How to Clean Water Without Synethetic Chemicals

by DoItYourself Staff

If you've encountered water in your home that seems dirty or needs purification but are wary of adding synthetics to cleanse it, you've probably wondered about how to clean water without adding harsh chemicals. Here are some common problems found in water and some "green" solutions that don't require synthetic chemicals to fix them. Remember, however, that it is always recommended you have suspected water problems laboratory tested.

Problem: Bacterial Contamination

The usual treatment for bacterial contamination is chlorine or iodine, but a good green alternative is to boil the water until you can find and remove the cause of the bacterial contamination from your water source.

Problem: Sediments

A filtration system such as a fine mesh screen or a sand filter is often an easy way to remove sediments from your water.

Problem: Dissolved Iron

You can remove small amounts of dissolved iron and manganese in water by using a standard consumer water softener. They will have a rating that will tell you the amount of dissolved minerals that it can handle.

Problem: Odor and Taste

Water that has a peculiar odor (except the rotten egg smell) or taste is easily treated with an activated charcoal filter. A rotten egg smell, however, indicates hydrogen sulfide gas and requires a three-stage treatment process which includes chlorination, an oxidation filter and activated carbon (charcoal) filter.

Problem: Hard Water

Excess minerals, usually calcium and magnesium, in household water is known as hard water. Though it is not harmful to humans, it makes lathering soap difficult and builds up as deposits on faucets, fixtures and in tea pots. Treat hard water with a standard consumer water softener.

Problem: Acidic/Alkaline Water

Water is considered acidic if the pH is under 5.0, and alkaline if the pH is over 9.0. Neutralize acidic water problems with a filter that adds calcium carbonate to the water. To bring alkaline water down to normal levels, you need to add acid, usually a weak acid such as acetic acid or white vinegar.

As you can see, it is possible to treat water without harsh chemicals, though some problems will call for synthetic solutions. Using solutions such as boiling, softening, balancing and filtering means you can solve your water problems and still go green.