Wetland Ecosystem Conservation: A Review

1. Introduction

A system is a group of parts that interact through one or more processes (Odum 1983). The term ecosystem was introduced and defined by Tansley (1935), who as “a fundamental organizational unit of the natural world that includes both organisms and their spatial environment.” Ecosystems have since been defined in various ways, and at different spatial and temporal scales (Golley 1993; O’Neill et al. 1986; Evans 1956). Some ecologists define ecosystems on the basis of biotic organisms, populations, or communities. For example, Hutchinson (1978) considered the ecosystem to be the environmental context in which population or community dynamics occur. Others define ecosystems in terms of their abiotic characteristics and processes (Rowe and Barnes 1994). For example, Lindeman (1942) defined ecosystems as “…the system composed of physical, chemical, and biological processes active within a space/time unit.” Regardless of whether the emphasis is on biotic components or abiotic characteristics and processes of ecosystems, both remain integral to the concept of ecosystem. Rowe (1961) emphasized this when he defined ecosystems as “…a three dimensional segment of the earth where life forms and the environment interact.”

Wetland ecosystems have been defined in a variety of ways by researchers, resource managers, and regulatory authorities, depending on their specific needs and objectives (Mitsch and Gosselink 1993). In the applied world of regulation, planning, and management, wetlands are usually defined in terms of their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics such as hydrologic regime, soil type, and plant species composition. For example, in classifying wetlands for mapping, inventory, and other purposes, Cowardin et al. (1979) defined wetlands as “…lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water…” that are characterized by the presence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and surface water during the growing season.

Wetlands are often biodiversity ‘hotspots’ (Reid et al., 2005), as well as functioning as filters for pollutants from both point and non-point sources, and being important for carbon sequestration and emissions (Finlayson et al., 2005). The value of the world’s wetlands are increasingly receiving due attention as they contribute to a healthy environment in many ways. Wetland functions are defined as the normal or characteristic activities that take place in wetland ecosystems or simply the things that wetlands do. Wetlands perform a wide variety of functions in a hierarchy from simple to complex as a result of their physical, chemical, and biological attributes. For example, the reduction of nitrate to gaseous nitrogen is a relatively simple function performed by wetlands when aerobic and anaerobic conditions exist in the presence of denitrifying bacteria. Nitrogen cycling and nutrient cycling represent increasingly more complex wetland functions that involve a greater number of structural components and processes. At the highest level of this hierarchy is the maintenance of ecological integrity, the function that encompasses all of the structural components and processes in a wetland ecosystem. Wetlands are one of the most productive of all ecosystems, and carry out critical regulatory functions of hydrological processes within watersheds (Banner et al. 1988). Regulating water quality, water levels, flooding regimes, and nutrient and sedimentation levels are a few of these processes (Gregory et al. 1991). As with any natural habitat, wetlands are important in supporting species diversity and have a complex of wetland values. Moreover, the pattern of seasonal variation of the wetland affects the bird population fluctuation (Imran. A. D and Mithas. A. D 2009). Even small wetlands are extremely important to the conservation of biodiversity because they provide critical breeding habitat where dispersed populations can exchange genetic material, reducing the risks of extinction (Semlitsch and Brodie 1998).

The present review is aimed at providing in a nutshell, the distribution of wetlands, the value of Wetlands, the causes and consequences of the loss of wetlands and their conservation status with special reference to India.

2. Distribution of wetlands in India

In India a total area of 40494 km2  is classified as wetlands. This consists only 1.21 per cent of the total land surface. Most of the wetlands in India are directly or indirectly linked with major river systems such as the Ganga, the Cauvery, the Krishan, the Godavari and the Tapti. A Directory of Wetlands in India (1988) gives information on the location, area and ecological categorization of wetlands of our country. Wetlands in India are distributed in different geographical regions ranging from Himalayas to Deccan plateau. The variability in climatic conditions and changing topography is responsible for significant diversity. They are classified into different types based on their origin, vegetation, nutrient status, thermal characteristics, like 1. Glaciatic Wetlands (e.g., Tsomoriri in Jammu and Kashmir, Chandertal in Himachal Pradesh).

2. Tectonic Wetlands (e.g., Nilnag in Jammu and Kashmir, Khajjiar in Himachal Pradesh, and Nainital and Bhimtal in Uttaranchal).

3. Oxbow Wetlands (e.g., Dal Lake, Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir and Loktak Lake in Manipur and some of the wetlands in the river plains of Brahmaputra and Indo-Gangetic region. Deepor Beel in Assam, Kabar in Bihar, Surahtal in Uttar Pradesh).

4. Lagoons (e.g., Chilika in Orissa).

5. Crater Wetlands (Lonar lake in Maharashtra).

6. Salt water Wetlands (e.g., Pangong Tso in Jammu and Kashmir and Sambhar in Rajasthan)

7. Urban Wetlands (e.g., Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, Nainital in Uttaranchal and Bhoj in Madhya Pradesh).

8. Ponds/Tanks, man-made Wetlands (e.g., Harike in Punjab and Pong Dam in Himachal Pradesh).

9. Reservoirs (e.g., Idukki, Hirakud dam, Bhakra-Nangal dam).

10. Mangroves (e.g., Bhitarkanika in Orissa).

11. Coral reefs (e.g., Lakshadweep).

12. Creeks (Thane Creek in Maharashtra), seagrasses, estuaries, thermal springs are some kinds of wetlands in the country.

The Indo-Gangetic flood plain is the largest wetland system in India, extending from the river Indus in the west to Brahmaputra in the east. This includes the wetlands of the Himalayan terai and the Indo-Gangetic plains. The vast intertidal areas, mangroves and lagoons along the 7500 kilometer long coastline in West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Mangrove forests of the Sunderbans of West Bengal and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Offshore coral reefs of the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Ninety-four wetlands have been identified for conservation and management under the National Programme for Conservation and Management of Wetlands.

These wetlands are eligible for financial assistance on 100% grant basis to the concerned State Governments for undertaking activities like survey and demarcation, weed control, catchment area treatment, desiltation, conservation of biodiversity, pollution abatement, livelihood support creation of minor infrastructure, educational awareness, capacity building of various stakeholders, and community development. So far 24 States have been covered; the remaining States are expected to the covered in the Eleventh Five-Year Plan.

Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining the overall cultural, economic and ecological health of the ecosystem, their fast pace of disappearance from the landscape is of great concern. The Wildlife Protection Act protects few of the ecologically sensitive regions whereas several wetlands are becoming an easy target for anthropogenic exploitation. Survey of 147 major sites across various agro climatic zones identified the anthropogenic interference as the main cause of wetland degradation (The Directory of Indian Wetlands 1993). Current spatial spread of wetlands under various categories is shown.

3. Wetland losses – a threat to ecological balance

Threats to wetland ecosystems comprise the increasing biotic and abiotic pressures and perils.

Biotic

(1) Uncontrolled siltation and weed infestation.

(2) Uncontrolled discharge of waste water, industrial effluents, surface run-off, etc. resulting

in proliferation of aquatic weeds, which adversely affect the flora and fauna.

(3) Tree felling for fuel wood and wood products causes soil loss affecting rainfall pattern,

loss of various aquatic species due to water-level fluctuation.

(4) Habitat destruction leading to loss of fish and decrease in number of migratory birds.

Abiotic

(1) Encroachment resulting in shrinkage of area.

(2) Anthropogenic pressures resulting in habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.

(3) Uncontrolled dredging resulting in successional changes.

(4) Hydrological intervention resulting in loss of aquifers.

(5) Pollution from point and non-point sources resulting in deterioration of water quality.

(6) Ill-effects of fertilizers and insecticides used in adjoining agricultural fields.

Coastal ecosystems are among the most productive yet highly threatened systems in the world. These ecosystems produce disproportionately more services relating to human well-being than most other systems, even those covering larger total areas, but are experiencing some of the most rapid degradation and

The Dishwasher Filtration System Replacement Cartridge

• Reduces hard minerals from water entering the dishwasher.
• Easy to change.
• Affordable!

Replacement cartridge for The Dishwasher Filtration System. Cartridge lasts about 35-45 loads depending on hardness of your water.

List Price: $ 16.99

Our Price: $ 16.99

Find More Water Softener Systems Products

How Necessary is a Drinking water Purifier? ? The Five General Details

A water purifier, as the name suggests, ensure our drinking water from any kind of bacterial infection that can damage your body. A filter gives clean, safe water for food preparation and drinking, and is usually as suitable as tap water.If you’re into balanced lifestyle, you surely know about water purification as the ideal way to avoid any toxic infection from bacteria and infections that can grow so quick in water. Point-of-use water filtration systems also eliminate lead from drinking water, thus stopping this destructive substance from causing the body ill-health. If you are still not sure why you need to be using a water purifier for all your mineral water, permit me to give out some practical and beneficial facts about why it’s important.

1. Healthy Water
Regular faucet water is not fresh water. You will discover certainly the damaging toxic contamination in it that your eyes just can’t see. Even the most impressive public filter systems won’t never provide you with hundred percent bacteria-free water consumption. Even worse, the public filtration system adds chlorine to eliminate down water dangerous components. Though chlorine can reduce the fast growth of viruses and bacteria, it can’t totally remove the presence of sickness-causing germs in water. If it is really not harmful enough, excessive chlorine inside the body system will also cause cancer and kidney troubles. Water filters provide much better tasting, more favourable and better smelling drinking water, by taking away chlorine and microbial impurities.

2. Different Models and Styles
There are various superior water purifiers that you can buy. It is possible to choose a variety of options and products, all with different features. Some of the top functions you could search for are the following:

•    Space Saver types

•    Heavy Duty or high volume models

•    Single, Dual, or Three-way

•    Under or over counter

•    Regular water or Faucet mounted option

•    Reverse Osmosis System

•    Long lasting or permanent filters

3. Fast to set up and operate
Most water purification installations are finished in under 10 mins, and are as easy to use as opening a faucet.

4. Very affordable
A counter water filter is definitely an inexpensive option, with substitute tubes also being very low-cost. By using it, you’re going to get a source of fresh, nutritious water that costs way less than bottled water.

5. Health Rewards
Buying a counter top filter will help prevent the risk of anal cancer, digestive tract cancer, and bladder cancer, as it gets rid of chlorine and chlorine by products from the water. A great block carbon water filtration will selectively eradicate each of the most dangerous impurities from drinking water, however it will retain the nutrient build up in water that balanced the pH of the water, so it is ideal for all of us humans.

Consuming clean, filtered water defends the body from disease and results in complete greater wellness, such as reducing the chance of gastrointestinal illness by more than thirty-three percent. It is because a water filter will remove any cryptosporidium and giardia in water.

Drinking natural water is very important for babies, and a water purifier will offer the best water possible that fits and helps kid’s developing immune systems. Water filters can be probably the last method of defense between your body and the millions of known harmful bacteria that could be within your city water.

Reverse Osmosis Water Units – These Systems Have Problems

Reverse osmosis water units are expensive and for most homeowners, there is no need to spend the money. While those that market them may say that reverse osmosis systemes are the best, there are better, more technologically advanced alternatives.

Reverse osmosis water units have been recommended for giardia and cryptosporidium cyst removal. In case you are not familiar with them, cysts cause waterborne illnesses similar to food poisoning. They can cause chronic stomach problems as well. In people with poorly functioning immune systems, they can cause death. Any system that is certified to filter down to one micron will remove cysts. The best ones filter down to a half a micron.

Reverse osmosis systems are sometimes recommended for people that have “hard water” which is a high mineral content. Generally, the mineral is calcium, but iron and other elements can cause problems as well. Water softeners are less expensive than reverse osmosis systems, as is ion exchange. Either of those can be targeted to address specific minerals and other elements without completely de-mineralizing. Drinking de-mineralized water on a regular basis is not good for your health.

Reverse osmosis water units are sometimes recommended for lead reduction. Ion exchange systems trap lead, copper, and other metallic ions and replace them with sodium or potassium. Those electrolytes help to maintain the body’s homeostasis or hydration.

In most homes, the biggest problems are chemical contaminants, including chlorine and chorine byproducts known as THMs. In some areas, VOCs, such as perchlorate, are problems. Traces of pesticides, herbicides, and prescription drugs have been found coming in to many homes and offices.

Reverse osmosis systems will not remove those chemicals at all. They are smaller than your water’s molecules. Anything that would filter them out would not allow water to pass through either. Chemicals can only be trapped on the surface of carbon granules and special resins. The process is called adsorption.

The quality of adsorptive purifiers varies. It’s best to read product performance data before you buy one. The manufacturer should list the impurities that are reduced and the extent of reduction. Most reverse osmosis water units don’t include the extent of reduction, because they don’t have the testing done. Manufacturers can have Underwriter’s and other independent laboratories conduct testing, but they must pay for it. Many companies don’t want to go to the expense.

If your problem is fluoride, reverse osmosis systems are mostly ineffective. The highest fluoride reduction is provided by granulated aluminum. But, granular carbon is somewhat effective as well.

If you have a private well, then you should have regular testing conducted to determine the impurities that are present. Even after you install a system, you should have annual testing conducted to create a record of quality. There are industrial and natural activities that can affect that quality.

If you have access to a public waterline, you don’t need reverse osmosis water units. You need multi-stage selective filtration, which is far less expensive.

Related Reverse Osmosis Water Articles

California Desalination Report With More Than a Grain of Subjectivity Part 3

How unique is the impact of desalination operations on the environment?
The PI report points out two key areas of desalination project impact on the environment: the effect of their high-salinity discharge on aquatic life and the potential impingement and entrainment of plant intake facilities. Although the report claims that safe disposal of plant concentrate is a challenge, it fails to mention that there are over two decades of experience of safe concentrate disposal from both seawater and brackish water
desalination plants in the US and worldwide. It also ignores that there are no known cases where desalination discharges have actually caused significant environmental alterations of the ambient aquatic environment. In recognition that desalination plant concentrate can be managed without any measurable challenges, after rigorous technical and scientific review and analysis, in the summer of 2006, the San Diego and Santa
Ana Regional Water Quality Control Boards granted waste discharge permits to the 50 mgd Carlsbad and Huntington Beach desalination plants. These permits encompass desalination plant concentrate and the other side-streams (membrane cleaning solutions and pretreatment filter backwash) generated at the desalination plants.

The PI report claims that “impingement and entrainment of marine organisms are among the most significant environmental threats associated with seawater desalination”. This claim, however, is not supported by any data nor by any full-scale studies of existing seawater desalination intakes; neither is it substantiated by the observations and/ or monitoring of aquatic life in the vicinity of plants operating along coastal Spain, Israel or Australia—countries which have stringent regulations and elaborate legal and monitoring frameworks for protecting marine environments, comparable to that of California. The report also remains silent on the fact that existing state water project’s open intakes along the Sacramento Bay-San Joaquin Delta collect source water from aquatic environments that are much richer in life and more fragile in ecological
balance than the bare ocean bottom areas in the vicinity of most of the proposed open-intake seawater desalination intakes and the fact that these fresh water intakes collect an order-of-magnitude larger volume of water than the proposed desalination projects. This subjective review
of environmental impacts of the desalination plants underrates the authors’ ‘genuine’ concerns regarding the impact of various water supply practices on California’s environment and the fair comparison of this impact.

How does desalinated water quality fare against other alternatives?

The PI report states that use of desalinated water can be acause of health concerns and may result in water distribution system corrosion. Using outdated information regarding boron rejection of seawater membranes, the report claims that desalinated seawater can contain boron at levels exceeding the applicable safe drinking water requirements. The report states that “RO membranes can remove only between 50 and 70 percent
(of the 4.5 mg/L of boron contained in the ocean water) and therefore may exceed the California Department of Health Services Action Level for boron of one mg/L.”

Practitioners of seawater desalination know well that the quoted boron removal levels refer to membranes that are two generations old. Currently available seawater desalination membranes can reject over 90 percent of the boron contained in the seawater and according to
the September/October 2006 issue of the International Desalination Association’s Water News, “research is underway to achieve 93 to 95 percent boron removal.”

Similarly, using outdated information or misinterpreting existing studies or data, the report raises unfounded concerns regarding other water quality parameters such as disinfection byproducts (DPBs), algal toxins and mineral content of the desalinated water. The report fails
to acknowledge that over two dozen large, existing brackish water desalination plants in Florida have been successfully supplying drinking water (of quality and corrosion potential similar to that of the proposed California desalination plants) for over 15 years without health or distribution system related problems. Similarly, the hundreds of seawater desalination plants worldwide have been providing safe potable water of reliable and consistent quality for over two decades without causing problems such as the 1993 Cryptosporidium outbreak in Milwaukee, Wis. or the recent corrosion-related lead water quality challenges in Washington, D.C.

Although desalinated water from the numerous existing brackish water desalination plants in California have been distributed to the public water supply for decades, the report makes the erroneous statement that the, “overall effects of desalinated water on California water distribution systems are not yet known.” Obviously, they are—but apparently not to the writers of the PI report.

Summary and conclusions

The recently published Pacific Institute report offers a subjective opinion of the viability of desalination in California that self-servingly renders most of the ongoing desalination initiatives immature. What is immature, however, is the knowledge and understanding of the report’s authors of the current status of desalination technology and their understanding of the critical importance of the development of a diversified water portfolio
that includes a well balanced mix of conventional water supply sources, water reclamation, conservation and desalination for the long-term sustainability of the California water supply and socioeconomic development of the state.

PI report’s opinion is not shared by the people of California, who in 2002 voted in support of Proposition 50, opening the opportunity for exploring brackish and seawater desalination as a new and reliable source of water supply for the state. Nor it is endorsed by the California
Department of Water Resources, which incorporated the development of 450 to 500 mgd of new desalination projects into their 2005 California Water Plan.

The key fatal flaw of the report is that it fails to recognize the wealth of international and domestic desalination experience and to understand the applicability of this experience to the site-specific conditions of California. Rather than pointing to proven solutions and state-of-the art knowledge associated with the use of desalination technology, the report tries to paint a picture of a water supply technology
of enigmatic problems and effects unknowable and “not yet seen” in California. Proving the century-old Will Rogers line that “common sense is not that common”, the Pacific Institute desalination report contributes little practical value or constructive input toward solving California water challenges and provides no useful, up-to-date information for readers interested in gaining an accurate and objective understanding of
the challenges and solutions associated with the use of desalination today.

Recognizing the value and importance of desalination for the state over the next five to 10 years, many California communities plan to make desalination a permanent part of their water portfolio. Approximately 20 medium and large desalination plants supplying up to 5.7 percent of California’s total urban water demand are projected to be built by the year 2015. Although existing fresh water sources, conservation and reuse will continue to play a central role in the state’s long-term water supply strategy, seawater desalination has unique appeal to many coastal communities because it allows access to a reliable and droughtproof source of drinking water that can be developed and controlled locally at
costs competitive to incremental expenses associated with the development of other water supply alternatives.

Is Reverse Osmosis the Same as Distilled Water?

Is reverse osmosis the same as distilled water?  A lot of people have begun to take an interest in finding some method for attaining safer water, but is reverse osmosis the best choice for purifying your drinking water as many manufacturers now say?  Or should you listen to the people that are telling you that the only way that you can assure that you maintain your good health only drink only distilled water?

Reverse Osmosis Used by Water Departments

Although reverse osmosis has been touted by some as the only filter that you will ever need if you want to have water that is safe to drink it is simply not as effective as these people would like for you to believe.  They are based primarily on the same design as the filtering system that has been used for years by your local water treatment facility.

Distilled Water – Is it Safer?

Drinking distilled water is safer than drinking water that has been filtered by an R.O. system, but not by as much as everyone seems to think.  Distillation may be the oldest method by which man has purified water, but it is certainly not perfect method of filtering especially for today’s water.  They didn’t have chemical contaminants back when this method was invented.

Do Chemicals Escape Through Reverse Osmosis

The same can be said for the reverse osmosis system.  You see, this system is based around the use of a porous membrane filter, which will act to catch all of the contaminants flowing by that are of a heavier molecular weight than the water that is carrying it.  Since the chemicals that are present in our water supply or all either liquids or soluble materials they pass through this porous filter unencumbered.

Chemicals Vaporize as Does Water

In order to make distilled water you have to boil the water into a vapor that is then transported from the heating tank over to a separate cooling vat.  Most chemicals reach a vaporization point far more swiftly than water does.  This means that the vaporized chemicals will transfer over into the cooling vat, and be waiting for the water when it arrives.

In order for a reverse osmosis system to be able to effectively bar all of the chemical elements from entering through your faucet and infecting your family it would have to be equipped with both a multi media block filter, and an activated granular carbon filter.  I have not seen one of these systems on the market that has the two of these filters.

There is really nothing more that they can do to turn distilled water into anything more pure. There is simply no type of filter that has been invented that can differentiate between which vapors are safe and which of them are toxic.  This means that in the end this form of filtering cannot help you in any way to attain pure water, so if I were you I would avoid drinking the product.

Instead of throwing away your money on a reverse osmosis system consider buying a real water purification system that features the two chemical filters mentioned above.  That is the only way that your family will receive the protection that they deserve.  For more information please see my website.  Larry L. Taylor

Related Reverse Osmosis Equipment Articles

The Real Guide to Mineral Water Benefits

Because there are supposedly so many mineral water benefits, I spent quite a bit of time looking for supportive research. 

I also spent some time evaluating the new mineral revitalization water purification systems.  Here’s what I learned.

Throughout history, people have believed that mineral water benefits the health of the human body in many different ways.

 Health spas, resort towns and entire cities were built around hot springs and mineral-rich wells.

The history of mineral revitalization water purification systems is not so long.

 The original idea began due to the need to re-mineralize after desalination by major treatment plants.

Drinking de-mineralized or distilled is bad for your digestive system and may lead to nutritional deficiencies.

 Several different studies have shown this to be true. 

Others have shown that a balanced trace-mineral content has antioxidant affects within the human body.

So, when it comes to something to drink, there are true mineral water benefits, but do you need to buy an expensive system. 

The phrase mineral revitalization water purification systems may apply to a number of different units on the market today. 

Some are worth the investment, but others are probably a waste.

First, there are the kinds that use either reverse osmosis or other methods to remove all of the naturally occurring trace minerals. 

As a second step, they try to “revitalize” it by running it over “rare stones” or by some other method.

Well, what occurs in nature is great. 

Sometimes, the content may be too high and cause “hard-water” problems. 

But, generally, all of the mineral water benefits to human health may be obtained by drinking from a system that uses an ion exchange stage to “balance” the content, not remove it all together, not to “revitalize” it or but simply to balance it.

In that way, the water is softened, but still healthy for human consumption.  Plus, the taste is better than what you get from some of those other units.

Supposedly, the expensive mineral revitalization water purification systems “imbue” your water with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. 

There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

It is true that bathing in a hot spring relieves aches and pains, particularly those that are commonly associated with arthritis. 

It is also true that in years past, people with a variety of health problems were sent to the springs to “take the cure”. 

But, the scientific community believes that the mineral water benefits reported over the years were probably due to poor dietary factors, the soothing affect of relaxing in a hot bath, the lack of general cleanliness in past societies and perhaps an increase in fluid intake. 

Not specifically mineral water benefits, but more like indirect benefits of visiting the spas.

Could mineral revitalization water purification systems allow you to create a spa in your own bathroom?

  That’s difficult to say.

 It is safe to say that you do not need a system with expensive Japanese rocks or wasteful reverse osmosis. 

You only need one that provides a clean, chlorine-free shower with a trace of minerals and a balanced pH level.  

You can have mineral water benefits without always drinking out of a bottle or installing an expensive system. 

The most effective products are reasonably priced and actually save you money over buying bottled.  

Go Berkey Kit – Portable Water Filter with Sport Bottle & Carrying Case

• Go Berkey Kit Portable Gravity Water Purifier
• 1 Sport Berkey Portable Water Purifier Bottle
• 1 Black Berkey Purification Filter with Short Stem
• Vinyl carrying case
• Holds 1 Quart (.95 Liters) of filtered water

The all new Go Berkey Kit is designed for backpacking, hiking, camping, college students, world travel (business or vacation), on your desk at work or hundreds of other activities. The generic Sport Berkey portable water purifier bottle is perfect fo

List Price: $ 149.95

Our Price: $ 139.00

Have You Heard You Can Improve Your Health Through Reverse Osmosis?

Most of you have probably heard the tale already about how you can have better health through reverse osmosis.

That would be a wonderful thing if only it were true. This is nothing but a pitch dreamed up by a marketing executive in order to convince you to buy their home reverse osmosis systems.

If you truly think that you can gain better health through reverse osmosis, then by all means buy one. There will come a day when you discover that after buying the ,000 filter plus paying for the professional installation, that the filter doesn’t do what it promises. Your friends are never going to let you live that costly mistake down.

The reason I’m so confident that home reverse osmosis systems won’t work is that throughout their history they never effectively have. RO was originally designed at the turn of the century to stop the centuries old death toll from waterborne diseases. It seemed to work effectively enough then because something was better than nothing, and there were far less contaminants at that time.

The addition of chlorine disinfection back in 1908 gave people better health through reverse osmosis by killing off most of the parasites in the water. If only they could have continued to make advances in RO technology as the industrial age chugged along bringing with it the plight of highly toxic chemical agents.

Even today reverse osmosis is the method utilized by most of the “modern” water treatment facilities across the country. The home reverse osmosis systems that they are trying to sell you is simply a scaled down version of these industrial models, filter and all. The water treatment centers already have you covered on the disinfectant, so no parasites. What more do you need?

You need a lot more. Without the addition of the disinfectant, all you would have working for you is a piece of machinery which de- mineralizes your water. That’s a necessary step in the process I know, but it’s far from what a filter needs to accomplish in order to make the water fit to drink.

Your body actually needs some of the minerals that are removed in order to stay healthy, more proof that you can’t gain health through reverse osmosis.

The industrial reverse osmosis system will remove any contaminant which has a molecular weight greater than the water itself. Chemical contaminants and bacteria have a molecular weight equal to or less than water, making it impossible for the RO system to block them. What that means is that home reverse osmosis systems will be incapable of blocking them also.

How can you even hold onto a glimmer of hope about even maintaining health through reverse osmosis, let alone attaining it knowing that information? Those brand spanking shiny new ,000 home reverse osmosis systems are just going to let a plethora of contaminates into your home virtually unscathed. You should do your homework on this one.

If you’re thinking that you can have better health through reverse osmosis, then you’d better think again.

You do not have to spend a small fortune to get a top notch water filtration system. Spend more time so that you can spend less money and compare the water filtration systems on the market. Some are a waste of money; however, I think you will discover as I have that there are a few really good ones out there.

More Industrial Reverse Osmosis Articles

Ten Tips For Water Conservation in Your Green Home

Water water everywhere – your home uses hundreds of litres of water a day. Needless to say, water conservation, especially in Australia, is essential to ensure the health of our arid landscape. Even if you live in an eco home, you’d be amazed at just how much water you use in a day.

In a standard household, toilet flushing is the number one user of household water, with 12 litres being drained away every time you flush. Meanwhile, a single 10 minute shower uses 200 litres, a load of washing can use up to 150 litres, a stack of dirty dishes in an average dishwasher uses about 50 litres and your average drinking, cooking and cleaning uses about 10 litres per day!

With all these daily household activities taking their toll on our water use, it’s important we all get water wise in your green home.

Water saving tip # 1 – Tap your water – for less than you can install a low flow tap fitting to cut down on your water consumption. These mesh washers are easy to install and can bring your water consumption down by as much as 50 per cent.

Water saving tip #2 – Grey water – recycle your water when possible. Put a bucket in the shower to collect warm up water to re-use in the garden. For a long term investment, consider installing a grey water system for your home, which can potentially collect over 300 litres of grey water a day to be re-used in the garden or in some instances, for toilet flushing.

Water saving tip # 3 – Be water smart – To be clever about your water use, water your garden in the evening. Water stored in the soil is evaporated throughout the day so to watering in the evening minimises evaporation and allows the water to penetrate the soil and feed your plants.

Water saving tip # 4 – Water Tank – A water tank can be installed for just around 00 and can collect thousands of litres of water from your roof. Look into government rebates to help bring the cost of installing a water tank down.

Water saving tip # 5 – Fill ‘er up – Do laundry only when you have a full load. The same goes for dishes if you’re using a dishwasher.

Water saving tip # 6 – Power Shower – The best showers are short and sweet. With a AAA rated showerhead and a four minute limit, you can bring your shower water use down to just 36 litres.

Water saving tip # 7 – Clean Dishes – Doing dishes by hand greatly reduces your water use, so save the dish washer for bigger jobs. Alternatively, invest in a newer water efficient dishwasher which uses about the same amount of water washing dishes by hand.

Water saving tip # 8 – Pool Talk – Cover your pool to minimise evaporation and keep its temperature warm enough for a quick winter dip.

Water saving tip # 9- Cut out leaks – A leaking faucet adds up. One drop per second can add up to over 1500 litres of water a year. A steady stream will do away with over 300,000 litres a year. Inspect your taps and cut out those leaks.

Water saving tip # 10 – On the loo – Check to see if your toilet cistern is leaking and invest in a water saving loo. Otherwise, put a brick or a filled water bottle in the cistern to minimise water use.

Be water smart in your green home. For more great water and energy saving tips, check out the Green Pages, your source for going green.

Find More Water Conservation Articles