Kiwifilter
At Kiwifilter, we are passionate about providing clean and healthy air and water solutions for homes and businesses. Our mission is to promote the importance of clean water and educate the public about the harmful substances present in ordinary drinking water.
Contamination in water is something we and most of New Zealand is a grave concern. The sources of contamination mainly stem from polluted rivers, which are a result of agricultural practices and waste disposal. These pollutants eventually make their way into our water supply. In order to combat bacteria growth, the water is treated with chemicals like chlorine and fluoride. While these treatments are necessary for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria, they also introduce additional chemicals into our drinking water. This situation highlights the urgent need for better regulation and management of agricultural practices and waste disposal to minimize the pollution of our rivers and ultimately protect our water supply.
Tap water can contain various contaminants and impurities that may be harmful to health if not filtered. Some of the common substances found in tap water include:
1. Chlorine: Often used in water treatment to disinfect and kill bacteria, chlorine can impart a strong taste and odor to water. Long-term exposure to chlorine and its byproducts may have adverse health effects.
2. Heavy Metals: Metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium can leach into tap water from pipes, plumbing fixtures, and natural deposits. Chronic exposure to heavy metals can lead to serious health problems, including neurological damage and organ toxicity.
3. Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites may contaminate tap water, especially if the water supply is not adequately treated or if there are issues with the distribution system. Consumption of contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections.
4. Pesticides and Herbicides: Residues from agricultural chemicals may find their way into tap water sources through runoff and groundwater contamination. Prolonged exposure to pesticides and herbicides has been associated with various health issues, including cancer and reproductive disorders.
5. Industrial Chemicals: Chemical pollutants from industrial activities, such as solvents, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), can infiltrate water sources and pose health risks, including cancer, hormonal disruption, and liver damage.
6. Pharmaceuticals: Trace amounts of pharmaceutical drugs and personal care products can enter water sources through sewage effluent and improper disposal. While the concentrations are typically low, long-term exposure to pharmaceutical residues in drinking water is a growing concern for potential health impacts.
7. Disinfection Byproducts: Chemical compounds formed when disinfectants (e.g., chlorine) react with organic matter in water. Some disinfection byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), have been linked to increased cancer risk and reproductive issues.
8. Sediments and Particulate Matter: Sediments, rust, and other particulate matter may be present in tap water due to aging infrastructure or disturbances in the distribution system. While not necessarily harmful on their own, they can affect water quality and clarity.
Filtering tap water through advanced filtration systems like reverse osmosis can effectively remove or reduce these contaminants, providing cleaner, safer drinking water for consumption and everyday use.
