Water For Health

Posts Tagged ‘Water Filtration Systems’

l water filtration systems target specific contaminants that would be problematic for a specific industry. For example, photo processing requires deionization. Iron reduction is important for many industries. Softening and reducing mineral content is necessary for water to be used as a coolant. One of the most common methods used for these purposes is reverse osmosis. At one time, reverse osmosis was the ultimate in technologically advanced purifiers. It was used by industry and well-owners alike to remove large particles and greatly reduce mineral content. There are many different methods available today, although reverse osmosis is still the method of choice for waste water treatment. It is however expensive for that purpose and many industries choose other treatment methods. Reverse osmosis industrial water filtration systems have been adapted for use by homeowners serviced by a public treatment facility. This adaptation was created as a way to address cyst contamination. Cysts are like parasitic eggs. They enter the water supply without notice and cause diseases similar to food poisoning. To an at-risk individual, this type of infection can be deadly. For example, a person with AIDS would not have the ability to fight off the infection. A person being treated for various types of cancer would be in a similar situation. Cysts are problematic because public disinfection methods will not kill these hard pathogens. They can only be filtered out. Most large scale industrial water filtration systems could not remove them because it would reduce the flow and pressure too greatly. The only effective choice for cyst reduction is a “point-of-use” or in-home filter that is certified to filter down to one micron or better. Reverse osmosis is one recommended product but the systems are very expensive and do not address other issues faced by homeowners on a public waterline. There is no chemical reduction with this method. Chlorine and chlorination byproducts would still pass through. Today’s homeowner can use inexpensive home water filtration that can remove some of the most dangerous contaminants from their tap water. Now you can have safe, pure water for cooking, drinking and showering. Some of the better home purifiers on the market include sub-micron filtration, which is similar to, but much less expensive than reverse osmosis. These purifiers also include granular carbon and multi-media blocks that trap chlorine and other chemicals on their surface. The best home water filter cartridges have a reasonable lifespan, typically 6 months before replacement filters are needed. Water that has been cleaned in this way is safe, pure and good tasting. The purity is also far better than what you will find in bottled brands. Bottling companies use industrial water filtration systems, which cannot address the issue of cysts or chemicals. Additionally, the bottles leach chemicals used to create the plastic into the liquid. Those substances act like hormones within the human body, interfering with the production of endogenous hormones and disrupting the endocrine system. You don’t need to go to the expense of buying industrial water filtration systems to install in your home. Getting a household water filter is a better option.

There are over 400 drinking water filter manufacturers. Most water filters manufactured today reduce chlorine and improve the aesthetic value meaning the appearance, taste, and smell of drinking water. Only a few companies produce drinking water filters that will reduce a wide range of contaminants.

Please note, I said reduce. The simple truth is no water filter removes all of anything.

Many make false claims of producing PURE water. I have yet to find such an animal.

These false claims make it hard for even the most savvy consumer to choose a drinking water filtration system.

My goal in writing this article is to educate my fellow consumers so they can make a wise choice when purchasing a water filter.

Water filters are like everything else, quality costs money. Quality drinking water filtration systems usually cost a few hundred dollars to purchase, but save money in the long run because they produce drinking water for a fraction of the cost as compared to cheap filters. Cheap filters do little or nothing as far as purifying drinking water. One thing they are good for is costing the consumer a lot of money in purchasing replacement filters.

One of the main things to look for when shopping for a water filter is the filter life capacity and replacement filter cost. If the filter will not last at least 6 months, why buy it? The replacement filter cost for a cheap system will easily pay for a quality system that will actually improve your water by reducing not only chlorine, taste, and odor, but also various contaminants of health concern.

Performance is another important thing to look for in a water filter. Which contaminants can the filter reduce? The label on the product package should state exactly which contaminants it is capable of reducing based on standards set by NSF International.

So how do you know if the claims made on the label are correct? If the filter is not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, put it back on the shelf. Quality water filter manufacturers put their filters through rigorous testing by NSF and are proud to advertise their certification.

NSF International tests and certifies drinking water treatment devices to the standard appropriate for the technology of the product. For filtration devices, NSF may certify the product to improve the aesthetics of the water to Standard 42, the health effects of the water to Standard 53 or both. In addition, NSF has developed an additional testing standard for Reverse Osmosis units, Standard 58.

Only if a product is NSF Certified can the consumer be certain that the product meets strict standards for design and performance. Many products claim they are Tested To NSF Standards, however, these products have not passed the rigorous NSF testing and certification process. The labeling on the package should strictly state NSF Certified to Standard 42, Standard 53 or both.

Consumers can go to the following NSF International website: www.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/, locate the certification for any certified drinking water purification system, and then compare the certification of one product to another.

Any water purification system that is NSF Certified to Standard 42 and 53, will not only improve the aesthetic value of the water, but will reduce specific contaminants. The NSF Certification will specify each contaminant the water filter has been tested and proven to reduce and to what degree.

Most companies that sell quality water purification systems offer under sink filtration systems which save counter space. Sure is a lot nicer than having a monster sitting on your kitchen counter that you have to manually fill on a daily basis. Under sink systems have their own faucet which will mount on your sink and are more convenient than the faucet mount type water filters.

For more information regarding drinking water or water filters please see the following sites:

www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/healthywater/

www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/brief.asp

www.epa.gov/safewater/

Ever wondered what type of home water filter is best?  When it comes to tap water filtration systems, there are many models and methods to choose from.  It’s important to realize that most products out there are mediocre so you can shop wisely and carefully.  Here are some important factors to consider when you shop around for a home water filter. 

When doing your shopping, you are going to come across three types of tap water filtration systems: distillation, reverse osmosis, and carbon filtration.  It’s important to compare all of these methods while taking cost, effectiveness, efficiency, and convenience into consideration. 

When it comes to cost, carbon filtration comes out on top.  Carbon filtration costs less than 10 cents per gallon.  Comparatively, reverse osmosis costs 18 to 24 cents per gallon and distillation costs 20 to 26 cents per gallon. 

As for effectiveness, reverse osmosis and distillation take the backseat because they are not effective in removing both organic and synthetic chemicals and must be used in conjunction with a carbon filter.  Of all tap water filtration systems, carbon filters are the most effective because used alone they can remove all types of contaminants.

Carbon tap water filtration systems are also very fast and efficient.  They can produce up to 30 gallons per hour and don’t waste any water in the process.  On the other hand, distillation and reverse osmosis are very slow and produce less than a gallon per hour.  Reverse osmosis is also very wasteful; it wastes 2 to 3 gallons of water for every gallon of clean water it produces.

Carbon tap water filtration systems are very convenient.  They can be installed easily in a matter of minutes and you can choose from whole house filters, shower head filters, countertop filters, and under-the-sink filters.  You can even get a sports water bottle that has a carbon filter built in so you can have clean water anytime, anywhere. 

Unlike carbon filtration systems, reverse osmosis and distillation systems are very complicated.  They have to be installed by a plumber and are high-maintenance.  For example, reverse osmosis systems require a diaphragmed storage tank and adequate water pressure in order to function properly.

Another reason why carbon tap water filtration systems are the best is the fact that they don’t remove the beneficial trace minerals from tap water.  Trace minerals in tap water such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are essential to maintaining good health.  Reverse osmosis and distillation produce de-mineralized water.  Drinking de-mineralized water can lead to multiple mineral deficiencies and even cancer in the long run.

Make no mistake about it.  When it comes to tap water filtration systems, carbon block or granular filters are far superior to any other method out there.  Carbon filters are affordable, effective, fast, and efficient, and produce healthy water rich in essential minerals.  So get out there and get a carbon tap water filter if you want 24/7 access to fresh, clean water, the foundation to good health.