Home Water Purification System in Malaysia: Qualitative and Quantitative Study

Abstract

Concern over tap water quality has led to the expansion of water filtration system in Malaysia. This study is important to ensure that brands of water filters that have dominated the market in Malaysia do not exceed the quality of water released by safe water filters and no other pollutants leach from the machine. An exploratory study was undertaken to determine the pattern and selection factor of a home water filter system through a set of questionnaires. The survey results indicated that the most popular brands in Malaysia is Brand A from reverse osmosis filtration system. In the experimental study, five most frequently used brands of home water filters were evaluated and compared. Among the 27 parameters studied for each home water filter system, all parameter of physical, chemical and bacteriological quality is complied with the guideline values of the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Parameter of bacteriological quality shows absence bacteria parameter was detected in all samples tested. Meanwhile, physical quality parameter was given best performance removal from brand E and chemical water quality was efficient removal from brand C. In most cases user apply the home treatment of tap water to ensure that the quality of water physically look better and safe to be consumed.