Water Equipment and Supplies Key Terms

Know the water equipment and supplies lingo when you shop for water products

There are all kinds of water equipment and supplies, as well as many different types of water on the market, so choosing water equipment and supplies can be more of an undertaking than one would think. Some people choose tap water that's been treated, some choose a water service that brings bottles of water on a regular basis, others opt for bottled water from the grocery store. Whatever your preference, you'll be much better equipped to make decisions if you learn some water equipment and supplies key terms.

 

Activated carbon

Activated carbon, or activated coal or charcoal, is carbon that has been specially treated so that it has a huge surface area. Since it has a disproportionately large surface area, it's very good at absorbing impurities in water and other liquids and is commonly used in water filtration products.
Try: The civil engineering department at Virginia Tech has an excellent activated carbon information page.

Reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis is a common filtration method in which water passes through a semi-permeable membrane. Reverse osmosis is commonly used in in-line water filtration systems.
Try: Learn more about reverse osmosis at HowStuffWorks.

Water softener

Water softeners are popular in areas where there are high levels of dissolved minerals in the water supply. Water softeners lower the mineral level in this "hard water" to more desirable levels.
Try: Lenntech Water Treatment provides information on hard water and water softening.

Dispenser bottle

When people get a water delivery service, water is brought on regular basis. This water is typically delivered in large dispenser bottles that sit atop a water dispenser device.
Try: See a typical water dispenser bottle on top of a bottled water dispenser at General Electric.

Under-counter or under-sink filtration

As the name implies, under-counter or under-sink filtration systems are typically installed underneath sinks and filter the water supply before it comes out of the tap.
Try: The Better Water Store illustrates several models of under-sink filtration systems.

Spring water

Spring water is a popular type of bottled water that emanates from an artesian spring. Many people prefer the idea and/or taste of water that comes from a natural spring. The mineral content of the spring water differs depending on the spring.
Try: Nestlé Waters North America describes the different types of water available, including spring water.

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