Water Filtration

Pure Water is Fundamental to All Life on Earth

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Archive for December, 2008

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

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

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

If you require a more permanent water filtering system, the next choice would be a faucet mounted filter. Faucet-mounted filters screw directly onto your faucet’s spout and require no tools or plumbing skills, and are only slightly more expensive than pitcher water filters. As with all filtration devices, you will need to replace the filter once it has lived its life which depends on the materials the filter is made of and how much cold water you use.

If you live in an area where the cold water is not pure enough for human consumption, then you should buy a whole house water filtration system right away. They also work by passing the water through different layers of filtering materials that remove all the debris as well as kill all existing bacteria, and studies show that many medical problems can be avoided by simply consuming filtered water.

Fortunately, the vast majority of water filtering systems are very affordable these days and are no longer considered a luxury item, but rather a vital part of your family’s safety.

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ref inlineThe life of refrigerator water filters, and for virtually all water filters, is dependent upon 3 things: the volume of contaminants in the water, the amount of use of the filter and the quality of the filter. For instance, well water is more likely to contain contaminants not found in publicly treated water and may need more frequent filter changes. As a rule of thumb, the filter should be changed as specified by the manufacturer or at least every six months.

Carbon is the primary substance used in water filtration methods because carbon has the potential to absorb many of the chemicals found in water. Most refrigerator water filters, which meet NSF/ANSI 42 certification standards, use granular activated carbon (GAC) to attract chemicals and impurities responsible for bad taste and odor, such as those that are a by-product of chlorine. These filters are not capable, however, of ridding water of more dangerous, health-threatening contaminants because the method by which water is channeled through GAC filters does not allow sufficient time to complete the absorption of such substances. Various bacteria are formed, trapped and allowed to multiply, which further contaminates water processed by the filters. Carbon is not capable of absorbing heavy metals, such as lead. GAC filters may trap some heavy metals and sediments, but allow others to filter through to the output water. Failure to change the water filter every six months allows unabsorbed water contaminants and newly formed bacteria to saturate the filter, forcing the filter to leak contaminants back into processed water. The water output may then actually contain more contaminants than the filter was intended to remove in the first place.

Technology has lead to the development of more absorbent carbon-based filters known as solid carbon block filters. These filters include solid blocks of carbon to absorb contaminants from water. Water takes longer to strain through carbon blocks than it does carbon granules, which provides sufficient time for the absorption of more health-threatening containments. While carbon block filters are capable of absorbing toxics, pesticides, TTHM’s and other contaminants, they cannot absorb heavy metals or contaminants that are by-products of agricultural fertilization, like nitrates or sulfides. The composition of carbon block filters allows them to restrain heavy metals and bacteria away from output water, although nitrates and sulfides are not filtered. Even so, carbon block filters are sufficient to meet NSF/ANSI 53 certification standards. Failure to change carbon block filters every six months allows contaminants to saturate the filter, forcing the filter to leak contaminants into the processed water. When sediments are not removed from water, those sediments build up and corrode filter fittings and water fixtures, causing them to leak as well. This type of damage to filters and fixtures may also cause the output water to contain more contaminants than the water input to the filter. Failure to change the filters might also reduce the water pressure within the filtering system, forcing it to be ineffective.

Some refrigerator water filters may include fiber water filters. These filters are made of tightly wrapped fibers of rayon or spun cellulose, which trap rust, lead and other sediments found in water. When used alone, these filters are ineffective in reducing any chemical or health-threatening contaminants. Fiber filters are best suited for use with other types of filters to reduce the concentration of sediments. They should also be replaced every six months to avoid a build-up of sediments that would force the filter to leak the contaminants back into the processed water.

An Ezine Article

December 23, 2008

FLUORIDE FILTERAs one of the most important elements for human life, water is required in larger and larger quantities. However, water supplies are not as clean today as they were a couple of years ago and water treatment plants are coping hard to provide clean water in the required volumes.

Many areas of the world suffer from pollution and as such, the waters in those areas are not suitable for human use. If you happen to live in an area where the water is known not to be that clean or if you just want to be sure that the water in your home is as clean as bottled water, you should buy a water filter.

Water filtration systems for home use are in great demand nowadays, as more and more people are aware that the water reaching their homes is not perfectly clean and they want the cleanest, purest water for their families.

No matter if you use one in your bathroom or in your kitchen, a water filter is invaluable for your family. Companies like Crystal Quest, Living Waters and Bota is among the most important water filter systems manufacturers in the world and their aim is to build and offer you the most advanced water filters you can buy.

Chemicals such as chlorine or sulfur are among the most dangerous substances found in waters all over the world and many filters are especially designed to eliminate them completely from the water.

Using special carbon filters and several harmless compounds, there are water filters that can clean your water so it is suitable for every day use (washing, cooking and so on). Most top quality water filters are made of several layers of different materials forcing the water to travel through all of them before reaching your faucet or shower. Each of those layers is especially designed to absorb and neutralize a certain type of impurities from the water (sand, particles and chemicals).

These filters are designed to last for a longer period before requiring replacing, so it will take up to one year before you need to change the filter’s cartridge. Replacement cartridges are very affordable and very easy to install, so replacing them is done in no time at all, so you can have clean, filtered water for your family throughout the year. So, if you are looking for a very efficient water filtration system that can provide you with clean, good-tasting and healthy water at an affordable cost, be sure to check out the extensive selection of water filters available, either locally or online. But, one word of caution, first find out how good or bad your water is so you get only what you need.

An Ezine Article

inline refRefrigerator water filters are an excellent option for individuals or families that are looking for a way to combine the health benefits of a water filter and the enjoyment of chilled water. This type of water filter is designed to be installed on the outside of a refrigerator. Although many refrigerators are designed with a built-in water filter, any refrigerator that has an ice-maker or water dispenser on the door can be outfitted with a water filter. In additions to refrigerators, this type of water filter can be used in conjunction with water fountains, ice machines, commercial coffee makers or water coolers.

Most refrigerator water filters run in the price range of sixty to one hundred dollars depending on the quality of filtration they offer, along with their life span. The majority of refrigerator water filters can be connected to the desired device via 1/4” plastic or copper tubes. The filters use a high-pressure connection to provide a steady flow of cool, filtered drinking water. A refrigerator water filter can remove impurities such as chlorine, rust, lime and dust from tap water. By removing these impurities, the filter greatly improves the safety of the water, along with making the taste and odor much more pleasant. Although the filter removes impurities, it does not get rid of minerals and fluoride that are actually beneficial to consume.

Different brands of refrigerator water filters employ a variety of methods and devices to turn tap water into water that is appropriate for consumption. However, all of the filters have certain elements and processes in common. Water is first forced through a filter to remove large impurities, such as silt or sand. Once the larger, un-dissolved particles are removed from the water, water normally flows through a blend of copper and zinc, which is vital in the removal of chlorine. The final stage of the filtration process involves carbon. Carbon is a very porous substance, which provides a large surface area for water contaminants to collect. Carbon has the ability to remove any impurities that have not been previously filtered. Carbon also removes the unpleasant taste and odor that plagues the majority of tap water.

As mentioned earlier, one of the major advantages of refrigerator water filters is the combination of a filtration system and the ability to dispense cold water. The downside to refrigerator water filters is that they do not offer any portability, and some require a licensed plumber for installation.

An Ezine Article

There are many reasons one might consider a home water filter with the first being the ever-growing concern about the purity of our water supplies. Bottled water has been the choice for people world-wide for more than a decade, but it is an unregulated industry, and some may actually be no better than tap water. There are health, economic, and environmental concerns that one should also take into account before considering the use of bottled water.

Water filters provide clear, clean, and pure water. They are instrumental in the reduction or prevention of many diseases including cancer, learning disabilities in children and birth defects that can be linked to a contaminated water supply.

Filters remove sediment and dirt. They also remove bacteria, chlorine, cysts, and VOCs-volatile organic chemicals as well as lead. Most filters also retain valuable trace minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Unfortunately, municipal water companies cannot always control the outbreak of dangerous bacteria in our water supply making filters almost a necessity. Filters can promote good health including proper growth and development of unborn babies and children. In addition, if you purify your water supply, there will also be a greater reduction in contaminants that could escape into the air which can adversely affect health as well.

The economic benefits of filters include less cost. Water filters more than pay for themselves because the savings can be as much as $700 dollars a year which is the average amount spent on bottled water.

Water filters also benefit the environment. Environmentally friendly filters reduce the amount of plastic bottles that need to be produced to accommodate the bottled water demand. A significant reduction in the amount of plastic going into our land fills can be directly related to the use of water filters.

The benefits of water filters easily outweigh the use of bottled water. Filtered water means better health and less expenditure. Even individual use filters have all the health and economic benefits as well as the added convenience of portability. So, when it comes to a choice between bottled and filtered water, the decision seems more than clear.

An Ezine Article

RO whole house

As you probably already know, safe drinking water is a very important issue that calls for your attention and commitment in order to live a healthy life. Fortunately there is a solution for this problem…whole house water filtration systems. Whole house water filtration systems aren’t the only answer, but more and more people are turning to them to ensure that the drinking water for their families is as clean and pure as possible.

You may have realized that a lot of home water filter systems are available in the market and also online. So, how do you know which one is best for you? Your first consideration should be the point from where you would like to filter the tap water. You also have to keep in mind what will be involved in the installation as well as how often maintenance will be required when choosing a water filter.

There are two basic kinds of whole house water filters: the Point-of-Entry water filters and the Point-of-Use filters. The Point-of-Entry begins to filter the water when it first enters your home, this way all the water in your home will be filtered. Still, it would be wise that the water be purified before you drink it. This kind of water filter is great because it removes sediments, chlorine and other toxins.

The Point-of-Use water filters provide clean water so you can drink it or use it for cooking. This filter gets rid of any water contaminant, chemicals and microbes. It uses some basic filtration technologies like distillation.

Determining how efficient the water filter systems are as well as the cost of operating can be done by first checking the water filtration technologies they use to filter and purify the water. Numerous impartial reviews can also be found both in print and online to help you with your decision. But, keep in mind that even though different brands may use the same technology to manufacture their whole house water filters, the price can vary, sometimes drastically, from one manufacturer to another, so the choice should be carefully weighed.

An Ezine Article

guy with counter top cooler

Everybody has heard the phrase “Guess what I heard at the water cooler” and it is associated as work place gossip. Usually when you think of a water cooler, you think of a work situation where employees can get a cool drink, but things have changed and so has the water cooler. Let’s talk about the evolution of water coolers, how they are different from the past and where they are being used.

Water coolers started out very simple, just a base with a spout to support a refillable water bottle which could be replaced when the water ran out. As time progressed, electricity was introduced and the simple water cooler now became much more popular. Now, compressors and heating elements could be added to give the thirsty person a very cold glass of water or even a cup of hot water for coffee or soup. More and more people saw the need to have a water cooler around for convenience. With that, companies sprang up to supply the demand, providing a service that not only supplied the customer with the water cooler, but also the water itself contained in reusable bottles that could be picked up and dropped off at the customers demand. This service really made hot and cold water coolers popular and made the companies that supplied it very rich.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why people like to use water coolers and what benefits they offer. First and foremost, people like convenience; they don’t want to do more then necessary. Another reason is they can get very hot or cold water instantly at the flip of a switch, rather then having to use ice cubes for cold water or heating some water on the stove for soup, coffee, etc. The benefits these water coolers provide are that the equipment is supplied by the company you have a contract with; any problems and they will fix it. Also, your water is brought right to your location upon request, when you need more water; all you have to do is call for service.

Now, let’s look the disadvantages of using this method of water cooler service. A big problem is most companies that provide this service require that you sign a contract with them and sometimes you can be penalized for breaking the contract. Also, the payment is not a one time deal; you have to keep paying as long as you have a contract for the service, this can become very costly, especially for businesses using multiple units. Another hassle is having to change the old water bottle with a new one. They are heavy and easy to spill if you are not careful, not to mention, you have to store all the empty bottles along with the supply of full bottles until the service man comes again. Plus, who knows if the water you are getting is really clean drinking water, you just have to hope that it is and take a chance.

Now let’s talk about a solution to your water cooler needs. There is a better way and that is a water cooler that is designed for today’s generation keeping their needs in mind. This type of water cooler is unique in many ways and the benefits are great. What I am talking about is Bottleless hot and cold water cooler that is plumbed directly into your cold water line. This allows you to have an endless supply of water, no heavy water bottles to change out; you won’t have to worry about ordering more water and no more clutter of empty bottles. The best aspect of this water cooler is the water filtration system. Not only do you have an endless supply of water, but you can know that the water you drink is filtered pure for good health. The water coolers come as a regular water filtration model or a reverse osmosis system, either one offers the best drinking water. Think of the advantage of owning the water cooler, no lengthy contracts, no more changing water bottles and the system pays for itself in no time. These bottle less water coolers also come in a portable model that can be connected to your water line or you can just pour water into the holding tank and move the unit anywhere you want. These bottle-less water coolers are not only perfect for business use, but are ideal for home use, as well. Several water filtration companies now manufacture bottle-less coolers with Crystal Quest water coolers rated as one of the best.

An Ezine Article

December 15, 2008

faucet mount filter

Water filtration systems are very beneficial for many reasons. Water filtration has become a hot topic as more and more reports of pollution and chemicals in the nation’s water supply keep surfacing. You can easily go to any superstore and purchase one of a dozen different types of water filters that are on the market today. Online purchases of water filters have been growing in recent years due to a larger variety and usually a lower price for the consumer. Here are 5 of the top selling water filters on the market today and their benefits:

1. Water Pitcher Filters are by far the most popular filters on the market. Low initial cost and ease of use make water pitcher filters an easy purchase. Water pitchers mostly use carbon filtration which reduces the chlorine and chemicals that are in tap water. It is very important to change these filters often and to use them as directed to receive the benefits. Water pitchers normally cost very little to purchase, but can cost more per gallon over time compared to countertop water filters.

2. Faucet Filters are the second most popular water filters. They normally consist of the same type of filters that you would find a water pitcher filter, but they are installed directly on your faucet. It is also very important to change these filters as instructed due to the small size of the filter. Faucet filters are sometimes a concern due to the fact that there is very little contact time between the filter surface and the water passing through. Faucet filters are also economical on the initial purchase, similar to water pitcher filters

3. Countertop Water Filters are very popular and are very economical. Unlike water pitchers, countertop water filters are connected directly to your faucet, which make it easier to use your filtered water for cooking, cleaning vegetables, drinking and ice cubes. Most countertop water filters use carbon as well as other technologies which give you a higher level of filtration than most water pitcher filters and faucet filters.

4. Reverse Osmosis Filters were very popular in the last couple of decades. Reverse osmosis is a water purification system which uses a membrane combined with carbon filtration to remove almost everything from the water. Reverse osmosis is the most expensive of all of the most popular water filtration systems in use today. Initial purchase price can range from $150 to over $2,000 depending on who you go with. There are some questions raised as to the benefits of “pure” water due to the fact that reverse osmosis removes the important minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which are naturally occurring in our water supplies. Filter replacements can be quite expensive and some systems require professional maintenance.

5. Portable Water Filters are very convenient for getting water on the go as they can quickly and easily convert water from a river or stream into drinking water. Bottled water can be another good choice when travelling in foreign countries where water quality might be different from what you normally drink. However, growing concerns over plastic waste and the energy required to actually bottle the water have put a negative spotlight on the bottled water industry as of late.

Additional types of filters such as shower filters, whole house water filters, and bottle-less water coolers are also available. Needless to say, it is very important to know what is in the water in your particular area before you invest in a water filter system. Any filtration is better than no filtration, but it is important to purchase a filter that will fit your needs and that of your family.

An Ezine Article

countertop coolerWater plays a major role in keeping your body healthy, and water coolers can give you safe and clean drinking water. A water cooler is a device that cools and dispenses water whenever you need it. Water coolers have become very popular these days, and you can find them in homes, offices, airports, malls, and many other places. They are also commonly called dispensers.

Wall mounted water cooler:

The wall mounted water cooler is the most common water cooler. Here, the cooler is connected to the water supply and electricity is used to run the refrigeration to cool the incoming water. The unused water can be disposed of in the building waste system. This kind of cooler usually has a container in the machine which holds the chilled water so that when you want some water, you just have to press the button which is on a spring loaded valve, and when it is released the water gets turned off. You do not have to wait for the water to come as it is already stored.

Bottled water coolers:

In the older version the water is used directly from the municipal water supply, but these days more emphasis is given on filtered water. The newer version has a free-standing design where bottled water is used. Here the bottle is placed spout down into the dispensing machine. These machines are of different sizes and vary from table units. The larger version can hold a bottle of up to 5 gallons. Depending on where it is needed, you can choose the most suitable size. For office use the larger one would be more suitable. The refrigeration function chills the water, but these units do not have a place to dump excess water, and only a small basin is there to catch minor spills.

There are coolers which have a second dispenser to deliver heated water that can be used for tea, hot chocolate, instant coffee, etc. They can be quite handy at a lot of places, be it at home or office. Water coolers are quite popular especially with the kids, as they simply love to have an icy cold drink. You also do not need to keep water in the refrigerator as you can always have chilled water whenever you want it. It works great in an outside-enclosed area, like a shop or shed as anybody can just help themselves to a refreshing drink. Large water bottles are readily available and are more economical than buying other drinks, as you just have to refill them when needed. Some bottled water companies even offer filtered drinking water coolers ( bottle-less ) to their clients.

Advantages of filtered, bottle-less water coolers over bottled water coolers:

The good thing about having filtered water coolers in offices is that companies can cut their overhead costs without giving up the quality of the amenities provided to their employees. They can cut the hassles of having individual bottles, and eliminate their administrative and drinking water costs by just investing on water coolers which can dramatically improve the taste and quality of their office drinking water. This is also more convenient as you can avoid the hassles of having bottled water deliveries once or twice per month and the possibility of running out of water. With bottle-less water coolers you can always rely on having a supply of water available.

So free yourself from the risk of any water infection with clean drinking water that is free of bacteria and algae, and get yourself a home water cooler! Enjoy a chilled glass of water on a hot day and a refreshing cup of tea in the morning to wake you up and prepare you for the day ahead.

An Ezine Article

more water coolers

Did you know water coolers have been around for over a century? Amazingly enough its true. Invented in 1906 by Halsey Williard Taylor and Luther Haws, those early versions used blocks of ice to cool the water. By 1938, the first electric water coolers began to be used in office buildings across the country. Since then, because of rapid advancements water coolers have branched out into businesses and homes world wide. In fact, office water coolers are so common in most business establishments it is surprising to hear someone say we don’t have one when you ask.

For decades. businesses found that bottled water coolers increased productivity by providing cool, clean water to their employees to keep them refreshed and feeling good throughout the work day. In fact, today’s statistics indicate that some 60 percent of a person’s time is spent at work so employers can’t afford not to have some type of water system available like water cooler fountains or office water coolers.

Recent advancements in water coolers have produced the new bottle-less coolers that eliminate the mess, the problem of storing many large bottles and a higher quality of water because the water is filtered on the premises. In addition, water coolers now come in various styles with a variety of shapes, materials and colors to choose from. Features like hot and cold water are also available.

The water cooler industry continues to improve these devices by taking special notice of purification methods and abiding by laws and regulations which cite such purity standards. Only the future knows how the water cooler will continue to evolve, but one thing all the experts agree on is drinking water is a basic essential health habit.

Do you and your family drink enough water every day? If not you could develop such symptoms as a decline in mental alertness, visual perception, short-term memory, associative learning, arithmetic efficiency and reasoning ability. A simple solution to avoid or in some cases to reverse these types of symtoms is to drink plenty of water. And when you’re away from home, say at work, having your main source of water come from a bottle-less water cooler can be doubly beneficial.

An Ezine Article

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