The water purification process may seem complicated at first, but it's really not rocket science. Basically, there are three major steps that need to be included when you explain water purification.

First, an effective water purification process should remove parasites, such as giardia and cryptosporidium. In the early stages of their life cycles, they are referred to as oocysts or simply cysts. They are present in over 88% of all sources.

Infection with either causes diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms. When you explain water purification to children, you should mention that drinking from a mountain stream is no longer safe. You might also want to mention that the standard water purification process cannot remove cysts, which is why you have a micron filter on your tap.

The second thing that a water purification process should do is remove chemicals and heavy metals. The public water purification process can handle the heavy metals such as lead that are present in the source. But, there is no guarantee that the composition of the pipes does not cause contamination after it leaves the facility.

As for chemicals, well, you need activated granular carbon and a multi media block to remove all of them. This water purification process also gets rid of bad taste and odor.

The third thing that an effective water purification process must address is bacterial and viral contamination. At this, the public utilities are very effective. They use UV radiation and chemicals to disinfect and kill practically any living thing that could inhabit the water-supply.

The problem is that numerous studies have shown that drinking chlorinated water increases your risks of developing cancer. Other chemicals may be used. But, all of them create a by-product that is referred to as THM, another carcinogen.

So, when you explain water purification, you need to remember to mention that the public utilities protect us from most waterborne illnesses. We protect ourselves by removing the substances used for this purpose and the by-products of the disinfection step.

All home systems are not created equal. Many only remove chlorine and odor, because only carbon filtration is employed. Others remove trace minerals that are good for your health, but cannot remove chemicals. Still others disinfect, a process already completed by your public utility, but also de-mineralize and still do nothing about chemical contaminants.

The best water purification process for the home is one that combines carbon filtration, multi-media blocks and ion exchange. As H20 passes through, it is cleaned of chemicals, traces of heavy metals, chlorine, THMs, cysts and the mineral content, as well as the pH level are properly balanced for better health.

Usually, when we explain water purification to the kids, we explain that there is much that we can do to help. Never throw trash out the window or in the lake. Any pollutant in the environment eventually ends up in groundwater.

Always make an effort to volunteer for clean-up programs and use an effective water purification process on your faucets to remove anything that is missed by the treatment facilities. We are hoping they will become more conscious of their environment.

Dominic Anderton is a passionate researcher on the health benefits of purified drinking and bath water. He also researches other issues and topics concerning optimal health and well-being. Visit his site now at http://www.pure-and-safe-water.com to get the facts on how to choose the best water purification technology.