Water Filters and Water Purifiers:
What kind of water filters or water purifiers should you use and why?
Water quality for our household needs depends on the geographical location and source. That's why different methods of water treatment can be used.
However, with so many kinds of water filters and purifiers on the market, its easy to become confused about what to buy.
In order to determine which solution is best for your needs you may want to consider the following:
- Before you attempt a quick and possibly costly or ineffective remedy,
take a first important step: have your water analyzed.
A water analysis will help identify bacteria, minerals, or other pollutants that are present.
Interpretation of the test results will help you determine whether the water needs to be treated and, if so, the type of treatment needed. - The intended use of the water (whether for drinking, laundry, or all household uses) will also help determine the extent of treatment required.
- Keep in mind that no single water treatment device treats all problems, and that all devices have limitations.
- Do not assume that installation of water treatment equipment similar
to that of your neighbors will be the answer to improving your household
water quality.
Different water supply sources, amounts and types of household uses, and many other variables affect the selection of the proper water treatment system.
Water filters vs. Water Purifiers
To make it easier for you I made a list with the most common water treatment systems for the household use, along with their pros and cons, and some new ideas:
Disinfection Methods
Ultraviolet Disinfection
Disinfection by ozonation or ultraviolet light methods are replacing chlorination in some water treatment plants, and are becoming more popular for home use. UV water purification system destroys bacteria, germs and inactivates viruses.
** Because these systems cannot remove chemical pollutants or sediments, they are often part of whole-house systems that include filtration. Read more about UV water purifiers
Chlorination:
Both municipal systems and households can disinfect water by adding chlorine. Household systems commonly use liquid chlorine bleach injected into the water by one of several types of pumps.
Chlorination does not remove nitrate or other chemicals, but may oxidize organics and some minerals such as iron. Chlorine metering pumps must be calibrated and maintained carefully.
** Using a carbon filter after chlorination will remove any excess chlorine and chlorine-based chemicals that may form.
Water Purification methods
Reverse Osmosis System:
These units use a special membrane that allows clean water to pass, but not certain impurities. The Centers for Disease Control consider them the most effective way to treat residential water. How does reverse osmosis work?
** However this kind of purification is more suitable for specific industries (like printing, for instance, which need completely de mineralized water), than for our drinking needs.
The human body needs a natural quality of water, as seen on the drinking water page..
"Reverse Osmosis and Distillation were first developed over 40 years ago for the printing and photo processing industries which require mineral free water. Because of the popularity and demand for home water treatment products many companies have marketed these products as "state-of-the-art" drinking water systems, which they simply are not. Often these products are marketed by using a demonstration that measures the TDS (total dissolved solids) and implies that this measurement shows the systems effectiveness at removing contaminants. TDS meters measure the dissolved minerals in water primarily calcium and magnesium and have little or nothing to do with contaminant levels."
Distillation:
Distilled water is water, which has been heated to the boiling point so that impurities are separated from the water, which becomes vapor or steam at 212degrees Fahrenheit (100C.). Steam is then cooled and condensed back into pure liquid form. The impurities remain as residue in the steam kettle (to be periodically removed).
The distillation system removes waterborne biological contaminants such as bacteria, parasites and viruses, organic and inorganic chemicals, heavy metals, volatile gasses, cysts, and other contaminants - removes everything from the water.
** This kind of water is recommended for special medical treatments and not for every day drinking
" There are several very credible research reports and books that stress the more recent opinion that long term consumption of de-mineralized water can in fact be dangerous. Dr. Zolton Rona‚ author of The Joy of Health states that "the longer one consumes distilled water the more likely the development of mineral deficiencies and an acid state." Dr. Paavo Airola cancer expert and author of "How to Get Well" and "Cancer... Causes Prevention and Healing" also reports "long term consumption of distilled water eventually results in multiple mineral deficiencies."
Water Filters
Carbon Water Filters:
Activated carbon (AC) filtration is most effective in removing organic contaminants, which are often responsible for taste, odor, and color problems of the water.
Found in many faucet filters and water pitchers, (AC) filters also reduce chlorine and pesticides.
AC filtration is recognized by the Water Quality Association as an acceptable method to maintain certain drinking water contaminants within the limits of the EPA National Drinking Water Standards. Read more about AC filtration...
"Carbon filter devices are available in several sizes and designs. Small units fit on kitchen taps and treat only 100 to 300 gallons effectively before a filter change is necessary.
Large under-sink units, often called in-line filters, are designed to treat up to 1500 gallons. On such a unit the canister is connected to the cold water line.
Other styles are available that treat all household water. An extra filter cartridge or canister is often included with the initial purchase.
Check on availability of filters and cost of replacement filters at time of purchase; they may be available from the same dealer, at plumbing supply stores, or by mail order.
Design greatly influences efficiency.
Variations include use of powdered carbon or blocks of carbon instead of granular carbon. Those filters containing more carbon will usually treat more water before replacement is necessary." source: National AG. Safety Database NASD
Mechanical filters are frequently combined with activated carbon filters. Small mechanical filters, using spun cellulose, attach to a tap or can be installed under a sink. Filters to treat all the water supplied to the house may use sand or gravel.
A high quality water filtration is a priceless investment in family health and wellness.
Do we need a bath and shower water filter?
It is very important to be aware of the quality of water you bath inWhen heated, chlorinated water releases toxins that irritate eyes, nasal tissue and skin. High-Output Shower Filters remove over 99% of chlorine and reduce levels of hydrogen sulfide, iron oxide, lead and odors. You'll also notice that your skin and hair will feel remarkably softer!
A whole house water filter, shower filter, bath water filter, or just a combo pack can be used... Check about the #1 rated home water filter in America
Swimming pool water treatment:
The principle of treating swimming pool water is similar to that of town water supplies.
However, town water has only to be treated once, while swimming pool water requires more exacting treatment because it is continually going through a cycle of purification and re-pollution at various levels due to the number of bathers in the water. Read more...
Unfortunately, the chloroform, which is the most common chloramines used in swimming pools, is a potential carcinogen, when absorbed by the skin, by swallowing or by inhalation.
Drink, shower, bath... LIVE in pure, healthy water! Home water filters offer better than bottled water quality at a fraction of the cost & far more convenience, it's the smart choice!
