water filter system

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.

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

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.

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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