What Are Some Chemicals That Will Purify Water?

No matter where your drinking water comes from, chances are it has been purified. For health reasons, it is important to purify water before using it. Home improvement and other stores sell water filters and pitcher filters. Today most U.S. cities and towns chemically purify water before allowing it into their municipal water systems. There are many different options when it come to chemically purifying water.

Chlorine Dioxide

• Chlorine dioxide disinfection is typically the first treatment option for purifying water. It is primarily used to treat odor and bad taste in surface water used for drinking. Chlorine dioxide is effective in many different situations and is safe for humans.

Ozone

• Ozone disinfection is used to purify water for medical and pharmaceutical applications. It is also used to purify home drinking water and make extra pure water. Extra pure water contains no vitamins, minerals or contaminants. Ozone disinfection removes odor, bacteria and viruses. After coming into contact with the contaminants, the ozone breaks down into oxygen. Since oxygen is all that remains in the water supply after disinfection, it poses no threat to human health.

Iodine

• Iodine is also used to purify drinking water. It is very cost effective and simple to use. Iodine kills most bacteria and viruses, as well as any protozoa in the water supply. It also removes dirt and debris that are in drinking water. There are drawbacks to using iodine; it can be harmful to pregnant women or anyone with thyroid trouble. It also has a taste that many people do not like. Iodine should not be used for longer than three months.

Chlorine Bleach

• Chlorine bleach is another commonly used purification chemical, despite its many drawbacks. Chlorine bleach disinfects water and causes dirt and debris to fall to the bottom of the container. Using unscented bleach, add 16 drops per gallon of water. Let the water sit for 15 minutes. The solution should have a faint bleach smell. If not, repeat and let stand another 15 minutes. One negative aspect of chlorine is that it is very harmful to human health when consumed in high dosages. Do not use bleach more than six months old.