Over the past weeks, we have learnt how important it is to keep our water safe for drinking. Though many developed countries have a fully functional water system to lean on, Uganda isn’t that lucky. It’s a well-known fact that tap water in Uganda is unsafe to drink. We are fortunate enough to have various ways to treat our drinking water, however, in this article, I would like to discuss why domestic households may want to invest in home water filter systems.

Home water filters use various filtration technologies to remove impurities from the water. Common technologies include activated carbon, ceramic, sediment filters, ion exchange, and potentially reverse osmosis in more advanced systems. Since water sources in Uganda might have higher levels of sediment and turbidity, many home water filters have a preliminary stage to remove larger particles and sediments. This pre-filtration helps protect the main filter and improves its overall efficiency.

Setting up a home water filter system in Uganda requires careful planning and consideration of the water quality in your specific area. This can be done by obtaining a water quality report from our local water utility or conducting a water quality test. The report should be able to identify the specific contaminants you need to address with your water filter. Most Ugandans may skip this step because it may appear to be on the costly side, however, we have learnt that it’s easier to do things the right way than having to repeat the process because of an omission.

Choosing the right water filter based on the water quality assessment is vital in setting up a functional system. The aim is to select a suitable water filter system that can effectively remove the contaminants present in your water. Common options include activated carbon filters, sediment filters, and reverse osmosis systems. After which, the water filter is installed, and a water quality test is performed to ensure that it is effectively removing the contaminants that were earlier identified.

ADVANTAGES OF INSTALLING A WATER FILTER

1. First and foremost, we can’t deny the fact that it is overall cheaper to install a water filter in the long run. While Boiling water is the most common form of treating water in Uganda, it does carry a financial cost to is depending on the source on which it is boiled. Either way, the disadvantages of this stem far beyond just the financial cost but also the cost it has to our environment as a whole. While the initial investment for a water filter may be higher, it can save you money in the long run by reducing the need to purchase bottled water. Filtered water is significantly more cost-effective than buying bottled water over time.
2. Using a home water filter can reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. You can fill reusable water bottles with filtered water instead of buying bottled water. Filtering water can also remove harmful substances like heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial pollutants, reducing your exposure to these potentially dangerous elements.
3.  Having a water filter at home provides the convenience of having clean and safe drinking water readily available. You won’t have to rely on bottled water or worry about water quality when preparing meals or beverages. Drinking filtered water will also reduce exposure to potentially harmful substances, leading to better health outcomes.

The effectiveness of your water filter depends on its quality, maintenance, and replacement schedule. 

“I banned bottled water from my house – we have a water-filter system so you can drink from the tap”

– Eva Longoria