Water Treatment Glossary

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 Reverse osmosis is a drinking-water treatment process that forces water through a specialized membrane to reduce many dissolved substances. Residential RO systems are commonly installed under the kitchen sink and provide treated water through a dedicated drinking water faucet. 

 A treatment system designed primarily to reduce calcium and magnesium hardness. Most residential softeners use ion exchange and periodically regenerate using a brine solution. 

 A treatment process that introduces a controlled amount of chlorine into the water. It may be used for disinfection or as part of a treatment process for certain water-quality problems. 

 UV systems expose water to ultraviolet light to inactivate susceptible microorganisms. UV treatment does not remove hardness, iron, sediment or dissolved minerals, so pretreatment may be necessary depending on the water quality.

 A filtration method that uses activated carbon to reduce certain tastes, odours, chlorine and some organic compounds. Carbon filters are commonly used to improve the taste and smell of drinking water or as part of a larger treatment system. 

 A procedure that introduces a concentrated chlorine solution into a well and plumbing system for disinfection. Shock chlorination should be performed correctly and followed by appropriate flushing and water testing.