Have you ever wondered what’s in your shower water? We usually assume that the water used for showering is safe because the municipality supplies it. However, unfiltered shower water contains bacteria and other contaminants that can cause health problems.

In India, water contamination is a growing concern. Research has revealed that every year, around 37.7 million Indians suffer from waterborne diseases owing to the highly bacterial infected water supply. Most of our concern is about the purification of drinking water, while the use of water for showering goes unnoticed.

Bathing in contaminated water can expose you to harmful bacteria that can increase health risks. However, there can be simple yet effective solutions to address these problems-starting from installing a water filter for hard water in your shower.

Common Bacteria Found in Shower Water

Unfiltered shower water provided through plumbing lines, tanks, and showerheads can contain dangerous bacteria. Some of them are as follows:

1. Legionella:

• These thrive on warm-water systems existing in showerheads and geysers.

• It can cause legionnaires, pneumonia, etc if inhaled as steam or mist.

• Flu-like signs are Pontiac fever.

2. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa:

• Most frequently found in unfiltered water; can lead to skin rashes, ear infections, and eye irritation.

• Usually dangerous to people with weaker immune systems or existing skin conditions like eczema.

3. Escherichia Coli (E. Coli):

• Indicates fecal contamination in water sources.

• It causes gastrointestinal infections, skin irritation, or respiratory issues if inhaled or absorbed by the kin.

Who Is at Greatest Risk?

Though anyone can suffer from bacterial contamination in shower water, certain individuals are likely to be at a higher risk: 

Children - Due to their undeveloped immune systems, children are susceptible to many infections.

Elderly individuals - Older people may be less capable of fighting off bacterial infections, thus putting them at risk.

Immunocompromised persons - They hold a larger risk of contracting bacterial infection due to disorders such as diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune dysfunctions.

How Does a Shower Filter Work?

A Hard water filter doesn’t just remove sediment and chlorine - it also helps eliminate bacteria using advanced filtration mechanisms. Here’s how they work:

1. Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) Media

• Utilizes copper-zinc technology for filtration that eliminates both the bacteria and inhibits the microbial activity in water.

• Its action is to neutralize the chlorine otherwise freely inflowing in the municipal water supply and which generally brings about skin irritation. 

2. Activated Carbon Filters

• Absorbs the harmful contaminants that include chlorine and organic compounds and reduces bacterial growth by the removal of their food sources.

3. Calcium Sulphite, Mineral, and Alkaline Balls

• Calcium Sulphite: At high temperatures, the Chlorine and Heavy Metals are removed, delivering cleaner shower water.

• Mineral Balls: Balanced with useful minerals, they work to balance the pH levels and neutralize the contaminants.

• Alkaline Balls: These will make the water more alkaline, improving skin hydration and less irritation from hard water.

All these filtration technologies work together to ensure that the water in your shower isn't infested with harmful bacteria, which could otherwise increase the chances of infections and skin irritations, along with improving personal hygiene.

Advantages of Shower Filters

Like tap or shower water, a hard water filter also offers benefits in addition to treatment of the bacterial contamination.

1. Reduces Contact with Harmful Bacteria

• The disease-causing microorganisms could be removed using a bacterial filter. Thus, the health risk is decreased.

• Provides clean and safer shower water: Diminished risk of skin infection and respiratory maladies.

2. Better Skin and Respiratory Health 

• The natural oils in the skin are stripped using shower water with hard water and chlorine.

• These will lead to dry skin that may eventually cause dryness, irritation and acne. Use a shower head filter for hard water, so your skin stays moisturized to avoid rash and itchiness.

• Reduces the risk of inhaling steam laden with bacteria, possible causes of respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis. 

3. Better Hygiene and Health

• Clean water brings fewer contaminants onto the skin, hair, and surfaces of the bathroom.

• Inhibits biofilm inside showerheads, which contain bacterial buildup over time. 

• Hard water filter also offers fresher and cleaner showers as it eliminates chlorine and sulfur odors.

Conclusion 

Water quality affects all aspects of daily health and hygiene - not only in things we drink but also absorb through the skin. Unfiltered shower water causes great health hazards when used. 

Investing in reliable water filters for hard water can be a simple yet effective way of reducing bacterial contamination, improving skin and respiratory health, and better overall hygiene.

Turn to RiverSoft today and ensure safer showers for yourself and your family. Your health matters!

Reference: Health World