different pore sizes depending on the type of impurities it is designed to remove. The filter may include additional layers to remove specific contaminants, such as heavy metals or chlorine.
One common type of filtration system is the carbon filter. Carbon filters use activated carbon to remove impurities from the water. The activated carbon has a large surface area, which allows it to trap impurities as the water passes through. Carbon filters effectively remove chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the water.
Common Filtration Systems
Different filtration systems are available, ranging from simple pitcher filters to complex reverse osmosis systems. Some common types of filtration systems include:
- Pitcher filters are simple filters that fit into a pitcher and are designed to remove elemental impurities like chlorine and sediment.
- Faucet filters attach to your faucet and filter the water as it flows out. They are more effective than pitcher filters and can remove a more comprehensive range of impurities.
- Reverse osmosis systems: These complex systems use a membrane to remove impurities from the water. They are very effective at removing impurities but can be expensive and require professional installation.
Overall, filtered water is a good option for people who want to remove impurities from their water without going through a more complex purification process. While filtered water may not be as pure as purified water, it is still a good option for most people.
What Is Purified Water?
If you’re trying to decide between purified water and filtered water, it’s essential to understand what each type of water is and how it’s made. Purified water is water that has been processed to remove impurities and contaminants. Several methods are used to purify water, including distillation, deionization, and reverse osmosis.
Purification Methods
Purification systems are designed to remove contaminants and impurities from water. The most common methods to purify water are distillation, deionization, and reverse osmosis.
Distillation involves boiling water, collecting the steam, and condensing it back into water. This process removes impurities and contaminants, leaving behind pure water. Deionization involves passing water through a resin bed that removes ions from the water, leaving behind pure water. Reverse osmosis involves forcing water through a semipermeable membrane that removes contaminants and impurities.
Distillation and Deionization
Distillation and deionization are two of the most common methods to purify water. Distillation involves boiling water, collecting the steam, and condensing it back into water. This process removes impurities and contaminants, leaving behind pure water. Deionization involves passing water through a resin bed that removes ions from the water, leaving behind pure water.
While both methods are effective at purifying water, they have advantages and disadvantages. Distillation is effective at removing most contaminants and impurities, but it can be time-consuming and expensive. Deionization is faster and less costly than distillation but may only remove some pollutants and impurities.
Overall, purified water is an excellent option if you’re looking for clean, safe drinking water. Whether you choose a purification system that uses distillation, deionization, or reverse osmosis, you can rest assured that you’re getting the purest water possible.
Comparing Purified and Filtered Water
Filtered vs Purified Water
“filtered” and “purified” are often used interchangeably but refer to different treatment methods. Filtered water is passed through a physical barrier, such as activated carbon, that removes impurities and contaminants. On the other hand, purified water goes through a more rigorous process that removes almost all impurities and contaminants.
Filtered water is generally considered safe to drink, but it may still contain some impurities, such as chlorine or fluoride. Purified water, conversely, is free of all impurities and contaminants, making it the safest and cleanest option.
Several standard methods for purifying water include distillation, reverse osmosis, and deionization. Each of these methods removes impurities and contaminants differently, but they all result in water that is safe to drink.
Filtered water is generally more affordable and accessible than purified water. It can be found in bottled form or through home filtration systems. Purified water, on the other hand, is often more expensive and may only be available in specific locations.
In summary, while filtered and purified water remove impurities and contaminants, purified water is the safer and cleaner option. If you want the purest and safest water possible, choose purified water.
Safety and Quality Concerns
Regarding drinking water, safety and quality are the top concerns. Both filtered and purified water can be safe to drink, but the level of safety depends on the contaminants and impurities removed from the water.
Contaminants and Impurities
Filtered water can remove many impurities and contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, it may not remove all impurities, such as heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. On the other hand, purified water goes through a more rigorous process that removes all impurities and contaminants, including heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. According to Water Filter Guru, purified water is made with a water purification process that removes almost 100% of all dissolved solids. In contrast, filtered water is made with a filtration process, which reduces the number of contaminants but can’t eliminate all dissolved solids.
Safe Drinking Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets safe drinking water standards for public water systems in the United States. The EPA regulates over 80 contaminants in public water systems, including heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. The EPA also sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for these contaminants to ensure the water is safe to drink.
In summary, filtered and purified water can be safe to drink, but purified water undergoes a more rigorous process that removes all impurities and contaminants. Suppose you are concerned about the safety and quality of your drinking water. In that case, choosing a water filtration or purification system that meets the EPA’s safe drinking water standards is essential.
Health Implications
When choosing between purified and filtered water, it’s essential to consider the health implications of each. Here are some key factors to consider:
Essential Minerals
One potential concern with purified water is that it may remove beneficial minerals along with harmful contaminants. In contrast, filtered water may retain essential minerals necessary for your health. For example, a study published in the Journal of Water and Health found that filtered tap water contained higher calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels than bottled water.
Health Risks from Contaminants
One of the main reasons to choose purified or filtered water is to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants. The most common pollutants in drinking water include lead, arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride. Exposure to these contaminants can increase your risk of health problems, including cancer and colorectal cancer.
Purified water is typically treated with various methods to remove contaminants, including reverse osmosis, distillation, nanotechnology, or ultraviolet light. These methods can effectively remove many contaminants, but it’s important to note that they may not remove all of them. For example, some bacteria and viruses may still exist in purified water.
On the other hand, filtered water is typically treated with physical barriers such as activated carbon filters, which can effectively remove many contaminants but may not remove all of them. It’s essential to choose a filter that is appropriate for the contaminants in your local water supply.
Overall, purified and filtered water can be good choices for reducing exposure to harmful contaminants. However, it’s important to consider the potential impact on essential minerals and choose a treatment method appropriate for the contaminants in your local water supply.
Environmental and Economic Aspects
Waste and Sustainability
When it comes to waste and sustainability, both purified and filtered water have their pros and cons. Purified water often involves more waste than filtered water, as the purification process typically generates more wastewater and requires more energy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “One gallon of purified water can generate up to four gallons of wastewater.” On the other hand, filtered water systems can be more sustainable, as they require less energy and generate less waste.
Another factor to consider is plastic bottles. Bottled water is often marketed as purified or spring water, but most bottled water is filtered tap water. This means bottled water creates significant plastic waste, which harms the environment. In contrast, using a filtration system at home can reduce plastic waste and help protect the environment.
Cost Comparison
In terms of cost, filtered water is generally more affordable than purified water. While the initial cost of a filtration system may be higher than purchasing bottled water or a pitcher filter, in the long run, a filtration system can save you money. According to a study by the Water Quality Association, “the average cost of a gallon of filtered water from a home system is around 9 cents, compared to $1.22 for a gallon of bottled water.”
On the other hand, purified water can be more expensive due to the additional steps involved in the purification process. This can include reverse osmosis, distillation, or other methods that require specialized equipment and energy. Additionally, purchasing bottled purified water can be costly, as it often comes in smaller sizes and is marketed as a premium product.
When considering the environmental and economic aspects of purified and filtered water, weighing the pros and cons of each option is essential. While pure water may offer a higher purity level, it can be more wasteful and expensive. On the other hand, filtered water may be more sustainable and affordable but may not remove all contaminants.
Taste and Odor Factors
When it comes to taste, purified water is often considered to have a “cleaner” taste than filtered water. This is because purified water has had more impurities removed from it than filtered water. However, some people prefer the taste of filtered water, as it may contain minerals that can add flavor to the water.
In terms of odor, purified and filtered water can have unique odors. Purified water may have no odor at all, while filtered water may have a slight odor depending on the type of filter used. Activated carbon filters, for example, are known for removing unpleasant tastes and odors from water.
Influence of Minerals and Chemicals
One factor that can influence the taste and odor of purified and filtered water is the presence of minerals and chemicals. Pure water is typically free of minerals and chemicals, which can contribute to its “clean” taste. However, some may find that purified water tastes too bland or needs more minerals than they prefer.
On the other hand, filtered water may contain minerals and chemicals depending on the type of filter used. For example, reverse osmosis filters can remove minerals from water, while activated carbon filters can remove chlorine and other chemicals contributing to unpleasant tastes and odors.
Overall, the taste and odor of purified and filtered water can vary depending on several factors. While pure water may have a “cleaner” taste, some people may prefer the taste of filtered water due to the presence of minerals and other factors.
Water Treatment Techniques
Regarding water treatment, several techniques can be used to make water safe for consumption. These techniques can be broadly classified into disinfection and advanced treatment methods.
Disinfection and Chlorination
Disinfection is the process of killing or inactivating disease-causing microorganisms in water. Chlorination is one of the most widely used disinfection methods. It involves adding chlorine or chlorine compounds to water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Chlorine is effective against many organisms and is inexpensive and easy to use. However, some people are concerned about the potential health risks associated with chlorine in drinking water.
Advanced Treatment Methods
Advanced treatment methods remove contaminants that cannot be removed by disinfection alone. These methods include coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. Coagulation involves adding chemicals to water to make particles clump together, making them easier to remove. Flocculation involves gently stirring the water to encourage the formation of larger particles. Sedimentation allows the water to sit undisturbed so the larger particles settle to the bottom. Filtration involves passing the water through a filter to remove particles and impurities.
Purified water uses advanced treatment methods that remove almost all impurities and contaminants. Filtration is one of the methods used to purify water, but it is less effective than other methods, such as distillation. On the other hand, filtered water is made using a filtration process that removes some impurities but not all.
In conclusion, purified water is different from filtered water. Purified water undergoes an extra distillation step to remove impurities, while filtered water only undergoes filtration. Pure water is cleaner and safer to drink than filtered water. However, it is also more expensive to produce.
Choosing the Right Water for You
When choosing between purified and filtered water, assessing your personal and family needs and the water quality is essential. Here are some factors to consider:
Assessing Water Quality
Before deciding on the type of water to consume, it’s essential to assess the quality of the water you can access. Water quality can vary depending on the source, treatment, and distribution. Common contaminants in water include bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.
You can assess your water quality by checking the water quality report from your local water supplier or by doing a home water test. Home water tests can detect contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and bacteria. Based on the results, you can determine if you need to filter or purify your water.
Personal and Family Needs
Consider your personal and family needs when choosing between purified and filtered water. If you have a compromised immune system or are pregnant, you may want to consider drinking purified water to reduce the risk of consuming harmful contaminants.
Filtered water is a good option if you want to remove impurities such as chlorine and improve the taste of your water. Also, staying hydrated is crucial if you’re looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Drinking enough water can help digestion, brain function, and weight management.
In summary, the type of water you consume depends on your personal and family needs and the water quality you can access. Assessing water quality and understanding your individual needs can help you make an informed decision on whether to drink purified or filtered water.
Conclusion
In summary, they differ in how purified and filtered water are treated to remove impurities. Purified water undergoes a more rigorous process, removing almost all dissolved solids, including minerals and salts. On the other hand, filtered water is treated to remove visible impurities, sediment, and odors, but it may reach a different purity level than purified water.
If you’re looking for water completely free of impurities, then purified water is the way to go. However, filtered water may be a good option if you’re looking for water that tastes better and is free of visible impurities.
It’s important to note that the type of water treatment you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. For example, suppose you live in an area with high levels of contaminants in the water supply. Consider a water filtration system that can remove these impurities in that case.
Ultimately, choosing between purified and filtered water comes down to personal choice. Both options have benefits and drawbacks, so it’s up to you to decide which is right for you.
