Posted by Jeff Wahl on 3/29/2025 to
Thoughts on Water
The Importance of Water Classification in Homes, Cottages, and Businesses
Water usage in residential and commercial settings is often overlooked, with many assuming that all water should be treated to drinking water standards. However, this one-size-fits-all approach may not be practical or necessary. Instead, classifying water into different categories based on its intended use can optimize treatment methods and ensure safe, efficient water consumption—especially in rural areas where water sources and treatment methods vary.
Municipal vs. Rural Water Supplies
Municipal water systems are designed to meet regulatory standards for potable water, ensuring safe drinking water is available from every tap. In contrast, rural areas rely on diverse water sources, such as lakes, wells, and surface water, which may lack regulatory oversight. This variability increases the risk of contamination, making proper water classification and treatment essential.
The Water Source Plays an Important Role in Determining Water Quality
Water Sources and Quality ConsiderationsNot all water used in a household needs to meet the same quality and safety standards. For example, the water used to flush a toilet, wash the car, in gardens or for laundry does not require the same level of treatment as drinking water.
Consumption vs. Non-Consumption:
- Less than 1% of household water is used for drinking and cooking in an average home.
- Over 99% of water is used for bathing, laundry, dishwashing, and other non-consumptive purposes.
- Over 99% of water goes down the drain and is never consumed in an average home.
- Over 99% of water does not require treatment to Potability standards when it is never consumed.
By recognizing these distinctions, homeowners can implement tailored water treatment solutions that enhance safety while reducing unnecessary treatment costs.
Concept of Working Water vs. Drinking Water
In the water treatment industry, water is typically classified into two categories:
Working Water (Point of Entry - POE)
Drinking Water (Point of Use - POU)
Point of Entry (POE) – "Working Water"
A POE water treatment system is installed at the point where water enters a home or building. It treats all incoming water, ensuring that it meets specific quality standards before being distributed throughout the plumbing system.
Common POE Treatments:
- Water Softeners (reducing hardness and scaling)
- Filtration Systems (removing sediment and odors)
- Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection (neutralizing bacteria and microorganisms)
Uses of POE-Treated Water:
- Bathing
- Laundry
- Toilets
Dishwashing- Heating and Boiler Systems
- Outdoor Water Usages
Point of Use (POU) – "Drinking Water"
A POU water treatment system is installed at a specific tap or appliance to further purify water for direct consumption. These systems ensure that drinking water meets the highest safety standards, removing contaminants that may not be addressed by POE treatment.
Common POU Treatments:
- Reverse osmosis (reducing dissolved solids, pharmaceuticals, salts and contaminants)
- Distillation (purifying water through vaporization)
- Activated carbon filters (reducing chlorine, pesticides, and organic compounds)
- Refrigerator and pitcher filters (providing additional purification)
Characteristics of POU-Treated Water:
- Meets potable and regulatory water standards
- Purified water for safe consumption
Water Treatment Considerations
The concept of POE (working water) and POU (drinking water) is commonplace for water treatment dealers who are in the business of treating rural lake, well and surface sources of water.
Understanding UV Disinfection in Water Treatment
UV disinfection is a widely used POE treatment method for rural water sources. It inactivates bacteria and viruses by disrupting their DNA, preventing reproduction. However, while UV treatment is effective against biological contaminants, it does not remove chemical pollutants, microplastics, heavy metals or any other contaminant from the water.
Key Considerations for UV Systems:
- Effective in disinfecting bacteria and viruses
- Does not remove pesticides, nitrates, or chemical contaminants
- Best used in combination with additional filtration / purification for drinking water (POU)
Treating bacteria in the entire home is accomplished with the POE UV system for all taps and fixtures, further treatment for drinking water (POU) can be based on the level of contamination and water testing results at a single tap.
Optimizing Water Treatment Based on Usage
For rural homeowners, treating all water to drinking water standards may not be practical or cost-effective. Instead, a dual approach—combining POE and POU treatments—ensures that:
- Water used for household activities is free from bacteria, scale, odor, and sediment.
- Water intended for drinking and cooking is purified to meet regulatory safety standards.
By understanding and implementing this approach, homeowners can achieve a balance between efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety in water treatment.
Best Practice Recommendation
Recognizing the distinction between working water (POE) and drinking water (POU) is essential for proper water treatment, particularly in rural areas. While municipal systems ensure uniform water quality, rural water sources require customized treatment solutions. By strategically classifying and treating water based on its intended use, homeowners can safeguard their health, protect appliances, and optimize water resources effectively.
Learn More About Water Quality and Treatment
For more information on water treatment and safety, refer to Jeff Wahl, a Canadian water educator, dedicated to raising awareness about effective water purification methods and the limitations of UV disinfection.
With twenty eight years of experience in the water treatment industry, Jeff has worked extensively in water quality assessment, filtration technologies, and public education on safe drinking water practices. He has conducted seminars, written articles, blogs, and advised private households on the importance of multi-barrier water treatment solutions. His expertise helps bridge the gap between technical knowledge and practical implementation, ensuring that homeowners have access to safe and reliable drinking water.
Volume 7 – Issue 8 Wahl H2O - Water Awareness
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