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What is a point-of-entry treatment system?
What is a point-of-entry treatment system?

Learn about filtration systems that filter water as it enters the home ensuring that all of the water has been treated.

Updated over 11 months ago

Installed point-of-entry filter/Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bartt/3793351591

Point-of-entry treatment systems are water treatment systems that are installed at the point where water enters a building or a house. These systems are designed to treat the water for the entire house, ensuring that all the water used in the building is treated and free from contaminants. Point-of-entry treatment systems are used to reduce or remove various contaminants from the water, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, metals, and other impurities. These systems can improve the taste, odor, and overall quality of the water.

The specific type of treatment used in a point-of-entry system depends on the contaminants present in the water and the desired water quality. Common treatment methods include filtration, disinfection, activated carbon adsorption, and ion exchange. For more information on which system you should use, the Minnesota Department of Health has developed a Home Water Treatment Guide that covers treatment for any common constituent in well water.

What is the difference between point-of-entry and point-of-use treatment options?

It is important to note that point-of-entry treatment systems are different from point-of-use systems. Point-of-use systems are installed at specific faucets or fixtures, such as under-sink filters or showerhead filters, and only treat the water at that specific location.

It is recommended that you research the specific treatment system to see if whole house filtration is needed. A point-of-use filter may be the better option if you only need to treat the water for drinking purposes and not for showers, laundry, etc. Some whole house treatment systems may cause water quality problems to occur. For example, a whole house reverse osmosis system can cause the water to become corrosive, causing metals such as lead and copper to leach into your drinking water after it has gone through the filter.

If you are considering installing a point-of-entry treatment system, it is recommended to consult with a professional in your area to determine the best system for your specific needs and to ensure proper installation and maintenance. The most important advice we can provide you is if you are going to add treatment to your home water system, be sure the treatment device has been certified to provide the desire result by an independent third-party certification organization.

Additional Resources:

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