The EPA is able to set and implement drinking water quality regulations according to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for several pollutants that might be in drinking water have been established by the EPA. These pollutants include biological and microbiological contaminants (like germs and parasites) in addition to chemicals (such heavy metals like lead and copper).
The maximum acceptable concentration (MACL) of a certain pollutant in drinking water is specified. Water providers must make sure they adhere to these criteria by conducting routine tests on their sources of water. It is necessary to take corrective action if the levels of pollutants surpass the set MCLs.
Drinking water is said to be healthy and of good quality if it meets the applicable health requirements. The quality of drinking water describes the level, quality, or whether the drinking water is good or bad for health. According to Regulation Minister of Health Regulation No. 492/Menkes/ PER/IV/2010, drinking water quality criteria must meet three criteria, namely physical criteria, microbiological criteria, and chemical criteria. Physical criteria include colorless, tasteless, non-cloudy, a maximum TDS value of 500 mg/l, and an air temperature below the outside air temperature. Microbiological criteria, is when from the examination of 100 ml of water the total coliform bacteria and E.Coli is 0. Chemical criteria, are inorganic chemistry, aluminum, iron, hardness, chloride, manganese, pH, zinc, sulfate, copper, and ammonia meet the set values.
To get water that is ready for consumption with a good process can be done with one of the filtration processes. Filtration technology for drinking water is needed because it aims to remove contaminants and particles that can harm human health. What is filtration? Let's talk about it!
Filtration is the separation of solids from a fluid by passing the fluid through a filter media or septum, where the solids are retained (Mc Cabe, 1999).
Filtration is used in water treatment to filter water that has coagulated and settled to produce better quality and more usable raw water with better quality and more usable. The filtration process in water through the flow of water on granular media. Water filtration can remove bacteria, color, turbidity, and metal content such as iron. In the filtration process, particles that are large enough will be filtered in the sand media, while the media zeolite and activated charcoal serve to filter out bacteria and metal content in water. The space between the grains functions as a place for sedimentation of impurities in water. Iron and manganese can be filtered or removed with a zeolite manganese filter, whereas organic materials, micropollutants, and water purification can be achieved with activated carbon filters.
With a variety of techniques, water treatment technology is still evolving and generating clean and drinkable water. The basic steps of a water treatment system are sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and coagulation-flocculation, though integrated processes can also be found in a complete system, or compact system. The filtering process is a commonly employed method in small-scale communities or families to generate potable water.
Some filtration technologies that can be used to obtain more suitable drinking water are as follows:
- Micro Filtration: Uses very fine microporous membranes (typically with a pore size of about 0.1 to 1 micrometer) to filter particles, bacteria, and protozoan cysts from water. Profit from this is effective in removing pathogenic microorganisms that can cause diseases such as cholera, dysentery and more.
- Active Carbon Filtration: Activated carbon is a material that has high absorbency. Activated carbon filters are used to remove odor, taste, chlorine, organic compounds, and some heavy metals from water. The profit is improves the taste and quality of water by reducing unwanted substances.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Utilizes pressure to force water through a very fine semipermeable membrane, removing most ions, organic molecules, and particles. Very effective in removing salts, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals.
- Ultrafiltration (UF): Uses a membrane with a pore size larger than RO but smaller than micro filtration. Effective in removing bacteria, viruses, and large particles. Filters water with a high degree of efficiency and retains essential minerals.
- Nanofiltration: Has a membrane with pores between RO and ultrafiltration, allowing the separation of large amounts of organic compounds, metal ions, and bacteria. Suitable for removing organic compounds and improving water taste without removing all minerals.
- Ozonation Filtration: Uses ozone to oxidize and remove contaminants in water, including bacteria, viruses, and organic compounds. Effective in cleaning water and improving overall quality.
- Ceramic Filtration: Uses a ceramic membrane with small pores to filter out particles, bacteria, and cysts. Resistant to clogging, can be used in dirty water conditions. Allows cleaning and reuse.
- Biorocks Filtration: Uses electrodes coated with bacteria and algae to help remove organic contaminants. A natural process that can improve water quality and minimize the use of chemicals.
When selecting a filtration technology for drinking water, factors such as the type of contaminants present, water volume requirements, and cost factors need to be considered. A combination of several filtration methods often provides the best results to ensure safe, quality drinking water.
Community education is also needed to save children's future. Community education is an effort to disseminate information and knowledge to community members so that they can understand issues related to water quality and filtration technology. In the context of community education on water and filtration systems, the main objective is to raise people's awareness of the risks associated with contaminated water and provide an understanding of the solutions that can be taken to maintain their health and safety.
Education starts with explaining how critical it is to understand water quality. People need to realize that even water that looks clean may still contain micro-contaminants that are invisible to the naked eye, such as bacteria or viruses. Provide information on the health and environmental impacts that can arise from consuming contaminated water. This education can guide people in choosing a filtration system that suits their needs. Various filtration technologies are explained in detail so that people can make an informed decision. In addition to choosing the right system, it is also important to understand how to use and maintain it. Regular maintenance of the filtration system is necessary for it to function optimally and provide maximum protection. awareness of the risks associated with the consumption of unclean water is raised. Case examples and scientific research are integrated to illustrate the adverse effects that can result from exposure to contaminated water. Communities are provided with information on concrete solutions they can take. These include installation of home filtration systems, monitoring of water wells, or even active participation in environmental conservation projects around them. This education also aims to make the public aware of the significant influence of consumer behavior on water quality. Providing examples of small changes, such as filtering water before drinking, can have a big impact on the overall health of the community.
