How to ensure the best water quality through smart plumbing design and filtration systems.
Ensuring excellent water quality in your home isn’t just about taste; it’s a critical component of a healthy lifestyle and a prime concern in the field of building biology. For new homeowners in Victoria who are mindful of their health, understanding how to integrate effective water filtration systems and utilise non-toxic plumbing solutions is essential. This post explores the best practices in securing superior water quality through thoughtful architecture and design choices that promote health and wellbeing.
The Importance of Water Quality in Building Biology
Water quality directly impacts our health. Contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and other chemicals can find their way into our water supply, posing health risks (WHO 2021). Building biology, therefore, emphasises the importance of providing the best possible quality of drinking water. Purifying residential water systems to remove contaminants and optimising the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in supports rather than compromises your health.
Choosing the Right Water Filtration System
When it comes to water filtration systems, not all are created equal. Here are some top choices available in Australia that consider effectiveness, longevity, and minimal environmental impact:
1. Reverse Osmosis Systems These systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including fluoride, chlorine, and lead. Reverse osmosis filters work by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane, blocking contaminants from passing through. They are particularly recommended for areas with known heavy metal or fluoride issues, however, can be expensive to install and maintain (Bijlsma 2017).
2. Carbon Block Filters Activated carbon filters excel at removing organic compounds and chlorine, significantly improving the taste and smell of water, however, they will only partially remove heavy metals. These filters are ideal for general use in homes but require regular replacement of filters (Bijlsma 2017).
3. Ceramic Filters Ceramic filters are good for bacterial contaminants, chlorine and sediments. They are unnable to remove heavy metals or pesticides but are cost effective, making them a popular choice for homeowners (Bijlsma 2017).
Smart Plumbing Solutions
In addition to selecting the right filtration system, the materials used in your plumbing also play a crucial role in water quality:
1. Stainless Steel Pipes and Tapware Unlike traditional materials that can degrade over time and release harmful substances into water, stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion, and does not leach chemicals, making it an excellent choice for healthy home plumbing systems (Cutler 2003). Compatibility with other metals and cost can be challenges.
2. PEX Tubing Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing is a cheap, easy and common option for residential plumbing. It’s flexible, resistant to scale and chlorine, and doesn’t corrode. It’s also less likely to burst from freezing than copper piping, for longevity and reliability. PEX has only been used for piping relatively recently and the longer term durability and potential for leaching contaminants require further investigation (Phillips et al. 2021).
3. Avoiding PVC Pipes PVC pipes are commonly used for sewerage and stormwater but can leach lead, vinyl chloride and other chemicals into your water supply, particularly with hot water, so should not be used. Opting for safer alternatives can significantly reduce potential toxin exposure in your home.
Conclusion
Integrating a suitable water filtration system and choosing safe, durable plumbing materials are critical steps towards creating a healthier home environment. By focusing on these aspects of building biology, homeowners can significantly enhance the quality of their domestic water, which is one of the key prinsiples of buiding biology.
References
Bijlsma, N (2017), Which Type of Water Filter, Building Biology, accessed 19 April 2024.
Cutler, P (2003), Stainless steels and drinking water around the world, Nickel Development Institute, accessed 23 April 2023.
Phillips R, Whelton A, and Eckelman MJ (2021), Incorporating use phase chemical leaching and water quality testing for life cycle toxicity assessment of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping, Science of the Total Environment, vol. 782, accessed 23 April 2024.
WHO (World Health Organisation) (2021), Factsheet – Chlorine, World Health Organisation, accessed 19 April 2024.
For those building or renovating homes in Victoria and seeking advice on water filtration and plumbing solutions that adhere to building biology principles, contact Architecture with Angie. We design homes that prioritise your health and environmental sustainability.
Reach out today to ensure your home’s water system is as healthy as it is efficient.
Architecture with Angie 