5 Ugly Lies About Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Systems, Uncovered
0 comments Posted by ariya at 07:061. Reverse osmosis water treatment systems are inexpensive. Using a reverse osmosis system may be cheaper than drinking bottled water but it is by no means inexpensive. Reverse osmosis costs 18 to 24 cents per gallon. In contrast, carbon filtration systems cost less than 10 cents per gallon. Which would you choose?
2. A reverse osmosis water treatment system removes all contaminants. Reverse osmosis systems are not capable of removing synthetic chemicals. It helps to understand how they work in order to see why that is. During reverse osmosis, water is exposed to a porous membrane under pressure. Contaminants such as minerals and organic chemicals, which are molecularly larger than water, are caught by the membrane. Synthetic chemicals are molecularly smaller than the membrane so they pass through. For that reason, reverse osmosis systems must be used in conjunction with a carbon filter. Why not just use a carbon filter in the first place? Carbon filters remove both organic and synthetic chemicals.
3. Reverse osmosis water treatment systems are convenient and easy to use. In comparison to other water treatment systems like carbon filtration, reverse osmosis systems are high-maintenance and complicated. Reverse osmosis systems require adequate water pressure and a diaphragmed storage tank and as such as very high-maintenance. They are also difficult to install. Carbon filters on the other hand can be installed in a matter of minutes without the help of a plumber.
4. A reverse osmosis water treatment system produces healthy, pure water. Having a reverse osmosis system is better than having no water treatment system at all but the water it produces actually isnt that healthy. The problem with reverse osmosis systems is that they produce de-mineralized water. Studies show that in order to maintain good health, we must drink water that contains natural trace minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Drinking de-mineralized water can lead to multiple mineral deficiencies and an increased risk for cancer. Comparatively, carbon filtration systems remove all the bad stuff while leaving in the good stuff.
5. Reverse osmosis water treatment systems are efficient. The truth is that reverse osmosis systems are wasteful. They waste 2 to 3 gallons for every gallon of clean water they produce. They are also notorious for being slow because they produce less than a gallon of water per hour. Carbon filtration systems can produce up to 30 gallons of water per hour without wasting a single drop.
Now that you are armed with this information, make your decision wisely and carefully. There are many water filters out there to choose from but when you consider cost, effectiveness, efficiency, and convenience, a reverse osmosis water treatment system simply isnt a good choice. Carbon filtration systems are the best option available when it comes to home water filters. So get out there and find a carbon filtration system for your home if you want the best water filter money can buy.
About The Author:
John Lim Cher Sern is an avid proponent of natural health. To get more information about reverse osmosis water treatment systems make sure to visit our website at http://www.cleanhomewaterfilters.com
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Water Filters Guide - What You Should Know Before You Invest In A Water Treatment System
0 comments Posted by ariya at 21:42To 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
Drinking Water Filtration System: Not All Filtered Water Is Safe To Drink
0 comments Posted by ariya at 01:57Most water filtration system manufacturers would love to call their purifiers "drinking water filtration systems". While they often can't do that because of various government regulations, they succeeded in convincing us that most water filters are able to produce safe and tasty drinking water. Filtration system manufacturers only concentrate on stating how good their filters are at coping with some contaminants - they don't usually tell us what their filters won't do. And most of them won't do a lot of things.
An effective drinking water filtration system must be able to cope with:
(1) dirt and other large particles in the water
(2) all odors and unpleasant taste that water might have
(3) any chemical contaminants – from chlorine to industrial grade chemicals known only by their alphanumeric abbreviations
(4) bacteria and any other microbes.
What is more, the filtration system must be able to withstand a concentrated attack of any of those contaminants - ie. it must not stop working at the time we really need it. We have to be sure it works regardless of what it needs to filter – otherwise we may end drinking bottled water only (and research shows that much of that water isn't what the company claims, either!)
How to get 100% pure drinking water:
It depends mostly on your budget and the water you need to filter, but here are a couple of guidelines you might find useful. A decent drinking water filtration system should:
1) Employ many filters. No single method is able to cope with all contaminants, regardless of what water filter manufacturers tell you. For example, using a carbon block filter with a UV water treatment should be considered as a plus – these methods are very effective, but neither will do the job all alone.
2) Be inspected often. The filters have to be replaced at least a few weeks before they they expire and checked at least three times between replacements. Contaminants can often clog filters or even create a growth place for the bacteria that the filters supposedly kill. All of these problems are caused by the inadequate maintenance.
3) be expensive. This is sad, but true – no good filtration system is both flawless and cheap. And never ever buy from the lowest bidder! You will risk both expensive maintenance and your system may fail exactly when you need it the most - that is, in times of emergency. Keep in mind that a 95% effective drinking water filtration system is virtually useless. You have to find a system that is 100% effective – and it will be expensive.
How to be 100% sure you have the right filtration system:
Frequent checkups and a lot of maintenance is required if any drinking water filtration system is to work flawlessly. The maintenance details vary a lot depending on the system's model, but whatever they are, you must strictly follow them.
What is more, it is often a good idea to check the water quality from time to time by testing it against the presence of your most probable contaminants. Some of the tests are relatively simple and inexpensive, yet they add a lot to your safety. In this way you can be certain that your drinking water filtration system does exactly what you need it to do.
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Water filtration or treatment in itself is a quite a large topic with many methods and technologies involved. Most household water filters/treatment systems are designed to remove various contaminants such as chlorine, lead, mercury, Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs), Total Dissolved Solids (TDSs), Cryptosporidium, Chloramines, pesticides, herbicides, Giardia and other bad smell or taste elements.
Feature and Function Differences
Most water filters work on the same general process. Water is passed through a filtration agent (physical, chemical or ultra-violet) where contaminants are either removed or neutralized. The treated water is then either dispensed out of the system or is stored in a storage tank for future use. Generally, most water filters are fairly simple and inexpensive items that aren't very different from one manufacturer to the next. Below is a list of features and functions which you should consider before buying a water filtration system.
1). Filtering Technology
The first and most common sort of filter uses a physical barrier to remove suspended particles such as mud, silt, sand or rust as well as micro-organisms such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium. Physical filters are measured by microns. The finer the filter the smaller the micron number and the more types of particles can be removed from the raw water.
Another type of filter uses chemical processes to remove or neutralize potentially harmful contaminants in raw water. Depending on the type of contaminant, the filter elements can comprise of activated charcoal, copper, zinc etc.
The newest form of filtration technology is to use ultra-violet light to destroy bacteria, viruses or pathogens in water. The ultra-violet light is typically encased in a tank where-by the water is treated either when in storage or is run through a ultra-violet canister. The ultra-violet light deactivated the DNA of the organic particulates which ruin their ability to reproduce and cause disease.
Typically, a water filtration system will contain more than one type of filter because each filter has its own specific strengths and together enable a much wider spectrum of filtration.
2). System Types
There are a few basic types of water filters that range from small portable units to units that can supply an entire house or office. Here are the more common types:
Counter-top: These types of filters are placed on top as of the counter as suggested by the name and is connected to the faucet. The system normally has limited capacity while the filtered water is only available at the faucet.
Under-counter: These systems are very similar to the counter-top systems in that they have smaller capacities and only provide treated water to one faucet. The difference is that these systems don't take up valuable counter space however would require more sophisticated plumbing which makes it slightly more expensive.
Faucet Mounted: These systems are the cheapest and easies to install however offer the least amount of filtration. The system is mounted on the faucet itself and offers treated water to that faucet alone.
Whole House: These water filter systems are typically the most comprehensive and costly filter types that will be needed for a house or office. These systems attach to the pipe mains before entering the house/office which means that they will supply treated water to the entire house/office. These water filters are generally quite expensive to buy and maintain however all water in the house is treated.
Water Softeners: These types of water filters are used specifically to remove only some types of contaminants, namely unwanted elements such as calcium, magnesium, lime, and iron from a household's water supply. These elements make water taste metallic and salty.
Dispensers/Pitcher Water Filter: These systems are normally very simple filter assemblies that are built into a Pitcher/Dispenser. Again, this type of filter is very simple and cheap however doesn't filter contaminants all that well compared to the more comprehensive examples.
Portable: These water filters are made to be portable, some are designed for camping and light travel while some are built into sports drink bottles. Interestingly, an ultra-violet light pen is available which should act as a microbe de-activator similar to more complex household systems as mentioned earlier.
3). Capacity
There are generally two measurements for water filters that use "capacity". Capacity can be used as a measure to determine how much water the filter can actually treat before it needs filter replacements.
On the other hand, capacity is also a measure of the storage tank if the water treatment system is built with a storage tank. This goes hand-in-hand with the flow rate. This measurement is normally in gallons per minute. It should be noted that for counter-top or under-sink applications, flow rate isn't that important as waiting a few seconds longer to fill a glass of water won't be much of an issue. However, flow-rate is very important for Whole House systems, you won't want to be stuck in the shower with no water.
It should be noted that capacity and flow rates are directly related to how expensive the system will be.
4). Costs
When choosing to buy a water filter, you must also consider the maintenance and running costs of the filter. Generally the more complex and higher capacity systems will cost more to maintain and also more to run. Depending on the amount of water treated, water filter systems will need their filters replaced or treated every so often.
Additionally, some complex filters like Reverse Osmosis water filters will only produce 1 gallon of water for every 4 gallons of water supplied which will mean an increase in your water bills too. Further to this, ultra-violet light systems will also require a power source which will also affect your electricity bills.
In conclusion, I hope I have shed some light on buying water filters. The list of points in this article are by no means exhaustive but should serve as a rough guide in the selection process.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/buying-water-filters-let-me-tell-you-something-69823.html
When people travel abroad whether it is for a holiday or for business, many will pack the usual items such as toiletries and clothing. Some even purchase travel insurance. Most, though, never plan what they'll be eating or drinking when they travel. Knowing what you'll be eating or drinking, however, is probably more important than the clothes you'll be bringing along. If you have ever gotten food poisoning, you'll know what an inconvenience it is and how costly it can be. No one would enjoy being hospitalized in a foreign country during their holiday or business trip.
You may be able to avoid food poisoning by ensuring that the establishment you patronize is clean and hygienic. To further guard against it, avoid uncooked or partially cooked meals altogether. So that covers the food. What about the drink? Do you know what is in the water you drink? Many people incorrectly assume that tap water is safe to drink and is clean, clear, pure, and safe. Scientific and environmental studies have shown otherwise. Even if the water from a water source appears to be clear, clean, and safe to drink, consuming water from unknown sources or in countries where potable water cannot be taken for granted could be hazardous to your health.
The potential for harmful chemicals (mercury, lead, arsenic, etc), bacteria, fungi, parasites, rust and other contaminants residing in water is growing worldwide. The kind of fresh uncontaminated water available a hundred years ago is harder and more expensive to obtain due to industrialization and a growing population. If the proper precautions aren't taken to treat the water, drinking contaminated water can cause severe illness or disease, even death.
That's where water filters come in. Water filters and water filtration systems have become a popular solution lately for tap water. The right filter will not only treat bad tasting tap water but will also treat contaminated water.
People take a variety of actions to treat the water they drink at home. They may:
- Install faucet filters, sink filters or a complete home water filtration system
- Pour the water through pitchers with a canister filtration systems such as Brita before drinking
All these may work well for drinkable water in developed countries where water from the tap is for the most part, safe to drink. Depending on where you go, whether you are camping or in a foreign country, taking the necessary precautions to treat your water prior to drinking is highly recommended. Boiling water does not remove the contaminants within. A portable water filter comes in very handy for such cases. For the mobile warrior, a water bottle with a built in water filtration system may do just the trick.
Not all water filters, however, are created equal. Would you trust your life as well as your loved ones with just any water filter to get the emergency water you need? Consider this, if you had to go so far as to obtain water from an unknown river or source, would the water be drinkable after water treatment? With so many water filters available, how do you know what's best? Here are some things to consider:
- What companies or organizations endorse or use the product
- What independent studies or tests has the water company done to demonstrate the ability of their water purifier to remove contaminants
- What government bodies have approved the treatment methods
- What strict quality guidelines do they follow in the manufacture of these water purifiers
- How does the purified water taste after treatment
- How many specific contaminants does it remove
- What bacteria or fungi can it remove
All these are important questions to answer. Be sure to look closely at their product specifications. So, before you go on any trip to a foreign country, remember to pack along with you a proven water treatment system all contained within the convenience of a water bottle.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=127486&ca=Travel
Drinking Water Filter Systems - Which Water System is Best For Your Home?
0 comments Posted by ariya at 23:23The drinking water that enters our home can contain as many as 2000 contaminants and impurities. Water companies treat the water with chlorine that kill some pollutants but leaves the water containing chlorine which is known to be an extremely harmful substance. In order to make the water safe for us and our families to drink, a drinking water filter system is an essential household item.
Very few people are lucky enough to have a supply of natural, pure and clean water to our homes which in its purest form contains many minerals that are beneficial to our health.
We rely on the water companies to treat the water in order eliminate some of the contaminants it may well contain. The water is treated using chlorine at the water treatment plant so that any small organisms and bacteria can be killed off, and then it is sent through a water filter system to remove any particles.
Unfortunately the public water purification system is not enough to eliminate the majority of impurities that find their way into our homes via the faucet which is why a home drinking water filter system is necessary.
Apart from the chlorine introduced by the water company, a recent study revealed that over 2000 chemicals have been found in drinking water that has not been through some sort of home drinking water filter system. Metals, bacteria and other living organisms along with various types of sediments have also been found in the general water supply.
There are different methods used in a home water purification system, but the first step is to decide how much and where you wish the water to be delivered.
Water Jug
The simplest and smallest of the systems we are discussing in this article. It does not cost much and does not require any installation. It will supply you with a small amount of pure drinking water after being passed through a carbon filter. Each jug can hold between 2 and 3 liters.
Point Of Use Filters (Under the Sink or Counter Top)
These are slightly more expensive than the water jugs and you need to attach these to the faucet on the sink in your home. If you place one in the kitchen then this will be the only one which is supplied with filtered water. But like with the water jugs the carbon filter contained in this system will need to be replaced periodically.
Point of Entry System (Whole House Filters)
Of all the systems this is the most expensive but is the most comprehensive and efficient of them all. The carbon filter through which water will pass into your home is attached to the mains water supply along with a number of other sophisticated filters.
So what this means is that no matter which faucet you turn on you will be supplied with filtered clean water that you can drink. Even the water in your toilet will have passed through this system.
One more advantage to be had from installing this drinking water filter system is that the water supplied into your home is much softer. This means that the buildup of lime scale in the pipes etc. is much less and so the chances of them becoming corroded or damaged is reduced.
So not only will your family be thanking you for giving them great water, but it will increase the lifespan of appliances in your home that need it as well.
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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
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
Countertop water filters are an easy way to provide clean, healthy water for your family. Not only is a countertop water filter system easy to install, but they often come with the extra hardware to attach directly to the kitchen sink. The installation process can be handled by the homeowner and can be accomplished in just a short amount of time. The most important thing is to decide where you would like the countertop water filter system to be stationed.
A countertop water filter system provides an equal quality of drinking water as you may receive from some of the other more expensive brands of filtration systems. Countertop water filters remove all of the commonly listed items, like: chlorine, lead, mercury and other waterborne bacteria that can cause health issues in your family.
The filter system of a countertop water filter is similar to the other systems in that it uses a solid carbon block to catch impurities as they pass to your faucet. Using a carbon block filter is by far the most common and effective way to filter tap water. It has been proven over time as a successful water treatment filter without wasting water in the process.
The filter will need to be replaced on a regular basis. The block of carbon has small passageways for the water to pass through, catching the impurities. Over time the impurities will block these passages causes the filter to not be as effective. The exact time of usage between changing will vary with the type and size of countertop water filter that you choose. But, changing the filter is easy and not very time consuming.
A countertop water filter system can be an attractive addition to your kitchen. The manufacturers know that a countertop water filter system needs to be a good looking, so they have chosen to make the system out of stainless steel, making it look like just part of your faucet.
A countertop water filter system can be purchased for two hundred dollars on average, a small investment for the health of your family for years to come. This is an easy way to break into having great tasting water that is healthy. Later, if the homeowner chooses, many of these countertop water filter systems can be moved to a more hidden site, like under the cabinet. The conversion kit is available from the manufacturer of your countertop water filter system for a nominal fee.
Overall, the countertop water filter system is a quick and easy solution to providing your family with clear, pure drinking water.
Allan Cassell is a passionate spokesman about the health benefits of purified drinking and bathing water. Visit his site now: http://www.clean-water-pure-water.com To discover the purification system he endorses and why.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allan_Cassell
How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters And Water Purifiers For Your Needs
0 comments Posted by ariya at 22:15When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers, consumers have many choices. You can choose from leading name brands such as Brita, Culligan, PUR, and Braun. You can go with counter top water filters, under the sink models, or whole house water filters. You can pick from systems that use carbon filters, reverse osmosis water filters, and ultraviolet (UV) light technology. It’s great to have so many options, but how do you know which home water purifier is right for you?
Do You Need a Home Water Purifier?
The first question to ask when considering a residential water purifier is whether you even need one. If you have a municipal water source then your water is already treated. But many people don’t want to drink the chlorine or other additives that city’s use to treat water supplies. And there have been many instances when city water supplies have become contaminated despite treatment procedures.
If you feel secure about your city water supply and enjoy the taste of chlorinated water, then you may not need a purifier. If you’re not sure what’s in your water, you can ask to see a water quality report that all cities are required to provide.
Although well water isn’t treated, it comes from an underground source that can often be cleaner than municipal water. But if you live in areas with farming, manufacturing, and other industries that may inadvertently or purposely dump chemicals into the water table, your water is at risk.
Additionally, well water may contain sediments, such as iron, that can cause discoloration and odor. These sediments can also build up in dishwashers and other appliances and cause malfunctions. Many home water filters and purifiers can help improve the taste and quality of well water. To find out what type of impurities are in your well water, purchase a home testing kit or for more reliable results, have your water professionally tested.
What Contaminants Do You Want To Target?
If you’ve decided you need a home water purifier, the next step is to decide what type of contaminants you want to filter out or protect against. Are you concerned about bacteria and other microorganisms? Do you want to remove chemicals and compounds such as chlorine? Maybe you know your water contains sediments and high mineral content. Or perhaps like many people, you’re concerned about all of these things and you want a comprehensive home water purifier/filtration system.
Bacteria and microorganisms
If bacteria and other organisms are your targets, then you want to consider home water purifiers that use UV technology. Of the three most common water purification technologies, UV is the only one that effectively immobilizes bacteria. However, it does not remove sediments, chemicals and other contaminants.
Chemicals and sediments
Home water purifiers that use either carbon filters or reverse osmosis technology will remove suspended solids such as sediments, dissolved chemicals, and many other contaminants. Of the two, reverse osmosis is effective on a wider range of contaminants. However, neither of these technologies is effective at removing bacteria.
For a comprehensive home water purification system, it is important to combine UV technology with one of the other options. A carbon pre-filer is the most common choice. It’s also critical that you change your home water filters regularly and follow manufacturers’ maintenance schedules. If you don't routinely change the filters on your home water filters and water purifiers, you could wind up creating an even bigger problem with bacteria than the one you may be trying to avoid in the first place.
Where Will You Put Your Home Water Purifier?
Where you want to locate the filter/purification system can also influence your decision. Faucet mount and countertop water filters typically only come in carbon filter technology. You can usually find both carbon filters and reverse osmosis water filters in under sink systems. And both reverse osmosis and UV technologies come in whole house systems. Each of these can also be fitted with a carbon pre-filter for comprehensive treatment.
If your only concern is your drinking water, then you may prefer one of the many countertop or under sink water filters. They are less expensive than whole house systems, ranging from about $20 to $30 for a countertop pitcher or faucet filter to around $200 or $300 for an under the sink model. The under sink water purifiers are capable of processing water much more quickly, and the filters tend to last longer.
If you want to treat your bathing water and keep sediments and bacteria from building up in your appliances, then you will need to consider a whole house system. They start at around $400 for basic models and can cost upwards of $1000 for high-end systems. In the end, your budget may be the ultimate factor in your decision.
Installation and Maintenance
One final aspect to consider when choosing between different home water filters and purification systems is whether or not you want to install and maintain it yourself. Faucet mounts and countertop models basically require no or minimal installation. And the only maintenance is changing the filters, which is a simple process.
Depending on your mechanical aptitude, under sink models and whole house water purifiers may require professional installation and maintenance. Some companies require that their technicians perform all the work. The companies say this is to avoid mistakes and improper setup. Others say it is simply another means of charging more money.
But for those who don’t want to deal with the fuss and possible mess, a service plan may be well worth the extra money. In addition, a service plan often covers the equipment if it malfunctions or breaks down.
There are several factors to consider when choosing between the various types and styles of home water filters and water purifiers. The best place to start is with an analysis of your water. Different water purifier technologies target different types of contaminants, and a water test will help you determine which technology will meet your needs. Considering how much we depend on clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing and other daily activities, a home water purifier can be an inexpensive way to provide safe and healthy tap water for you and your family.
Published At: http://www.isnare.com
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There are 41 million Americans who are drinking tap water that was found to contain drugs. Many of them dont even know it. That was just from the sampling taken in the studies. Groundwater and well sources could be contaminated as more livestock steroids and pesticides are used in farming operations. Shampoos, soap and cleaning products are washing down into all the drains and many leftover prescriptions get flushed down the toilets.
Studies have shown evolutionary changes in fish and wildlife over the past several years; yet, no actions have been taken to remove drugs in the public water supplies (recycling sewage treatment water.) With the antibiotics in the public water supplies, it is feared that new strains of bacteria will become super viruses that are immune to the present antibiotics. By installing a home water filtration system or tap water filter or purifier, you can make sure your family is safe from contaminants.
You may think bottled water is safe but think again. Ask the people in New York. In fact, a new brand of bottled water prides itself on the novelty of being tap water from the large city. But New Yorks water supply contained antibiotics, heart medicine, estrogen, tranquilizers and mood stabilizers. Bottled water is not regulated and may come from taps. There is no guarantee those taps have a tap water filter or any kind of tap water purifier when bottled water is made.
There are no treatment plants for removing drugs from public water supplies that are recycling sewage treatment water. Home water filtration systems like a reverse osmosis system or tap water purifier are a safe way to remove the drugs from their home drinking water, according to the EPA. There is no way to purify drugs in the public water supplies at this time, as it would be too costly.
There are tap water filter systems that attach to your faucet, tap water purifier filters that attach to drinking bottles, where you can make your own bottled water. These are safe methods for removal of drugs in tap water. People are installing whole-house water filtration systems that purify water for showers and hand and clothing washing.
In conclusion, the only way your drinking water will be safe from drugs, chemicals and contaminants is by installing your own tap water filter or tap water purifier. They are very affordable and there is expert help available to consult you on your needs.
About The Author:
Cleanhomewaterfilters.com provides more information about how a tap water filter or a tap water purifier can help to keep your family and yourself healthy, visit our web site to learn more.
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OK, let's looks at this. How much time and effort did you take to research your water filtration system? Now you're willing to render the entire system useless to save a few bucks on the water filter replacement cartridges? Houston, we've got a problem...
Just so we're on the same page here, we agree it is absolutely necessary to change the water filter replacement cartridges on a regular basis, according to the manufacturer's instructions. With so many pesticides and chlorine in our water it is essential that we change our water filter cartridges periodically, to assure optimum performance.
And, yes, in today's fast paced world water filtration is more important than ever. Clean, pure and healthy water is not a luxury. It's a necessity. Given the number of contaminants found in our water today, we should not forget the importance of water filter replacement cartridges. Water filter cartridges are the backbone of the system and have value that far exceeds the cost of replacement.
Let's not forget, chlorine is put into the water, by water treatment facilities to kill bacteria in the water. The harmful effects of the bacteria are resolved, but that doesn't mean the end result is healthy for us to consume. What we get not only doesn't taste good, it's not healthy for consumption, either.
Water filter replacement cartridges in our in-home systems can remove chlorine, as long as the filters are new and functioning properly. It may be a hard thing to remember, but replacing those water filter cartridges is very important.
Choosing the correct filters is important, too. Without the correct water filter replacement cartridges, our units can leak and the quality of the end product may be compromised. Less costly imitations of the manufacturer's original parts are available at many outlets. But, cheap replacement cartridges are not the place to skimp. The only way to be sure that your water filtration units are doing their job is to buy the original water filter cartridges specifically designed for use with your water filtration system.
Try ordering your replacement filters directly from the manufacturer. That's one way you can often save some money. There is even one program that will send your water filter cartridges out automatically, so that you never have to "try" to remember to replace them.
With your health at stake, do you really want to compromise the water filtration system that you have chosen to install in your home? If the less expensive water filter replacement cartridges do an inferior job, is the minimal savings worth the risk? Unless you're willing to take several water samples and send them to a lab to verify that the less expensive water filter replacement cartridges are actually performing as well as the manufacturer's replacement filters, why risk it?
Some of the less expensive filters are designed to remove the contaminants that are reasonably easy to notice, such as chlorine, so that you think they are doing the job. But, if they do not contain the additional stages necessary to block heavy metals, pesticides and other contaminants, then you're pretty much back where you started - confidently drinking contaminants!
Don't forget, a quality water filter replacement cartridge, maintained in good condition has added, cost savings, benefits, such as protecting your household plumbing from corrosion and enabling you to produce your own "healthy" bottled water.
Frankly, we all want to save money, especially with fuel prices being what they are. It's just that water filter cartridges are too important. It's not like we're trying a store brand of orange juice. The inferior taste is obvious, so we simply don't buy it again. With inexpensive water filter replacement cartridges their performance is not as obvious. If they are not blocking the chemicals and other harmful contaminants readily available in our water, you probably won't know.
Let's face it, high levels of any chemicals harm the body. Good water filter replacement cartridges remove harmful chemicals and protect us from the harmful effects they have on our health and well being. When considering water filter cartridges, keep in mind they are akin to health insurance.
Remember to use water filter replacement cartridges recommended for your system, and replace them in a timely manner or sign up for an automatic ship program, if that's easier for you. It's just the safest thing to do.
So, don't skimp on water filter cartridges, unless of course, shooting yourself is an appealing option...
Mark Hegge - Dedicated to researching and improving the quality of the water we consume. For more information on multiple filtration Home Water Purifiers visit the following website: http://www.purified-and-clean-water.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hegge
A Guide To Aid Consumers In Choosing An Effective, Cost Efficient, Drinking Water Filtration Unit.
Purchasing a water filter in today's marketplace can be confusing even for the most savvy of consumers. Hopefully this guide will assist you in making the right choice in purchasing any water filtration system.
There are over 400 companies that sell drinking water systems for the treatment of various contaminants. Water filters vary widely in quality, price, and performance. Although hundreds of companies make water filtration devices that can reduce chlorine from water, only a few companies offer drinking water treatment units that are certified to reduce a wide array of contaminants of health concern.
A few companies or their representatives claim their products produce PURE drinking water. I have yet to meet such an animal. No water filter produces PURE water, but some do reduce numerous contaminants to a high degree. Avoid any brand that makes such false claims.
Water filters are like everything else, quality costs money. Quality drinking water purification systems usually cost a few hundred dollars to purchase, but save money in the long run because they produce drinking water for a fraction of the cost as compared to cheap filters.
Cheap filters do little or nothing as far as purifying drinking water. One thing they are good for is costing the consumer a lot of money in purchasing replacement filters. A quality filter will give you years of service and save you money. As a rule of thumb - If it costs less than - Let's say $200.00 - Put it back on the shelf. Do not worry, I am going to show you how you will save more than the $200.00....
Here are a few simple steps to purchasing a quality water filter that will be highly effective, cost efficient, and last for years.
Step 1 - Type Of System
Which application would be best for you - Counter Top - Undersink - Inline - or a Convertable type that can be used as a countertop or be installed undersink?
Counter Top Systems usually install by the use of a valve and rubber hose attached to your existing sink faucet. They do take up some space on the counter. Many people find this to be inconvenient.
Undersink Water Filters install conveniently under the sink and have their own faucet which should be installed at the corner of the sink. They save counter space. Sure beats having a monster sitting on your counter or a hose hanging off your sink faucet. This is the preferred type as it is not only the most convenient but can also be hooked up to an icemaker.
Inline Filters install directly in the line to any appliance that uses water such as an icemaking machine, coffee pots, water coolers, beverage machines, etc.
Convertible - Undersink/Countertop can be used as a countertop or installed as an undersink water filter.
Step 2 - Technology
Determine what you are trying to accomplish by using a water filter. Chlorine reduction only? Bacteria?
Or, do you want to effectively reduce bacterial cysts, chlorine and a wide range of chemical and organic contaminants at the same time. This is what a quality water filter can do.
Another thing to consider is - Do you want to remove the "Healthy Minerals" from your water? Minerals are good for your teeth and bones.
There are a number of different technologies when it comes to water purification. Here are some examples -
Loose Carbon - This is a bacteria factory. Loose carbon allows oxygen to exist within the filter itself which encourages, infact, enhances the growth of bacteria. These filters are very cheap to purchase, but expensive in the long run because the filters have to be replaced frequently.
Distillation - Can be effective on bacteria, sediments, solids, and any organic or chemical contaminant that will not evaporate. There are some chemical contaminants found in water today will evaporate, MTBE is a good example.
Ultraviolet lighting is sometimes used in conjunction with a filter to kill bacteria and has been found to be effective.
Reverse Osmosis - A membrane which reduces radium, fluoride, and numberous other contaminants to a high degree, but it does have it's limitations. There are many contaminants found in water today that will pass through an RO membrane. Reverse Osmosis used in conjunction with a high quality filter can be very effective. Reverse Osmosis does remove the "Healthy Minerals".
Reverse Osmosis alone is capable of reducing a number of contaminants found in drinking water today. Arsenic, barium, radium, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba, fluoride, lead, nitrates, nitrites,
selenium and a few others...
Solid Carbon Block - This type of filtration reduces the widest range of chemical contaminants to a very high degree. Some are higher quality than others. The density and high quality of the carbon determine the effectiveness. Water passes through a high quality solid carbon block as a molecule instead of a drop. This means all the water touches the carbon. Therefore all the water is subject to proper filtration. Look for a carbon block which will reduce contaminants to at least 1 micron, preferably 0.5 micron. The smaller the number the better.
Any high quality solid carbon block will reduce a wide range of contaminants. Contaminants such as
lead, bacterial cysts, mercury, asbestos, mtbe, and many others.
Step 3 - Performance
Performance is the key factor. Actually the most important thing to look for in any water filter. Don't waste your money on an ineffective water purification system that simply does not work.
****Carefully read the packaging. Determine which contaminants the manufacturer states the filter will reduce. The label on the product package should state exactly which contaminants it is capable of reducing based on standards set by NSF International.
**** So how do you know if the claims made on the label are correct? If the filters is not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, put it back on the shelf. Quality water filter manufacturers put their filters through rigorous testing by NSF and are proud to advertise their certification.
**** NSF International tests and certifies drinking water treatment devices to the standard appropriate for the technology of the product. For filtration devices, NSF International may certify the product to improve the aesthetics of the water to Standard 42, the health effect of the water to Standard 53 or both. In addition, NSF has developed an additional testing standard for Reverse Osmosis units, Standard 58.
One other thing I want to mention, be sure the packaging states NSF Certified To Standard 53 for example. If it says "tested to NSF Standards" - This does Not Mean Certified.
If you want to see the actual certification, go to the NSF website: www.nsf.org - Click the consumer block and put in the make and model of the filter. If the filter is actually NSF Certified, you will be able to view the contaminants tested for and certified to remove. This way you can compare different certified filter's performance.
Step 4 - Cost Efficiency
Quality water filters have a long filter life capacity. This is what Saves You Money. Look for a water filter that has a capacity rating of at least 6 months. Understand, this is an estimate. The actual life of the filter depends a lot upon the qualities of your water. If your water has a lot of solids the filter will clog sooner than it is rated. If your water has a high level of contaminants, it will become ineffective sooner. In most cases though, the filter life rating is conservative, meaning the filter will actually outlast the capacity rating. Always keep the filter changed at the recommended intervals, even sooner if possible.
Cheap ineffective filters actually cost more to operate. Having to frequently change the filter cost a lot of money in the long run.
I hope this article helps you in your quest for a quality water filter!
Read More Articles Concerning Drinking Water, Water Filters, Reverse Osmosis, Tap Water, Bottled Water, Home Water Filtration, Water Contamination, Water Purification, and the Florida Aquifer @
http://www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com
Patti Wilson
Water Filtration Consultant
MultiPure Independent Distributor
St Augustine Florida
email: patti@supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/how-to-choose-the-right-water-filter-746064.html
How to Get Longer Life Out Of Your Water Filter With Catalytic Water Filtration Technology
0 comments Posted by ariya at 02:50If you are tired of continuously having to change your water filter then wait until you read about the catalyst water filtration technology. The catalytic filter was developed with the intent of decreasing the rate of contamination buildup on the filter surface itself. This will allow you to decontaminate your water and get long use out of your catalytic filter at the same time.
Many water filters are great and get the job done, but how often are you replacing your filter to get continuous fresh water? That is what separates the catalytic water filtration system from the rest. You obviously still have to change your filter from time to time, but you can get further use from the filter while maintaining a fresh water base at the same time.
Another advantage to the catalytic water filtration system is there is a decreased shedding of contaminated particles that come from the filter's surface. This will keep the water even fresher and allow the filter to hold up longer before becoming contaminated. It is able to decrease shedding of contaminated particles because of its ability to withstand a normal water filter's long term effects.
As the catalytic water filtration breaks down the contaminants at a much more aggressive rate than normal water filters, it leaves far fewer bacterial nutrients allowing the filter to last longer. The catalytic filter is further enhanced when it is exposed to UV and ozone, breaking down contaminants quicker and even more affective.
The great thing about catalytic water filters is their ability to purify water in all places of the house. It is not specifically for purifying tap water into clean drinking water. It isn't just made for giving you a more refreshing shower. Catalytic water filtration can be used for all aspects of your house that has water.
As of now, you can place the catalytic water filtration technology in almost all water treatments. The potential is there for the technology to soon be used for new water treatment systems along with existing water systems. As soon as the catalytic water filtration is capable of working with all water treatment systems, the water filter industry could forever change.
There are several water filters in the environment that can be used to purify all kinds of water, but the newly developed catalytic water filtration has raised the bar. While it is still in development to be able to use with all filtration systems, the catalytic water filter is technology that will increase the life of your filter and enhance the quality of your water all in one system.
Naturally Skintastic specializes in finding truly effective Natural Products as alternatives to those found commercially. For more information about All Natural Vitamin C Shower Filters, please visit: NaturallySkintastic.Com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Grace_DeGuia
