water filter system

Popular Under Sink Water Filter Comparisons

2012-02-08T22:30:00.000+07:00

Researching water filters will eventually lead you to learn two things:

1. There is a lot of confusing information out there.

2. Filtration methods can differ dramatically.

Over time I have done a fair amount of research on drinking water filters, in particular under sink filtration systems. Although there are many filtration units on the market there are two that stand out in the research. They are the Aquasana and the Crystal Quest under sink water filters.

Both are good systems and both have a great reputation. However there are some subtle differences to be aware of when considering either of these units.

Filtration

Aquasana AQ-4600 - Uses a multi-stage filtration system that includes mechanical filtration, absorption and ion-exchange which is carbon filtration and sub micron filtration. It consists of two filters that is able to clean up to thirty gallons of water per hour and filter out fifty-two contaminants - all without removing the trace minerals in the water that are important for your health.

Crystal Quest Mega Double - Uses a 7 stage filtration system of activated Carbon. This unit is unique compared to other systems that use Activated Carbon because there is no need for added silver which is common in carbon only filers. This is because the unique process of the seven stage system inhibits the growth of bacteria so well and therefore silver (which is considered a pesticide by the EPA) is not needed.

5 Comparisons

1. Both need to have their dual filters replaced every 500 gallons - 6 months to a year depending on how much water is being used.

2. Aquasana comes with a lifetime warranty when you sign up for their free 'water for life' program. Crystal Quest offers a limited one year warranty on their unit.

3. Aquasana maximum flow rate is 0.4 gallons per minute. Crystal Quest is 0.5 gallons per minute.

4. Aquasana's and Crystal Quests's minimum operating pressure is 20 psi. The maximum operating pressure for the Aquasana unit is 80 psi and for Crystal Quest it is 60 psi.

5. Dimensions for the Aquasana under sink filters are 12" x 7" x 4". Dimensions for the Crystal Quest under counter unit are 3.5" x 10.5" x 3.5

When researching the different drinking filters be sure to compare all the details as the information and filtration technologies can differ dramatically. Read the reviews and make sure the filtration system is able to filter out the toxins that are found in your own municipal water.

The Camping Water Filter Or Water Purifier is a Must Have Tool When Camping Or Hiking

2012-01-16T20:40:00.002+07:00

Camping is one of Americas great pass times. Millions of people go camping every year. Wither it is car camping at a local camp ground or going back country camping there is just something about it that attracts many to it time and time again. Regardless of what type of camping is your style there is one essential that you can not go without. water. Most state run campground will have a good source of water that is regulated by some sort of water purifier. However not all of them can be trusted and it is recommended that in most cases you pack a camping water filter with you to make sure the water your drinking during the trip is clean and not going to make you sick.

Camping water filters are a must have tool when going on any hiking or back country style camping trip. You can only pack so much water in on the trip and once you've run out you have to be able to find a water supply and purify some water. A water purifier in many cases is a life line. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of injury to people who hike or do any sort of mountaineering.

The investment for a camping water filter can go from $25 dollars to $300.00 dollars depending on the system you go with. Its a matter of how often you are camping or hiking and what style of camping your doing that will dictate the investment you make. You really have to figure out what is going to work best for you and buck up and invest. The basic systems are bottle based filters, pumps, gravity filters, and infrared sterilization tools. The bottle based filters are the most commonly used systems and are very light and compact and ease to use. Many people end up owning more then one camping water filter system and usually use keep them handy encase an other decides to break.

As with everything there are many companies who specialize in these systems. You want to shop around online or at your local camping headquarters to ask questions about the systems and decide which is going to be best for you. If you plan on camping a lot and you plan on doing some good hikes in areas that may not have a water system that is clean you have to protect yourself by keeping a water purifier like a camping water filter with you at all times.

Personal Use Water Filters

2011-12-29T21:20:00.000+07:00

It is a fact that every little bit helps! One of the biggest landfill and waste pollution problems is plastic water bottles! They are clogging up landfills, killing water life, and ruining our beautiful land and oceans. There are many solutions to reducing plastic waste. We can choose to recycle them, but a better choice would be to filter our own tap water, and stop purchasing them all together.

A good quality water filter is the perfect solution to the glut of plastic water bottle waste. Simply hook them up to your faucet or water supply, and your water is filtered and safe to drink. It is important to know what is in your water by having it tested by a qualified lab. Once you know what contaminants are in your water, purchase an NSF certified water filter to insure that the contaminants found are what the filter removes. (NSF insures that the filter you are buying is certified to reduce the contaminants that may be found in your water). Also make sure to check with the manufacturer of that filter to see if their product removes the contaminants you want out.

Another great option for people on the go, is reusable water bottles with a filter built right in. Many water filter companies are developing water filter bottles to help stop plastic waste. These reusable water filter bottles are designed to filter any water, anywhere.

Brita has developed The Brita Bottle:

• The Brita Bottle has been tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for the reduction of chlorine (taste and odor) and particulate reduction (class VI).

• Replace filter every 128 servings, 20 gallons or roughly every two months

• Bottles are BPA free and recyclable

Smart Planet Eco filtered water Bottle:

• filters for better taste, odor, heavy metals, chlorine and other contaminants

• Can filter up to 100 gallons

• Replacement for disposable bottles

• BPA free

• These water filter bottles are NOT NSF Certified

Multi-Pure's Wriggle water filter bottle: (not yet released)

• Has an activated carbon filter which claims to remove, organic contaminants from regular municipal tap water

• Meets or exceeds NSF International Standard 42 for chlorine, taste and odor reduction

• filter life, 2 months or 40 gallons/150 litres.

Hydros water filter Bottle:

• Lasts for 3 months (approximately 150 uses)

• We are tested to the ANSI/ NSF standard 42 for water filtration

• reduces chlorine, chloramines and particulates

• natural anti-microbial which helps to prevent the build-up of bacteria

• Writers note: I was NOT able to find any proof of NSF certification

It is a fact. Using a water filter instead of purchasing bottled water is helping to reduce plastic bottle waste. The more choices we can give consumers, the better. filtering your own tap water with a high quality filter saves the environment, your budget, and could possibly improve your health! It is a win, win, win, for all. Good health to you!

Hiking Water Filter - Top Five Things to Look For

2011-12-13T19:26:00.000+07:00

Buying a hiking water filter is essential for your next hiking trip. Unless you'll be using some sort of chemical decontaminant, which doesn't work on residues in water like pesticides and chemicals from nearby factories, you'll need to filter all your water before drinking it or cooking with it. Boiling water is a pain too, so the best thing you can do is find a great hiking filter that really fulfills your needs.

Looking at portable water filter reviews is, of course, one of the best ways to find out what others think about different types of portable water filtration and purification systems for hiking. However, you need to know what you're looking for in the reviews! Before you pick out your next hiking filter , make sure it meets these top five criteria of things to look for:

1. Easy to Use
There are several different hiking water filter types available on the market today. The two most popular are gravity filters and pump filters, though hikers who want more water more quickly are usually happiest with pump filters. There are also personal filters on the market for water bottles. Look at different options, but make sure whichever filter you choose is easy to use.

2. Field Serviceable
Most portable water filtration systems have a tendency to lock-up at some point or another, and you need to make sure you can fix this problem on the trail without compromising the filtration system. The best water filters for hiking are easy to service in the field. Your filter should also be simple to backwash, so that you can keep it clean as you're using it every day.

3. Effective
Of course, effectiveness is a huge thing to look for in a water filtration system. This, though, depends on exactly what you want. A fiberglass filter will get out many of the bacteria in the water but may leave the water tasting like it does coming from the source. This can be a good thing if you want to experience the mineral taste of mountain springs. However, a carbon filter added to this will get out most of the minerals and chemicals, leaving water tasting like bottled water from the store. Either way is fine, but do make sure your water will at least be free from disease-causing organisms.

4. Size and Weight
When you're hiking, your portable water filtration device needs to be small and compact. Just how small and compact depends on how light you need to travel and how many people you're filtering water for. Some hiking water filters can be used for four or five hikers but still weigh only a few ounces. Check out portable water filter reviews to see how a unit's size and weight stand up against other models in the field.

5. Durability
Because a hiking water filter is often designed to be as small and lightweight as possible, some companies sacrifice durability for lighter weight parts. This can be a problem though. If your filtration device breaks in the field, you could be up a creek without a paddle, so to speak. You should always take a backup method, such as a UV filter or a chemical filter, with you, but you also want to check reviews to make sure your water filter is most likely to stand the test of time on a hiking trip.

Hiking water filter Reviews With so many excellent brands and hiking water filter models currently available, sifting through them all to find the one that's the best fit for you can be a cumbersome task. The easiest way to simplify this process is by having a look at portable water filter reviews online to see what other hikers & campers e to say about the particular models.

Tap Water Filter – Don’t Make These 5 Mistakes When Purchasing A Tap Water Filter Product

2011-11-29T21:17:00.000+07:00

A tap water filter can provide you with the safest possible, best tasting drinking water possible if you buy a top of the line quality tap water purifier. It’s important to know not all water filtration products are the same. Many people are under the false assumption that a water filter is a water filter and go out and purchase the cheapest one possible. Here are 5 mistakes that you can learn from.

Mistake # 1 - Choosing by price alone can be a big mistake when selecting a tap water filter, and here’s why. It is possible to purchase a top of the line quality tap water purifier direct from the manufacturer for less than a more expensive unit that does less.

Mistake #2 – Not doing your homework is another mistake people make when purchasing water filtration products. water filter technology has changed over the years. There is a lot of junk out there and it could cost you your health if you’re not careful. Some cheaply made filters don’t remove all the harmful chemicals or bacteria that is present in ordinary tap water so you need to know what to look for.

Mistake #3 – Purchasing an uncertified water treatment device is the next mistake. This separates the winners from the losers. A quality tap water filter should be certified by the state they are manufactured. If it is certified it means it has met the testing requirements pursuant to Section 116830 of the Health and Safety Code for the health related contaminants. Currently California has one of the strictest Certification requirements. Never purchase a non certified tap water purifier.

Mistake #4 – Not purchasing a dual filtration system is a mistake. There are many single stage filtration systems and some of them are rather expensive for not doing a complete job. If you want the best and safest water filtration system for your tap water you need a dual filter system using a combination of carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub micron filtration. This is the type of system you want whether you decide a simple counter top or under sink unit to a whole house water filter.

Mistake #5 – Over paying for your filtration products is a mistake many people make. Right now it is possible to purchase the #1 Rated Home water filter in America that has been voted "Best Buy" by Consumers Digest magazine 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 for less than much more expensive filters that do less! The reason is this top rated tap water filter is sold manufacturer direct with no middleman. With a little effort they are easy to locate as they sell their products on the Internet.

So whether you decide on a counter top or under sink tap water purifier or a whole house water filter don’t make the same mistakes that many other people have made.

Respond Swiftly! Use Drinking Water Filter Systems For A Fitter And Better Life

2011-11-07T22:46:00.000+07:00

There are many good drinking water filter systems out there today. Americans are becoming more concerned at the harmful particles in the local water systems in their villages. Pesticides, lead, chlorine, chloroform, copper, zinc, and mercury are just some of these toxins existing.

Although these contaminants in the water are controlled by rigid government restrictions, folks who are worried about these issues can rest easy with the many fantastic water filters obtainable. The reputation of bottled water has grown during these past few years as a result, though unlike water filters, these are not regulated. So families are looking towards drinking water filter systems in their homes.

There are three basic types of filters on the market: regular, carbon, and reverse osmosis. These three types have the capability to eliminate around 99% of contaminants and bacteria in the water. A regular pitcher type filter is surely the one you need if you want something less expensive and it works by filling with tap water, while it filters down into the pitcher.

Ordinarily, pitcher filters fit in behind the refrigerator door, making them simple to set up. Brita is the cheapest brand, and they have filters that can be recycled. Brita is certainly the selection if you want to go environmentally friendly. Pur filters out lead much better than Brita.

On the consumer index, Pur III pitchers and faucet attachments have the best score. At $25 or $30, they are much more costly than Britta, but they are far better. Pur drinking water filters typically have carbon, allowing for the most effective filtration process and each filter has a graded system, letting you comprehend when replacement is needed.

Under the sink carbon block filters are becoming more well-liked, particularly in the newer homes. Considered to be the most effective, Puriclean has continually acquired high ratings in many assessments. Unlike most faucet attachments, the Puriclean can function longer, it is convenient to put in and change, and it costs about $30 to $60.

Among all the refrigerator filters, Puriclean has the highest rating on the consumer index. These are easily replaced every six months and have a sticker to put so you will remember when to replace the filter. Carbon blocks are found in these filters.

Another widely used brand of refrigerator filter is Kitchenaid. At $40 apiece, this brand of water filters includes simple renewal after every six months of use. Despite the nominal scores, these are nevertheless great filters to look into.

The most effective brand accessible is Pentek, with the carbon block, for the refrigerator. Several contaminants can be easily taken away from the water, such as microorganisms, metals, sediment, corrosion, and iron. Pentek also includes deionization reduction, which lessens water salinity.

Pentek has numerous other filter types, like the faucet filters and the inline filters, aside from the refrigerator filter. Many families are becoming aware of the assimilation of toxins in the shower and bath water and prefer to put a filter on the point of entry.

Several features, like reverse osmosis, ultra violet reduction, and bacterial and viral reduction, are also provided with Pentek, which are great for both commercial and residential applications. When eliminating all types of metals, poisons, bacteria, and viral contaminations, reverse osmosis is the best water filter system available.

In line with many doctors, a number of illnesses are increasing because of large quantities of heavy metals and poisons in the body. Though these can be obtained from the atmosphere and foods, water, as well as terrible drinking water filter systems, are the primary sources of this concern. Filtered water systems are obtainable for our better health, and they are worth the investment.

When it comes to fridge water filters, you and your family can seriously profit a whole lot. Whether it's better tasting and smelling water, better wellness, or better savings, you can gather a lot by having one setup in the kitchen or even around the whole home.

Shower Water Filter Hidden Truths That Can Lead To Healthier Days

2011-10-23T22:35:00.000+07:00

A chlorine shower filter may be one of the best investments you can make to protect your health. Your entire body is affected by showering in chlorinated water, and these effects accumulate over time. They can be insidious, so you do not even realize what is happening until later. There are many things to be aware of about bathing and showering in tap water.

Most people no longer even think of tap water as something to drink. The taste and smell is overwhelmingly of chlorine, because so much is added to kill potential bacteria. To drink tap water is not far from pouring a glass of bleach that has been diluted.

But when it comes to showering, most people jump into the tap water without thinking twice. Yet, chlorine turns to gas at a lower temperature than the water. So we are absorbing and breathing in a higher concentration of chlorine to water.

In a hot shower, the heat opens up our pores. This makes it that much easier for the chlorine in the water to be absorbed into the pores of our skin and into the blood. The toxin is also breathed into the lungs. Your intake of chlorine in a shower is far more than you would get if you did drink tap water. Many studies have now confirmed that showering can indeed be hazardous to your health.

Chlorine shower filters are plentiful on the market, and in many different styles. There are still charcoal filters available which do filter out chlorine, but generally they are not able to filter out all of it. This media can also become a breeding ground for bacteria.

A newer technology is called KDF. This media is able to filter out several substances including heavy metals and chlorine. It uses ionic charge to remove the chlorine, and is able to get at about 99%. A further benefit is that bacteria growth in this media is not possible.

Whichever type of filter you choose, it will probably have filters that need to be replaced. How often you will need to do this will depend on how many people use the shower, how long they take showers for and how often. You will know when it is time to replace your filter when you can start smelling the chlorine again.

Physical design can also be important in choosing your shower filter. Some filters have the media attached in place of the shower head or between the shower head and the pipe. This has the effect of decreasing the space to stand underneath the shower. Other types have the media to the side or above which does not take away any precious head space.

It will probably take some time to research available chlorine shower filters but there is definitely one that will meet both your needs and your budget. But do not make your choice based on price alone, or even design. How effective it is at filtering is the single most important thing on which to base your choice.

The Dangers That Carbon Water Filter Technologies Save You From Every Day

2011-10-02T23:24:00.000+07:00

It is hard to believe that a simple glass of tap water can contain harmful chemicals and additives that are not good for your body. We cannot see the impurities, but this does not mean that they are not present. Many people have decided to do something about this by using a carbon water filter to essentially clean their tap water. Home filtration systems are relatively inexpensive and can be easily assembled.

The process of cleaning water is accomplished by using activated carbon to absorb and trap any contaminants that may be present. This is useful because carbon is extremely porous and this quality allows it to be an effective trap for chemicals and impurities that do not belong in drinking water.

Using at home filtration systems will provide the user with a clean supply of tap water that does not include any imperfections. These systems are very inexpensive and they are very safe to use. They come in various sizes and there is one that will fit every need possible.

It can be quite unnerving to think that there can be as many as one hundred man made chemicals present in our drinking water. Some of these chemicals such as pesticides and solvents are dangerous in large quantities. It is a good idea to remove them altogether by using a water filtration system.

Activated carbon absorbs harmful elements and funnels them out of tap water. The chemicals will then be lodged into the filter and trapped there. There are different sizes of systems from which to choose from and they can attach easily to your faucet.

Environmentalists are advising consumers that by drinking bottled water, we are harming the environment. They believe that after we throw away the plastic bottles, they will sit in land fills for years and years to come. Bottled water is quite expensive and when one thinks about the damage to the environment, it really does not seem like a good alternative.

water filtration systems are a great way to provide your family with a steady supply of chemical free drinking water. The advantages to using this type of system are varied and range from affordability to healthier and chemical free water. This is probably why these systems are more popular now than ever before. Parents want to be careful about what their children are drinking and what ingredients are hidden to the naked eye. Filtration will give them a sense of security in knowing that they are drinking safe water.

Maytag Water Filter - The Best House Water Filters Out There

2011-08-19T22:13:00.001+07:00

Do you know how you first got a Maytag water filter? The truth of the matter is that it probably came with your refrigerator, and you mainly use it because of its convenience. Do you think that replacement cartridges for a Maytag water filter have been designed to be a top-notch water filtration mechanism, particularly when they come as standard equipment with most new refrigerators? Probably not! Here's how Maytag sees it. Most customers are now elated that they have purchased a new Maytag water filtration system. However, the Maytag filter manufacturer is smiling widely because you have just become their long-term customer! You will more than likely be purchasing these replacement cartridges for the next twenty years!There are many benefits to owning filters that many people may totally be unaware of. You receive the same benefits no matter if you have a counter top unit or house water filters:

* What it serves to do is to take the lead out of the water before you drink it.

* When you buy a countertop model, this results in getting healthy, clean water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water.

* A filter removes chlorine as well as chlorine byproducts from your drinking water, reducing the very big risk of getting colon cancer, rectal cancer and bladder cancer.

* This has the capacity to give you pure, healthful water that can be used to cook with or to drink.

* Gastrointestinal diseases are reduced by over 33% by having the filter remove giardia and cryptographic from water.

* Water filters can remove more than 2100 toxic materials from drinking water.

Maytag water filters come in different types but all are beneficial to you. The succeed in meeting the suggested 99% of toxins in water by using an activated carbon filter.

Choosing a water filter for your home is a choice that should be made with care. There are many products out there, researching before you choose can make all the difference. Some water filters do not prevent toxic gasses from entering your home. These gasses are in the water lines and there are filters available to prevent them from entering your home. Some filters also have a much shorter capacity to filter and will need to be changed more often, all these things and more should be considered when choosing a water filter system.

An Under Sink Water Filter Can Improve You and Your Family's Health

2011-08-04T23:51:00.001+07:00

Did you know that almost every single water source on this planet is contaminated with chemicals? We are ingesting toxins, metals and other harmful substances every day in the water we drink. An under sink water filter can improve your families health by removing these harmful substances.

Water treatment plants add chemicals like fluoride, chlorine and bleach into our water to kill the bacteria and the parasites. However these can be very harmful to our health. Chlorine is a chemical known to cause cancer and fluoride has been linked to failing kidneys and heart disease.

Not all water filters are created equal some can only take out a few of the harmful things leaving behind other potentially harmful stuff. Reverse Osmosis filters take out more than a regular fiber water filter. The Watts Premier Reverse Osmosis filter system is a great choice for your home.

Why is a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

Better than Most Home Filters?

Most home water filters on the market today will not remove all of the harmful components in our drinking water. If you want the healthiest water for your family to drink you will need a reverse osmosis filter.

A Reverse osmosis water filter removes bacteria, viruses, parasites, chlorine, and bleach, metals like lead, fluoride and much more out of your drinking water, most filters can not.

Under sink filters can be a great way for you and your family to live healthier lives. Drinking water is one of the best ways to lose and maintain weight. If you would like to know more about why drinking water can help in preventing childhood obesity.

They Can Save You Money!

Water filters can actually save you money because you won't have to buy any more plastic water bottles. No more having to lug cases of water from the store into your home. You can have pure clean filtered water running right out of your kitchen faucet.

I use stainless steel bottles to bring my filtered water with wherever I go. I have been using the same three bottles for years all I have to do is wash them. I cannot imagine how many plastic water bottles I would have used.

Did you know that Americans use two and a half MILLION bottles of water every hour! Although some will be recycled sadly most of these bottles will end up in landfills. Now you can see how an water filter can really make a big difference help reduce waste and pollution.

It takes a lot of energy to ship bottled water to the grocery stores around our country. Not to mention the energy and materials it takes to make all of the bottles themselves. Buy using an under sink water filter you can help preserve this planet for the future generations.

Pure Clean Water With a Maytag Water Filter

2011-07-21T00:18:00.000+07:00

If you own a maytag refrigerator that has an icemaker or water dispenser, you need to change the water filters occasionally. This will allow you to have water that is clean and free of chlorine and other bad tastes and odors.

Usually, all you need to do is turn the filter and replace it with a new one. You can discover the type and style you need by either checking the user's manual or looking on the fridge for the model number. Sometimes, inside where the filter goes, there will be a sticker that tells you what type of filter you need. Then you just need to purchase the recommended maytag water filter and place it inside.

These filters usually retain fluoride, and are NSF certified to lower the amount of cysts, lead, mercury, chlorine, odors, and other contaminants. Usually, the filter needs to be changed once every six months to keep your refrigerator with clean water.

There are several different types of water filters designed for various maytag products. Some of the various types are:

1. Bottom mount- This type of maytag filter can be used in Kitchen Aid and Whirlpool refrigerators that feature a filter on the inside and bottom of the appliance. You just have to twist to install this type of filter.

2. Interior Turn- For use in refrigerators that have the filter on the inside. Turning the old filter will remove it, and all you do is twist in the new one.

3. In the Grille Turn- This type of water filter is used for side-by-side refrigerator freezers like Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and maytag. You just have to do a quarter turn to take out the old filter and put in a new one. It is used to remove lead, chlorine, and particulates, and mercury. It retains fluoride while removing contaminants.

4. In the grille-Turn (Cysts)- Much like the regular in the grille turn filter, but it is much stronger, and can filter better. It gets out cysts, asbestos, class 1 particulates, lead, chlorine, and mercury.

5. In the Grille Turn (Top freezer)- Made for JennAir, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid refrigerators that have a top freezer.

6. In the grille push Button- This water filter is designed to be used in Amana, Whirlpool, maytag, KitchenAid, and JennAir side-by-side units. It features a release button that makes changing the filter fast and easy.

7. In the Grill fast fill- This water filter is made by PUR, and is designed for maytag brand refrigerators. It has a fast push button design and is made for quick water service.

8. Puriclean 2- This is a Puriclean filter that has more advanced filtration, and is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation.

9. In Line system- This type of water filter is used to place a filter outside of the refrigerator. You can use it with any type of refrigerator that uses a water line. It has a by-pass valve built in, and after it is installed, it only needs a quarter turn to replace.

How to Choose a Seychelle Water Filter

2011-06-30T23:18:00.001+07:00

I recently completed a review on the Seychelle water filter products. I got a few questions on the different types of products they carry so I wanted to provide a quick review of the different products we offer.

All these filters will come in either a standard or advanced filter that contains Seychelle's unique ionic absoprtion media and the BioSafe. We won't go into the the specifics of how these filters work at this time. The advance filter basically adds a safe iodine compound.

Plastic water bottle
Seychelle portable water filter come in these various designs: 28 ounce flip top or pull top plastic bottles. These bottles are made up of BPA Free plastic which basically means they do not have the compound in the plastic that makes the different plastics leech. So no bad chemicals from the plastics will leech into your drinking water. This is important. This will filter about 100 gallons before replacing the filter.

Stainless Steel water bottle
Next we have the Seychelle Stainless Steel water filters. These come in an environmentally safe Stainless Steel. By the way all of Seychelle water filters are safe for the environment. These come in three main colors. Metallic red, metallic blue, or Metallic Silver. They come with the standard filter but have the BIOSafe material in it to kill any living organisms. So you still get the 99.99% protection from anything biological or viral. This will filter about 100 gallons before replacing the filter.

Family Water Pitcher
This is the perfect water pitcher for home use. It is designed to be an economical way to have good, clean drinking water for you and your family. It can make up to 150 gallons. It comes with the advanced filter so you are getting 99.99% protection from contaminants, pollutants, bacteria, and heavy metals. This filter will last you about 6 months and then can be replaced.

Inline Filter
The perfect solution for hikers that use hydration systems such as camelback, high seirra, north face, etc. This filter goes inline so that you can drink from streams, lakes, ponds, etc. It comes with the advanced filter to and will make about 100 gallons before having to replace it.

Drinking Straw
Lastly we have the pure water drinking straw. This is a very compact drinking straw that comes with a hard case. This is perfect for fitting into your pocket, purse or backpack. You can literally have drinking water anywhere you go. So whether you are hiking on vacation don't leave home with out this one.
It filters 100 gallons but does not have a replacement filter so once it is used up you just throw it away.

Under Sink Water Filter Systems - A Guide to Finding the Best One

2011-06-19T22:41:00.001+07:00

Under sink water filter systems are probably one of the best investments you can make to protect the health and well-being of yourself and your family. As far as quality and affordability goes, here's a helpful guide that'll give you some useful tips for finding the best under sink water filter systems.

When it comes to quality, filtering devices that use multiple filter technologies are always more effective at removing contaminants. This is because it's impossible to remove all the different types of contaminants with one type of filter. For example, sediment filters will remove particulate that give water a bad taste and odor, sediment, and maybe chlorine, but a carbon filter is needed to remove synthetic chemicals, chlorinated byproducts, and pharmaceutical drugs.

The best under sink water filter systems will also refrain from removing all the beneficial trace minerals that are naturally found in water. Minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and sodium are all an important part of our health, and water is a major source of them.

Then to really assure that under sink water filter systems are reliable, look for proof that the claims made about it are true. Some manufacturers will have their systems certified by highly-regarded agencies in order to show that the claims made about it are true.

Now here's one of the biggest secrets to finding under sink water filter systems that are affordable: buy them factory-direct through the manufacturer. This can often be done on the Internet. By doing this, you won't have to pay the ridiculous markups that retailers always tack on to make themselves a nice profit. In my opinion, this is the ultimate gift from manufacturers!

And understand that you don't' have to pay hundreds of dollars for quality under sink water filter systems. Most manufacturers feel that consumers will pay a higher price, or premium, to use a filtration system that has their name on it. But trust me, you can get a system that's just as good for a lot less!

You can learn about the under sink water filter systems that I recommend, which I use in my home and only cost $100 by visiting my website listed below. As far as quality goes, you won't find anything better at a lower price. You know why I know? Because I've compared them all!

Brita Water Filter Systems Review

2011-06-10T07:01:00.002+07:00

Water borne diseases are now one of the most serious cases of diseases worldwide. These diseases are easily contracted by unsafe and unhealthy drinking lifestyle. This is due to the fact that there are lots of bacteria and harmful chemicals and even viruses that can be present in our tap water. Persons who practice drinking directly from their faucets without even considering some safety precautions are more likely to contract such diseases.

In this case, water filters and water filtration systems are met with high demands from various homes worldwide. These water filters have been known to effectively trap and filter all the harmful and unwanted elements in our tap water to provide a safe and healthy drinking water.

What Makes up Brita filters

Brita is a UK based company and is one of the leading names in water filtration industry. The family of Brita water filtration system is primarily composed of pitchers, faucet filtration, and replacement filters. With Brita filtered pitchers, it is very easy and convenient to have a great tasting and cleaner drinking water at the tips of your finger tips. Using these Brita pitchers is just like using ordinary water pitchers on the counter or your dinner table.

Foolproof Filtration System

Another great testament of Brita's unparalleled water filter system is its faucet filtration system that is composed of a basic system and with an advanced feature. With Brita's faucet filtration system, you get to save more space on your sink yet get to acquire healthy and clean drinking water straight from your tap water faucet. These faucets from Brita are very easy to attach and require no specific tools to have it installed in your faucet. After installing the faucet filtration system, you get quick and safe drinking water with just a single twist on your faucet's knob. This filter system is also equipped with a standard life filter indicator to let you know if there is a need for you to change your water filter cartridge. These replacement filters even come in chrome or white for you to conveniently customize a look for your sink.

Safer Drinking Water

Safe and clean drinking water is very accessible with Brita water Filtration systems. This makes it ideal and convenient of use for families, kitchen and cooking. Faucet filtration systems also come with an added layer to conveniently trap sediments so all that's left is pure and safe drinking water. With such high quality filtration system, you will also be assured of a great tasting water to make you enjoy a healthy drinking. With all the many manufacturers worldwide vying for dominance over the industry, Brita water Filtration systems is considered as one of the best in the line.

Whole House Water Filters - How They Protect You, Your Family and Your House

2011-05-23T22:18:00.003+07:00

Whole house water filters have an advantage over the others because with a whole house water filter you can go to any outlet in your house and get filtered water. You have choices rather than just one place you have to get drinking water from.

Whole house water filters help your pipes stay cleaner. Since filtered water is filtered at the source, they get only clean, filtered water pumped through them. A whole house water filter extends the life of your pipes by reducing the amount of corrosion and deposits caused by water running through them.

Like a central air conditioning unit, they require maintenance. You are advised to change the pre-filters of your system every three or four months to keep your system running in peak form. The only problem is remembering when to do this. Most companies will mail you new filters when they need to be changed. Removing one problem with whole house water filters.

You might think that you have to pay an arm and a leg for this system. On the contrary, the whole house water system costs less than 50c a day to run. Imagine fresh drinking water from everywhere and all you pay is less than you would for a cookie with your morning coffee. A whole house water filter is very easy on your wallet.

A big problem these days is of our own making. Chlorine can cause respiratory problems, dry skin problems and even cancer. Whole house water filters can neutralize chlorine to a harmless substance. What a Relief! A whole house water filter has reduced your risk.

The University of Wisconsin conducted a study on the effects of ingesting chlorine and cancer in humans. They found a link between the two, an alarming statistic which is negated by whole house water filters. Even if the risk of cancer is small, are you willing to gamble your life for the price of a whole house water filter?

The main filter of whole house water filters was noted by the FDA as the best technology they have ever seen in water filters. They called it a marvel. You should try it and find out for yourself how good the system really is. The health of your family is resting on your decision to get a whole house water filter.

Pesticides and Herbicides are a problem the previous generation did not have. The whole house water filter takes that responsibility too. It removes all traces of the chemicals from your water supply and leaves you with pure and refreshing water. A whole house water filter promises to remove the risks from your water

It is reassuring to know that there is a problem solving water cleaner on the market. The whole house water filter is there when you need it. whole house water filters will take all your risks away from you so you can rest reassured in the thought that you are protected against bad water.

Whole House Water Filters - Do We Need Them?

2011-05-13T01:48:00.001+07:00

With whole house water filters, you don't have to be selective. You can get safe water from any faucet in your house, as long as you choose the right whole house water filter. There are many on the market and there are many good reasons to have them, but, as with all consumer products, the quality varies.

One reason that many people choose whole house water filters is so that they can have one system instead of many. Instead of having to buy a kitchen filter, a shower filter and a filter for the bathroom faucet, they buy only the whole house water filter and they know that they are safe.

Whole house water filters also keep your pipes clean. The pipes in your house run filtered and clean water with no sediments, thus they remain like new with hardly any deterioration. When your pipes run clean they last longer. Visits from the plumber may be nearly eliminated. This is one way that a filter saves you money.

The only disadvantage, if you can call it that, is that the pre-filters in the high quality filters need to be changed every 3 or 4 months. It is a small disadvantage compared to the benefits. Particularly when you consider that most kitchen tap filters must be replaced at the same rate and shower filters have a similar lifespan.

The best whole house water filter that we have seen has a pre-filter and a main filter. The pre-filter takes the brunt of the items that need to be filtered out. The main filter of the whole house filters catches the rest. The main filter will last three or four years, depending on the size of your family and the quantity of water that you use every day.

Only the pre-filters need to be changed fairly often and they are reasonably priced. It is good to remember to change the pre-filters of your filter system, because it is the pre-filter that does most of the work to keep you safe.

The EPA has named the main filter of our preferred whole house water filters as "The best technology" they have ever seen. They recognize what it took to build it, and pronounce it the most valuable. In the main filter chlorine is transformed into a harmless substance.

Chlorine can be bad for your health. The right whole house water filter will eliminate it from your drinking water so you do not have to worry about it anymore. You will never have to shower in chlorinated water again.

Besides chlorine, don't forget that there are a number of pesticides in our water today. They steep in from the soil and stay in our water. The right whole house water filter can get rid of them. High quality whole house water filters give you the satisfaction of knowing that your water is clean and pesticide free. Your kids are safe today and there is less risk of health problems in the future.

It costs only about 50c a day to run the whole house water filter that we prefer. The company has made the whole process easier by removing the one drawback that it had. All filters that need changing are mailed to your house, so you do not have to remember. When they arrive you change them. It's as simple as that. An investment in whole house water filters could be an investment in better health, as long as you choose the right one.

5 Big Reasons Why You Should Use Drinking Water Filters

2011-05-05T20:49:00.003+07:00

Do you know why you should use water filters? And furthermore do you know what water filters you should use? Take two minutes and find out how to safeguard your family.

(1) The best drinking water filters provide us with the best quality water we can get. The best drinking water filter can improve our life, enhance our performance and increase our energy levels by providing what our bodies crave...99.99% pure drinking water.

70% of our body weight is water. We have to replace and replenish that water on a regular basis or face illness. Each person should consume gallons of water every day, but many do not, because their water doesn't taste fresh or it smells like chlorine. Good water filters will put the joy back into drinking water.

(2) Pure water is important in more ways than one, the water that we take in may contain bacteria that can cause diarrhea, which can be life threatening to small children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system. Chlorine is added to the water at the treatment facility to remove bacteria...to disinfect the water.

But, some bacteria are resistant to chlorine. Cryptosporidium cysts, for example, are not killed by chlorine. Only a water filter with a micron particle stage can stop cryptosporidium at the cyst stage and protect your family's health.

(3) The average drinking water filter is carbon based. Carbon activated drinking water filters remove chlorine and chemicals, but other stages are needed to remove different things. It all really depends on what's in your water and without laboratory testing, the only safe thing to do is buy a water filter that can address all of the problems that "could" be in your water.

(4) Some drinking water filters (like reverse osmosis and distillation) remove trace minerals that are good for your health. The best drinking water filters "balance" the mineral content, instead. So, in areas where high mineral content or "hard" water is a problem, hard minerals are replaced with "softer minerals". A water filter that has a ion exchange stage is the right choice for well balanced mineral content.

Drinking water filters have been around for a long time. In India they had a crude drinking water filter that was used for ages. It consisted of a big round clay pot. The impurities would be absorbed by the clay and the remaining water tasted sweet and refreshing. With modern science we have perfected the technology and now can filter a number of things that are not good for us, but some water filters are stuck in the dark ages.

(5) Chlorine removal is just one thing that a water filter can do to improve our water. Some companies stop there. Other water filters go the extra mile by reducing harmful pollutants like pesticides and herbicides. Remember, anything that goes down the drain or on the ground eventually ends up in the ground water and our drinking water reservoirs

We use thousands of chemicals every day, thoughtlessly. Industries have spills, as do gas stations and repair shops. We have our grass treated with pesticides. We use herbicides to kill weeds. We wash medicines down the drain. All of this stuff ends up in the water.

It is important to be careful about what you flush down the drain or pour on the ground, but you have to realize that other people may not be so careful. The only way to protect your family is by investing in good drinking water filters for every tap in the house.

Eliminating Cloudy Facts About A Clean And Pure Countertop Water Filter

2011-04-25T23:45:00.003+07:00

The homeowner with a clean and pure countertop water filter expects that filter to provide him or her with consistent and dependable removal of all water contaminants. A time-pressed homeowner might seek even more. He or she might choose to have a clean and pure filter that is also a maintenance free countertop water filter.

The maintenance free filter has a carbon granule filter. The owner of a maintenance free filter never needs to worry about changing a cartridge. That can seem like a real advantage. Yet like every benefit, it also comes with one seldom-mentioned downside.

Whenever a clean and pure countertop water filter is also a maintenance free countertop water filter, then the owner of that filter can not enjoy all the benefits that come from advancements in technology. Such a homeowner can not plan to replace his or her cartridge with one that has more F.D.A. approved materials or one with a better-graded pore structure.

The cartridge in a maintenance free filter does have a long life. That is why a number of homeowners have purchased the maintenance free, clean and pure water filter. Those homeowners who plan to make a similar purchase should know what to look for in a clean and pure countertop water filter.

Such a filter should have three important features. First, it should have the ability to carry-out mechanical filtration. Mechanical filtration takes advantage of Fickian diffusion. That diffusion process causes absorption of contaminants, whenever contaminated water passes over and moistens fibers.

A clean and pure filter should also have the ability to perform electrokinetic absorption. The unwanted particles in the water produce an electric field. A filter that can perform electrokinetic absorption makes use of that field. By using that field, the filter aids completion of the absorption process.

A good clean and pure filter should, of course, be equipped to function as the site of physical absorption. When water passes over solid absorbent, particles in the water should adhere to the surface of the absorbent. That is what should take place in a working clean and pure filter.

When the three features described above come together in a clean and pure countertop water filter, then that filter can rival the characteristics of other countertop filters. Those filters allow the homeowner to get clean, great-tasting water. Unlike clean and pure filters, those other filters have activated carbon filters with ion exchange and micron filtration.

When a homeowner does not feel compelled to get a maintenance free countertop water filter, then he or she can hope to bring into his or her home an example of our advancing technology. Then that homeowner can anticipate the chance to introduce into the filter system a cartridge with updated materials.

A homeowner can never know when some unseen particle in the tap water might be causing residents of the home to have unusually dry skin or unexplained GI problems. Introduction into the filter system of a new cartridge might bring an end to those complaints. That fact should stay in the mind of a homeowner who is about to get a clean and pure countertop water filter.

Any countertop water filter made today allows the homeowner to enjoy safe and good-tasting water. Still, the homeowner's safety is not at risk, when an old cartridge must be replaced by a newer and better cartridge.

Tag : water filter,pure countertop,eliminatiog,countertop

Renovating Your Kitchen? - Water Filters and Reverse Osmosis Systems

2011-04-10T23:53:00.002+07:00

Water filtration systems have become a standard fixture in most kitchens today, especially as more and more scientists and health professionals report that most if not all of our drinking water supplies are contaminated with human-made pollutants, including not just municipal systems, but wells, lakes, rives, and glaciers. Unfortunately, bottled water has been shown to have its own host of problems, including serious health and environmental effects. However, while a good water filtration system is the best way to ensure healthy and safe drinking water, it's not enough to install just any filter in your home. Though the purpose of any water filtration system is to improve the quality and taste of drinking water, there is a wide range of filters available, each with varying costs and effectiveness. The process of planning a kitchen renovation is a perfect time to consider the different water filter options. Some of the most popular filters are explained below to help you choose the best water filter for your home.

Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective filtration methods available today. Even though the process has been known for over 100 years, it wasn't until the 1950s that the U.S. government developed it as a way for the Marines to desalinate water to make it drinkable. By way of brief explanation, "regular" osmosis occurs when molecules pass through a permeable membrane to equalize the concentration of molecules on both sides. As its name implies, reverse osmosis is when the opposite occurs. Instead of equalizing the concentration of substances on both sides of the membrane, water pressure pushes pure water on one side of a membrane, leaving a concentration of pollutants on the other.

Reverse osmosis typically also employs two carbon filters and/or other pre-filters, which work to remove a wide range of dangerous contaminants, including lead, mercury, and arsenic. Reverse osmosis is also effective at removing virtually all pharmaceutical drugs, coliform bacteria, E. coli, percolate, VOCs, viruses, fluoride, chlorine, chloramines, herbicides, pesticides, cryptosporidium, THMs, and MTBEs. In fact, while typical faucet or counter top filters are 1 stage filters, meaning they have only 1 basic carbon filter, reverse osmosis systems typically offer a 5 stage filtration system. Furthermore, while countertop filters have a 1-5 micron rating, which means contaminates smaller than 1 micron (such as asbestos, insecticides, may not be filter out), a reverse osmosis filter typically holds a micron rating of.0001. While reverse osmosis systems can cost more upfront, their filters only need to be replaced once a year, whereas counter top filters need replacing every couple of months.

Although reverse osmosis effectively removes an impressive array of unhealthy contaminants, it can also remove important minerals that contribute to taste and health of water, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Some researchers suggest these important minerals are also found in common foods and are therefore not needed in drinking water. Other health professionals, however, report that long-term intake of de-mineralized water can be unhealthy and can lead to mineral deficiency and/or an unhealthy level of acidity in the body. Additionally, reverse osmosis generally requires between two to three gallons of water to produce one gallon of purified water, which some experts consider wasteful.

Other Popular Water Filters
Other popular filters include water filter pitchers, which are very easy to use and have a low initial cost. Water pitcher filters typically can reduce lead, copper, chlorine, and chlorine by-products. However, while any filter is better than no filter, pitcher filters are probably the least effective filters for their cost, especially considering that filters will need to be replaced every few months. Some pitcher filters may also be slow and prone to clog. Because pitcher filters have such a short life, they may not be practical for a family of four or more who might consume a couple of gallons of water a day.

Filter faucets or filters installed directly on the faucets are also popular because, like pitcher filters, they are very easy to use. Filter faucets are usually easily placed onto the head of a faucet, and they conveniently allow a person to switch from filtered to unfiltered water. Most filter faucets effectively remove lead, pesticides, sediments, and chlorine. However, because they typically use a similar type of filter as a water pitcher, the filter needs replacing often and filtering can be slow.

Another popular type of filter are counter-top water filters, which hook directly to the faucet after the aerator is removed. Counter-top filters provide a level of filtration higher than a water pitcher or filter faucet because it uses a combination of carbon filters and other filters. Counter-top filters are also less likely to clog than a pitcher filter or a filter faucet. They also allow a large amount of water to be filtered without having to alter any plumbing.

Similar to counter-top water filter, under sink filters can filter large amounts of water. However, unlike counter top filters, they don't take up valuable counter space and instead attach to pipes under the sink. They are also typically more effective than pitcher types of water filters because under sink filters offer a two-step filtering process. However, under sink filters require modification to the plumbing (sometimes by a professional) and drilling a hole through the sink or countertop for the dispenser, which may mean longer installation time than other filters. They also take up room under the sink.

Kitchen renovation can be an exciting and creative time. As you consider which type of water filtration system would work best in your kitchen keep in the mind the following tips. First, you may want to either have your water tested or you may want to refer to your local annual quality report to ensure your water filter is removing contaminants specific to your drinking water supply. Second, your water filter should be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), and, third, to ensure the life and quality of your filter, your filter needs to be maintained according to manufacture recommendations.

Tag : water filter,reverse osmosis,kitchen

Different Types Of Water Filters

2011-03-15T22:20:00.004+07:00

If your shopping for a water filter or thinking about doing so, there are so many different types available, it may seem like a daunting task. There are many products available that will improve the quality of your water. With a little bit of research, you will find the perfect water filter for you.

Hopefully, this article will make the process easier for you. Before we get started, I want to point out that if you currently have a water filtration system in place, then be sure to purchase a replacement from the original manufacturer.

Types Of Water Filters

· Faucet-Mount Water Filters

These filters attach to your kitchen or bathroom faucet. They reduce chlorine, dirt, rust and sediment that may be picked up by the water as it moves through old pipes on it's way to your home. Your water will also taste and smell better once installation has been done. If you're wondering if the installation process is quick and easy, the answer is yes.

· Refrigerator Filters

Almost all refrigerators that have an in the door water dispenser are equipped with a water filtration system. Some of these type of refrigerators filter only the water but some actually filter the ice in the ice maker.

· Shower Filters

Standard shower filters are another option that has been shown to reduce chlorine. Other benefits include softer skin and hair and a more balanced pH. They are also simple to install.

· Water Softeners

Water softeners remove harmful minerals in the water that can leave a residue on everything and eventually lead to wear and tear. A water softener can benefit your home by not only reducing build up in plumbing and heating appliances, but will also save you money on energy costs, cleaning supplies and clothing.

· Whole House water Filtration System

A filter system for your entire home is a great option if the idea of having filters on all your water faucets and shower appeal to you. You will also notice softer water when it comes to your laundry appliances and dishwasher.

There are so many reasons why filtered water is simple a better option that tap water. High quality filters provide a healthy alternative that is affordable, safe for the environment and improves not only the quality of your health but also enhances your quality of living.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,different

The Truth About the Water Filtering System

2011-03-08T22:18:00.001+07:00

If you have decided to buy and install a water filtering system in your house and have been in a specialized shop, you must have noticed that there are several types of such systems. But what is the most appropriate for you and your family?

In order to establish what water filtering system you should buy, you should know some facts about the most common water filtering systems on the market.

Pitcher filters have several advantages over other such systems because they are very easy to use. They actually are a huge recipient in which you pour the water that passes through a series of filters to go to the main canister. It has the advantage of speed, as pitcher water filters take only several minutes to filter all the water. However, because they cannot filter large quantities at a time, pitcher filters are only recommended if you need filtered water occasionally.

If you require a water filtering system that works around the clock to protect you and your family, you should choose a faucet mounted filter. They are installed under your faucet to filter all the water that reaches your home. They have the advantage of being permanently installed in your house, so all the cold water gets filtered for safe use.

However, faucet mounted filters are somewhat more expensive and they take a bit longer to install compared to a pitcher water filter. You may also need to replace the filter from under your faucet when it has lived its life. The water filter's lifespan depends on the materials they are made of and how much cold water you use.

At the same time, there are several types of faucet mounted filters (there are simpler filters, with only one filtering system and there are more advanced models, that have several such filters).

If you live in an area where the cold water is not appropriate for human consumption, you should buy a water filtering system right away. They work by passing the water through different materials and layers of filtering materials, absorbing all the debris found in the water and also killing all existing bacteria. You can avoid many medical problems by only consuming water that has passed through a water filtering system.

Water filtering systems are very affordable nowadays and they are not considered a luxury item anymore, but a vital part of your family's safety.

Tag : water filter,water filtering,water filtering system,water

Drinking Water Filters - How They Compare in Effectiveness, Required Maintenance, Speed and Cost

2011-02-27T21:59:00.002+07:00

In this article, we will look at reverse osmosis, distillation and multi-media block filter systems. You will discover drinking water filter vary widely in effectiveness, required maintenance, speed of filtering, and cost per gallon of filtered water produced. You will also acquire the information you need to choose the best drinking water filter system for your family.

In my opinion, you can pick any of the drinking water filters, outside of your own body, and it is a good one. But some are much better than others.

First, let's look at the reverse osmosis (RO) system.

This system works by forcing water, under pressure, against a semi-permeable membrane which will remove any particles larger than a water molecule. At this stage the RO filter is really just an inefficient, costly pre-filter because:

1. RO systems won't remove chlorine, pesticides or many other toxic synthetic organic chemicals, whose molecular size is smaller than water's so they must be use in conjunction with carbon filters.
2. Even under the required water pressure, two-thirds or more of the water molecules cannot be forced through the membrane and go down the drain as wasted water.
3. RO systems are slow, yielding less than one gallon per hour of filtered water and, consequently, they require a storage tank to give an adequate supply of water.
4. The membrane in the filter will remove metals such as lead, but it also removes minerals our bodies need such as calcium, potassium and magnesium making the water acidic which some health officials consider "unhealthy" water.

The RO system requires considerable maintenance and produces comparatively expensive water at about 18 to 24 cents per gallon.

Next up is the distillation system (D)

Distillation is similar to nature's recycling system. In nature the sun heats the water; it evaporates and rises to the upper atmosphere, condenses in the cooler air and falls as rain.

In the D system, water is passed over a heated coil, the steam rises, goes into a cooling chamber (where the contaminants remain), and condenses back to a liquid.

This system is very effective against bacteria. Any bugs chlorine might have missed such as cysts like Cryptosporidium and Giardia (bad bugs), will be zapped by distillation.

And, yes, the D system will get the lead out, but, like the RO system, it removes the healthful trace minerals as well.

Again, like the RO system, chlorine and other toxic chemicals sneak by because they vaporize at a lower temperature than water, go up into the cooling chamber, condense and return with the water. Also, like the RO systems, D systems must be used in conjunction with a carbon filter.

Distillation, like reverse osmosis, is slow and wasteful, wasting up to 80 percent of the water used. Distillation produces filtered water at a cost of 20 to 26 cents per gallon.

Lastly, let's look at multi-media block filters.

In the earlier version of these filters, water was simply forced through a cylinder filled with granular activated charcoal (GAC), or carbon. Activated charcoal was used because it was recognized by the EPA as the best filtering media for removing chlorine, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs).

However, these first systems had a tendency to:

1. Allow some water to flow between the filter's walls and the carbon, so, not all the water was filtered and,
2. There was some concern about these filters not being capable of removing the tiny microbes such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, or the more difficult to remove chemical compounds.

Both of these issues were resolved with the introduction of multi-media block filter technology.

This technology utilized the advantages of the activated carbon by making it a part of a blended filter media with a sub-micron structure that is extruded or formed into a solid block.

This multi-media block filter system:

1. Removes VOCs and SOCs, which, by the way, make up most of our pharmaceuticals and prescription drugs, herbicides, pesticides, etc. that are increasingly appearing in our water systems, and,
2. Removes the tiny microbes and the more difficult to remove chemical compounds and,
3. The solid block construction prevents the water from channeling around the filter media.

Multi-media block filtration systems have now come to the forefront of drinking water filter technology.

These filters work simply, (no pumps or storage tanks are required). They are efficient, quick and very economical, producing a steady supply of good, safe water for less than 10 cents a gallon.

In my opinion, they are by far the best choice of the home drinking water filters.

Tag : water filter,drinking water filter,pur water filter,brita water filter,reverse osmosis water

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

Your Old Water Filter May Be Making You Sick!

2011-02-22T00:20:00.002+07:00

The water filter installed in your home is supposed to help you by filtering and cleaning the water that reaches your faucet. Because today's rivers and streams (even underground water supplies) are more and more polluted and the demand for fresh water in on the rise, water purifying plants cannot always offer you pure water.

To increase the level of protection for you and your family, you should install a cold water filter. But once you have installed such a water filter, it will not function forever. Water filter manufacturers specify that you should keep your filter in a good shape by avoiding damaging it and replacing it after its lifespan has ended.

Most people forget to replace the water filter and by doing so, they expose themselves and their family to more severe perils then to not having a water filter at all.

To understand why changing your water filter is vital, you should know how water filters work. Most modern water filters are based on the carbon's property to absorb impurities from the water. The carbon filters are thicker then ordinary filters, taking the water longer to pass through all the filter's layers, ending up with more pure and cleaner water.

The carbon water filter also absorbs bacteria and chemicals (such as pesticides) from the cold water in addition to the debris, but when the filter gets clogged, its purifying and cleaning properties will decrease. These sediments that gather in your water filter contain bacteria and other dangerous substances and if you do not change it at the recommended moment, you will end up with all these substances and debris in your cold water.

Replacing the water filter is fairly easy. Water filter manufacturers provide replacement filters at affordable prices, so buying them is not an issue. Changing the filter is also straightforward, as all you have to do is take the old filter out of its socket and put the new one in its place. Simply unlock the filter canister by turning its cap about one fourth turn to the left and redo the procedure, in the reverse order, to replace the water filter.

You can find the best prices for a replacement water filter either at online shops or in local hardware and plumbing stores. Just make sure you buy the exact filter suitable for your own type of cold water filter.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,brita water filter,water filter system

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

Water Filters Guide - What You Should Know Before You Invest In A Water Treatment System

2011-02-05T21:42:00.002+07:00

To some "Water, Water, Everywhere!" is a comic story but to others in other parts of the world, it's not amusing. Despite its abundance on earth, water has been one of the scarcest commodities both in quantity and in quality. In spite of advances in technology, drought and water borne diseases are common place globally. Drinking water supplies are exposed to all sorts of contamination sources and therefore causing confusion among consumers about their water quality. On one hand we are lead to believe that drinking water is well treated and safe to drink, on the other hand we can see news reports about few inefficient water treatment plants, or operators who try to manipulate water testing results. Water advisories are common-advising consumers to flush their water before they drink when certain contamination is discovered.

One sort of relief is that EPA indicated in "Water on Tap" report that the "actual events of drinking water contamination are rare, and typically do not occur at levels likely to pose health concerns." But the report says further that "there are growing numbers of activities that can contaminate our drinking water." Drinking water supply (surface and groundwater) can be exposed to such contaminants from combined sewer overflows, sanitary overflows, stormwater runoffs, concentrated animal feeding operations, failed septic tank discharges, and a host of others. These contaminants range from fertilizer, pesticides, pharmaceutical drugs, toxic wastes, oil, adionuclides, and metals. (USEPA, 2003)

Contamination from the source

Drinking water supply is sometimes exposed to harmful contaminants right from the source. Disease-causing bacteria can get into municipal drinking water, well water, or contaminated ice. According to the 2002 CDC report, from 1985 to 2000, 251 outbreaks and 462,169 cases of waterborne illness related to contaminated drinking water were reported. Some of these cases were linked to surface water supply sources that have been contaminated by sewage. Some drinking water contaminations have been linked to Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) and raw sewage discharges into water distribution lines. Forty two percent of water water-borne disease outbreak was linked to Giardia.

EPA identified 59 CSO outfalls in seven states having outfalls within one mile of drinking water intake. Although the Report to Congress did not find any relationship between a CSO discharges from these outfalls and the transport of contaminants to the vicinity of drinking water intake, it says a more complex modeling is needed to do a better study. (USEPA, 2004)

Contaminants from home plumbing systems:

Water can be contaminated by lead in home plumbing systems. Lead contamination can lead to a variety of health problems. According to EPA, "in babies and children, exposure to lead in drinking water above the action level of 0.015 mg/l can result in delays in physical and mental development." While it is rare that lead can contaminate water from the supply, lead can leach to drinking water from corroded pipes in homes that have lead pipes, joints, and solder.

How to obtain fresh tasting and healthy water - The good news is that advancement in water treatment technology has made it possible to remove these water contaminants from our drinking water. Although, technology has not caught up with the pharmaceutical water contamination, most water treatment devices can remove drugs that contain volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). According to the NSF International, although many of the NSF certified water treatment devices are specifically designed to remove pharmaceuticals right now "many of these products can help provide additional protection against wide array of other contaminants." Consumers have a wide selection of water treatment devices to choose from and you don't have to buy bottled water-which can cost you lots of money annually, to obtain healthy water. In fact, studies have shown that some bottled water contains some level of bacteria. This is because tap water and bottled water are not regulated by the same standards and the same agencies.

An NRDC study showed that one third of 103 brands of bottled water tested contained some levels of contamination which includes traces of arsenic and E. coli. (NRDC, 999). Also, home filtration systems can improve the taste or appearance of tap water at a minimal cost. According to an FDA Consumer magazine article "water purified with these products typically costs less than buying bottled water. According to Brita, its high-end faucet filter system provides water for 18 cents a gallon, a considerable saving from $1 or more typically charged for an 8- to 12-ounce bottle of water." (FDA, 2002)

Before you buy a water treatment device Experts recommend that you should find out what types of contaminants are in your water before you decide on which water treatment device to buy. Home water testing kits cost between $9.00 for single parameter to about $99, or more, if you want to test for multiple parameters. The bottom line is the cost of testing your water is less because you don't want to buy or be pressured to buy a certain water filter just because a salesman says it's good.

A typical water filter device is designed to treat one or more contaminants. Most water treatment devices are certified by National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) International. NSF (not to be confused with National Science Foundation) is an independent third party organization that has tested and certified thousands of water treatment devices such as home water filter, softeners, and purifiers to confirm treatment claims. Once you have confirmed what's in your water and have researched two or three water filters, you should confirm claims of treatment by these water filter manufacturers, then, make selection for the best water filter or purifier. If the treatment device you find is not certified, call the manufacturer to find out why. Beware that a treatment device may be tested but not necessarily certified by NSF.

What choices do you have?

Again, your choice of a filter device will depend on what your test confirms. For most, using a water filter may not be an issue but for those with compromised immune systems, it may be a necessity. Different options are commercially available. You may purchase a point-of-entry (POE) water treatment device if you want to treat all the water coming to your house. A POE or a whole house water filter is installed at the water main where water enters the house which will require an experience plumber to install. A point-of-use (POU) device is installed at the points where water will be dispensed around the house. These types of devices come as undersink or under counter, countertop, carafe, showerhead, and refrigerator water filters.

A POE (whole house water filter) can be fitted with activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters in that order. Some come as multiple-stage units fitted with more than one series of activated carbon filter to protect the reverse osmosis filter. Multi-Pure ($629), Apec ($385-$469), Aquasana ($799) are some of the few POE filters that are NSF-certified.

Water softeners are ideal for homes with hard water. You may want to check with your local government is water softeners are allowed due to elevated chlorides discharge from softeners. Most wastewater treatment facilities are not designed to remove excess chlorides resulting in excessive violations of their permits. As a result, water softeners are being banned by some local governments. Prices vary for all types of water softeners.

For POU water treatment devices, countertop or tabletop water filter are available in various shapes and models. A tabletop water filter is ideal for home owners who do not want to tamper with plumbing, and for a tenant whose lease does not allow him/her to modify the plumbing system.

Undersink water filters require some plumbing work. This is ideal for water treatment at a single location in the house. Prices will depend on the models and type of filters in the device.

In conclusion, before you choose an appropriate water treatment device, review your CCR report or have your water tested. Consider the long term cost and health benefits and most important of all is to read the fine print. Research NSF-certified water treatment devices.

Tag : water filter,water filter guide,pur water filter,water treatment system,reverse osmosis water

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

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters

2011-01-30T01:11:00.002+07:00

The tap water that comes out of your faucet is perfect. Get a filter or be a filter. Which of these two sentences are more true? Both are partially true.

In many places, tap water does not taste good. In other places, tap water has tiny amounts of substances you would not want to drink - and over a lifetime might have an affect on you.

There are many kinds of potential problems in tap water. Even if your city provides good water, it has to travel a long way through old pipes on the way to your house.

I use a whole-house ten micron sediment filter to filter all water going into my house. I change the filters every five months, and they are filthy and red-colored, because of the rust and dirt in the water. When you use a whole-house filter, shower heads and faucet screens don't clog. Whole-house filters are separate from drinking water filters.

All reverse osmosis water systems require both sediment and carbon pre-filters. All filters need to be changed. Plan on changing sediment and carbon filters every six months or sooner, and reverse osmosis membranes every 2-3 years.

It's best to buy a dissolved solids meter, and test your water every month to make sure the system is working right. Pure water will measure zero parts per million of dissolved solids. Tap water will usually measure at least 200 parts per million.

Don't get a liquid chemical test set, get a $25-$50 portable battery-operated tester with a LCD readout. These cheap meters only show the total dissolved solids in water - they do not tell you what is in the water.

Water filter systems and replacement filters are available on Ebay and Amazon, and many other places - even retail stores.

The hardest parts of installing water filters are connecting to the supply side of the water into your house, connecting to a drain line for the waste water, and installing a clean water faucet onto your sink. The rest of a water filter installation is easy.

You may need a plumber, or to buy a system where they will install it for you. The best systems have clear plastic casings, so you can see how dirty the filters get. The best systems also use standard-sized replacement filters, so you don't have to buy tiny, expensive, and proprietary filters.

Reverse osmosis water filters require both a sediment and a carbon filter in front of them, to screen out the dirt and most of the junk, before the water enters the reverse osmosis filter.

A sediment filter blocks particles larger than five or ten microns. That's an improvement over tap water, but it does not help the taste, or filter out tiny or dissolved nasty stuff in the water. The next step is a carbon block filter.

Almost all carbon block filters are activated. Activation is a process where high pressure steam is passed through coal to purify it so that it becomes almost pure carbon. Carbon is the fourth most common element in the universe, and is needed for life. Carbon makes an excellent filter, especially when extruded into a solid block.

Activated carbon block filters strain water to trap much more particles than a sediment filter can. Activated carbon filters have a positive charge to attract chemicals and impurities. As the water passes through the positively-charged carbon, the negatively-charged contaminants are attracted and bound to the carbon.

Activated carbon block filters strain out sediment, dirt, bacteria, algae, chlorine, some pesticides, asbestos, and much more. They filter sub-micron size particles, making quality water that tastes good.

The water passing through activated carbon blocks still has some particles, chlorine, nitrates, fluoride, and other dissolved junk. The next step for the best quality water is a reverse osmosis filter.

Reverse osmosis filters force water through 0.0001 micron-wide holes, through semi-permeable membranes. Long sheets of membranes are sandwiched together and rolled up around a hollow central tube in a spiral.

The reverse osmosis filter removes 99% of the remaining junk in the water. It takes almost everything out, even the calcium and magnesium in the water. Most often a small carbon filter is used after the reverse osmosis filter, to improve the taste and catch a bit more of that 1% of junk the reverse osmosis filter lets go though.

Even after sediment, carbon block, and reverse osmosis filters, water is still not perfect. Chloramines and metal ions, while reduced, may still be in the water. For this reason, some systems include a final deionizing (DI) filter.

DI filters are usually cartridges filled with plastic-like resin crystals that grab the remaining ions in the water. After the DI filter, the water is very pure.

Reverse osmosis water filter generate waste water, and they produce only a few drops of clean water per minute. For this reason, most reverse osmosis systems have a storage tank to accumulate water. All reverse osmosis systems have a drain line for waste water, that is "wasted". The waste water can be used for plants, dumped down the drain, etc.

Ultra-pure water can grow algae very easily. When you take chlorine and other nasty stuff out of water, tiny microbes and sunlight can combine to make a perfect environment to grow harmless algae.

The quality of water filtered this way is cleaner than even distilled water. Some people think pure water tastes flat. Some people add a tiny amount of sea salt to pure water. For me, no salt is needed, pure water tastes like water should.

The Internet has baseless scare stories about how ultra pure water is dangerous. Hogwash. If you inject pure water, it may hurt you. Drinking pure water does not hurt anyone unless they are fasting.

The instant that pure water hits your mouth it's no longer pure. Nothing is better for making coffee, cooking, and ice cubes, than using pure water.

My observations over 20 years show that pets, plants, and people really like it. When growing sprouts - with pure water, I found they grew twice as fast as with tap water.

The truth is that ultra-pure water is missing minerals. If you get calcium and magnesium in your diet, you are more than ok. Ultra pure water has no lead, copper, barium, or other garbage.

For me the trade-off is clear. What I want from water is water. As long as you get calcium and other minerals from food or supplements you should be fine. Also, too much copper is not good for you, so why get it in your water?

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,reverse osmosis water,drinking water filter

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

Choosing a Water Filter

2011-01-13T21:19:00.002+07:00

Water filters are available in a huge and sometimes confusing range of types and prices. The technical terms used are sometimes confusing and before making a major purchase you should satisfy yourself that the water filter has a large enough capacity to handle all your drinking water needs.

Home Water Filters vary from simple jug or bottle filters with a basic charcoal filter up to serious water processing filters that will produce crystal clear water of far higher quality than municipal tap water.

Cost is a major factor of course but there are some outstanding bargains in home water filters.

Remembering your budget, think about how much you spend every week on bottled water. Bottled water comes in either 2 litre or 5 litre plastic bottles and according to which plastic the bottler uses can have a strong taste from the plastic material. Many brands of bottled water are just bottled tap water. Municipal tap water normally contains various chemicals and possibly micro-organisms

The average family drinks from 30 to 40 litres of water every week and that works out at over $1500 a year! That is for basic supermarket bottled water â€" Fancy imported water would double or treble that cost. That would buy a pretty fancy tapwater filter.

Here is a breakdown of the different kinds of water filter available:

Jug type water filters - commonly the Brita is the most popular and is a good choice as it comes with a good filter cartridge. It is possible to use cheaper supermarket cartridges but these often leave an after taste and do not last as long. There is a counter top model which uses the same Brita filter and has a larger reservoir for filtered water/Filters last around 2 months. Most jug type filters are designed to fit into a refrigerator door. Lids on this type of filter are sometimes fragile.
Cartridges are widely available.

Refrigerator Filters - these are plumbed into a refrigerator.This is an easy to use filter that needs to be change every 6 months. Main advantage is that cold drinking water is always available on tap

Under sink water filters. These are plumbed in to your kitchen faucet and provide clean water on tap. They have the disadvantage of not removing micro-organisms. Should be changed every 2 or 3 months, Cost around $30 for new cartridge. Some units have a charcoal and a ceramic cartridge and the charcoal cartridge needs changing regularly. The Ceramic cartridge needs cleaning and can normally be reused.

Multi stage filters. These are usually a multi part filter system which may have three different filters. These are usually pumped systems so they need an electricity supply. First is a sand or gravel filter that removes organic matter (peat etc) next is a charcoal filter which cleans larger particles and is followed by a ceramic filter that filters out many micro-organisms. A refinement to this type of filter is a UV (Ultra Violet) filter that kills microbiological creatures like Giardia and Cryptosporidium which are the two main causes of stomach upsets from the water supply. Multi stage filters are basically similar to the filters used to filter water in aquariums for tropical fish but are on a larger scale. They can also be fitted as under counter units.

A further advanced filter is called the reverse osmosis filter. Although this filter produces excellent quality water, but the process is rather slow and can take a time to process enough for a large family.

Whole House Water filters are much larger but work on the same basis as multi stage water filters. They are correspondingly more expensive and many whole house water systems are designed for different house sizes. These will filter all water coming into your house and can also be incorporated with a rainwater collection system to cut down your water costs and needs. Think about how many bathrooms, toilets and water dependent machines you own (dishwasher, washing machine etc)when making your decision.

Advances in water filtration are always being made but these are the basic categories of water filters currently available

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,water filter system,reverse osmosis water

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

Home Water Filter Information

2011-01-02T21:42:00.002+07:00

Water streams are good substitutes for bottled water because it is economical (bottled water can cost hundreds of dollars/person in 1 year) environmentally friendly (because of the absence of plastic bottles for throwing), and it is convenient to use.

Here are the different types of the water filters:

Faucet stream Filters - the filter is placed directly to the top; the advantage of using this filter is the use of block-carbon filter for good and fine filtration. It is convenient to use because of the flip lever for clasping the unfiltered and filtered water. But this type of filter has its own disadvantages; it is prone to leaks, it has to be light to keep from hanging to the spout. Water flow needs to be controlled; opening tap to full can cause high pressure that can cause the filter off from the spout.

Pitcher stream Filters - this is a type of water jug that has an added top section for holding the filter, water is placed into the top then the water flows through the filter and be collected under. The advantage of this type is the reliability and long lasting, there is no possible high pressure of water that may cause stress to the filter. It is also easy to use because there is no installation that to be required and it is portable and able to be placed inside the refrigerator.

However, the disadvantage of this pitcher water filter is the need of refilling manually; it has a limited capacity that has to be refilled every day or few times in a day; when the gravity drips, it will take longer before the stream is filtered.

Counter-top Filters - this type of filter is large and about a foot in height, there is a hose that is fixed from faucet spout in able to divert water into the filter. The valve will permit the water to flow and switched to the filter and out by the faucet.

There are lots of benefits from this water filter system, it is convenient like the faucet to use; it utilizes block-carbon filter to produce fine filtration; there is no weight and size limitation and more reliable than the faucet filter. The disadvantage of this water filter is the difficulty in attaching the filter to the water spout of faucet outlets that are not standard.

Under-Sink Water Filter - the advantage of this type of water filter is similar as the advantages that you can get from the top water filters, but the added advantage of this filter system is the filter that is placed under the sink and it does not occupy counter spaces.

The disadvantage of this is the possible water leakage, because the filter is placed between the faucet and the water mains. It is not possible for switching unfiltered and filtered water if not using two faucets and the most difficult of everything is the installation of the filter.

Tag : water filter,home water filter,pur water filter,water filter information,water filter system

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

The Drinking Water Filters Puzzle - How to Find the Best Drinking Water Filter For You

2010-12-28T22:17:00.002+07:00

Faced with the vast array of home drinking water filters, it seems like an overwhelming task to decide which one filter is best for "me and my family". Not only are there many different approaches to filtering, each with it's pros and cons, but there are also so many different models within each category. If we take just the category of carbon filters, for example, there are some 2,500 models of filters manufactured by more than 500 companies.

My purpose in this article is to begin to solve the puzzle for you and suggest a way to proceed in finding the one filter that will best serve you and your family. By reading this article you will begin to clarify your philosophy of drinking water. You will understand the major approaches to filtering drinking water. Finally, you will have a clearer idea of what your particular needs are in filtered water.

What Is Your Philosophy of Drinking Water?

There are three basic philosophies that people have when they approach the question of drinking water, drinking water filters, and the level of purity they desire.

The first approach says, "Our tap water is basically safe. All I want in a filter is something that will improve the taste, odor, and color of my drinking water." If this is your approach, you will likely need a pitcher filter, if there are one or two people in your household or a faucet filter for a larger household. Both of these solutions are relatively inexpensive.

A second class of people will say, "I want to know specifically what are the contaminants I need to be concerned about, or I already know I am concerned about this, this, and this contaminant." If this is your approach to drinking water pollution, you will do research to identify the contaminants which exceed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) standard or you might run water tests of your own and identify other pollutants of concern. Then you will look for a filter that removes these specific contaminants.

A third group of people will say, "I want a filter that removes 99.9% of as many contaminants as possible. In this way I know that I am covered for anything that comes down the pipe!" If this is your approach, you are looking for a filter that will filter down to 0.5 microns and are certified to remove the widest range of all contaminants possible. For you, cost is secondary; safety and "peace of mind" are primary.

What Kind of Filter Do You Prefer?

A second way to narrow down your search of drinking water filters is to understand the major approaches to filtration as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. There are four major approaches that I will highlight.

Distillers operate on the principle of turning water to steam and then condensing that steam to water once again. It leaves behind all the impurities, except VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). In this process of removing all impurities it gives you perhaps the purest water. However, it also removes healthy minerals and is a slow process. It's also somewhat costly depending on the cost of your electricity.
Reverse Osmosis involves forcing water under pressure through a membrane whose pours are large enough for water to pass through but too small to allow other contaminants to pass through. It removes impurities almost as completely as distilling water, and removes the healthy minerals as well. Disadvantages include the slowness of the process and a typical use of 3 to 10 gallons of water for every gallon filtered.
Carbon Filters use activated carbon to filter out a wide range of contaminants. There are small and inexpensive carbon filters which simply remove bad tastes, odors and colors and not a lot more. On the other end of the spectrum, there are larger countertop or under counter sophisticated carbon block drinking water filters that give incredibly pure drinking water.
Ultraviolet Filters use ultraviolet light to destroy all microorganisms or waterborne disease from your drinking water. It is particularly valuable in killing chlorine resistant cysts. It's limitation is that it doesn't remove other contaminants and therefore is the kind of purifier that is combined with other kinds of drinking water filters.

I realize that this is a very brief and superficial treatment of these different approaches to purifying your drinking water and recommend you read more detailed explanations of the different kinds of drinking water filters along with the pros and the cons of each to determine which approach suites your needs best.

What Are Your Unique Needs?

The third way of narrowing down your choice of filters is to have a clear idea of your needs. This is why there is no one filter that fits all needs. There are no perfect filters. All filters have advantages and disadvantages. It's only as you know what you need that you can then decide on which filter is best for you.

Here are some of the things that affect need and some of the questions you need to ask yourself:

Your current source of water, is it already treated water coming to your tap or is it well water?
What are the particular contaminants that are of concern to you? What contaminants are a problem in your geographic area?
What is the size of your family? Are there infants or elderly who will be drinking the water?
What is your personal philosophy of what constitutes drinkable water?
What are your personal preferences when it comes to the kind of filter you want and the brands of filters you prefer?

We started with the realization of how complex this puzzle of drinking water filters is. I've suggested ways of narrowing down your choice. If you know what level of water purity you are comfortable with, you can better decide on the kind of approach to filtering you would like. And finally, with a clear idea of your personal needs, you know what you are looking for.

Where do you go from here. You may need to go deeper into one of the above areas. Other than that, look for one of the best filters in the category you have identified. Take advantage of the Free Report I offer in the reference box.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,reverse osmosis water

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

Maytag Water Filter - The Best House Water Filters For Your Fridge

2010-12-22T22:32:00.002+07:00

How You First Got a Maytag Water Filter

Here's how Maytag sees it. Most customers are now elated that they have purchased a new Maytag water filtration system. However, the Maytag filter manufacturer is smiling widely because you have just become their long-term customer! You will more than likely be purchasing these replacement cartridges for the next twenty years!

Why Water Filters are Beneficial

There are many benefits to owning filters that many people may totally be unaware of. You receive the same benefits no matter if you have a countertop unit or house water filters:

* Removes lead from the drinking water just prior to consumption

* When you buy a countertop model, this results in getting healthy, clean water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water.

* A filter removes chlorine as well as chlorine byproducts from your drinking water thus reducing the risk of getting colon cancer, rectal cancer and bladder cancer.

* Its is able to provide you with healthy, clean water for cooking as well as for drinking.

* Gastrointestinal diseases are reduced by over 33% by having the filter remove giardia and cryptosporidium from drinking water.

* Water filters are the last line of defense between the body and more than 2,100 toxins that may be found in drinking water.

Why Choose a Maytag Water Filter?

If you already have a Maytag water filter, no matter if it is one on the refrigerator, a countertop model or house water filters, you have made a good starting point. You should look for a water filter that utilizes a multi-stage process in addition to ion exchange as well as a activated carbon filter. The very best water filters on the market will remove more than 99% of all toxins.

A water purification system such as the Maytag water filter or Maytag house water filters are more than likely to be one of the most important as well as best health investments that you will ever make. It is of prime importance that you get the water filter that is most effective and not the one that is most expensive. Make sure that you check the manufacturer's performance sheet to see exactly what the water filter removes.

However, theMaytag water filter is not able to prevent such toxic gases like methane and chloroform to enter your house. These gases can pass through water lines. Maytag house water filters will cost approximately $1,000. They do, however, a blanket of protection because the house water filters are able to stop these gases before they enter your home. Many people decide to buy Maytag house water filters because it means less frequent filter changes as these water units contain about a 300,000 gallon capacity.

Tag : water filter,maytag water filter,pur water filter,water filter system

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

Review - General Electric Refrigerator With Its Inbuilt GE Water Filter

2010-12-11T21:35:00.002+07:00

GE produces a wide range of refrigerators, many of which come with built-in water filters for both ice makers and water dispensers. Unfortunately, as with any water filtration system, a GE water filter needs to be changed on a regular basis. The cost, easy, and quality of replacement is what can make to break the reputation of refrigerators with water filters. General Electric fridges are no exception. This article has surveyed dozens of consumer reviews and offers you the average, overall impressions from fellow consumers like you.

Most GE fridges have an inbuilt GE water filter with a wide range of quality designs and prices. On the lower end, this simple activated carbon water filters are relatively inexpensive and filter out visible particles, the calcium carbonates that produce cloudy, gritty "hard water," and counteract the unfortunate byproduct of chlorine sterilization of municipal water supplies-mainly, water that tastes and smells bad. At the other end of the spectrum, some General Electric refrigerator models have expensive, high quality reverse osmosis GE water filters. Reverse osmosis technology filters water at the molecular level, straining out almost all known contaminants.

Quality

Consumers reviews of General Electric refrigerator and its GE water filter feature are overwhelmingly positive. GE refrigerator and GE water filters consistently score between 4.6 and 5.0 on a five star scale. People who own General Electric refrigerators with a GE water filter rave about the great tasting water and ice they produce, which they use for both drinking and cooking. The water volume appears to be excellent. Not one review could be found where General Electric refrigerator owners complained about running out of filtered water from their refrigerator dispensers.

Duration

The duration of a GE water filter is also better than most filters. They need to be changed roughly every six months. Consumer reviews, however, report having to change filters as often as every three months, and as rarely was every year and a half. This presumably has more to do with the refrigerator owner's rate of purified water consumption rather than the quality of the GE water filters.

Price

The vast majority of General Electric refrigerator owners seem happy with the price. Several different GE refrigerator models use the same filters, and a single three pack of water filters will last customers for well over a year. Customers who use these fridges have an automatic filter change indicator and they seem very pleased with that feature.

Installation

Most GE fridge owners report the installation of replacement GE water filters as being quick, easy, and effortless. The filters are easily accessible and can be changed with a quick twist. Some General Electric refrigerator owners, however, have reported being sprayed with cold water when attempting to change the water filters, although this defect appears to be limited to only a few General Electric refrigerator models.

Negatives

There are very few negative reviews of General Electric refrigerators and GE water filters, and even fewer complaints that appear more than once. Owners of General Electric refrigerators do not have convenient, automatic filter change indicators bemoan its absence. More importantly, the only consistent complaint in consumer's reviews is to do with slightly low water pressure. The water flow appears to dwindle as the water filter becomes dirty, and some customers report it slowing to a trickle before the GE water filter is changed.

Overall, General Electric refrigerators with their respective GE water filter is a good investment of your money. General Electric refrigerators owners seem happy with the quality of purified water and duration of the filters. Installation of new GE filters are quick and easy and most customers are satisfied with the price of its replacement filters. If you're looking for a new refrigerator with a filtered water dispenser and ice maker, you should definitely considers GE filter systems.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,ge water filter

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

Get Better Tasting Water in Your RV by Installing a Drinking Water Filter

2010-12-05T23:11:00.002+07:00

The drinking water filter mod is one of those things that should come straight from the factory for all RVs. The way RV holding tanks and plumbing systems are designed and utilized tends to promote bacterial growth if not sanitized on a regular basis. And more importantly, it's not all that uncommon to get a bad batch of water from a seemingly safe water source. In addition to sanitizing your RVs plumbing system frequently, filtering the water before it get's in to your system goes a long way in preventing bad water taste and potentially harmful parasites and bacteria from having their way with your system. The last thing you need when camping is to be enjoying your toilet more than the outdoors.

Using Your Water for Drinking and Cooking

Although there are several approaches to providing clean water for your RVing needs, this mod focuses on drinking and cooking water filtration. Of course, filtering your entire RV water supply system is an option but it is not always necessary. Most water sources are chlorinated and have enough protection to minimize bacterial growth. It just might not taste very good. Again, sanitizing often and not letting your water pipes, water heater, and fresh water tank sit without use will stave off 99% of bacterial growth. Assuming you have decent water to start with, the drinking water filter will provide great taste and protection in a simple to use manner.

Drinking Water Filter Types - Portable and Under-Counter Mount

The simplest approach to modding your RV with a drinking water filter is the countertop style filter. This system uses a standard, replaceable 10-inch filter cartridge and houses it in a plastic canister that sits on your counter. The water is fed to the unit through a tube hooked up to your sink faucet, and includes a spigot to serve the filtered water. This has the advantage of being portable. You can take the filter system with you for use in another RV, or even your home for that matter. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to get great tasting water, then your mod work here is done.

The most arguably popular drinking water filter mod though is the permanent-mount under-sink type, where the filter cartridge is mounted under the sink and the dispenser is mounted to the countertop or sink. The water supply to the dispenser is connected via a tee fitting placed in the cold water supply pipe used by the sink faucet. This makes using the dispenser easier and requires less counter space. And the filter housing is placed in an out of the way location under the sink, in a cabinet, or other convenient spot.

Tools Needed for Permanent Installation

Doing this mod is pretty straightforward, but requires a few tools you might not have handy in your mod tool set. These are a PEX or plastic tubing cutter, and a hole saw. Using a tubing cutter will help ensure there are no burrs on the tubing after cutting, which reduces the chance of a leak at the fittings where the tubing slides in. The hole saw is necessary since the dispenser is secured by a threaded shaft on the bottom of the dispenser, which must go through the sink or countertop, and is secured underneath the sink or countertop using a large washer and nut. Some dispensers only require a 1/2" hole for the threaded shaft so you might not need a hole saw. A 1/2"drill bit will work. Others may need a larger mounting hole so a hole saw is a must.

Beginning the Installation

Once you have the right tools for the job, installation is easy. Start by locating where you want to mount the dispenser. If you plan to mount the dispenser through the countertop, place some masking tape over the area you will be drilling through to help prevent splintering. If you plan to mount the dispenser through a metal sink shoulder, drill slowly if using a hole saw to prevent overheating the bit. After drilling the dispenser mounting hole, place the dispenser mounting shaft through the hole and secure with the supplied hardware.

Finding a Water Source to Tap In To

The next step is to locate a suitable place for the tee fitting in the cold water line going to the sink faucet. The tee fitting taps in to the line and provides the water supply connection for the dispenser. You can tap in to any cold water line but under the sink is the most convenient. Here is where you use your handy dandy PEX tubing cutter. Before cutting, be sure your water pump it switched off and all pressure in the line is relieved. Otherwise you're in for a real mess. Now carefully cut a 1" section out of the cold water line, which will require two cuts. If you have enough room to move the lines away from each other 1", then you may not have to do the second cut.

Installing the Tee Fitting

Water filter kits usually come with all the fittings necessary for a typical installation. This mod uses a plastic tee fitting which slips in between the cut tubing and a brass shutoff valve that serves both to provide the water supply to the dispenser and to turn off the supply if you need to change the filter or winterize. Thread the brass fitting in to the tee fitting using plumbers tape around the threads to prevent leakage.

Fitting the Brass Water Supply Shutoff Valve

Next, the water supply tubing needs to be attached to the brass shutoff valve. Don't worry about the length of the tubing at this point. The idea here is to secure the tubing to the fitting first since doing this requires a couple of end wrenches to secure. You might not have much room to use the wrenches in a tight compartment. The brass fitting is a compression type fitting so you need to slide the compression nut on first, then the small compression ferrel. Insert the tubing in to the fitting and tighten the compression nut fairly tight but not too tight.

Now secure the plastic tee fitting to the cold water line by sliding the round plastic threaded nuts on to each side of the cut tubing, then insert the tee fitting. Secure the nuts to the fitting taking care to not over tighten. You can use pliers to do this but make sure you hold the fitting body securely so you don't damage the water line.

Mounting the Water Filter Cartridge

The next step is to mount the water filter. Find a suitable location near the the tee fitting you just installed. The mod shown in the pictures uses a simple plastic bracket that the filter snaps in to. Secure the bracket and snap the filter in to place. Now you can measure how much tubing you need to go from the dispenser to the filter, and from the filter to the shutoff valve. Measure the distance for each and then add 6". This extra tubing will help with any bends required when routing the tubing. Cut the tubing with the tubing cutter to the appropriate length.

Attaching the tubing is incredibly simple with the type of filter and dispenser used in this mod. All you have to do is insert the tubing in to the ends of the filter and in to the bottom of the dispenser. No compression fittings or special tools are required. The tubing may appear to be loose in the filter and dispenser but try pulling the tubing out. You can't. The fittings hold the tubing in place and water pressure actually prevents the connections from leaking. Just be sure to connect the lines correctly, observing the filter input and output arrows.

Do a Final Leak Check

All that is left is to do now is turn on the water pump and check for leaks. Tighten fittings if necessary but don't overtighten. Let the dispenser run for a minute or two to eliminate charcoal sediment in the new filter. Now enjoy a great tasting glass of water!

Tips

1. Whatever brand filter you choose to buy, be sure it has been certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, or NSF. The NSF tests water filters to make sure that the manufacturer labels are telling the truth about performance. Avoid "generic" filters that have little or no information on the filter housing or packaging. Also avoid buying solely on price. Cheaper doesn't always mean good. Remember the Yugo?

2. Although the drinking water filter in this mod is suitable for drinking and cooking needs, it does nothing for the rest of the water in the system. If you are not one to sanitize your plumbing system often, you should probably use a whole house filter to minimize bacterial growth and ensure safe water for other uses. See the resources below for filters designed for applications like this.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,reverse osmosis water

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

Trihalomethane Shower Filters and Drinking Water Filters That Remove THM & THMs

2010-12-01T20:47:00.001+07:00

The Threat of Trihalomethane (THM)
It's been proven that all public water systems contain some level of at least one unhealthy chemical. But in study after study, it turns out that the norm is for your city or municipal water to have dozens of dangerous contaminants. Society literally adds hundreds and hundreds of dangerous chemicals every year and many of them make their way into the water we use to drink, shower or bathe in, and cook with. Current EPA regulations only require testing for about 90 of those chemicals.

One geological study in Southern California found that the groundwater contained traces of almost 40 industrial chemicals and 20 pesticides. The reality is that you'd be lucky to have just one chemical floating in your water. Most people are aware of the hazards of chlorine, but a chemical called trihalomethane (THM) is making news because studies have shown that it may be more dangerous than chlorine. Recently, the Frankford Water Department was notified by the Delaware Division of Public Health that their water exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency's maximum allowable level of THM. The residents were upset and wondering what you probably are. What is it and how do I get rid of it.

How THM Is Created
Trihalomethanes are caused when a disinfectant, mostly commonly chlorine, interacts with bacteria or other organic material. These other substances can include hair follicles, skin particles and also substances like sweat. The resulting reaction creates trihalomethane, a very powerful carcinogenic threat that ends up coming out of your sinks and shower heads. Chloroform is an example of this harmful toxin. Exposure means putting yourself at risk for serious health conditions like asthma and cancer. THMs can build-up in the body and women with breast cancer have shown a higher level of these chlorinated compounds (or organo-chlorines) in their tissue.

A Water Filtration Solution
Fortunately, advances in water filtration technology have made it possible to filter out THM and render your water safe. The US EPA recognizes Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) as the best available technology for filtering out the dangerous chemical, along with other Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) and synthetic chemicals.

The best home water filtration methods for removing THM and other chemicals are a whole house water filter, shower filter and drinking water filter. In fact, these are the exact three products that Dr. Mehment Oz said were vitally important to your health on his show. Dr. Oz noted that the Rhino whole house water filtration system was the most effective but also the most expensive. Most interestingly was his emphasis on the importance of the AQ-4105 shower filter. In the next paragraph, I'll discuss why a shower filter system is so important for purifying water contaminated with THM and other pollutants.

What Type of Water Filter Products to Consider
When taking action to eliminate the threat of THMs and other synthetic and organic chemicals, you need to treat either your whole house or your faucets and showerheads. A quality whole house water filter will offer the best filtration effectiveness, but does not come cheap. The next best solution is a point-of-use drinking water filter and shower filter. While filtering the water coming from your sink is incredibly important, research has shown that your shower may pose a greater threat. In a hot shower, the pores of your skin open up and cause the absorption rate of chlorine and chemicals like Trihalomethane to accelerate. The alarming reality is that the steam you inhale can have concentrations of THMs that are several times higher than unheated tap water.

Since THM is only one chemical, it doesn't make sense to only have one filter media that specializes in its removal. Therefore, look for two stage or multi-stage water filtration systems for both your shower and sink. A dual filter that combines KDF and carbon media is widely recognized as the most effective filter technology for showering.

For your drinking water, a carbon filter is also a necessity. However, some companies are taking the approach "better safe than sorry" and no longer use KDF-55 in water filters for drinking. The reason is that KDF uses a natural copper / zinc mineral media and consuming high levels of copper is not good for the brain. Instead, look for a drinking filter like the counter top AQ-4000 that uses multi-stage filtration and combines the most effective technologies currently available: mechanical filtration (filtration down to.5 microns), adsorption (contaminants bond chemically or physically to the surface of the GAC filter medium) and ion exchange (replaces harmful lead ions with healthful potassium ions).

Fortunately, dual stage shower filters and multi-stage water filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. For less than 50 cents a day you can enjoy the convenience and safety of both types of filters! And the peace of mind that you are inhaling or drinking water that is safe and free or virtually free of organic and inorganic contaminants. Another reason for an under counter or countertop drinking water filter is that THMs are gases and can become airborne in the steam from cooking with water. Just like with a shower, we inhale the chemicals and they enter our blood stream at a more rapid rate than if we drank the water.

Conclusion
In recent years, the threat of chlorine and studies showing its health consequences was enough motivate many people to purchase a chlorine shower filter and drinking water filter. However, Trihalomethane and other contaminants are causing the media and health experts to tout them as a necessity for most everyone. While some shower and water filters only utilize one filter media, a high quality two stage shower water filter and multi-stage water filtration system offer the best overall protection for price, quality and performance.

Just remember, when searching for a water filter, a single carbon filter isn't enough. There are literally thousands of cancer-causing chemicals that may be in your water. Trichloroethylene (TCE), used for cleaning metal parts, is another hard to pronounce chemical that finds its way into water supplies. The link between long-term exposure to unhealthy carcinogenic substances in your water is only getting stronger, so look into purchasing a whole house filter or shower and drinking water filters. They are very inexpensive compared to the potentially devastating health problems and costs of using unfiltered water.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,drinking water filters

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

Make A Water Filter. It Will Clean Your Water Like An Air Cooler

2010-11-26T23:54:00.000+07:00

Make A Water Filter. It will clean your Water like an Air Cooler

Andrew Caxton

How to make a simple water filter with materials you can easily find.

Obtaining a water filter can be one of the best things you can do for your family. By removing contaminants from their drinking water, you will help your family stay healthy and enjoy the water more. Today's crazy world with pollutants and other threats to a clean environment requires that we take as much care as we possibly can with our precious drinking water.

Of course, there are many types of water filters that you can buy, but did you know that you can create a simple water filter yourself? It is a very simple process that just about anyone can perform.

First, you will have to cut a length of PVC pipe to about two to two and one half inches. In the end cap of the pipe, drill a small hole; you will probably need to use a power drill to cut a clean cut.

The whole you cut should be the same approximate size of the diameter hose you are going to inset in it.

Screw on the end cap of the PVC to the PVC pipe and seal it with silicone sealer, and then insert a vinyl hose into the opening you have made in the end cap and seal that with the sealer as well.

Next, use some material to use as a filter, such as a paper towel or a coffee filter, and fill it with carbon before you insert it into the PVC pipe. When you pour some water into the open side of the pipe, it will go through the filter with the carbon, then out the thinner vinyl tube into a container.

Voila! Quick, easy filtered water you can keep in the refrigerator to drink at any time. As mentioned, this is one of the simplest, cheapest filters there is. You can certainly buy more complicated ones if you prefer. In either case, you will have to be conscientious about changing the filtering material in your filter. You change the filter in your air cooler on a regular basis; this is the same concept.

Clean, pure water is on everyone's mind today and the best way to make sure that your family is drinking clean water is to purify it yourself. You can eliminate those contaminants before they get into that glass of water.

A New Water Filter Is Worth More Than A New Air Cooler

2010-11-14T00:29:00.001+07:00

A New Water Filter is Worth More than a New Air Cooler

Andrew Caxton

Choosing the right water filtering systeme from a good company is important. Here are few companies to choose from.

There are many companies to choose from if you have decided to install a water filter in your home. There are many good, reputable companies offering these products, so you have a wide array of great products from great companies to choose from. A little research on your part will get you the best deal around.

One of the best, and also one where you will always find the most competitive prices is the Home Water Purifiers and Filters Company. This company with the obvious sounding name carries a full selection of all of the popular systems for water filtration. They carry one of the most popular and effective, the point of use osmosis system. This multi stage system is the newest in sophisticated technology designed to produce clean, healthy water.

Many homeowners choose the full house system, as compared to the point of use ones, since the water is treated as it enters the home, and the flow rate is consequently much higher. It is like comparing a window air cooler to a whole air conditioning system. If the water supply to your home has a lot of sediment in it, this is really the ideal system for you.

The mechanics of these systems is made up of a filter cartridge enclosed within a housing. The cover of the housing has a spanner wrench opening for easy access to the filter. It is recommended that a plumber install these systems, although a knowledgeable homeowner can probably do it.

Every one of the water filter systems offered by Home Water Purifiers and Filters Company are NSF certified and are designed for easy installation and maintenance, high water flow and long lasting filters. This means that you will get a lot of value from the unit since it is inexpensive to install and keep in good working order.

A second company that is highly recommended is Lifesource Whole House Water Systems. This company has been in the business of water filters for generations, serving both the residential and commercial market with excellent products. Their systems are tested, certified by an industry group called the Water Quality Association and will give you the best quality system for your home.

Renovating Your Kitchen? - Water Filters and Reverse Osmosis Systems

2010-11-11T21:35:00.001+07:00

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

Inline Water Filter

2010-06-07T22:27:00.001+07:00

An inline water filter is designed to remove impurities in water before it even gets to your home. Connected at the incoming water pipe, it can be a simple filter, or a series of them, depending on the water quality. When using these systems, the water at every tap will be clean. It can save wear and tear on the plumbing system, and keep deposits in the water heater to a minimum, prolonging it's life. The savings from no longer buying bottled water will allow the unit to pay for itself in very little time. Most of the simpler units use activated carbon to trap the impurities, allowing the clean water to flow through. More severe water contamination may require a more complex system to remove everything, have your water tested to find out what your needs will be.

While there are at the source water filters that attach to the faucet or shower head, or even under the sink, whole house water treatment makes more sense when you have questionable water quality. This type of system will save wear and tear on your plumbing and water heater in a way faucet mounts can't. Several styles and types of systems are available on the market for any water problem. Knowing what you need before shopping for an inline water filter can save you a lot of time, trouble and money. Do your homework on the many options available that will do the job you need it to do, with maintenance you can handle on your own.

By: David cassel

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

Iron Water Filter

2010-06-04T22:46:00.000+07:00

When you have extremely hard water, an iron water filter will generally take care of the problem. These units are unlike the regular activated carbon filters you usually find. They are specifically designed to remove iron, and when the filter is full, it flushes the iron deposits down the drain and starts over. This is a more common problem with drilled wells that municipal water, generally. Iron deposits in the water table find their way into wells very easily, and the amount in the water can vary. Some have only a trace amount, while a neighboring well could be producing orange tinted water that leaves stains on every fixture in the house.

The damage done by iron and other mineral deposits in your water supply just to the home are expensive. Plumbing can corrode, and have to be replaced. Water heaters can be filled with deposits that require you to drain and flush them every four to six months. Elements in water heaters can be damaged by deposits and need replacing as well. Faucet mounted filters do the job, but are limited to the tap they are connected to.
For severe cases of iron in the water supply, having all the water coming in treated is the best option. Once you know the iron content of your water you can get the right system for the job. From a simple activated carbon filter to a specially designed iron water filter, know your needs before weighing the options and making your water system purchase decision.

By: David cassel

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

3 Reasons Why Your Family Needs a Drinking Water Filter System Now

2009-08-31T22:19:00.002+07:00

A drinking water filter system for your home and your families protection is vital. I am going to give you in this short article 3 reasons why you absolutely must have an in-home water filter system.

Reason #1

Your family and your health is at risk if you drink and use chlorinated water from the tap in your home.

The proper drinking water filter will protect your family from chlorine, bacteria and other dangerous contaminants that may be finding their way into your drinking water. If you don't know what could be lurking in your water, it is the same as crossing the street without looking. You might make it.

Your body contains 70% water and uses some each day that must be replaced. If lost water is not replaced, dehydration is assured. Dehydration can cause a whole range of problems. Replacing water your body uses is simply done by drinking water, juices and eating good fruit.

Most people do not think about what is in the water, they just drink their 6-8 glasses each day believing all is well. Is not that what we hear all the time? "Eat your fruit and veggies, exercise and drink 8 glasses of water". I get sick of hearing it.

Eating too much and over exercising are not good. Drinking 8 glasses of water full of contaminants is not very smart either.

Bad water doesn't have to smell bad or have some funny color; usually it doesn't. With a proper drinking water filter system you won't have to worry. A good water filter system will remove harmful bacteria and other bad things.

The bad "things" could be drugs, chlorine gas, THMs, gardia, etc. There is a large list of potential contaminants that have been discovered in our public water systems even after the water facility had treated the water and declared it safe.

Some people have asked, "What is wrong with chlorine? I always thought is was safe? It would take a whole article to really list what is not good about chlorine. When you take a shower it has been treated by the public water system with chlorine to kill certain bacteria. Now that is very good. But what is bad is the chlorine treated shower hot water turns to a vapor. If you have asthma you may have noticed that your breathing becomes difficult when you shower.

Not only that but chlorine makes your skin dry and irriated. Also, some people are allergic to chlorine. I noticed that myself when I put bleach into the washing machine or use it to clean with, my nose becomes immediately congested.
A good water filter system will eliminate chlorine and the "bad things" listed above.

Reason #2

Everything that man uses on the surface of the earth works its way into the ground and into our water supply. Thousands upon thousands of chemicals of all kinds are being used and spilled out into the environment everyday and all day. Gasoline, oil, engine additives, pesticides, herbicides, bleach, soap, drugs, feces, animal waste, etc. etc. etc.
All of the above dictates that we must have a proper drinking water filter system protect our family.

But don't run out an buy just any water filter, filter pitcher or some device you slap on your kitchen faucet. A water filter must remove all not just some of these things: VOC, THMs, alachlor, atrazine, lindance, TCE and MTBE. If it doesn't, don't waste your money. Don't jeopadize your health by taking a quick short cut.

The right drinking water filter system will balance pH level and mineral content. Distilled water is not for drinking because is removes minerals from the water that our bodies need. Reverse Osmosis is not typically useful for most homes because it won't remove chemicals.

In my research I found only one manufacturer that has a drinking water filter system that does all the things a good water filter system should do: to protect your family from all the dangers this article listed. Do what I did. Find a company that has a water filter that removes contaminants and doesn't break the bank.

Reason #3

Your family and your health is at stake!! Get a water filter today.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,water filter system,drinking water filter

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/3-reasons-why-your-family-needs-a-drinking-water-filter-system-now-502817.html

Water Filters - 4 Strong Reasons to Use Them

2009-08-19T22:36:00.001+07:00

Getting a pure water filter is important to every household as it gives a lot of benefits in the long-run. Here are some reasons why do you need a pure water filter.

Reason #1: Pure Water Filter for a Healthier Life

The word ‘filter’ give a basic impression of the function is which to filter the water from things such as bacteria, pesticides and contamination which is hazardous to our health. This is because although water are treated in water treatment plant before it flows into the water system in each household but there are some bacteria or pesticides that resists the treatment facilities effort. The standard treatment such as chemical disinfection does not eliminate cryptosporidium cysts - a common water contamination that are resistant to the chemical disinfection. Cysts, a form of parasite or microscopic creature can cost illness, commonly known as “stomach flu” which can cause fatality.

Reason #2: Inexpensive

Water filter is not expensive as many people thought it to be as there are many varieties and different categories to choose to catered to each household’s need. Ditch the idea of buying bottled water as a substitute in getting clean water instead of installing pure water filter. This is because in a practical manner, buying bottled water as your water supply will cost you more in the long run and bottled water may not be necessary safe as water standard are not stated in the label.

Reason #3: Fun with Water Filters

As mentioned above, there are many varieties of water filters such as faucet fillers, pitchers, refrigerator (Yes! You can install in it too, depending on your refrigerator model) and dispensers type. And who says drinking water is dull and tasteless? To add the fun, there’s also flavor filters that comes in strawberry grape, peach or lemon flavor.

Reason #4: Go Green & Be Happy

Substituting bottled water with pure water filter is a right choice for everyone as you can save the earth from ‘consuming’ the plastic bottles which take years to be dispose at land-fills. In addition, filtered water is often chlorine-free and this provides safe, clean and odorless water for drinking, washing and bathing, compared to consuming unfiltered water or bottle water.

In conclusion, getting a pure water filter is a step of a healthier life, inexpensive, fun and at the same time, allows you to go green by being environmental friendly and a happier you. Now, isn’t that every good reasons for you to install pure water filter today!

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,water filter system,home water filter

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/water-filters-4-strong-reasons-to-use-them-532737.html

Basic Functions of a Water Filter Cartridge

2009-08-16T01:29:00.002+07:00

A water filter cartridge is the central part of the water filtration system which controls the type of water which the system will produce. The water filtration unit houses this cartridge and connects the water filter cartridges with each other.

A water filter cartridge is central to the smooth operation of the water filtration system. It is that part of the system where the purification actually takes place. Thus, it is crucial to understand how this works in order to determine the effectiveness of the filter you would choose to use. Although there is no perfect water filter which can totally remove all the contaminants in your water, a combination of several types of water filter cartridges may be able to come up only short with this.

One type of water filter cartridge is the sediment cartridge. It has the ability to remove fine particle such as sand, mud, asbestos, silt, and turbidity from the water. Because of this, these products are normally rated based on the type and size of the particles they can remove. The smaller the micron (a thousandth of a millimeter), the smaller the size of the particle it can filter out.

Sediment water filter cartridge are normally made up of pleated polyesters, cellulose fibers or other porous ceramic materials. These materials are very cheap compared to the materials used with other cartridges and it is where sediment cartridges got its other name of low-cost infiltration cartridges. Usually, care for these cartridges involves washing them often. But this is not possible in some brands, that is why replacement is the only option.

Another type of water filter cartridge is the carbon cartridges. They are generally composed of activated carbon or carbon fiber block which are used to de-chlorinate water and remove trihalomethanes, lead, endrin, herbicides/pesticides, radon and toluene in the water. Compared to the sediment cartridges, carbon cartridges remove finer particles and helps clarify the water and removes the accumulated taste in it. Unfortunately, there is no way to clean this type of cartridges. Thus, replacement is the sole option but it can last longer than sediment ones.

Carbon cartridges are also generally more expensive than sediment water filter cartridges. However, they are tried and tested to be more effective in water purification. This is because of the more porous materials used on them and the more recent technology they employ.

Since the best water filtration systems involve two stages of purification, a combination of these two water filter cartridge would work best. The first step usually involves the use of the sediment cartridge wherein slightly larger particles are removed. The second step, meanwhile, is the use of activated carbon cartridges which removes the finer particles.

Water filter cartridges are available in a large number of hardware stores and water supplies store. Their cost varies according to the model of the filter you are using and the capacity. They may seem costly. But the benefits and the advantages that go with it are priceless.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,water filter system,water filter cartridge

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/basic-functions-of-a-water-filter-cartridge-680312.html

Best Faucet Water Filter Solution

2009-08-10T22:51:00.001+07:00

Let's face it. The topic of maintaining good health continues to dominate the concerns of people all over the world. As a result, medical science is promoting the overlooked health benefits of drinking plenty of clean water. Finding the best faucet water filter solution is becoming a growing priority for those people who want to "tap in" to the astonishing benefits of drinking water.

If you are one of these people who is looking for an effective faucet filter, but aren't quite sure how to proceed, I'd like to share some information that you may find helpful.

At this point it might help to underscore the reason why plenty of clean water is foundation for good health.

First of all, because the body is made up of 70% water, you can say that it is basically a water machine. As such, the body's astonishing ability to heal itself is precisely connected to drinking plenty of water. When given the right tools the body knows exactly what to do to maintain its youthful vitality and longevity. A well-chosen faucet filter can easily provide this essential tool.

Taking time to research and find the best faucet water filter solution for you and your family means providing a simple, but effective way to prevent illness and ailments.

Water makes it possible for your body's most important processes (nervous system, metabolism, digestion and detoxification) to keep running smoothly and efficiently. Just like a well-oiled car, your body can get plenty of healthy mileage when you're drinking plenty of water from a home faucet filter.

You should begin your search for the best faucet water filter the understanding that no faucet filter can be 100% certain. However, I have found, through hours of painstaking research, that some are definitely better than others.

There are three main criteria I recommend using when evaluating home water filters:

1. Ideally, the faucet filter should remove the widest range of chemical toxins and bacteria.

2. The appliance should be affordable, simple to install and maintain.

3. The filtering process must leave essential mineral content untouched

There is also a sub-criterion that you may or may not want to look for: The faucet water filter will be certified.

I have found that these criteria are important for several reasons. First, popular water filtration systems like distillation and reverse osmosis, have severe limitations when it comes to removing certain synthetic chemicals like herbicides, and pesticides. There are also problems with removing bacteria cysts like cryptosporidium and giardia.

Second, expensive add-ons, like a carbon filter system, are required if you want to be able to get rid of the toxins that r.o. and distillation, by themselves, are unable to remove. These carbon filters must also be replaced on a regular basis. I have found this to be expensive and inconvenient.

Third, when essential minerals are stripped, the health benefits of drinking water are severely reduced. Reverse osmosis and distillation remove natural mineral content, leaving the water "dead."

So what do I recommend as the best faucet water filter solution?

For my money, any faucet filter based up multi-stage filtration, has my vote. I have found that this comprehensive filtration technology meets all three of my purchasing criteria.

The water company I located that uses this technology also provides certifications for their products (my sub-criterion).

Make no mistake. If you want the simplest way to ensure the health and well-being of you and your family, then increase your intake of clean, healthy water from a multi-stage filtration faucet filter.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,water filter system,reverse osmosis water

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/accessories-articles/best-faucet-water-filter-solution-717598.html

Iron Water Filters - not the Best for Filtering Drinking Water

2009-08-06T23:19:00.002+07:00

Now I see that they have gotten around to trying to sell iron filters to residential customers.

The thing about these iron water filter is that they really don't have much to offer you in the way of protection from the many contaminants that can be found in our water supply. They are too contaminant specific to offer you much help at all.

What these iron filters are primarily for is removing toxic heavy metals from your drinking water. They are highly recommended by some for their ability to effectively block iron, sulphur, manganese, sediment, and turbidity from your water, which is great.

However there are thousands of contaminants in our water supply that these types of filters are not equipped to deal with.

These iron water filters will do absolutely nothing to protect you from all of the chemical agents that are in our water supply.

There are about 2,100 of these chemicals in our water that are known to cause cancer in human beings. You need a filter that will effectively block these chemicals out. This is not the filter to do it with.

Another group of impurities that iron filters fail to deal with are the numerous parasites and cysts that breed in our water.

These microscopic menaces will many times survive the chlorine disinfection process, and will make anyone who is unlucky enough to ingest them severely ill. This illness can often be fatal in the elderly, and in small children.

Iron water filters are too limited in what they can offer you, and at a starting price of around $400, they should be able to offer you much more.

If you want to be able to remove heavy metals from your drinking water there is a much more affordable way in which to not only accomplish that task, but also get help with the other contaminants also.

Instead of iron filters what you need is an all around water puricication unit that features an ion exchange filter.

This filter removes metals from you water just as effectively as those other types of filters do.But the reason that they are named as they are is because when they trap these metal traces, they release sodium and potassium in its place.

What iron water filters don't offer you is the protection that can be had by the combination of an activated granular carbon filter, a multi media block, and a sub micron filter.

These three filters will effectively block 99% of all of the chemical and microbial contaminants that are currently present in your water. This combination is what you need if you want to feel totally safe.

You can buy the top rated counter top unit for a mere $125 dollars, which as we have learned is considerably less expensive than any of the iron filters that are available.

This unit contains all four of the filters that have been mentioned, and with all of this protection in your counter top, your family can rest easy at night knowing that nothing can harm them.

Tag : water filter,Iron water filter,pur water filter,drinking water filter

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/iron-water-filters-not-the-best-for-filtering-drinking-water-772693.html

7 Great Benefits Of Using A Whole House Water Filter

2009-07-31T23:21:00.002+07:00

Nowadays people are using more than just a sink filter in their homes. After studies came out documenting the dangers of bathing and cleaning with tap water, many people have taken the plunge and bought whole house water filters.

It might sound like an exaggeration to use a whole house water filter but it's really not. The dangers of what comes out of your tap are not only a problem when you drink it. Pretty much any activity that involves the use of tap water is a risk. Here are 7 great benefits of using a whole house filter that may convince you to also take the plunge.

1 ) Whole house filters are your last means of protection if your municipal treatment facility were to break down. Imagine the horror of getting dirty water only worthy of a sewer coming out of your sink. Breakdowns are known to occur and the only way to stay safe is with a whole house filter.

2.) A whole house water filter is a one-stop solution to filtration. You won't need separate filters in your bathroom and kitchen. You will only need one system that will get the job done.

3.) Whole house filters keep the air in your house cleaner. This is especially important if anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma because these conditions can be aggravated when chemicals that come from the tap are released in the air.

4.) When you have a whole house filter, you can wash your clothes in clean, filtered water. This means that no harsh chemicals will get embedded in your clothing and your clothing will last a lot longer. Chemicals in tap water cause the fibers in fabric to break down more quickly.

5.) Whole house filters provide the cleanest drinking water possible because there will be no contaminants entering your homes plumbing system.

6.) A whole house filter is far more effective than filtering the shower because it removes all of the contaminants when the water is at a low temperature. Shower filters on the other hand remove fewer contaminants since they are used once.

7.) Whole house filters reduce soap scum on dishes and in your bathroom. You will notice that you spend a lot less time scrubbing your house because soap scum will nearly disappear.

Basically, there are a vast number of benefits to using whole house water filters. Sure, any filter is better than no filter at all. But why not reap the maximum benefits by having all of the water in your home filtered in one fell swoop?

You won't have to worry about installing different gadgets throughout your home as every water source in your home will have fresh, filtered water. It's convenient, easy, and surprisingly affordable. There is really no reason not to give it a shot.ny of the others they need to be replaced on a regular basis. Using them after their lifespan has ended would be defeating the whole purpose of filtration.

Tag : water filter,house water filter,pur water filter,drinking water filters

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/7-great-benefits-of-using-a-whole-house-water-filter-812873.html

Countertop Water Filters

2009-07-28T23:49:00.001+07:00

With the growing awareness amidst the people regarding water borne diseases has led to the increase in various types water filters which are floating in the market. Nowadays you can find water filters of all types, all categories and with array of features. Itâ€™s just that there are various types of water filters which match your needs and requirements. But its countertop water filters which are heading the race and have become very popular in no time. They are said to be the most powerful and advanced water filters as they not only cleans the water to the fullest but also removes the bad smell and odor. But you can find these features in many other water filters, and then you will ask what makes this water filter so popular. This countertop water filters are popular because of their extreme mobility and easy to handle feature.

Countertop water filters are said to be very handy and mobile when it comes to handling this equipment. This water filter is so mobile that it can be shifted from one room to another within no time. They are so flexible that they donâ€™t require any technical installation. Even a layman can also install and operate it and that too within no time. Despite being so portable they are inexpensive and also easily available in the market. You just have to fix this water filter on the tap and instant clean drinking water is at your service. Majority of the countertop water filters are equipped with carbon block cartridges which makes sure that there is no passing of dirt, dust, impurities and bad smell in to the water. This means you will also get pure and clean drinking water.

This countertop water filters is so powerful that it removes the impurities of almost 20 microns which is sometime very difficult to even see. Now the countertop water filters are designed in such a way that whenever you need to change the cartridge the sensor will either buzz you or ring an alarm. This feature makes you tell when the actual time to change the cartridge is. So if you are looking for the best portable and handy water filter in the town then this countertop water filter is the best option available.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,cheap water filter,countertop water filter

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/countertop-water-filters-9953.html

Water Filters That Offer 'On-Demand' Filtered Water For You

2009-07-26T23:12:00.000+07:00

It's comes as no surprise that people are increasingly concerned about the quality of their drinking water. Chlorine, dissolved biological material, even heavy metals and e. coli bacteria have been showing up in ordinary drinking water. Even if consuming it creates no apparent acute health problems, a water filter is peace of mind in a box, plus it makes the water taste better.

While a water filter can come in many forms, a vast majority is opting for on-demand filtered water right from their kitchen faucet. This is because jug water filters (including Brita) often don't hold enough water to satisfy a busy household, especially because many people like to cook with filtered water and even fill the pets' bowls with contaminant free water.

A filter that can offer on-demand filtered water in as small or large a quantity as required is something that more and more homeowners are purchasing. These filters come in bench-top and plumbed-in varieties. The basic difference between a bench-top water filter and one that's plumbed-in is that bench-tops can be self-installed while plumbed-in models require a modest amount of plumbing experience to install and are usually done by professionals.

The cost between the two are quite similar, but if you require professional installation, be prepared to pay about another $50/hr. The installation process is fairly quick for a plumbed-in water filter, but it all depends on the accessibility of your water pipes. If a plumber or other professional has to cut a hole in the drywall beneath your sink, it might not be worth the trouble.

The appeal of a plumbed-in water filter is the fact that it is completely hidden in the cabinet under your sink. A bench-top filter that's self-installed will have to rest somewhere on your counter and has a pair of tubes that tuck under the main arm of the faucet that lead to the filter itself. Installation of bench-top water filters is surprisingly easy, but you may have to get creative trying to hide the not so aesthetically pleasing filter tube.

All in all, the most important thing is that your water is clean and pure when it's coming out of your faucet. There are different qualities of models in both varieties of on-demand filters that are sure to match anyone's budget and big box stores will often have these items on sale. If installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and if the filter is changed on a regular basis, you're sure to have safer, better tasting water without having to wait for it to drip through the filter in those soon to be obsolete jug filters.

Summary:

Chlorine, dissolved biological material, even heavy metals and e. coli bacteria have been showing up in ordinary drinking water. Find out which water filter is best for you here and get some peace of mind through safer drinking water.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,brita water filter

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/water-filters-that-offer-ondemand-filtered-water-for-you-57629.html

A Guide to Choosing a Drinking Water Filter System

2009-07-21T00:29:00.002+07:00

When was the last time you considered purchasing a drinking water filter system? If you're reading this, I'm guessing that you are searching for the best possible water filter system for your family. You've read the articles with all the gloom and doom about our water supplies being contaminated.

You're tired of trying to drink water from your tap and having it taste like swimming pool water.
Or you're concerned about feeding formula to your infant; formula that is made with water that could be contaminated.

It's not even a matter of if it's contaminated. It's a matter of how much is it contaminated?

I remember having a well tested for a rural property that I owned that I wanted to rent out. The tests came back saying that the nitrates were high, making it risky for pregnant women and small children to drink. It had acceptable levels of bacteria and other things that were present in the water. The water tasted great. Good, fresh tasting country water. It didn't have that pool taste, for it lacked the chlorine that was pumped into municipal supplies. But contaminants still existed at varying levels.

I learned that even here, a water filter system was a good choice. Common farming practices of today have lead to chemicals and herbicides eventually leaching into our water systems. The earths natural filtering process just can't remove all the bad things that are entering our systems and threatening our water supplies.

On top of that, chemicals like chlorine are intentionally added to kill bacteria. But many health problems have been found to be caused by the existence of chlorine and chlorine gas. The use of a drinking water filter system is more important today than ever. Water filter systems are found in a large percentage of peoples homes and are here to stay!

Water filter systems have become big business. People have been educated on the hazards of drinking unfiltered water. People like you are trying to educate themselves about which water filter system is right for them. Let me break it down for you.

First of all, the introduction of carbon filters has done a great service to the water quality industry.
They use natural activated carbon material to filter out chemicals present in our water.

Activated by steam and other means, Activated Carbon, derived from natural materials such as bituminous coal, lignite, wood, coconut shell etc., each have different adsorption properties .Some manufacturers use various blends of carbon to achieve specific water quality and contaminants reduction (e.g. coconut shell carbon for "sweet taste").

When flow conditions are suitable, dissolved chemicals in water flowing over the carbon surface "stick" to the carbon in a thin film while the water passes on. The water filter system plays an important part in removing these chemicals.

This process is called adsorption. As a result of the adsorption process, activated carbon is an effective method in removing chlorine and it's by-products (TTHM's) and volatile organic compounds (carbon based VOC's).

A drinking water filter system has to have a carbon filter present to eliminate most of the chemicals and other contaminants as they pass through the filter. A good water filter system will have a second sub-micron filter to remove chemicals and other contaminants down to the sub-micron level. This is all done without removing trace minerals used by our bodies and essential to our health.

You don't have to spend the most to get the best drinking water filter system. You may want to consider more than a pitcher type model, which although they do some good in removing impurities, they don't do as good a job as the multistage units. They can actually cost you more per gallon of use than a more costly water filter system.

So there you have it. More good information to aid you in your search for the perfect drinking water filter system. This decision may be one of the most important decisions that you make for your family as you continue to strive for better health.

Tag : water filter,drinking water filter system,pur water filter,reverse osmosis water

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/a-guide-to-choosing-a-drinking-water-filter-system-406658.html

The Importance of Water Filter Cartridges

2009-07-18T22:26:00.002+07:00

Suppose that you are a new mother, one who has just read that ingestion of water containing nitrates can damage the health of an infant. Although your husband has just left for the store that stocks water filter replacement cartridges, you wonder if you and your husband should go out and purchase some bottled water. Would such an action eliminate from the baby's diet all possible sources of nitrate?

No it would not. A parent who wants to avoid giving food or water with nitrates to an infant needs to do more than simply taking the time to purchase bottled water. Once nitrates make their way into the soil, they can travel down to the level of the ground water. By using water filter cartridges, a homeowner can all but abolish any concerns about nitrates in the tap water.

Suppose that you are a new father, one who has set aside time to look at the available water filter replacement cartridges. Whether you are driving to a location that stocks such cartridges, or whether you are examining the online information on such cartridges, you probably have one question foremost in your mind: "How much do these water filter cartridges cost?"

The consumer who needs to replace the existing cartridge in a reverse osmosis water system typically wants to find a discounted product. Indeed there are water filter replacement cartridges that can be purchased at a lower than normal price. Of course, someone who hopes to choose wisely, when selecting a replacement cartridge for a water filter system, should study more than just the price of the available cartridges.

Once a cartridge needs to be replaced, the health of those drinking the water that flows through the old cartridge could be in danger. In order to do away with that danger, an old cartridge needs to be replaced in a fast and efficient manner. That fact should be weighed against the asking price for any of the replacement cartridges on the market today.

By the same token, consumers need to understand that not every cartridge that has been made for use in a filter system is identical to all the other cartridges on the market. Tap water can contain many different types of contaminants. By purchasing wisely, a homeowner can feel secure about buying the right sort of cartridge for his or her water filter system.

The homeowner might want to buy a carbon block cartridge. The carbon in those cartridges acts like a sponge. It soaks-up the contaminants in the water. That carbon comes from natural sources-coconut shells, coal products and wood.

A homeowner might live in an area that was recently inundated by flood waters. Such a homeowner would have reason to worry about the presence of chlorine in the tap water. That homeowner might want to buy a water filter cartridge that could aid with the detection of chlorine in the drinking water.

Whenever a homeowner looks to well water as a source of tap water, that homeowner must be especially conscious of the dangers posed by flood waters. Flood waters increase the likelihood that chlorine could enter the well water (and thus the tap water). After a flood, a homeowner should not forget about the importance of water filter replacement cartridges.

Of course, even a homeowner without a well should consider investing in a water filter system. That homeowner should not ignore the importance of water filter cartridges. When functioning properly, such a cartridge can eliminate asbestos, copper, lead and mercury from the tap water. Still, when a homeowner ignores the need to replace such a cartridge, he or she puts at risk the health of all those residing in the home with the old cartridge.

Failure to heed advice about water filter replacement cartridges can cause the inhabitants in a home to get dry skin or GI problems. They might also report to a physician the development of reproductive problems. Water contaminants can cause any of those problems.

A tap that delivers pure, good tasting drinking water can free a homeowner from concerns about contaminants that might impair the health of those in the home. A water filtration system that receives a replacement cartridge on a regular basis, one that uses activated carbon filters and ion exchange micron filtration, can bring safe water into the home.

For that reason, insurance against possible health problems can be found among the available water filter cartridges. A guarantee of continued benefits from a water filter system with such a cartridge goes only to those willing to look, on a regular basis, at the available water filter replacement cartridges.

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,house water filter,reverse osmosis water

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-importance-of-water-filter-cartridges-413547.html

Discover How Homeowners Can Count on a Good Countertop Water Filter

2009-07-17T00:30:00.002+07:00

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.

Tag : water filter,countertop water filter,whirlpool water filter,pur water filter

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

Portable Water Filter - Water Container That Turns Tap Water Into Safe Drinking Water

2009-07-15T23:16:00.001+07:00

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, 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.

Tag : water filter,portable water filter,drinking water,pur water filter

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

3 Reasons Why Your Family Needs a Drinking Water Filter System Now

2009-07-14T01:38:00.001+07:00

A drinking water filter system for your home and your families protection is vital. I am going to give you in this short article 3 reasons why you absolutely must have an in-home water filter system.

Reason #1

Your family and your health is at risk if you drink and use chlorinated water from the tap in your home.

Eating too much and over exercising are not good. Drinking 8 glasses of water full of contaminants is not very smart either.

Reason #2

Reason #3

Your family and your health is at stake!! Get a water filter today.

Tag : water filter,drinking water filter,pur water filter,water filter system,reverse osmosis water

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/3-reasons-why-your-family-needs-a-drinking-water-filter-system-now-502817.html

Get Better Tasting Water in Your RV by Installing a Drinking Water Filter

2009-07-12T23:15:00.000+07:00

Using Your Water for Drinking and Cooking

Drinking Water Filter Types - Portable and Under-Counter Mount

Tools Needed for Permanent Installation

Beginning the Installation

Finding a Water Source to Tap In To

Installing the Tee Fitting

Fitting the Brass Water Supply Shutoff Valve

Mounting the Water Filter Cartridge

Do a Final Leak Check

Tips

Tag : water filter,pur water filter,reverse osmosis water,drinking water filter

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

Does Your Water Taste Bad After You Have Installed a Water Filter?

2009-07-09T23:59:00.000+07:00

Now that you have bought a filter for your home or office and hoping that your drinking water problems are over. Then, you started to notice that your water taste funny, again! The filter worked for a while but something begins to happen to the way your drinking and shower water feel. So, what happened if you are still having problems with your water?

Could it be a wrong filter type? If your problem is taste and odor, you should buy a filter that is certified to remove taste and odor. If a filter is certified to reduce chlorine and bacteria and you purchased an iron or lead filter, your water problem may not be resolved. Basically, you should buy a right water filter for the right job.

Could it be your filter cartridge may be clogged? Filter media pores are designed to allow certain amount of flows or a projected number of days or months. When the pores are used up or clogged with contaminants, filter cartridges will no longer filter effectively. Instead, the dirty water and some of the contaminants that adhere to the surface of the filter media may wash into your water, making it unhealthier.

Could it be a wrong replacement filter cartridge? Perhaps you just replaced the filter cartridge and the water does not taste the same as when you bought the filter. Filter cartridges may look similar and if you are trying to cut cost and you buy a filter designed for different brand or model, you may be in for a surprise. The slightest difference in pore size could affect the way your water is filtered.

The solution?. . .

Test your water before you buy a water filter. Find out what's in it before you decide the type of filtration device that fits your need. You can buy one of these easy-to-use home testing kits that will let you know how bad your water is. You will then be well informed as to the type of water filter that is best for your home.
Replace your filter cartridge as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Trying to squeeze the last drop out of the filter may not be a good idea. Enjoy your water filter device to the fullest not at the expense of contaminated filtered water.
Buy the replacement filter model the manufacturer recommends. When you first bought the system, you probably received a manual that gives you a list of replacement units and their model numbers.

Most importantly, you should look for a water filter system that has been independently tested and certified by a third-party organization like the NSF International. NSF routinely test treatment devices to ensure that they can reduce contaminants that are or of concern to you and your family.

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

Top Chef Secret Recipe and Health Expert Recommendation - Sink Water Filter

2009-07-03T23:43:00.000+07:00

If you had been cooking for a while and you are very particular about the right ingredients selection of your favorite recipe, I am sure you understand how good quality water can help to improve the taste of the foods and drinks you served. Often we take it for granted or forget to include water as part of our ingredients in our recipe. Imagine when you serve your food to your guest and it comes with a funny smell like you just get out from swimming pool. You cook your special dishes to impress the one you love, instead he or she is annoyed by the extra odor from the dishes. When you pour the tap water into a clear glass, you notice the tap water is not as clear as it supposed to be but you just can't tell what is the impurities that make it look tainted. If you were to drink the water, it tastes some kind of chemical or rotten stuff.

Those who have the above experiences would truly understand to what extend the quality of water can seriously affect the taste of foods and drinks, but there are much more important factor that you should look into. As we should know, public water supply contain chemicals like chlorine which has been widely used as disinfectant to prevent algae and other organic growth in the swimming pool, and also caused those who have skin allergy problems and asthmatic diseases to worsen off. If you are a health practitioner like me, the quality of water is extremely important in determining the level of your commitment and sensitivity towards the actual health aspect. You can prepare and eat only the healthiest foods ever, but do you know the processes in preparing the foods are equally important as the food's ingredients?

When you get your foods to the kitchen, you need to wash or soak it, and you add water into it during your cooking stage, the plate you going to serve the foods on was washed by using water, during or after the meals, you are going to drink water... and basically our daily foods and drinks can't do without clean water and it evolve around the kitchen sink. Hence, getting one sink water filter which is able to get rid of the odor and improve the taste of your cooking, elevate your health status by removing harmful synthetic chemicals in the water, is almost a miracle life.

A good under sink water filter must be able to take out lead, chlorine, VOCs, MTBE and chlorine resistant parasites/cysts as well. Preferably come with dual filter system comprises of carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub micron filtration to produce truly healthy, great-tasting water conveniently from your kitchen tap. If you were to buy a sink water filter with X amount of money and spend an equivalent or more to remodel your kitchen cabinet for the sink water filter installation, that would be a disastrous under sink water filter package. A good sink water filter must besides able to produce the clean and healthy water, be easy to install and cost effectively providing a accessories to fit into most kind of kitchen sink design. The cartridges must be readily available in the market and easy to replace without having to resort to professional plumbers. The sink water filter cartridges should not be too costly to replace which render it not worth while to install one. Besides conveniently able to get clean and healthy water by installing the under sink water filter, we should always look at the health beneficial aspect one sink water filter can bring to our family. The use of sink water filter also benefits the earth because you will buy less bottled water and thus reduce the usage of plastic containers.

The sink water filter is unlike RO water system where a storage tank is needed to store the RO water, and sink water filter do not waste much water like RO water system as well. Comparatively, sink water filter system is much more compact than others and you can choose to install it under the sink or on counter top. Make sure your under sink water filter is equipped with the switch over feature which allow you to interchange between filtered and unfiltered out put of water. One touch switching will be more favorable than a cumbersome multiple switch over system. Beware of uncertified or claimed to be certified manufacturer of this sink water filter; it has got be tested by an impartial qualified third party and not some unknown self-claimed related agency.

With this sink water filter, you are not only able to enjoy good tasty foods and beverages, but are assured of a clean bill of health.

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

Why should you use replacement water filters?

2009-07-01T21:09:00.000+07:00

Water is vital for our survival and unfortunately in the past years this water has become polluted. Industrial pollution and the discharge of industrial wastes into the rivers have affected not only the quality of drinking water but also that of bathing water. Impure water causes many diseases and as a consequence several companies have come up with healthy, affordable solutions such as replacement water filters. These filters come in different sizes and shapes and they were created in order to suit every budget. A popular method of removing impurities from water is reverse osmosis and people seem to buy reverse osmosis.

The great thing about replacement water filters is that they can be installed or removed at any point of time, without much difficulty. These filters are flexible, compact and powerful despite of their small sizes. Most water filters are not only eliminates the impurities in the water but also the bacteria and germs. However, replacement water filters must be changed frequently so that there is prevailing of bacteria and impurities. Due to the fact that they have gained a sudden popularity, these filters are very affordable and easily available in the market.

Many companies have started to focus on replacement water filters because people have started to depend on them since they are easy to install and so handy. The water filter can be placed anywhere you want, whether it is a tap, pitcher or a faucet. A simple way of establishing whether or not you need replacement water filters is verifying if the sink begins to loose water pressure; this usually happens when the filter is clogged with dirt or other sediments and it's an indication of the fact that it needs to be changed. Although some filters can be washed out and reused for a while longer, if a filter stops less than 5 microns from escaping the filter its replacement is a must. It is recommended to use replacement water filters before the water you use starts to taste or smell bad.

Another way of obtaining pure water is to buy reverse osmosis filters. Reverse osmosis is a water treatment process in which water is forced through a membrane with small holes. You should buy reverse osmosis filters because they easily dissolve minerals that cause hardness, chemicals and other impurities. Also, reverse osmosis improves the quality of your water and it will remove contaminants such as chromium, mercury and nitrates.

Although some people claim that you shouldn't buy reverse osmosis devices because this procedure eliminates the minerals that are in the water and which are vital to our body, the pros for using such filters are far more numerous than the cons. If you buy reverse osmosis, you should be aware of the benefits such as: removal of contaminants and heavy metals, no use of electricity, provides fresh water at a reasonable cost. The downside is the fact that it is possible for a few microbes to slip through and reverse osmosis removes the fluoride from the water.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/why-should-you-use-replacement-water-filters-835273.html

Your Guide To The Best Home Water Filter Systems

2009-07-01T01:24:00.000+07:00

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

Why A Whole House Water Filter Offers Essential Protection

2009-06-30T00:02:00.000+07:00

Whole house water filter products are increasing in popularity now as more people become aware of the risks of only having drinking water purified. We can actually absorb more toxins by other activities.

These types of systems treat all the water that comes into your home and so all the various uses like cooking, bathing and showering are all covered.

Whole house water filters can be installed in just a couple of hours by a plumber and only need a simple filter change once every six months. This is the most cost effective way to have your supply treated, and can work out to as little as 10 cents a gallon.

With over 2000 toxic chemicals in the supply including pesticides, prescription drugs, lead and chlorine, it is vital to get the right system. When we shower for example we absorb as many toxins as we would if we drank 2 liters of unfiltered water.

This is because our pores open up and it is easy for the toxic gases in the steam to enter into our system. It is a fact that you have a 93% higher chance of getting cancer if you use chlorinated water.

For this reason it is vital to select carefully. Many systems will remove some of the contaminants but only the very few great ones will remove them all, especially the chlorine.

The best whole house water filter uses a multi-stage process with an ion exchange and sub micron filtering. This will result in a removal rate of 99% for all the contaminants, whilst leaving in the trace minerals like calcium and magnesium.

With more toxins being discovered every day in our supplies (you may have heard about the rocket fuel recently found in one test), it is essential to choose the best, but this does not necessarily mean the most expensive.

For example the reverse osmosis systems are not recommended as they remove vital trace minerals we need to be healthy and can cost over three times as much as a more effective multi-stage one.

In closing I hope you can see the benefits of having whole house water filters to protect all your water, not only what you drink, and how there are many good ones but only a few that stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Visit my website today to discover more details you need to know when it comes to choosing a whole house water filter system.

By: Ray Hamilton

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

Whole House Water Filter, Do You Want Great Tasting Contaminant Free Water?

2009-06-27T03:21:00.000+07:00

If you want to filter all of the water coming into your house, it is not practical to put a water filter on every faucet and shower head in the house. Instead, consider a whole house water filter. A whole house water filter removes water contaminants as the water flows through the pipes into your house, instead of where the water is used.

A whole house water filter is not usually as thorough as faucet filters as it does not remove bacteria or very small contaminants. However, this is not necessarily true, as many of today’s systems include several stages to filter out different kinds of contaminants. Still, if you have lead pipes, you’ll also need a point-of-use filter, because your tap water can pick up lead from the pipes in your home.

It is a lot easier to install one whole house water filter than a filter on every water source. These large filtering units are capable of filtering several thousand gallons of water, so each filter will last for several years before needing replacing. These low-maintenance filters work quickly, so you’ll never have to wait for clean water no matter what you’re using it for.

Although there are faucet filters and shower filters, there are several water sources that are not usually filtered at the point where they are used. For example, your laundry is usually regular tap water even if you’ve installed faucet filters. A whole house water filter will filter all of the water going into your house, no matter where the water will be used. Especially if you have a larger house with several sinks and showers, this type of filter can be a much more efficient way to ensure that your family’s water is clean and safe.

Many people focus on safe drinking water, but in fact there are dangers of using unfiltered water for other household activities. You may not realize the dangers of showering in, cooking in, or cleaning with unfiltered water. Water with rust can discolor your clothing in the laundry, and unfiltered water used to wash your windows will leave spots. Showering in chlorine contaminated water can cause dry skin and asthma as well as several other conditions. Any unfiltered water you use can affect your health. Only a whole house water filter can ensure sparkling clean water at every faucet in your house.

By: Chris1974

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

Under Sink Water Filters – Know the Different Types

2009-06-25T22:02:00.002+07:00

Under sink water filters are an extremely handy thing to have. They allow you the convenience of having clean, safe drinking water coming out of a separate faucet on your kitchen sink that can also be used for cooking. It will require either a plumber or someone with professional experience to install an under sink water filter. Once it is done though, there is very little maintenance. There are several different kinds of under sink water filters. The one you need will depend on how contaminated your water is.

Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Systems

This is typically the most powerful type of under sink water filters. It is excellent for removing lead, arsenic, copper, chlorine, cadmium, giardia, pesticides, salt, trihalomethanes, sulfates, cysts, nitrates, as well as some bacteria and viruses. However there some disadvantages to a reverse osmosis filtering system. For one, it tends to waste a lot of water in the filtering process. Second, it will filter out the good minerals that your body needs as well as the bad. Before choosing this type of system, get your water tested. Use a reverse osmosis system only if your water is full of contaminants and bacteria. Then get yourself some trace minerals from the health food store to replace the healthy minerals you would be missing. If you decide to go for a simpler system than a complete reverse osmosis unit, the two best under sink water filters on the market right now are:

Aquasana - Aquasana water filters were voted ‘best buy’ by Consumer Magazine 5 years in a row. That shows great quality. They have a basic under sink water filter as well as a deluxe model. Their water filters are priced great and have a good manufacturer’s warranty which is very important.

Crystal Quest - Crystal Quest has been around a long time and has over 30 years of industry expertise. Their water filters are known for being of excellent quality and produce some of the healthiest and great-tasting water around. They also come with an excellent manufacturer’s warranty.

These two under sink water filters use a combination of filter technologies which is why they are so great. They use one or more of these technologies:

ATS Ion Exchange - removes heavy metals like lead
Carbon Block - removes chemicals that cause bad taste and odor
Doultion Ceramic - removes biological contaminants
KDF-55 - removes heavy metals and kills bacteria
UltraFiltration - removes extremely small contaminants

Our tap water has been shown to have traces of prescription drugs, including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones. That is scary stuff. Finding a great under sink water filter can help to ensure that you are drinking and cooking with clean and safe water.

To learn much more about under sink water filters as well as to find whole house water filters visit Get-Water-Filters.com where you’ll find this and much more, including great information on refrigerator water filters.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/under-sink-water-filters-know-the-different-types-861693.html

House Water Filters for pure and healthy drinking water

2009-06-23T00:03:00.000+07:00

A recent survey revealed that 50% of American population is completely affected by the water borne diseases and its related problems. This increased worry has led to the boost in the production of water filters and its producing companies. With growing awareness now you can find array of house water filters floating in the market. These water filters can be used as house water filters for purification of drinking water. House water filters generally come in variety of designs, styles, model and colors. The striking feature is that they are commonly quoted at very inexpensive prices which are affordable by anyone. This has led to the popularity of house water filters as they carry the storage of gallons of water which can be used for drinking, cleansing, cooking and various other purposes. In the present situation you can find many compact water filters that can be attached on to the decanter to the latest and complex filter. It's just that there are various varieties of water filter catering your requirement and needs.

Apart from this there are a range of other house water filters which can be even placed at the top of the tap from instant clean drinking water. They are equipped with carbon block filters which not only restricts the entry of germs but also eradicate the impurities. But they fail in terms of impeding the smell which makes people little reluctant to go for this. This type of water filter's cartridge normally delivers 100 to 300 gallons of untainted water. But with changing times house water filters have seen various changes as now they have become more powerful and safe.

Presently house water filters are outfitted with very potent cartridge which not only restricts the germs but also purge the smell. With the changing time water filters too marked noticeable changes as now maximum house water filters are built by reverse osmosis system. This is the latest equipment which guarantees the comprehensive removal of germs and bacteria alongside the smell. Now house water filters are not only mounted for drinking purposes but also for bathing purpose. It has been seen that people have become more alert in regard to health. That's why they now prefer to take bath from filtered water in order to consolidate complete safety. So if you are health freak and want to live a healthy life then just install a house water filter.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/house-water-filters-for-pure-and-healthy-drinking-water-13830.html

Your Best Choices For Home Water Filter Systems

2009-06-21T22:34:00.000+07:00

The home water filtration market is large and constantly growing, no doubt due to the desire of many informed consumers to improve their everyday drinking water quality. Studies have shown that it's easy to get sick from contaminated tap water, and that bottled water is not necessarily of any higher quality than what you get through your tap. So that leaves the average homeowner with a choice of installing a home water filter system to improve their drinking water.

But which filter system will work best for you? Let's review the advantages and disadvantages of each major filter type to help you make your choice.

The easiest water filter to use also happens to be the most portable as well, the carafe or water pitcher filter. These are extremely simple in design, as you just pour in the water and let it filter out the impurities for you. These kind of simple water filters are especially good for folks who live in apartments where they can't make any permanent installations of a water filter. They also are a good choice for homeowners who just don't want to have to install anything, or change the look of their faucets. The disadvantages to these units are that the filters have to be replaced frequently, and they are the slowest filtration method available.

Faucet mounted filter systems attach to the end of your faucet, and allow you to choose whether you wish to use straight tap water or filtered water by simply turning a lever. They are also very good choices for apartment dwellers who are allowed to change their faucets, and homeowners who don't want the hassle of installing filtration equipment. They are very inexpensive and work much faster than water pitcher filters. The average person can have one installed in no time with very little difficulty. These units also use cartridge filters that need to be replaced frequently, sometimes even every month or so.

Undersink water filters are among the more expensive options to take in this field, and they provide excellent water filtration results. They would not be good for most apartment dwellers because of the need for installation, and homeowners should consider the cost of installation by a qualified technician before making their final purchase. The filter cartridges that come with these units are very effective and long-lasting, many of them only needing to be replaced every six months or so.

Whole house water filter systems do pretty much what the name indicates, they provide water filtration for the entire house at once without having to be installed on each faucet. An obvious benefit is that you receive filtered water at every tap throughout the home simultaneously, and the filter cartridges that are used for these units also lasts a long time, up to six months or so. However, the installation for this kind of water filtration system is more involved than any of the other filter systems, usually requiring the services of a plumber for correct installation.

Reverse Osmosis water filter systems have been very popular with homeowners in the past as they do a superior job of filtering out even the smallest of pollutants including arsenic. However, in order to get 1 gal. of filtered water a reverse osmosis water filter has to use and waste 5 gal. of tap water. They can also be fairly bulky filters when installed, and so many consumers are opting for one of the first four water filtration systems mentioned instead.

There are several different ways to get filtered water these days, and which filtration system you choose is entirely up to you. One recommendation though is before you buy any water filtration system, check on the cost of replacement water filter cartridges. Sometimes the cost of the cartridges can add up significantly over a very short period of time.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/your-best-choices-for-home-water-filter-systems-23856.html

The Top Filtration Choices Based On Consumer Water Filter Reviews

2009-06-20T02:12:00.000+07:00

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

Camping Water Filters...a Vital Necessity!

2009-06-18T23:03:00.000+07:00

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

Home Water Filter and Your Health - Put Your Water On A Diet

2009-06-15T22:53:00.000+07:00

The water from your tap at home starts from a water treatment plant that purifies the water so that it will be safe for human consumption. However, how do you know that the water treatment plants are effectively removing the whole of those impurities that could hopefully not be harmful; maybe not now but further on down the line?

In case these levels are exceeded, the iron water filter can cart away the contaminants, but it may bring forth the life of the iron water filter to be shortened, and the contaminants may only be partially removed. All the same, the bad part is that the water we gather at our taps is not nearly as pure as we think it will be and often carries bacteria and diseases that can cause us serious illnesses therefore installing water filters is a necessity.

Whole house water purification systems are the most practical for homes with hard water or contaminates which irritate the skin because impurities such as lead take a time to dispel with most whole house units and are treated more conveniently using point of use or under the sink units.

It may be surprising to note that most drinking water filters are bought for reasons of aesthetics such as wanting greater tasting water that is free of odors. Besides bacteria and chemicals, there are additional minerals found in the water that flow through our pipes, in small doses, but they can rapidly add up to affect your kidneys and overall health.

Water Impurities
Water runs through pipes in order to arrive at our homes and will be reserved in tanks for days at a time before we use it, which causes the growth of bacteria and parasites; a chemical such as chlorine is deliberately introduced into the water to sterilize it in quantities that will not afflict you immediately, but may cause side effects in the long run. Most people use bottled drinking water at least occasionally and use water filters at home to make their water taste purer.

Water Filter Brands
The Brita water filter will cart away the impurities like chlorine, copper, lead, mercury, giardia and many other impurities.
The basic Aqua Pure water filter filters to 5 microns and allows a flow rate of 20-28 gallons each minute depending on existing water pressure. Popular Doulton water filter choices are the varieties which are installed under sinks; they have the ability to filter about one thousand gallons of water between filter changes. An Aquasana shower water filter will be able to eliminate chlorine including chloramines and additional contaminants like lead, iron oxide, hydrogen sulfide and sodium hypochlorite.

Water Filtering Methods
A ceramic water filter is a great apparatus for those at home to drink more water without resorting to the expense and inconvenience of bottled water.
A ceramic water filter will provide pure, healthy water for the whole family. One of the most common water filter system and probably the most worth the money nearly as well is charcoal that derives from coconut husk; charcoal guarantees to offer 95% pure water by removing impurities and toxins.
There are many, many more methods from reverse osmosis to home made water filters. Treat your family and yourself right, make an investment into a good quality water filtration system in the near future.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/home-water-filter-and-your-health-put-your-water-on-a-diet-132348.html

Drinking Water Filters Needed More and More

2009-06-15T00:07:00.000+07:00

All the doctors and nutritionists, all the diets and the fitness instructors tell us to drink as much water as possible, the minimum of liquid consumed during a day being at least 2 liters. And then we hear from the environmentalists and other government organizations that water is contaminated with all kind of bacteria. The thing that makes drinking water safe is the water filter. These filters are available now in many forms and using different technologies. The main goal of the drinking water filter is to make the tap water or almost any other type of water safe for drinking.

There are several types of drinking water filters. Some of them are portable ones like for example the water pitcher filters while others need to be attached to the water pipe. Each of them comes with pros and cons and because of the large variety of these filters available on the market it is important to decide the kind of water filter you want. It is not only that there are drinking water systems available on the market, but also shower filters systems and whole house water filter systems.

The drinking water filter is by far the most popular one and is available as portable filter, counter top filter, under counter filter, and faucet mounted filter. The most popular ones are the charcoal water filters, the ceramic water filters, the reverse osmosis filters and the Ultraviolet water filters. All the filtering systems have cartridges and filters that need to be replaced from time to time, and need to be cleaned. As in any other market there are several manufacturers, but you are the one that should decide which one is the best for you.

If you want to have purified water in your entire house than obviously the best choice is a whole house water filter system. However these systems are somewhat expensive and their maintenance is not very easy either. Nonetheless with such a system you will have purified water in the entire house because the filter system is connected to the pipe before it enters the house. The cost of a drinking water filter ranges from inexpensive to pricey, but again it depends on the technology used and the amount of water that can be purified.

A small water filter will probably be enough to supply your house with drinking water, but more and more people like to have the water they cook with purified too. Counter top and under counter water filters seem to be good both at giving enough purified water to drink and cook as needed. And while the counter top water filter is easier to install and does not require extra plumbing work, it is usually cheaper than the under the counter water filter.

So if you have enough space on the counter and you only want to have drinking and cooking water, you can definitely choose a counter top water filter. The main disadvantage of a drinking water filter is that you need a filter for each faucet where you want to have drinking water.

Find out how you can research and find a clinically tested water filter that will meet your needs by visiting my clean water site. I recently lost over eighty pounds and have been researching health related issues. You will find some research and some of the solutions that you need on clean water there.

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

How to Replace Water Filter Cartridge

2009-06-14T03:25:00.000+07:00

How to replace a water filter cartridge on your home water filtering system. This article covers how to change both filters on a Aquasana AQ4000 filter system. Some of this information may be helpful with any brand of filter system.

Unpack the replacement filter kit and check the contents. You should have 2 replacement water filter cartridges, A and a B. Two replacement O-rings. If the O-rings are not flat lay them out and see if they will flatten out on their own this may take over night. If this does not work, put a book on them over night. The reason is if the O-rings are bowed from shipping makes then harder to make a good seal.

The first step is to lay your home water filtering system on its side. You can see on the filter caps are labeled A and B. Also arrows that indicate which way to turn to loosen each cap. Turn filter cap A to the right to unscrew or the direction the arrow points. Filter cap B should unscrew to the left or the direction of the arrow. They should only be hand tight. If they are too tight to remove by hand use the handles of a pliers to give you a little extra leverage. Be careful not to do any damage to the inlet or outlet water lines.

Now install the two new O-rings. Put a small amount of cooking oil on the exposed area of each O- ring. This helps when installing the filter caps. The oil lets the caps slide easy on the rubber, which will make them seal easier. Installing them dry may let them kink and dislodge resulting in a leak.

Replacement water filter cartridge A is the white one. Install it in the A cartridge housing with the O-ring end in first. Putting some water on the rubber seal makes it slide in easier. Give it a push and turn until it is seated. The B replacement cartridge is the blue one. Install the O-ring end into the filter cap. In the same manner as the other filter. At this point, I check the O-ring to make sure they are still in place. Then go ahead and install the B filter into the B housing. Screw the B cap until it is firmly seated. Now check the other seal and install the A cap until it is firmly seated.

Keep the filter system on its side, turn on the water and activate the diverter valve. Check around the cap threads for any signs of water. If there is a little leak, try tightening the cap a little more. If this does not seal the leak, then open up that cap and check the O-ring it may have came out of its seat. Check to make sure it is not cut or damaged. If it is, the old O-ring might reseal. The other option is take one of the old seals to your local hardware store and match it up. The other step if none of these ideas work is to order a replacement seal. Now you can be reinstalled the cap as described above and check for any leaks.

If you do not see, any leaks set the AQ-4000 up right and leave the water run for about 2-3 minutes until the water runs clear. The water at first may come out cloudy or even have a black color, this is normal. Carbon dust is being cleaned out of the new filter cartridges. I save the water that used to flush out the filter system. Houseplants like the water, or put it on plants out side. To keep track of when it will be time to reinstall your next set of water filters. Write the next replacement date on a piece of tape and put it on the filter. This helps to keep track of time. They should be replaced every 6 months or 500 gallons on your home water filtering system. How to replace a water filter cartridge on your home water filtering system. This article covers how to change both filters on a Aquasana AQ4000 filter system. Some of this information may be helpful with any brand of filter system.
Unpack the replacement filter kit and check the contents. You should have 2 replacement water filter cartridges, A and a B. Two replacement O-rings. If the O-rings are not flat lay them out and see if they will flatten out on their own this may take over night. If this does not work, put a book on them over night. The reason is if the O-rings are bowed from shipping makes then harder to make a good seal.

Water filter cartridge A will be the most difficult to remove. The seal on the top of the filter holds the cartridge in place. There is not enough room in the filter housing to get a hold of it. I find it easy to use a pair of pliers to get a hold of the filter and twist and pull to it out. Water filter cartridge B will be attached to the filter cap. Simply twist and pull the two apart. I lay the filters at each side of the filter housing. This helps to keep track of which filter is A and B. Remove both o-rings make sure the grove where they sit in is clean.
Now install the two new O-rings. Put a small amount of cooking oil on the exposed area of each O- ring. This helps when installing the filter caps. The oil lets the caps slide easy on the rubber, which will make them seal easier. Installing them dry may let them kink and dislodge resulting in a leak.

Frank Fincher With 20 years experience dealing with water filters from commercial ice machines to swimming pools. More information on Replacement Water Filter Kit http://www.safehomewater.com/product/AQ4025

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Discover Why Every Water Filter Has Some Type of Barrier

2009-06-11T23:32:00.000+07:00

In order for any water purification device to be called a water filter, it needs to have some sort of barrier. These filters use their barriers to remove contaminants from the water. Not all sources of water contain the same contaminants. Not every filter has the same type of barrier.

Some water filters have a physical barrier, a layer of fine pores. The impure water looses its impurities as it filters through those pores. Sometimes, the cleaning of water requires more than just one simple filter. Sometimes, it calls for the additional use of a filter with either a chemical or a biological barrier.

A good filter leaves important minerals in the water. Minerals add to the benefits derived from drinking clean water. Minerals can also add to the nutritional value of produce, whenever a filtering device is used to clean the water in an irrigation system.

Calcium, potassium and magnesium are minerals found in most natural water. A healthy body can fight-off disease much better, when that body is revitalized with water that contains the above-named minerals. There are several types of filters that guarantee retention of revitalizing minerals.

When a filtration system needs to remove sand and other impurities, it often contains a screen filter. When a filtration system must remove organic matter from water, then that system should have a media filter. A filtration system that purifies urban water normally has rapid sand filters.

Urban dwellers need to realize that the water coming from a rapid sand filter can not be considered "fit to drink." That water must be treated further, if it is going to enter the body of those who will be filling a drinking glass with such filtered water.

The residents of Bangladesh discovered that cloth makes a good filter. Those residents folded a sari a number of times, and then passed water through the many resulting layers of cloth. By using those cloth filters, the residents of Bangladesh reduced the number of pathogens in their water.

A water filter that is designed to transform raw water into potable water typically contains slow sand filter beds. Some contain a cartridge. The discs in that cartridge filter out a large percentage of the impurities in the water.

Regardless of the type of water filter in a filtration system, the filter of interest removes from the water particles that are much smaller than the hole through which the water passes. Aquarium owners rely on the purity of water coming from theirs. Pool owners look forward to a pleasant summer by the pool, because they trust the reliability of good filters.

Both aquarium owners and pool owners know that a good water filter delivers clean, pure water. Homeowners know that a reliable filter puts great-tasting water in each glass that is filled at the appropriate water tap. What is the nature of that filter?

In most cases, it is a filter that contains carbon filters with ion exchange and micron filtration. When gardeners, aquarium owners, pool owners or homeowners choose to use such a filter, then they can know that water from that filter offers proof that the purchaser of that filter has chosen the safest type of water filter.

Discover why everyone needs water filters in and out of the home.

Laurel Tevolitz is a dedicated researcher of critical issues that affect health and well-being. Visit her water purification blog now at http://www.safewaterpurifier.com to discover which water purification system she recommends after extensive research.

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What You Need to Know About Water Filter Replacement Cartridges

2009-06-09T00:56:00.000+07:00

Let's say you get a shower head water filter. That's great in and of itself, but you can't just attach it and forget about it - not if you want to have healthy water to shower in, anyway. In order for the shower head water filter to work, it needs the help of a water filter cartridge. All of the gunk that the filter takes out of your water has to go somewhere. It stays in the water filter replacement cartridges instead of spreading all throughout the filter.

Easy To Replace

With the best water filters, replacing the cartridges is an easy task. And you don't have to do replace them all of the time. For example, with the best quality shower filters, you only need to replace the water filter cartridges about twice a year. This translates to about every 10,000 gallons of water. You need to check the directions of your particular filter to be sure about when to replace the cartridges.

Some companies even make this easier for you by sending your water filter replacement cartridges automatically to you when you when you need them. This is an added extra service, but it can save you a lot of hassle in the long run. You can order direct from the water filter's manufacturer (if they offer this service) or you can check with any mail order store that sells water filters.

Any kind of quality water filter is going to use removable water filter cartridges as a means of getting the bad stuff in your water out of your water and into the trash. It's not just shower head filters that use cartridges, but many countertop water filters, faucet filters and under the counter water filters. Even many filters for aquariums use a cartridge system.

What's In There?

Depending on the brand and make of your water filter replacement cartridges, your filtering media will be one of several biodegradable materials. You really don't want to open up the actual cartridge and play with the stuff in there, so I'll just give a description of what is inside of a water filter cartridge.

Some cartridges have granulated activated charcoal (GAC) in the mix with other ingredients that we'll look at shortly. You want to avoid plain charcoal filter water filter replacement cartridges. Plain carbon isn't very good at filtering out bacteria. Once bacteria gets in the charcoal, it usually sets up camp and reproduces rapidly.

You'll find that many brand name water filters boast about having carbon-free filters and water filter cartridges. They are filled, instead, with mineral salts, coconut shell, coal and a copper and zinc alloy mixture. They are sold under rather fancy names like Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (usually shorted to KDF or KDF-55). Chlorgon is the name of one of the most popular mineral salt filtration media. Some believe that Chlorgon works best when it's mixed with KDF-55 and not on its own. This is because KDF works best in warm water only.

In conclusion, water filter replacement cartridges are the heart of your water filter. If you want healthy water, you need to pay attention to them.

Jim Riley is a passionate spokesman about the health benefits of purified drinking and bathing water. Visit his site now at http://www.water-purification-site.com to discover the purification system he endorses and why.

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