Domestic dispensing system: which one to choose for your needs?

In an era of increasing focus on sustainability, personal well-being and practicality, more and more Italian families are questioning the quality of the water they consume on a daily basis through a dispensing system. The choice is no longer just between tap water and bottled water; a third, increasingly popular path has opened up: that of improving home water through dedicated treatment systems. Since 1994, we at DKR we specialise in innovative solutions for the water worldexperience that allows us today to best advise those looking for a dispenser for their home.

Dispensing system: the importance of a conscious choice

Let us start with a fundamental and indisputable assumption: the water that reaches our homes through the public water network is potable and meets strict legal parameters, which are constantly monitored by the health authorities. However, its journey does not end at the meter. The pipes inside an apartment block or house, especially if they are old, can sometimes alter organoleptic characteristics, such as taste or smell, or release small particles of sediment.

In addition, disinfection treatment with chlorine, which is essential to ensure microbiological safety throughout the network, can leave a residual taste that not everyone likes. This is where the end consumer's choice comes into play: deciding whether and how to improve their household water to make it more palatable and perfectly suited to their habits.

How to assess your needs: the first step

Before evaluating any delivery system, the crucial step is knowing one's water. The information is public and easily accessible. You can consult the periodic analyses on the websites of your municipality or the water supply company. By reading these reports, you can find important values such as:

• Hardness (°f): indicates the concentration of calcium and magnesium salts, which are responsible for limescale.
• Fixed residue at 180°C: It measures the total content of dissolved minerals.
• pH: Indicates whether the water is acidic, neutral or basic.
• Residual chlorine: the amount of disinfectant present at the point of dispensing.

With this data in hand, and with the advice of a professional in the field, one can begin to outline the ideal treatment system. Do you just want to eliminate the taste of chlorine? Or do you prefer lighter water with fewer minerals? The answers to these questions will point you towards the right technology.

The main types of domestic installations: a detailed overview

The market offers several technologies. Let's look at the main ones, with their pros and cons.

• Active carbon filtration systems: are the simplest and most popular solution. It exploits the principle of adsorption: thanks to its porous surface, activated carbon traps chlorine, its derivatives and other organic substances responsible for unpleasant odours and tastes. It is perfect for those who have good quality water and just want to improve its taste. It does not change the mineral salt content and is not effective against limescale.
• Microfiltration plants: this system uses membranes with micrometer-sized pores (typically between 0.5 and 1 micron). It is a step up from carbon filtration, as it not only improves taste, but also offers a physical barrier against suspended particles such as rust, sand and some larger bacteria. It is an excellent compromise for safer and more pleasant water.
• Ultrafiltration systems: ultrafiltration membranes have even smaller pores (approx. 0.01 microns), capable of blocking bacteria, viruses and other macromolecules. This is an excellent choice for those seeking a high degree of microbiological safety without altering the salt composition of the water. The beneficial minerals, in fact, pass through the membrane.
• Reverse osmosis: represents the most advanced level of domestic filtration. Using a semi-permeable membrane and the application of pressure, this system almost totally separates the water from mineral salts, heavy metals, pollutants and micro-organisms. The water produced is very light. It should be borne in mind that the process discards a certain amount of water (the 'concentrate') and that the resulting water, being demineralised, is often 'remineralised' by special filters to balance its taste and pH, or it is mixed with raw water that has not passed through osmosis to obtain a level of minerals acceptable for the diet
• Gassed dispensers: Many modern systems, regardless of the filtration technology used, can be equipped with a carbonator. Connected to a food-grade CO2 cylinder, this device allows cold sparkling water directly from the tap, with the desired intensity of bubbles.

The economic and environmental benefits

Installing a good domestic dispensing system is an investment that pays for itself over time. From economic point of view, the cost per litre of treated water is negligible compared to bottled water. A family of four can save several hundred euros a year, quickly amortising the initial expense.

The environmental impact is perhaps the biggest benefit. The need to purchase, transport and dispose of heavy bundles of plastic bottles is completely eliminated. This means less plastic production, less CO2 emissions for logistics and less waste to manage.

Maintenance and service: key factors for durability and safety

A crucial aspect, often underestimated, is the maintenance. Any dispensing system needs periodic maintenance in order to function correctly and safely. Regular replacement of filters according to the manufacturer's instructions is essential: an exhausted filter not only loses its effectiveness, but can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Our experience at DKR has taught us that structured and professional service is what makes the difference in the long run, ensuring that each dispensing system maintains its performance and safety over the years.

Beware of scams: how to recognise dubious sellers

Unfortunately, the sector is not exempt from unfair commercial practices. Always be wary of those who promise 'miraculous waters' or performs 'scientific' demonstrations at home to scare you. The most common test is that of electrolysis: by dipping two electrodes into a glass of tap water, it turns dark and cloudy. This is not 'hidden dirt', but a normal electrochemical reaction that causes the (harmless and natural) mineral salts in the water to precipitate. The same test, performed on distilled or reverse osmosis water (devoid of minerals), will have no effect. A serious professional does not use these tricks, but relies on objective data such as aqueduct analyses to recommend a dispensing system.

An investment in health and the planet

Choosing the most suitable domestic dispensing system is an important decision that requires information and awareness. There is no universal solution, but a tailor-made solution for every familybased on the quality of the source water and one's own consumption habits.

As DKR, building on our 30 years of experience, we remain available to guide consumers in this choice, offering professional advice and customised solutions. The aim is to ensure that every household can enjoy excellent waterand environmentally friendly and with maximum convenience. Choosing the right home system means investing today in the health and future of our planet.