But, until water purification technology used by public utilities is upgraded, we can protect our homes and our families.  While public systems have mostly stayed the same, the point of use or in-home methods of water purification have continued to improve.  One method is distillation.

Distillation was not first developed as a water purification technology, but as a method of increasing the alcoholic content of fermented beverages.  Over the years, it has been widely used in homes and industries and is still being sold today.

The disadvantages of distillation methods of water purification are several.  First, it removes nearly all trace minerals and researchers have concluded that drinking de-mineralized water is bad for your health.  The digestion is disturbed and nutritional deficiencies can occur.

Second, chemical contamination is on the rise, but distillers do not remove chemical contaminants that have a lower boiling point or that can be carried through the tubes along with the steam.  For home filtration, water purification technology has advanced beyond these ancient systems.

Some companies are still suggesting that reverse osmosis methods of water purification are the best for household use.  Beside the fact that they are unreasonably expensive, most of us simply do not need them. 

It is a common step used by treatment facilities all over the world, but it is only one step in the process.  It neither removes biological or chemical contaminants that are lighter or smaller than a water-molecule.  Its primary target is minerals and we have learned from distillers that we need healthy trace minerals in our drinking water.

For the home, pitcher filters are the least expensive methods of water purification, but they target only chlorine and lead.  They do improve the taste and smell, but depending on where you live there could be many other contaminants that are not blocked by these systems.

Countertop and under the sink units have the most advanced water purification technology, but you still have to be careful about which brand you choose.  You should always check for certified performance before you buy.

Multi-media block and activated carbon filters are often referred to as the best water purification technology available, because they trap chemical contaminants, chlorine and dangerous by-products of chlorination call THMs.  

Point of use methods of water purification should contain multi-media and activated carbon stages, as well as a micron filtration system to remove tiny sediment and cysts.  In addition, there should be a stage that balances the mineral content and pH levels, so that what you drink is healthy and fresh tasting.

Ion exchange is the most advanced water purification technology for removing harmful heavy metals and balancing minerals, so that water is softer, but not completely de-mineralized. 

Now it's time to start putting these facts to use.  This is by no means everything that you need to consider when purchasing a system for your house, but it should at least point you in the right direction.