A lot of people are getting more and more concerned about the quality of their drinking water. And according to published reports they have very good reason to be concerned. It has been estimated that almost 7 million Americans get sick each year from drinking contaminated tap water. And on top of that, many studies that have been done recently indicate that most bottled water is no better for you than what you may get from your home tap. What that essentially means is that you are paying much more for the same quality of water then.

So water filtration systems have become very popular with many homeowners as a means of improving their home. There are several kinds of filtration systems in use today, and we will try to help you get familiar with the most important ones.

1. The cheapest to purchase, easiest to use, and most portable are water pitchers designed specifically for the purpose of filtering water. The advantage of these water pitchers is their simplicity itself. All you have to do is fill the picture up with tap water and then let it filter out the impurities. The biggest disadvantage to using water pitcher filters is the time that it takes for the water to be filtered. Very often they take 15 minutes or more just to filter a half-gallon of water. So obviously, if you often need water right away this may not be your best solution.

2. The next step up in the water filter chain are faucet mounted water filters. These are often seen advertised on television and in magazines. As the name indicates, they connect to the end of your water faucet, and have a lever so that you can either choose straight tap water, or to send the tap water through your filter instead. These are also very inexpensive types of filters, and very easy to install. They filter water much more quickly than water pitcher filters, but the filter cartridges have to be changed on a regular basis, perhaps every month or so.

3. Undersink water filters have the advantage of providing some of the best overall water filtration possible, and also are stored out of sight. They also work much faster then either water pitcher filters or faucet mounted filters. However, the biggest drawback to them is that in many cases professional installation is a good idea. Some homeowners that are very handy may attempt to tackle the installation of an undersink water filter, but for the average person it may be too much of a job. Cartridges are also used as the filter material for these units, but they only have to be replaced about every six months or so.

4. Whole house water filters are able to provide filtered water to every faucet in your home easily and quickly, which many see as a clear advantage. However, they can be even more involved to install than undersink units, and so most often you will need the services of a plumber to get it set up. The filters in these units also last about six months or so.

5. Reverse osmosis water filters were very popular in the past, but are not nearly as popular today due to the increasing effectiveness of some of the less expensive and easier to install water filtration systems. Perhaps the biggest drawback about reverse osmosis filters is that they waste almost 5 gal. of water for every gallon that they purify. On the plus side though, they are one of the best water filtration systems available, capable of filtering out even some of the smallest and most obscure pollutants.

As you can see, there are several choices to be made when you're considering home water filter systems, and hopefully the information provided above will help you make a more informed choice of the water filtration system that will work best for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/your-guide-to-the-best-home-water-filter-systems-23849.html

Every day, cases of cancer are rising in astounding and unprecedented numbers.
While medical professionals work tirelessly to find a cure for this most deadly of
diseases, the numbers of terminally ill patients continue to climb. Although the
cure for cancer continues to elude medical professionals, it is completely within our
own power to protect our families and ourselves and to reduce our risks whenever
possible.

In recent years, individuals have begun to seriously examine known carcinogens and
to protect themselves from these cancer-causing agents. Sunscreen has become an
important defense against skin cancer, and its use is on the rise. The number of
smokers attempting to quit rises each day, precisely because of new information
about the carcinogenic nature of cigarettes.

The increase in such protective behaviors clearly indicates an increased interest in
protecting oneself from cancer risks. Still, droves of people continue to use and
drink unfiltered tap water, not knowing about or not believing in the insidious
nature of this substance. Whether we like it or not, the water that emerges from our
taps, however pristine it may appear, is filled with carcinogenic compounds. A
simple water filter can now serve as a valuable safeguard against cancer.

Chlorine and Tap Water:
Untreated tap water is filled with such dangerous contaminants as nitrate, arsenic,
microorganisms, and chemicals from pesticide runoff. Once this water reaches a
municipal treatment plant, many contaminants are removed. However, one of the
most dangerous contaminants is actually added to drinking water as a part of the
treatment process.

Chlorine, added as an inexpensive and effective drinking water disinfectant, is also a
known poison to the body. It is certainly no coincidence that chlorine gas was used
with deadly effectiveness as a weapon in the First World War. This gas was known
to severely burn the lungs and other body tissues when inhaled; it is no less
powerful when ingested by mouth. Each day, as we use unfiltered tap water, we are
effectively pouring bleach into our water before we drink it.

This poisonous chemical, accompanied by its byproducts, is now known to cause at
least three types of cancers, among other serious health problems. The U.S. Council
of Environmental Quality recently released a report stating that the risk of cancer is
93% higher among those drinking chlorinated water than among those not drinking
chlorinated water! In the following paragraphs, you can read about the specific
cancer risks of chlorinated water and learn how to protect your family and yourself
from this insidious poison.

Bladder and Rectal Cancer:
Chlorine has long been known to be a leading cause of bladder and rectal cancer.
Once in water, chlorine interacts with organic compounds to create trihalomethanes
(THMs). These THMs are particularly harmful to the body when ingested. When
taken into the body, THMs encourage the production of free radicals. These free
radicals proceed to destroy or damage vital cells in the body. Because so much of
the water we drink ends up in the bladder and/or rectum, ingestions of THMs in
drinking water is particularly damaging to these organs. THMs cause innumerable
cases of bladder and rectal cancer each year.

Bladder and rectal cancer occur when malignant cells, often created by THMs, infect
the inner tissues of the particular organ. Once they have taken hold in the bladder
or rectum, the malignant cells can isolate themselves in the infected area or they
can spread to infect other areas of the body, potentially causing more deadly forms
of cancer. Each year, 13,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed in women
while 37,000 new cases are diagnosed in men. Of these 50,000 new cases each
year, slightly more than 20% of individuals will die from the disease. For rectal
cancer, more than 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and approximately
55% of those individuals diagnosed will die from the disease.

Ironically, one of the best means of protection against these two types of cancer is
drinking plenty of fluids. However, drinking larger amounts of contaminated water
only exacerbates the risk.

Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is the newest type of cancer to be connected to ingestion of
chlorinated water. Breast cancer affects one out of every eight women in the United
States alone, and it kills approximately _ of its victims.

Recent research has linked this deadly cancer to a buildup of chlorine compounds in
the breast tissue. In a shocking study conducted in Hartford, Connecticut,
researchers found that “women with breast cancer have 50% to 60% higher levels of
organochlorines (chlorination byproducts) in their breast tissue than women without
breast cancer.” While chlorine can make its way into our bodies in several ways,
there is no means of access more common or more frequent than the ingestion of
common, unfiltered tap water.

A Simple Solution:
One preventive solution to these three deadly cancers could not be simpler. If
chlorinated drinking water is a leading cause of cancer, then the obvious method of
reducing one’s risk of cancer is to refrain from drinking chlorinated water. We
cannot choose whether or not to drink water, but we can choose the type of water
we allow into our bodies.

Municipal water treatment plants add chlorine to water to help make it cleaner and
more pure, but once that chlorine has performed its function, there is certainly no
reason for it to continue its deadly presence in drinking water. A simple home
water filter removes chlorine and its byproducts from drinking water, producing
clean, pure drinking water that can also serve as a useful protection against cancer.
Water filters are one of the only methods of water purification capable of removing
chlorine.

So, what can a water filter do for you? The answer is simple but extremely valuable.
A water filter can protect an individual from cancer, one of the deadliest killers of
the 20th century.

Vanessa Lausch serves as a technical writer for the Aquasana Store, http://www.aquasanastore.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Lausch

Did you know that by replacing the aerator in the kitchen faucet, a homeowner can have a functioning countertop water filter system? The homeowner simply puts a diverter in the spot on the faucet that formerly contained the aerator. Once attached to the faucet, that diverter serves a two-fold purpose.

The countertop water filter system, a system created by attachment of a diverter to the faucet, removes unwanted contaminants from the tap water. The homeowner can enjoy drinking water that is free of chlorine, lead, volatile organic chemicals, algae by-products and mercury. Yet the homeowner can retain the ability to enjoy water rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium and manganese.

When water has chemicals added by man, it often tastes foul. When water lacks healthful minerals, it has little if any taste. The typical homeowner does not want to drink either type of water. For that reason, the homeowner often studies the advantages of a countertop water filter. Once a homeowner has decided to use such a filter, then he or she has the opportunity to make a number of selections.

The homeowner who has chosen to install a countertop water filter in his or her home must first decide on how the filtered water will be delivered to the residents of the home. Does the homeowner want the filtered water to come out of an opening at the faucet, or would the homeowner prefer to have the filtered water come from an opening located at the filtering device?

Once the homeowner has made that decision, then he or she needs to study the various types of countertop filters. Does the homeowner want to use a multiple stage filter? Such a filter normally has a ceramic structure. That ceramic structure contains silver, thus preventing the build-up of bacteria in the filter.

When a countertop filter has multiple stages, each stage has a different type of cartridge. One stage normally has a KDF-55 cartridge, a cartridge that contains an alloy of copper and zinc. A second stage usually has a carbon block cartridge. In addition to a cartridge for ultra filtration of the tap water, a countertop filter might include an optional cartridge-one that can remove fluoride, arsenic or nitrates.

Homeowners want to enjoy pure, great tasting water when they drink water from their kitchen faucet. Homeowners can have their wishes answered by buying a countertop water filter system with activated carbon filters, filters that perform ion exchange and micron filtration. The water not only tastes great, but it also gives the homeowner the assurance of drinking safe water.

Once a homeowner has chosen such a countertop filter then he or she can feel free of water-bourn worries. A homeowner in the city does not need to worry about fluoride in the tap water. A homeowner with an artesian well does not need to worry about arsenic in the tap water.

The homeowner's selected countertop water filter allows the residents of the home to enjoy and store great tasting water.

In conclusion, we found for the cleanest, purest, best tasting drinking water, you want a countertop water filter system that combines activated carbon filters with ion exchange and micron filtration. Simply put, it's the safest choice.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/discover-how-homeowners-can-count-on-a-good-countertop-water-filter-415794.html

The type of well water filters that you need depends on what's in your water. There are a number of well water whole house filters on the market. Some are reasonably priced. Other literally cost tens of thousands of dollars. Depending on what's in your water, you may not need the most expensive type.

Here's an interesting fact, forty-eight million Americans get there water from private wells. That could account for all of the advertising and the hundreds of well water filters on the market. They want your business, but if you don't do your homework before you buy, you could end up with an ineffective, inefficient or unnecessary product.

People buy well water filters for a variety of reasons, but some are more common than others.

Acidity (pH balance)

If you notice corrosion on any of your fixtures or bluish-green stains in your sinks or tubs, then your pH level may be too acidic. In the shower, you may feel like the water is not very "wet". When you drink your tap water, you may notice a metallic taste. If you notice these things, then you probably need well water whole house filters, but you can always buy some litmus paper to test. Blue litmus paper turns red in the presence of acid. A numbered pH tester is also available, but is more expensive. Any level under 7 is equal to an acidic pH. In order to correct acidity, you need well water filters that enhance the water by balancing the pH. Multi-stage systems use ion exchange and other filters to correct the level.

Iron

High iron content sends many people looking for reverse osmosis well water whole house filters. But, those systems start at $10,000. Besides, reverse osmosis removes all of the minerals, some of which are beneficial to your health. Water softeners, ion exchange, or chlorination followed by activated carbon well water filters will take care of the problem, for a lot less money.

Bacteria

Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites and microscopic cysts are often found in unprotected drinking water supplies, but are not typically present in underground wells. The soil acts as a filter. But, since you cannot see these microscopic creatures and ingesting them can cause disease, you should have your water tested on a regular basis. Testing is done at most public health departments, but you may have to send a sample to a private lab.

If you are concerned about bacteria or the test comes back positive for bacteria, you have several options. Chlorine kills all but the most resistant, which can be removed by a micron filter. Always follow chlorination with activated carbon filters. Those of us who have city water know that drinking chlorinated water is not a healthy option, plus the taste and smell is terrible.

Activated carbon filters on your kitchen and shower taps are probably sufficient. But, there are well water whole house filters that contain activated carbon, as well. The cost is more, but may balance out against the cost of replacing multiple filters around the house. UV filters, distillers and reverse osmosis can be used against bacterial contamination, just be sure to have the water tested again, to make sure they are doing the job. Even though reverse osmosis well water filters are very expensive, the membranes are prone to defects and tear easily after installation, so they may not provide the protection that you need.

Other Considerations

Reverse osmosis well water whole house filters waste more water than they clean. Only 1% of the earth's water is drinkable. Water is one of our most precious resources. We cannot afford to waste it. Think about the next generation and buy the most efficient well water filters that will meet your needs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/discover-the-best-well-water-filters-422212.html

One of the more unique and highly effective water purifier methods on the market right now is ceramic water filtration. The filer was ultimately invented solely as a result of a world vision project. After some research and trial and error, the problem of the clay being too fine for water filters was solved and the ceramic water filter was ready.

By adding organic matter, the clay is capable of cleaning water and holding up as an effective ceramic water filtration system. The filter is capable of removing multiple contaminants and cleansing the water to give it a rich and crystal clear taste. Along with contaminants, the filter has been found to remove 96-99.8% of E. coli bacteria.

The ceramic water filter is made from clay that is mixed with a grained organic waste material. Anything such as coffee grounds, tea leaves, or rice hulls are suitable for the organic waste material. After the ceramic water filter gets its formation of a cup it is then placed in a kiln with cow manure, and grass and leaves.

As the ceramic water filter is in the kiln the organic matter is burnt away leaving only silica and tiny holes for the water to pass through. These tiny holes allow the water to pass through and the filter purifies the water to a crystal clear taste.

While the ceramic water filtration method is fairly new, it is quickly gaining popularity for many reasons. The main reason is because of the simplicity and how inexpensive it is to make. With the few materials and organic matter needed, the ceramic water filter can be made by anyone anywhere.

Another benefit to the ceramic water filter is how quickly you can produce clean and efficient water. Along with how quickly you can clean the water, you can save a lot of water in the process as well. With only one filter you can clean a liter of water in just two hours.

While the idea of using cow manure seems a little outrageous to clean your water, it is an effective method that is reasonably priced and easy to do. This water purifying method is new and quickly gaining popularity because of its origin and the ability to remove E. coli. With just a few materials and organic matter, you too can have your very own ceramic water filter and make it yourself as well.

Naturally Skintastic specializes in finding truly effective Natural Products as alternatives to those found commercially. For more information about All Natural Vitamin C Shower Filters, please visit: NaturallySkintastic.Com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_DeGuia

Water filters are used to purify water from sediment and toxic elements. Filtration is an exercise that has been applauded and recommended by the United States Federal Regulations. Water filters have moved from just being commercial products but domestic products as well. Home water filtration is a common method of water purification that is currently gaining steady popularity among Americans. Many homes have identified water filtering companies that offer valuable information on the use and maintenance of domestic filters.

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, bottled water has been subjected to thorough inspections. The United States Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) has toiled to ensure safety and hygiene of water consumed. The regulations put in place by the United States Food and Drug and Drug Administration (FDA) have equally ensured that the deceptive brand names of bottled water deliver the quality they advertise in the media. The trustworthiness of bottled water has been at the centre of controversy. The regulatory viewpoint has been to avail a standardized product that is pure and free from lead and chlorine.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established recommended standards that ensure water free from microbial and chemical contamination. The safest recommended production practices maintain that water is sampled and sanitized. It is thus advisable to choose the best methods of water treatment that assure the consumers of safety and good health. On health issues, one cannot gamble. There have been occasions when bottled water was inspected and found to contain mold, benzene and even algae.

Water filters are more economical on a per gallon billing than bottled water. The annual average cost of buying bottled water is relatively more expensive compared to the cost of acquiring and maintaining water filters. This is because most water filters only require changing every one to two months for the average family. Picking on filtering ones own water is a step towards a healthy body and long life. At the convenience of home, one is able to meet the desired quality of water, free from chloride impurities. Additionally, the chemical content does not change with filtration.

Water as a beverage must be exposed to stricter quality measures that will deliver the required purity and freshness. Research conducted indicates that much of the water that is availed to consumers by the bottling companies is drawn from municipal sources. This water is later sold to the unsuspecting consumers posing a health hazard. The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has encouraged consumers to practice the use of domestic water filtration. The organization has also put stringent Model Codes that are applicable in some regions.

The environmental influence that consumption of bottled water exerts on the environment is distressing. More than sixty million plastic containers are dumped in the United States everyday. The plastic manufacturing companies emit bad waste materials that facilitate the green house effect. Bottled water cannot stand the test of time that filtered water has exhibited. Although bottled water is readily available, the filtered water is nature friendly and the quality for good health.


The use of whole house water filters is fast becoming extremely popular with homeowners.

A whole house water filter will treat every single drop of water entering your home and is the most cost effective method to give you peace of mind about the quality of your home water supply.

The whole house water filter can be configured in a wide variety of styles and price levels depending on what contaminants are in your water, your rate of water use and your budget.

One of the most popular configurations of a whole house water filter uses a dual filtration system to remove suspended solids (dirt, rust, dust etc) which will help to clarify the water.

The second filter is a carbon filter which will remove foul tastes and odors from the water.

The final portion of a quality whole house water filter is an ultraviolet (UV) light which is used to kill all bacterial and viral pathogens that may be (or may potentially get) in your water supply. These 3 portions are critical to a well designed system.

The key to understanding why all 3 parts are needed is simple. The first filter is usually very inexpensive and is the first line of defense to give you clean water - no other water treatment equipment can work properly of the water is not clear. The second filter removes the contaminants that can cause your water to taste funny and possibly smell terrible.

A quality UV system mimics nature to kill all bacterial and viral pathogens including e.coli,coliform, influenza, legionella, hepatitis, giardia, crypotosporidium and many more.

The beauty of a whole house water filter like this is that it's an economical way to clean all the water in your home using simple, widely available, proven technology. This is the same type of water filtration that most water bottling plants use specifically because it works, is simple to maintain and is very cost effective.

Typical manitenance simply means changing your filters once or twice a year and replacing your UV lamp annually. In a properly designed whole house water filter, both procedures can be accomplished in less than 5 minutes.

Homeowners can select the proper sized whole house water filter for their specific use. Manufacturers typically will make several sizes available so there will be a simple whole house water filter available for any sized household. Consider amount of water used, number of people in the home and water quality (the specific water contaminants that you may be concerned about) when choosing a whole house water filter for your home.

Be sure to work with a manufacturer that has extensive experience in manufacturing and delivering a whole house water filter that works for you. Be sure that you have easy access to customer service people (by email or phone) and that you can easily locate replacement filters and UV lamps for your system. The most reliable manufacturers and dealers will have inventory available for immediate purchase any time you need it.

There are a wide variety of whole house water filters on the market. Decide first on your concerns, water use patterns and budget. Then work with a qualified manufacturer or dealer to get the whole house
water filter that will meet all of your needs to provide safe, clean water for years to come.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-select-a-whole-house-water-filter-440716.html

If you are tired of continuously having to change your water filter then wait until you read about the catalyst water filtration technology. The catalytic filter was developed with the intent of decreasing the rate of contamination buildup on the filter surface itself. This will allow you to decontaminate your water and get long use out of your catalytic filter at the same time.

Many water filters are great and get the job done, but how often are you replacing your filter to get continuous fresh water? That is what separates the catalytic water filtration system from the rest. You obviously still have to change your filter from time to time, but you can get further use from the filter while maintaining a fresh water base at the same time.

Another advantage to the catalytic water filtration system is there is a decreased shedding of contaminated particles that come from the filter's surface. This will keep the water even fresher and allow the filter to hold up longer before becoming contaminated. It is able to decrease shedding of contaminated particles because of its ability to withstand a normal water filter's long term effects.

As the catalytic water filtration breaks down the contaminants at a much more aggressive rate than normal water filters, it leaves far fewer bacterial nutrients allowing the filter to last longer. The catalytic filter is further enhanced when it is exposed to UV and ozone, breaking down contaminants quicker and even more affective.

The great thing about catalytic water filters is their ability to purify water in all places of the house. It is not specifically for purifying tap water into clean drinking water. It isn't just made for giving you a more refreshing shower. Catalytic water filtration can be used for all aspects of your house that has water.

As of now, you can place the catalytic water filtration technology in almost all water treatments. The potential is there for the technology to soon be used for new water treatment systems along with existing water systems. As soon as the catalytic water filtration is capable of working with all water treatment systems, the water filter industry could forever change.

There are several water filters in the environment that can be used to purify all kinds of water, but the newly developed catalytic water filtration has raised the bar. While it is still in development to be able to use with all filtration systems, the catalytic water filter is technology that will increase the life of your filter and enhance the quality of your water all in one system.

Naturally Skintastic specializes in finding truly effective Natural Products as alternatives to those found commercially. For more information about All Natural Vitamin C Shower Filters, please visit: NaturallySkintastic.Com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_DeGuia

If you are constantly on the go and are very much concern about the quality of the drinking water, there is one good news for you. It takes away the added expense of water bottles, on top of that, it give you the best of both worlds: clean, great tasting water. This portable water filter device simply provide you with the inexpensive convenience of high quality, filtered tap water. Just fill the sports bottle with tap water, and it will remove lead, chlorine and other chemical contaminants for healthy water in seconds! Besides able to hold 20 oz filtered water, the bottle is durable, economical and is perfect for the gym, office, school, or anywhere else you are traveling.

This portable water filter is Aquasana Purity Sports Bottle!

The portable water filter is just not a water container as it appears to be. It has one water filter that can effectively remove chlorine, led, chemical contaminants, bad tastes and odors, from tap water. So, you can just replenish your drinking water from any tap water source you can find to your convenience. One single water filter can purify 40 gallons of tap water, or will last you 60 days of use. When you purchase, this portable water filter comes with 3 water filters or cartridges and cost less than a dinner. So, that is a 120 gallons of pure, clean and well-taste drinking water. In the effort to assure you of the reliabilities of the portable water filter, it gives you 100 days warranty from the date of purchase.

It is made of Low Density Poly-Ethylene (LDPE). With the unique replaceable water filters, any contaminants in the tap water which are harmful to your body will be removed. You are assured of pure, clean, odorless and tasty water prior to consumption. The special design and size make it conveniently for bringing it with you virtually everywhere you go. You can clean it easily by just rinsing it under the tap water, or if you are too lazy, you can clean it with dishwasher. So, this provide you with pure and safe drinking water irregardless where you are as long as there is tap water supply.

This portable water filter not only remove lead, chlorine and chemical contaminants for every 40 gallons or it will last you 60 days of usage, it also allows you to use any tap water source and the end result is great tasting, healthy and pure water. There are no risk in buying this portable water filter as the company is giving you 100 days warranty from the date of purchase. If you are not entirely happy with the performance of this portable water filter unit, you just inform and return to them, and you get your money back.

For those who travel frequently or always on the move, I would recommend you to get a unit of this portable water filter instead of buying bottled water as drinking bottled water is not as safe as you might think. Simply spend the cost of a meal, bring it along with you, especially if you are traveling to some countries where you are not sure about their quality of water. Believe me, you will have complete peace of mind irregardless where you are with this portable water filters. It can just turn any source of tap water into a clean and pure water which can be safely consumed.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/portable-water-filter-water-container-that-turns-tap-water-into-safe-drinking-water-654598.html

Having pure drinking water is a very important step toward maintaining good health, but these days there are more options for ensuring a clean, pure water source than ever before. In fact, there are several different kinds of water filtration systems available for home use including the water pitcher filter, faucet filters,undersink filters,and whole house filters.

But how do each of these water filtration systems work, and which models have been shown to be the best quality units to buy according to consumer review organizations and surveys?

Water pitcher filters are extremely easy and simple to use, as all you have to do is fill the pitcher up and and watch the water filter through. Their simplicity and portability make them a very popular choice for lots of consumers. According to information gleaned from several water filter reviews the PUR Ultimate Pitcher is rated very highly for removing off-tastes and many contaminants and cysts. The filter is able to handle up to 40 gal. before needing to be replaced at a cost of nine dollars each. The biggest drawback with water pitcher filters is that they take a while to actually work, about 15 minutes at a time. So if you need drinking water quicker than that, a different water filter system will be needed.

Faucet mounted water filters are very popular these days and you see them advertised almost everywhere. They are very easy to install for even the most technically challenged among us, and are much quicker than water pitcher filters. They mount on the end of your water faucet and allow you to choose between either straight tap water or filtered water by just flipping a lever. They are very inexpensive to buy and their filter cartridges usually last two to three months. One of the most highly rated models of faucet mounted water filters is the GE Smartwater GXFM03C, which performed extremely well in most tests for both off-tastes and pollutants. It is capable of filtering out down to .5 microns for contaminants, and also does very well on sediments and cysts.

Undersink water filters usually do a little better job than the water pitchers and faucet mounted filters. However, often professional installation will be desired unless you are extremely handy around the home. Some advantages of using undersink water filters are that the water flow is extremely good, and the filters only need to be changed about once every six months or so at a cost of $20 each. A very highly rated model of undersink water filter is the Kenmore Dual 38460. All consumer reviews and ratings of this particular product were extremely high, and it would most likely make an excellent selection.

Whole house water filters do just what the name implies, they provide water filtration for the entire home simultaneously without having to be installed at each individual water faucet. Many homeowners see that as a real advantage, however the biggest disadvantage would have to be the fact that these kind of water filters will most likely require the services of a professional plumber to install properly, adding to its overall expense. Once again, Kenmore makes a highly recommended model according to most consumer reviews, the 38440. It attaches to the water main and can provide filtered water not only for drinking but for bathing, laundry, and other uses as well. Water flow rates are exceptionally good, and filters only need to be changed about every six months at a cost of about $15 each.

By reading through consumer reviews and ratings, you can get a pretty good idea of which models seem to be performing best for most people. Hopefully the information we have provided here will help you choose a high-quality, reliable, water filtration system for your home.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/the-top-filtration-choices-based-on-consumer-water-filter-reviews-23860.html

Imagine you are hiking through some of the lushest and most beautiful virgin forests in the middle of nowhere. The air is fresh and everything feels so pristine and perfect. You are thirsty and a small stream with clear fresh water is running in front of you. Naturally you feel the need to drink from that water source; however doing so will be ill advised. Most people think that just because water is from a natural source, is clear and tastes "natural" that means that drinking it will be fine. This is a terrible mistake and would expose you to unnecessary risk. Don't drink untreated water in the wilderness!

For most people, getting a drink of water is just a matter of walking a few feet, turning on the faucet and drinking up. However in the camping or hiking scenario the normally simple task becomes a bit more laborious. Usually the safest option when you are out in the wilderness is to simply bring your own treated water. However, if you are going for an overnight hike or camp-out this simply won't be an option as you can't bring the amount required, the only option will be to treat water that you can source from the hiking or trekking area.

Potential Contaminants
Water taken from natural sources such as lakes, river, streams and ponds may look clean and have no undesirable odor or taste. However pathogens found in water are not only harmful, but are also invisible to the naked eye and may be odorless or tasteless. The pathogens in question are bacteria, viruses and protozoa which can cause mild nausea and fever or can develop into more serious illnesses such as severe diarrhea, hepatitis or typhoid fever. Water from lakes, rivers, streams and ponds should always be disinfected and treated before being used of cooking or drinking.

These pathogens may seem out of place in such pristine environments but rotting or fecal matter in the water harbors these pathogens. This means that there is a chance that some animal has either died or excreted body wastes in the natural water source or there could be some contaminated water run-off from a source upstream which would render the water source unknowingly unusable.

Besides pathogens, sediments from mud, soil or sand may also render natural sources of water unusable. The general practice before the advent of portable water filters is to collect the water and let it sit in a bowl of some sort to let the sediments collect at the bottom then pour the remaining water on the top to another receptacle for consumption. This can normally be a very time consuming process and in emergency situation might not be very practical, especially since the water still isn't fit for consumption, pathogens as discussed earlier may still reside in the water and thus still has to be treated before consumption.

On a more alarming note, the U.S Geological Survey reports that in North American wilderness waters, there are trace amounts of organic chemicals, pesticides, solvents, gasoline compounds, refrigerant and fumigants in the supposedly pristine wilderness waters. The good news is that the levels of chemical concentrations are very low but is an early warning that human activity is having an effect on regional surface-water quality even in remote areas.

Water Treatment Devices for Campers/Hikers
Water treatment devices can generally be divided into two groups following their functions. The first group are water treatment devices to improve the overall taste, smell and appearance of water or to remove undesirable chemicals or minerals, these types of water filters are not as essential to the camper/hiker thus we will not discuss them there. The next group is water treatment devices designed to disinfect water which we will discuss here since the biggest risk for hikers or campers is ingesting water with active pathogens which will cause illness.

Chlorinators, Iodinators and Ultraviolet Light (UV)
These are generally the most practical mean to disinfect larger volumes of water that might be needed for drinking purposes of a large camp site. Chlorine and iodine kills most disease-causing organisms and require short to moderate contact times with the water before taking effect. Chlorine is used widely in municipally treated water and has virtually eliminated waterborne infectious diseases such as typhoid and cholera in urban areas.

However, chlorine and iodine treatment alone will not eliminate all pathogens, protozoa such as Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium Parvum will not be killed with just chlorination. If protozoa are present or suspected, then it is recommended that the water be passed through a water filter with a 0.1 micro-meters or smaller pore size to remove these harmful parasites then treated with chlorine or iodine before consumption.

Iodine is another alternative to disinfecting water, however should be reserved for occasional or emergency use only. Iodine should not be used as a long term solution for disinfection because iodine is physiologically active thus ingesting large amounts over a long period can also be harmful.

Both chlorine and iodine are effective at killing pathogens however research has indicated that long term chlorine usage is dangerous and can be linked to cancer and also brain damage, it is thus advised that these treatment agents be used as a last resort where other water treatment options have been exhausted.

Ultra-violet devices are also effective against bacteria, viruses and protozoa. You don't have to add anything to the water thus the treated water has no taste or odor, additionally only a few seconds of expose is necessary if the water is clear. This system however is rather expensive compared to the other types of water filters and also doesn't guarantee the quality of the water beyond the point of use. Basically, once you apply the UV light, you should drink it immediately, it isn't a long-term solution where you can store the water in a receptacle for future consumption.

Ceramic or Glass Fiber Filters
These types of filters normally come in a canister form for use in camping or hiking situations. They treat smaller amounts of water, suitable for camping with few people or when the water needs aren't very high. These types of filters can remove most bacteria and protozoa from mildly contaminated water and are normally sufficient for the average camper/hiker's needs. When presented with heavily contaminated waters, it is recommended that these filters be used in conjunction with the above mentioned chlorinators, iodinators and ultraviolet lights to get a broad spectrum of disinfection and treatment.

There are also portable glass fiber/ceramic filters with iodine-releasing resins designed specifically for campers or travelers to countries where drinking water quality is questionable. Some of these iodine-releasing portable filters also have activated carbon filters to remove excess iodine from the water.

Generally, these types of filters are the most practical when it comes to hiking or camping because of their easy of use and portability. If the camper of hiker is looking to clean the natural water that isn't overly contaminated, using these types of filters is recommended above the rest of the treatment options.

Distillers and Ozonators
These are point-of-use devices that are suitable where electric power isn't available such as during a hiking or camping trip. The distillation water filters are effective for the removal of inorganic chemicals including heavy metals and selected organic chemicals. They are often combined with activated carbon for the removal of certain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) such as trihalomethanes and tetrachloroethylene. It should be noted that distilled water is demineralized, there have been quarters that say drinking demineralized water for extended periods will cause illness however there has been no research to prove or disprove this theory.

Ozonators produce small quantities of ozone which is a very strong oxidizing agent that is effective in killing pathogens over a short period of time. Ozonation produces no taste or odor in the water. Unlike chlorine and iodine, ozone does not protect water after the application (however is safer based on research) and is normally combined with activated carbon filtration to achieve a more complete water treatment solution.

These type of filters are normally used in conjunction with ceramic or glass fiber filters when a much broader spectrum of contaminants is present in the water. Generally these types of filters are bulkier, take longer to filter and should only be used where water is known to be contaminated with these toxic chemicals. Under normal circumstances, such a high level of filtrations isn't necessary.

To conclude, the main objective of campers when it comes to their water needs is to ensure that water consumed is free from harmful pathogens, chemicals and toxins so that they don't get ill on their trip. As such, water filters which provide the most balanced filtration needs for the camper/hiker would be ceramic or glass fiber water filters, again assuming that the water isn't overly contaminated.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/camping-water-filtersa-vital-necessity-75547.html

The vendors who carry whole house water filter replacement cartridges cater to those customers who have a whole house water filter system. What is a whole house water filter system? It is a filter system that connects to the main water line going into a home. The typical connection comes before the point where the line splits, sending part of the line to the hot water heater.

When a homeowner has a whole house water filter system then all the residents of the home can enjoy access to filtered water in the kitchen, the laundry and the bathroom. Of course that access remains a benefit of residence in the same home only one overriding condition-the homeowner takes the time to get whole house water filter replacement cartridges.

As any homeowner thinks about investing in a whole house water filter system, he or she might have a few questions. Frequently homeowners ask this question: Can I use this filter to get pure water for the plants in my garden and the grass on my lawn?

The homeowner must examine the blueprint for the house, in order to obtain an answer to that question. The homeowner needs to learn where the city's main water line splits into a "house" line and a "yard" line. Of course, no garden or lawn can receive filtered water if a homeowner fails to purchase the needed whole house water filter replacement cartridges.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applauds homeowners who invest in a whole house filter system and also make the effort to get the necessary whole house water filter replacement cartridges. A survey done by the EPA in 2001 showed that 82,655 city water systems in the U.S. had unsafe drinking water.

Water safety experts at in the EPA know how the drinking of unsafe water can affect the health of those who remain unaware of the dangerous substances in that water. Sometimes water contains radioactive contaminants. When the residents of a home drink water with those contaminants they increase the likelihood that they could develop cancer.

If city water contains antimony, and if that water enters a home unfiltered, then the residents of a home could have rising cholesterol levels or falling blood sugar levels. If city water contains arsenic, then it could cause the unsuspecting city residents who drink that water to have unexplained skin damage or circulatory problems.

If a city water system contains barium, then the physicians in that city might find that a number of patients have a rising blood pressure level. Were those same physicians to inquire about the use of water filters in the home, they could probably link those rising blood pressure levels to the absence of a whole house water filter.

Having emphasized the importance of a whole house water filter, this article needs to offer help to those who plan to purchase whole house water filter replacement cartridges. Those who go in search of such cartridges should know exactly what size they need. Cartridges have varied lengths. The most commonly used cartridges have lengths of 5 inches, 10 inches and 20 inches.

Those in search of whole house water filter replacement cartridges should also know that there are three basic types of filters. Some come with sediment prefilter; some have a high flow carbon filter. Homeowners can also buy a whole house filter with both sediment prefilter and a high flow carbon filter.

Any homeowner with a whole house water filter system should become familiar with the available sources for whole house water filter replacement cartridges. Only the regular replacement of such cartridges can insure the purity and the good taste of water in a home. Only needed replacement cartridges can guarantee the functionality of carbon filters with an ion exchange and of micron filtration.

The homeowner who has purchased a whole house water filter system has made a safe choice. The homeowner who, in addition, regularly takes the time to get whole house water filter replacement cartridges has made the safest choice.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/a-guide-to-whole-house-water-filter-replacement-cartridges-419870.html

Suppose that you are a student in the local Middle School. Suppose that your teacher has asked you to enter a project in the upcoming Science Fair. Unless you are a technical wizard, you do not want to try making a robot. You do not have enough time to observe the growth of plants, plants that have been subjected to different conditions. What should your project be? Fortunately, even those with limited engineering skills can, in a limited amount of time, construct a home made water filter.

Even a crude home designed one can demonstrate the concept behind the most sophisticated home water filter. Even a crude home made water filter can transform muddy, fowl-tasting water into clear, good-tasting water. The construction of a home made water filter offers an advantage not available to a budding scientist who decides to conduct a controlled experiment.

As long as the student/scientist uses the proper materials, the resulting filter should function almost perfectly. Granted, it will not be able to remove any bacteria that might be in the water. Aside from that, a home constructed filter can keep those who depend on that filter supplied with ready access to clean water.

A student who planned to make a crude sort of filter would first need to obtain a plastic bottle, a bottle with a cap that could be punctured. The student would also need a thin tube, such as a straw, cotton, large and small pieces of gravel, and bags of both coarse and fine sand.

At this point the student is almost ready to assemble a crude filter. Three other items should be added to the components in the filter. Those items are a coffee filter, a jar and some muddy water.

A filter must take-in water at one end and release filtered water at the opposite end. The student needs to remove the bottom from the plastic bottle, to insert a straw through a hole in the top of that bottle, and then to invert the entire apparatus (bottle and straw together).

The inverted bottle is inserted in the opening of the jar. Cotton should be the first item in the inverted bottle. On top of the cotton go a layer of fine sand, and then a layer of coarse sand. On top of the sand go a layer of small gravel, and then a layer of large gravel.

The student should cut the coffee filter to fit over the gravel. Once the coffee filter covers the gravel, then the student can pour muddy water into his or her crude filter.

The student has made a functioning home made water filter. That home made water filter should transform muddy water into clear water. Some instructions suggest that cotton does not hold-up well in the crude type of filter described above. Polyester quilt padding can be used in place of cotton.

Moreover, the home made water filter obtained by those who follow the above instructions does not have the ability to remove bacteria from the water. Those who want to drink the filtered water need to add a few drops of chlorine to that water.

There are special media that can be used to remove bacteria from water. In the absence of such media, a student might consider using the type of sponges found in commercial floor scrubbers. A pond enthusiast could thus make a useful home made water filter, one that could remove organic matter.

The pond enthusiast has special needs, needs not found in the typical home. In a typical home, the residents simply want a chance to enjoy clean, pure, great-tasting water. Activated carbon filters with ion exchange and micron filtration are the ideal components for a home filter.

While a home made water filter can never be classed as an ideal filter, it still brings the residents in a home closer to where they want to be. It facilitates the acquisition of water that can keep the residents safe from a majority of unwanted contaminants.

Of course, the ideal water filter, the one with activated carbon, would produce the safest type of drinking water.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/discover-the-basic-elements-needed-in-a-home-made-water-filter-440151.html

There is no drinking water filter system that can be called the number one product. There are several filter systems produced by several manufacturers, but the best water filter system is the one that suits your needs the best. There are a few things to consider when looking for a drinking water filter. The first and most obvious reason to get a water filter is that you get pure clean water. The filters also eliminate any smell in the water. The water tastes different too if it is contaminated and the truth is that all the tap water is contaminated even though it goes through a filtration process. Some of the treatments used to purify the water are harmful for our organism, thus further filtering is needed if you want to drink tap water safely.

Each of the models has pros and cons. The water filter pitcher can produce a limited amount of filtered water, the top counter ones occupy space on the counter, and the under counter ones require a little bit of plumbing knowledge or even a plumber. In the process of filtering and purifying the water some of the models use more water than they actually filter while others use electricity. Thus you need to do a little bit of research in your household to see which one fits your needs better and which one turns to be more profitable for you. First of all you need to estimate how much water you need for drinking. Since the recommended amount is 2 liters a day per person, the drinking water usage might turn out to be relatively big in your household. It all depends on how many people you family consists of.

When choosing the filtering technology try to estimate how much your water bill will increase if you use water filter system that uses the reverse osmosis technology or how much your energy bill will increase if you use the ultraviolet technology. Also a good thing to keep in mind before purchasing a filtering system is to check how often you need to change or clean the filters and how much they cost. Often times the system is relatively cheap, but the replacement filters or cartridges are more expensive. Depending on the model you choose the filters from the water filter system have to be change monthly or every trimester or as needed. The advantage of a well known brand in the market is that it usually has filters available in most of the locations, thus changing the filters will not be an impossible thing to do, but rather an easy and pleasant one.

No matter which model or which technology you use in a drinking water filter system, you should be able to observe the differences immediately. Water should have no smell, the taste should be significantly improved and pleasant, the sediment should be removed and the bacteria too. The more filters a system has the better the quality of the water is. Thus water can pass through two, three or even eight filters before it gets in your glass. If you are still undecided which one to buy, you can always start with a carbon filtration system which offers very good quality for the price and does not have very high filter replacement costs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/help-i-need-to-get-a-drinking-water-filter-system-475499.html

Many people are looking for house water filters and for a good reason -- plainly said our tap water is not always safe to drink. Surely, it has been purified, but usually this water purification process is not enough to remove such dangerous things as bacteria, radio nuclides, metals and traces of pesticides and herbicides, which are often found in ordinary household tap water. Having a house water purification system will help you to ensure that water you and your family drinks is healthy and clean, but which type of filter is right for you?

Most effective types of home water purifiers

The most popular water filters are carbon water filters also called charcoal filters. They are made from coconut husk. This type of filter is pretty good - it removes most dangerous water impurities, but allows minerals that are beneficial to our health to pass. Carbon filters are not expensive, and a single cartridge lasts 6-9 month.

However, carbon water purifiers have some disadvantages. First, they can't change the pH of your water, so if you know that the water in your aria is acidic, you might need another type of filter - simple carbon one won't fix the problem. Another problem is, that if the filter was unused for several days it starts getting moldy, especially in hot summer month. If you feel that your filtered water tastes moldy, change the cartridge.

Reverse Osmosis water Filters - More sophisticated technology

This type of water purifier was developed for use in submarines to turn salty sea water into drinking water. But it does more that that - as water passes through a very fine membrane, most contaminants are removed. Reverse Osmosis water purifiers do their job extremely well, sometimes a bit too well. They remove every mineral, leaving just pure distilled water and as some researchers discovered distilled water is not the best thing for our health ether - our bodies need many minerals that usually come with hard (not purified) water.

UV water filters effectively kill all bacteria

Ultra Violet water filtration systems are a comparatively recent invention. As high frequency light passes through the water, it effectively kills all microorganisms. So UV filters are great for getting rid of bacteria, but they don't remove any dangerous minerals. They are often used in hotels in countries, where the risk of contaminated water is high.

There are more water purification methods including magnetic systems, energetic water treatments, far infra red systems and water ionizers. They all are effective to a certain degree, but some of them are still experimental and are not yet used for house water purification.

Variety of home water filters on the market - which filter to buy?

There are many options, you can chose from:

- Undersink Filters
- Countertop Filters
- Tap water filters
- Shower Filters
- Whole house water purifiers

The easiest solution is getting a countertop filter. They are easy to install and portable, if you are planning to move. Tap water filter is another inexpensive option that produces good results.

However, if you live in an aria, where water is generally low quality, you might want to go for a whole house water purification system. Surely, this will cost you more, but you will get clear water for all your household needs. Most whole house water filtration systems are of Reverse Osmosis type and they do the job pretty well.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/house-water-filters-how-to-choose-the-best-water-purifier-568486.html

Many water filter manufacturers and salespeople are misleading the consumer by making false performance claims. Claiming to produce chemical free or contaminant free drinking water is nothing short of false advertising.

Many manufacturers are making these claims when the truth is very few water filters do anything more than improve the aesthetic value - taste, smell, and appearance of the water produced. Many claim to remove contamination from drinking water. The fact is NO water filter removes any contaminant entirely or produces pure water - H2O...

High quality water filters reduce contaminants to safer levels. Cheaper systems such as most faucet mount or pitcher type filters reduce chlorine and possibly reduce some small degree of chemical contaminants but allow the vast majority of contamination to flow right thru the filter, including bacterial cysts depending upon the micron rating of the filter.

Performance is one of the key factors in comparing any water filter. The effectiveness of any drinking water treatment device is measured by the performance of its filter. Most consumers, at no fault of their own, have no idea as far as how to compare filter performance. Hopefully the following information will help.

NSF International sets the standards - Industry standards for drinking water systems that can reduce harmful contaminants were first established in 1982 by NSF International. NSF tests water filters at the manufacturer’s request. NSF tests and certifies drinking water treatment devices to the standard appropriate for the technology of the product. For water filtration devices, NSF may certify the product to improve the aesthetics of the water (Standard 42), the health effects of the water ( Standard 53) or both. In addition NSF has developed testing standards for Reverse Osmosis and Distillation systems.

NSF certifies that the product meets the contaminant reduction claims of the manufacturer or adding anything harmful to the water. NSF also certifies the advertising, literature, and labeling of the product by the manufacturer is not misleading in any way. Reputable manufacturers pay thousands of dollars to have the rigorous NSF testing performed. NSF proves all claims made by the manufacturer to be true including filter life expectancy.

Manufacturer’s are proud to announce and advertise their products are NSF Certified. If they are certified, it will be displayed on the packaging or any literature concerning the product. One thing to look out for when it comes to claims of manufacturers, products that are certified will state certified – not meets the standards of NSF or meets NSF certification standards. It will be clearly stated – NSF Certified. This goes for standard type water filters and reverse osmosis units also...

So, how can the average consumer compare performance? It is easy to compare the performance of any water purification product. Simply go to the NSF website, www.nsf.org and request the certification of the product. The certification will show exactly what the product in question is tested and certified to do. The certification will show in detail, which contaminants are reduced and to what degree. They will also verify claims of filter life expectancy.

NSF Certification is important. Never purchase any water filter that is not NSF Certified. By carefully reviewing NSF Listings, consumers can determine the specific contaminants that the drinking water system is certified to reduce. Some systems are certified to reduce only one or two contaminants , and some are certified to reduce just a few, while others have been NSF tested and certified to reduce many contaminants of aesthetic and health concern under Standards 42, 53, and 58. Filters certified to conform to material requirements only are those that have been tested to confirm that the filter does not add any harmful substances to the water.

Quality filters save money - Another key factor to look at is filter life expectancy, as replacement filters can be expensive. Amazing as it may seem, the high quality and more costly water purification products are usually less expensive in the long run because of the fact the filters last longer requiring fewer filter replacements. Also look at the micron rating of the filter. Bacterial Cysts, which can cause illness when consumed, can be as small as 1 micron. To be safe, always look for a filter which is rated to less than 1 micron.

Read More Articles Concerning Drinking Water, Water Filters, Reverse Osmosis, Tap Water, Bottled Water, Home Water Filtration, Water Contamination, Water Purification, and the Florida Aquifer @

http://www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com

Patti Wilson
Water Filtration Consultant
St Augustine Florida
904 522 0524
email: patti@supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/water-filter-performance-can-be-misleading-746050.html

There are a number of different types of water filters out there, each having a different impact on the water in order to bring purified, drinkable water to your home. Here is a look at some of the different types of drinking water filters that you can purchase in order to improve the quality of the water in your home. Some of the options that are available to you include charcoal filters, ceramic filters, distillers, reverse osmosis filters, ultraviolet filters, infrared filters, magnetic filters and ionized filters.

Filtration is the first step to restoring water to a point where it can be healthy for us. One of the simplest and most effective types of drinking water filters is carbon water. These are simple systems when it comes to installation, and they are also relatively cost effective while still covering all of the basics of filtration. They make use of a charcoal medium that is initially derived from the husks of coconuts, which is capable of absorbing impurities when the water passes through. 95 percent of all drinking water filters make use of this carbon filter material on a domestic basis. Average charcoal drinking water filters can last for as long as six to nine months.

Distillers are capable creating incredibly pure water by removing everything, even the natural minerals. Unfortunately, because the dissolved minerals in the water are more natural than water in its purest since, distillers are not the most ideal drinking water filters on the market.

Ceramic filters are cartridges that fit into normal bench top filters, using Diatomaceous Earth. Some ceramic filters also incorporate nano-silver which is impregnated into a ceramic outer shell, trapping bacteria as small as .22 of a micron, which is 1 in 100,000th of an inch. While ceramic drinking water filters offer an excellent capability in terms of purifying the water, their flow rate is generally relatively slow.

Reverse osmosis filters were originally developed for use in submarines, and the process involves drawing the water through a membrane that is extremely fine. This membrane acts like an extremely fine level filter in order to take contaminated water and turn it into drinkable water, and it was ideal for converting salt water into fresh. Reverse osmosis drinking water filters are generally relatively slow, but they work well for what they are. The downside here is that the minerals are also removed from the water, and drinking water without these necessarily minerals can create health problems.

Ultraviolet radiation systems use high frequency light through a glass element in order to irradiate water. When water passes through the glass element, the light kills any living organisms into the water that is exposed to it. These are common systems in third world hotels and homes because there is a higher potential risk of serious disease from the local water, and they are less common in countries like the United States.

There are a wide variety of different drinking water filter systems out there including small household systems and larger industrial style systems. Most of the small home filter systems are carbon based and have filters with small capacities. There is a lot of information out there regarding drinking water filters, so doing your research will help you get the best results.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/learn-the-truth-about-drinking-water-filters-790469.html

Many of us have water filters in our home, either a whole house filtration system or simply on our taps. It is wide spread knowledge that filtering our water is a necessity what with all of the chlorine, sediment, drugs, etc. in our water supply these days. What happens though when we are traveling, hiking, camping, or simply anywhere that we want to have clean water fast? There are an array of portable water filters that can easily be taken with us anywhere we go. They give the convenience of being able to fill up at any tap or water fountain and still drink clean, safe water. There are many different types of portable water filters. Below is a list of some of the more popular portable water filters that eliminate sediment, chlorine and some bacteria.

Bota of Boulder Outback Bottle Filter - This is a filter bottle that is great for wilderness hikers. It can remove many common bacteria from water and therefore is excellent for filling up at the nearest stream.

Bottom's Up - The filter in these bottles is in the bottom of the bottom as opposed to being part of the lid like many others. The reason for this is that the filter will stay protected within the bottle and won't be exposed to air contaminants.

Clear Brook Portable Water Filter Bottle - This is a great 22oz bottle that has a Lexan cover that will resist cracks and leaks. Excellent for anybody on the go.

Exstream - Excellent high quality filters that come in three different models and sizes.

Innova Water Filter Bottle - This bottle comes in two sizes, either 16 oz or 27 oz and has a two-stage filter that cleans the water as your squeeze.

Pres2Pure Canteen - These canteens are a bit of an odd shape and can be difficult to carry in a standard water bottle holder or pack. However they come with colloidal silver filters that allow for a natural filtration and work great.

If you are looking for a more extensive portable water filter that will be effective in eliminating water borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, an excellent choice would be the Portable Gravity Water Filters with Doulton ceramic filtration elements. These units are intended to be used in any situation where safe drinking water is not available. They are used by many major aid and emergency relief organizations around the world.

The fact is that it is necessary to filter our water before we drink it in order to avoid contamination and ill health effects. If we are in a situation where clean water is unavailable then we better be sure to have a portable water filter. Do a little shop and comparison online and be sure to get one that is beneficial for what you need. There are many excellent units on the market like the ones listed above. Be sure to get one that is going to fit your needs.

To learn much more about portable water filters as well as to learn about the different types of water filtration technologies visit Get-Water-Filters.com where you’ll find this and much more, including great information on expedition water filters.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/portable-water-filters-clean-water-while-on-the-go-861616.html

Any water filter system is better than none at all, but Cuno water filters, whilst removing some of the dangerous contaminants, fail to remove them effectively enough to keep you safe, and you pay through the nose for the privilege.

If you research this area thoroughly as I have, you will see that even if a product removes 95% of chlorine for example, it sounds good, but the reality is that 5% in toxic chemical terms is still a lot to allow through. So whilst Cuno water filters fail to remove a high percentage of many of the dangerous ones, you're health is still at risk.

Recent studies have shown the amazing amount of hazardous chemicals in our water, and one of the most dangerous is chlorine, the very substance used to disinfect it! It has been shown that people who regularly drink chlorinated water have a 93% higher chance of getting cancer.

It is vital to invest in a water treatment system that removes 99% of everything, while leaving in the essential minerals like calcium and magnesium which we require to be healthy. Always ask for a copy of the supplier's performance data sheet to show you exactly what it removes and to what extent.

It also seems a little strange to me that Cuno water filters are so expensive, over twice the price of systems that remove 99% of all contaminants, which just proves the point that a more expensive product isn’t necessarily a better one, so research carefully.

The handful of excellent systems out there, including one which has been voted best buy by the Consumer Digest magazine for the last six years, will employ a multi or twin stage process with an activated carbon filter with ion exchange and sub micron filtration.

As we are made up of 70% water, and therefore the quality of what we drink directly affects our long term health, it makes sense to only part with your hard earned dollars on a top product that is cutting edge and keeps you totally safe while giving you pure healthy water as it should be.

So while Cuno water filters are better than nothing, there are far superior and more cost effective products out there to suit your purpose.

Visit my website today to learn more about the systems I recommend after my own extensive research.

By: Ray Hamilton

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

There is a lot of hype and doubtful claims about water filters in the media. It's hard for the average consumer to understand the different methods and types of water filtration systems without buying into all the sales talk.

Water filtration or treatment in itself is a quite a large topic with many methods and technologies involved. Most household water filters/treatment systems are designed to remove various contaminants such as chlorine, lead, mercury, Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs), Total Dissolved Solids (TDSs), Cryptosporidium, Chloramines, pesticides, herbicides, Giardia and other bad smell or taste elements.

Feature and Function Differences
Most water filters work on the same general process. Water is passed through a filtration agent (physical, chemical or ultra-violet) where contaminants are either removed or neutralized. The treated water is then either dispensed out of the system or is stored in a storage tank for future use. Generally, most water filters are fairly simple and inexpensive items that aren't very different from one manufacturer to the next. Below is a list of features and functions which you should consider before buying a water filtration system.

1). Filtering Technology
The first and most common sort of filter uses a physical barrier to remove suspended particles such as mud, silt, sand or rust as well as micro-organisms such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium. Physical filters are measured by microns. The finer the filter the smaller the micron number and the more types of particles can be removed from the raw water.

Another type of filter uses chemical processes to remove or neutralize potentially harmful contaminants in raw water. Depending on the type of contaminant, the filter elements can comprise of activated charcoal, copper, zinc etc.

The newest form of filtration technology is to use ultra-violet light to destroy bacteria, viruses or pathogens in water. The ultra-violet light is typically encased in a tank where-by the water is treated either when in storage or is run through a ultra-violet canister. The ultra-violet light deactivated the DNA of the organic particulates which ruin their ability to reproduce and cause disease.

Typically, a water filtration system will contain more than one type of filter because each filter has its own specific strengths and together enable a much wider spectrum of filtration.

2). System Types
There are a few basic types of water filters that range from small portable units to units that can supply an entire house or office. Here are the more common types:

Counter-top: These types of filters are placed on top as of the counter as suggested by the name and is connected to the faucet. The system normally has limited capacity while the filtered water is only available at the faucet.

Under-counter: These systems are very similar to the counter-top systems in that they have smaller capacities and only provide treated water to one faucet. The difference is that these systems don't take up valuable counter space however would require more sophisticated plumbing which makes it slightly more expensive.

Faucet Mounted: These systems are the cheapest and easies to install however offer the least amount of filtration. The system is mounted on the faucet itself and offers treated water to that faucet alone.

Whole House: These water filter systems are typically the most comprehensive and costly filter types that will be needed for a house or office. These systems attach to the pipe mains before entering the house/office which means that they will supply treated water to the entire house/office. These water filters are generally quite expensive to buy and maintain however all water in the house is treated.

Water Softeners: These types of water filters are used specifically to remove only some types of contaminants, namely unwanted elements such as calcium, magnesium, lime, and iron from a household's water supply. These elements make water taste metallic and salty.

Dispensers/Pitcher Water Filter: These systems are normally very simple filter assemblies that are built into a Pitcher/Dispenser. Again, this type of filter is very simple and cheap however doesn't filter contaminants all that well compared to the more comprehensive examples.

Portable: These water filters are made to be portable, some are designed for camping and light travel while some are built into sports drink bottles. Interestingly, an ultra-violet light pen is available which should act as a microbe de-activator similar to more complex household systems as mentioned earlier.

3). Capacity
There are generally two measurements for water filters that use "capacity". Capacity can be used as a measure to determine how much water the filter can actually treat before it needs filter replacements.

On the other hand, capacity is also a measure of the storage tank if the water treatment system is built with a storage tank. This goes hand-in-hand with the flow rate. This measurement is normally in gallons per minute. It should be noted that for counter-top or under-sink applications, flow rate isn't that important as waiting a few seconds longer to fill a glass of water won't be much of an issue. However, flow-rate is very important for Whole House systems, you won't want to be stuck in the shower with no water.

It should be noted that capacity and flow rates are directly related to how expensive the system will be.

4). Costs
When choosing to buy a water filter, you must also consider the maintenance and running costs of the filter. Generally the more complex and higher capacity systems will cost more to maintain and also more to run. Depending on the amount of water treated, water filter systems will need their filters replaced or treated every so often.

Additionally, some complex filters like Reverse Osmosis water filters will only produce 1 gallon of water for every 4 gallons of water supplied which will mean an increase in your water bills too. Further to this, ultra-violet light systems will also require a power source which will also affect your electricity bills.

In conclusion, I hope I have shed some light on buying water filters. The list of points in this article are by no means exhaustive but should serve as a rough guide in the selection process.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/buying-water-filters-let-me-tell-you-something-69823.html

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water filter system - Designer: Douglas Bowman | Dimodifikasi oleh Abdul Munir Original Posting Rounders 3 Column