Water Filtration

Chlorine, microorganisms and other chemicals have been found to cause a variety of diseases and problems in the short and long term. There is even a significant relationship between the development of cancer with water that has already been treated in plants spurring individuals and homes to invest in water purification products. Find out which processes and devices work best.

POE and POU

There are do-it-yourself whole house and under-the-sink water filters that can be installed quickly and easily. Faucet mounts and countertop models are also ideal if you cannot directly access the pipes. POE or point of entry whole house water purification products are ideal for the water line to come straight to your home. Rust and sediments can significantly be reduced from the pipes protecting other appliances like clothes washers, toilets, showers, dishwashers and humidifiers. Chlorine is also controlled well which tends to damage clothes and cause itching.

POU or point of use water purification systems for home provide clean and safe water on demand by removing contaminants and other impurities. There are filters that effectively remove contaminants in very small sizes and high concentrations to provide you with pure water for drinking, washing and bathing.

Under the Sink and Mounted Models

Water purification products render a polishing effect which takes away substances like chlorine, lead, bacteria, rust, sediments, VOCs or volatile organic compounds, pesticides like lindane, herbicides like atrazine as well as certain odors and tastes. Under-the-sink filters come in a variety of models and mechanisms depending on the current quality of water you have as well as the present contaminants. These are effective in removing Giardia, Cryptosporidium and more.

Faucet mounts are convenient and affordable usually used by homeowners who are still understanding the more important benefits of cleansing treated water. Tap water is improved in taste, appearance and odor by taking out known contaminants. Countertop water filters are very easy to install and affordable. These also remove cysts and Cryptospordium well.

For Travel and Emergency

Emergency water filters have the advantage of ease of operation as well as effectiveness in getting rid of several waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera. These are usually used by emergency relief organizations although models are also available as water purification systems for home. Bacterial growth is controlled by impregnating the structure with silver thereby preventing mitosis or growth in any way.

Portable water filters allow you to filter water from any type of water source like tap, waterfalls, rivers, fountains, heaters and pools. You get to have safe and clean drinking water in a matter of several minutes. There are different models and types available which may incorporate one or more processes for thorough cleansing.

An Ezine Article

Floods are the most frequent natural hazard in North America and we seem to have had to endure quite a number of them recently.

A devastating flood can occur at any time of the year and are most often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid melting of a thick snow pack, ice jams, or more rarely, the failure of a natural or man-made dam.

One of the major issues that will affect everyone living in an area that has been flooded is that of food and water safety.

Food safety after a flood

When in doubt - Throw it out!

You must inspect food that has come anywhere near flood water very, very carefully. Flood waters may carry contaminated mud, chemical waste, petroleum products and even raw sewage which can make storm-damaged foods unsafe to eat.

Even the slightest contact with floodwater can lead to contamination. There is a simple, basic rule: all foods that have touched floodwater should be dispose of. This includes all fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Food in glass jars, including all unopened jars. Discard all foods in bags and all opened containers and packages.

The only exception to this rule would be food in sealed in undamaged metal cans. These are safe for use, as long as you carefully clean and disinfect the cans before opening.

This means you must remove the labels and thoroughly wash them with a scrub brush in a strong detergent solution containing chlorine bleach and then rinse well in clear water. The bleach solution should be one half-cup of bleach to one gallon of water. You may wish to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands during this process.

Being Prepared

This brings up the issue of being prepared for a disaster. Nothing will help you and your family through any emergency situation as will being prepared for it.

It may be up to three days before Emergency Services are up and running in your area. Having an emergency preparedness kit, stored high and dry, can literally be a lifesaver.

A supply of Food, drinking water and some additional gear such as Light sticks, Dynamo FM Radio, Flashlight, Hygiene Kit, Waterproof Matches, Emergency Candles, Sanitation Kit and First Aid supplies will be priceless to you and your family. To ensure that you have clean drinking water should rescue services take longer than expected, a disaster relief water filtration system that does not require electricity to operate will be invaluable.

Cookware and Cooking Utensils

If your cookware and kitchen utensils have come into contact with floodwater, they will require special treatment.

Take apart any item that can be cleaned in pieces. If possible, remove handles from pans.

Wash all china, glass dishes, cups and pots and pans that have been in contact with floodwaters.

Use hot soapy water and a brush to remove dirt. Rinse and then place them in a sanitizing bleach solution for at least 10 minutes and then rinse well in clean water. The bleach solution should be one half-cup of bleach to one gallon of water.

Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, and pots and pans by boiling in clean water for 10 minutes.

Chlorine bleach should not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken. Throw away dishes with cracks as well as soft, porous plastic or wood items saturated by floodwater, since they cannot be sanitized. These include baby bottles, nipples and pacifiers. They cannot be safely disinfected.

Potable Water

Water; water everywhere and not a drop to drink!

After a flood, you should assume that all water sources are contaminated until they have been proven safe.

Boil all rain and tap water and water from containers you’re not completely sure about. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking or preparing food, washing dishes, cleaning, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, making ice, and bathing until your water supply is tested and found safe.

There are also a few excellent Water Filtration Bottles and Emergency Water Filters, sometimes referred to as “disaster relief water systems”, on the market that are very effective at producing clean drinking water from almost any water source. These are the same systems that were used by the US military during the Katrina disaster.

If you use a private well for your water supply, be sure to have the water tested before you resume use. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands if you have a limited supply of clean water.

Floodwater

Avoid contact with floodwater if at all possible, but if you find yourself wading into the floodwater during or after the disaster, remember that you will be in contact with many harmful contaminants that can make you sick. Always wash after contact with floodwater.

An Ezine Article