Water Filtration

Under sink water filters are a simple and convenient way to assure that the water you and your family are drinking is safe and healthy.  But finding under sink water filters that are both effective and affordable can be tricky.  Here’s a guide for you to use that’ll help assure that you’ll find an affordable system without sacrificing quality.

First off, I recommend that you only buy systems on the Internet for a few reasons.  One, you can almost always get a better deal on a system by buying it directly from the manufacturer.  And two, you can learn a lot more about the capabilities of a product by researching online instead of just reading what’s on the box at the store.  Most under sink water filters you find at a department store are not that effective at removing contaminants anyways.

Now as far as quality goes, it’s been proven that multi-stage filtration systems work best.  It really doesn’t make sense to remove all the different possible contaminants at the same time, simply because different contaminants require a different filtration method to remove them.

For example, under sink water filters that remove all the chlorine, sediment, and visible particles that make it cloudy and turbid first will allow more attention to be given to removing the more difficult contaminants like synthetic chemicals, chlorine-resistant organisms, cysts, and lead.

The leading technologies that remove synthetic chemicals and these other more difficult contaminants are carbon block and sub micron filtration.  Since these contaminant molecules are so small, these kind of technologies are needed in order to remove such microscopic particles.

Another very beneficial technology that has been recently used in under sink water filters is ion-exchange.  This process removes all the lead in drinking water and replaces it with healthy and beneficial potassium ions, which is a trace mineral found in natural sources of water.

Since many companies like to throw so much marketing hype at consumers to convince them to buy their product, make sure that their claims are backed up by certified documentation.  If a product really is effective, the manufacturer will without question put it through vigorous tests to prove it’s effectiveness.

And again, quality under sink water filters do not have to be super-expensive.  Make sure to check how much replacement cartridges costs, how often you have to replace them, and the per gallon cost of use for each product you look at. 

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When it comes to under sink water filters, we are talking “good news” and “bad news.” The bad news is, there are a lot of really hyped-up, really expensive products out there that just don’t do what they are supposed to– give you healthy water to drink. The good news is, it’s not that hard to find very reasonably priced undersink water filters that’ll do a great job of purifying your tap water. But you have to ask the right questions.

There is absolutely no point in throwing money on a filter, no matter how cute looking and slickly promoted, if it doesn’t get rid of all the harmful contaminants in your water.  You’d be surprised at how many of the really costly under sink water filters are actually glorified Brita water pitchers. Simply put, they just don’t use the best technology for the job. So why do they cost so much? That one I haven’t figured out yet.

It goes without saying that your first step when shopping for any water filter should be to make sure you are getting something that’s UL (Underwriters’ Laboratories), NSF, or California Department of Health certified, ensuring quality and safety compliance. 

Your next– and most important step– is to look at the technology the product uses. The most effective under sink water filters incorporate carbon filtration, ion filtration, and sub-micron filtration. This is because multi-filtration is the most effective way to completely get rid of everything you don’t need in your water, from heavy metals to VOCs to chlorine and cholrine-resistant parasites, while leaving in the trace minerals essential for your health. 

Each water purifier comes with a Performance Data Sheet, which explains which contaminants and how much of them get blocked from your drinking water. Check it out before you buy anything.

You’ll also need to figure out how easy is it to install the unit. And take it from the one who’s been there– I’ve seen perfectly decent professions struggle with some of these things. Yes, you can always pay a plumber to do it, but you really shouldn’t have to.  There are under sink water filters out there that are pretty much a no-brainer to install– instant gratification at no additional cost.

It wouldn’t hurt to consider the cost and ease of obtaining replacement cartridges, either. Cartridges will need to be replaced periodically– how often and how much will it cost? Does the company have an autoship program, so that you don’t have to worry about remembering to order one yourself? How much do they charge for shipping you the cartridges? No, I’m not nit-picking here– all these costs add up over time, in money, time, and annoyance.

To sum it all  up: the cheap under sink water filters can easily outperform the high priced water filters. So maybe it’s all good news after all.

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Water from the tap in the kitchen is the most important source of water that we use to drink and cook our daily meals thus the kitchen sink is where most households install their under sink water filter. There are plenty of under sink water filters available on the market and most of them are equipped with filtration systems that claim to be able to purify tap water. Water that is processed by these under sink water filters appears to be clear and clean, safe for consumption and cooking purposes. Well, I believe most of these under sink water filters can reduce or may be able to remove the majority of the four categories of contaminants found in tap water such as Microbial Pathogens (bacteria and parasites), Organics (volatile organic chemicals and THMs), Inorganics (arsenic, chromium, lead and mercury) and Radioactive Elements (decay of uranium in soils and rocks).

If every under sink water filter was of similar specifications and able to produce the same quality of water, there would be nothing to compare. The question here is, “Why are these under sink water filters being sold at different prices?” The simple answer is, these are different products being manufactured by different companies, each with different specifications for their water filter cartridges which in turn affects the cost.

Generally, most under sink water filters have sediment filters that remove sand and large particles, while others have activated carbon filters to trap synthetic chemicals and some also trap organic contaminants. However, not all these under sink water filters are made of the same quality parts and components. As for an activated carbon cartridge, it can be either in granular form or porous carbon block which performs much better than the others. Some carbon cartridges have incorporated KDF-55D which is zinc and copper to make them bacteriostatic. That means that bacteria cannot grow inside the filter. Advanced features such as a combination of carbon filtration’ ion exchange and sub-micron filtration are able to produce top notch quality water that no other undersink water filter can match.

Since the undersink water filter uses cartridges, especially the activated carbon cartridge, to trap and capture the harmful contaminants, it has a finite life span to ensure its best performance. Therefore, the cartridge needs to be replaced at six to nine month intervals. In case you forget to replace the cartridge, an added service like email reminder or auto shipping that some companies offer can be of great value.

In short, different undersink water filters produce different levels of quality water, thus the actual types of contaminants which are being filtered, percentage of harmful chemicals being reduced and species of organic bacteria being eliminated relate directly to the undersink water filter’s performance. Needless to say, regardless of which filter you choose, never trade your health for a sub-performing undersink water filter simply because of cost.

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An examination of 65 of the 3,000 largest utilities found cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Providence, R.I., and Portland, Me., are “manipulating the results of tests used to detect lead in water, violating federal law and putting millions of Americans at risk,” The Washington Post said. More than 250 major cities currently exceed the EPA’s lead standards, and many of them have been deceptive, or even fraudulent in their reporting of the problems.

– NBC Nightly News

“Each day, millions of Americans turn on their taps and get water that exceeds the legal limits for dangerous contaminants.”

– USA Today, Special Report

How does water get contaminated?

• Any breach/rupture in the water mains (200,000 reported in 2002)

• Corroded pipes

• Older homes with Copper or Lead pipes, or homes with cheaper water fixtures containing lead

• Overflowing/leaking septic tanks

• Pollution/Pesticide/Agricultural runoff

• The EPA only regulates 87 of the thousands of possible contaminants

Who is at risk?

• Children, elderly, pregnant women, and the immuno-compromised

• Anyone who drinks well-water or water that is otherwise unregulated

• Anyone in a disaster situation where the water source is breached

What can I do?

• Filter ALL tap water used for drinking through a charcoal filter to reduce lead, radon, and arsenic (especially if preparing baby formula)

• Always filter your water when you are at the gym, at work, or otherwise away from home by using water filter bottles or other types of portable water filters

• Know where your water comes from (Is it regulated by the city? Susceptible to agricultural runoff? )

• If applicable, pump/professionally inspect your septic tank regularly

• If you drink well water, have it tested annually by local Health Dept.

• Be prepared!!!

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Many dermatologists and pediatricians recommend that families use high pressure shower filters for health reasons. While many people are aware of the contaminants in tap water, thoughts of the effects of that water on the hair and skin are often dismissed. There are other, additional effects on health from showering with tap water of which most people are completely unaware.

The worst contaminant in tap water for your hair and skin is chlorine. It is used by all municipalities in the purification and recycling of tap water. It is used to eliminate the more harmful chemicals and organic compounds that tend to infiltrate water and sewage systems. A high pressure shower filter can clean the water of this high chlorine content.

Chlorine can actually dry out the skin. It has also been known to cause break outs of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. All of these dermatological conditions are typically cleared up completely or reduced significantly by the use of high pressure shower filters, which cut down on the chlorine content of the water.

There are many other adverse health effects from chlorinated water. The EPA recently released a report stating that almost every home in the United States has some level of chloroform gas in the air. This is caused by the evaporation of chlorine through the steam of showers. This gas is inhaled daily by millions, and could be one cause for the leap in the occurrence of asthma in children. This phenomenon is also eliminated through the use of a high pressure shower filter.

There are many shower filters to choose from, and finding a high pressure shower filter with high performance can be difficult. Some of the most efficient shower filters have a very low pressure. The lower water pressure allows for higher consumption of the water as well as adding the danger of the film of soaps and shampoos being left on the skin.

Many high pressure shower filters increase pressure through the filter itself. This holds its own dangers. These filters work by forcing molecules through a membrane. When the pressure of the water going through the filter is increased, more harmful contaminants are left in the water. Additionally, these filters typically only remove chlorine and a few other contaminants.

The best high pressure shower filter is one that filters for chlorine and other contaminants, while also restoring the PH balance of the water. Filters of this type use two stages rather than one to filter the water. A carbon based filter allows for more purification from harmful chemicals and organic compounds found in tap water. Another filter removes the chlorine from the water and restores the PH balance of the water.

This allows for less water consumption, and can also save you money on soaps and shampoos. High pressure shower filters result in what is called soft water. That is, the water is PH balanced. This allows you to use less soap and shampoo, which is both better for your skin and better for your wallet.

In the end, any shower filter is better than none. However, when looking at high pressure shower filters it is important to take into consideration all of the health risks that need to be addressed. Getting the unit for your family will help keep you and your children healthy.

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Looking for the best countertop water filter can be trying, to say the least. If you’re purchasing a new home, you have so many things to worry about, countertop water filters are just one item, probably near the bottom of your list.

Most of your worries revolve around money. How much is this or that going to cost? How can I spend money wisely in order to protect my investment and improve resale value? It is understandable, considering today’s world and the ever-changing real estate market. Every dollar counts.

So, you need to look for the best countertop water filter, just to insure that you are not wasting money. But, you might want to move countertop water filters back up near the top of your shopping list.

Other things may seem more important right now, but don’t lose sight of the potential risks to you and your family that may exist in your new house. Many of the more obvious issues can be readily identified and resolved. What about the less obvious risks? What about the risks you cannot touch, see, smell or taste?

There is no telling what is coming through that new tap. Many contaminants are not detectable by taste or smell, and may even evade certain diagnostic tests specifically designed to find contaminants. In any home, it’s a good idea to install countertop water filters.

The best countertop water filter can be an effective way to protect yourself and your family from any hidden contaminants. It is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to give yourself peace of mind. Why roll the dice and assume that, because the water tastes fine and smells fine, it is fine. Again, there are contaminants that exist in your water that are at such a low level as to be undetectable.

These low levels are not harmful in individual doses but, over time, the possible harmful effects are difficult to predict. Countertop water filters work to keep these contaminants out of the water you and your family depend on.

What constitutes the best countertop water filter for your home will depend on any number of factors. There are an abundance of countertop water filters on the market. The good news is that such a selection will ensure the existence of one that is right for you in terms of price, style, etc.

The not-so-good-news is that it may be difficult to sift through all of the different choices to find the best countertop water filter for your needs. It is important to take the time to do so. Not all countertop water filters are of the highest quality, look for certified performance, nor are they all as reasonable in terms of price, look at cost of use to decide.

Do yourself a favor and do the research before you buy. It is important to try and get the most quality for your money. When you do decide on the best countertop water filter for your home, it may be a good idea to purchase extra filter cartridges or you may want to sign up for automatic shipment. Some companies now offer that option.

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Depending on Maytag water filters to protect your family from hazardous chemical contaminants is a big mistake. The price is better than bottled and the quality may even be better, but the systems simply cannot reduce contaminants effectively.

It is impossible to include all of the necessary steps in a filter of this size. They are certainly inexpensive. You can get them from a discounter for $6 each. But, regardless of how inexpensive something is, if it does not provide effective contaminant reduction, then it is simply a waste of money.

I must admit that Maytag water filters are better than some other brands designed for refrigerated dispensers. But, there are some hazardous contaminants that none of the popular refrigerator brands will remove. They are commonly referred to as THMs.

THMs or trihalomethanes are present in all publicly treated supplies, because they are byproducts of the disinfection methods used by public treatment facilities. Only recently was the public made aware of the danger. The first reports came out several years ago, but respected publications were afraid to print them. They were afraid that there would be a massive outcry for an end to public disinfection.

Most people realize that disinfecting the waters of our planet is necessary. It might be a necessary evil, but outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne illnesses are a bigger public health risk than the health problems caused by exposure to THMs.

More and more healthcare professionals are becoming convinced that the synthetic chemicals in what we eat and drink have contributed to a variety of health problems. Some of those health problems are deadly. THM exposure contributes to the individual’s lifetime risk of bladder cancer. Estimates vary concerning the percentages, but in the most recent studies, researchers said that the amount that is commonly found in households double the cancer risk.

Maytag water filters do nothing to protect you and your family from this risk. In fact, drinking is not the only source of exposure. The chemicals become airborne in the shower, and we inhale them, along with the steam. They can be absorbed through the skin when showering, bathing or swimming in chlorinated pools. Researchers in one country were concerned about the risk to their Olympic swim team. They concluded that the risk was too great and something needed to be done. While Maytag water filters are not the answer, there are other companies that make systems for the kitchen sink, the shower and the whole house.

Ineffective contaminant removal was not the only reason that we stopped using our refrigerator’s dispenser. Do you know how much bacteria build up on those nozzles? I can’t give you an exact count, but without using a disinfectant on a daily basis, your family is spreading germs, continuously.

The company that we chose to buy from provides effective and affordable products that have a long lifespan. We enjoy what we drink and know that it is safe. So, before you buy some more Maytag water filters, shop around for an effective water filtration system. Your health is at stake.

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A bottled water cooler is an independent device that can be used to dispense water from removable 4- to 5-gallon plastic bottles usually positioned on top of the unit. Bottle coolers can be cold units that can dispense only cold water, hot and cold units that can dispense both hot and cold water, and a latest variety of units that can dispense hot and cold water as well as water at room temperature.

Studies indicate that water coolers consume about 4 billion kWh/year and produce an annual pollution roughly equivalent to the emissions of over 700,000 cars. However, energy savings of roughly 60–70 percent can be gained by fitting units with insulations or a timer. This will ensure that the power is cut off for the cooling and heating units during periods of low demand. This provides a lot of benefit to the homeowners, bottled water vendors, and building owners.

Water cooler manufacturers have to determine the performance of their own products. Bottle-less water coolers are replacing the regular bottles mostly for safety reasons. The other reasons are that this improves the quality of the drinking water as well as frees up needed storage space. Also, these new water coolers are practically maintenance-free.

Water coolers are usually available in three kinds, the bottle type water coolers, fountain type water coolers, and the bottle less water coolers. The company will install the water coolers in about 15 to 45 minutes. The filters need to be serviced once in six months.

Many customers prefer the bottle-less water coolers to the bottled coolers. This could be because of cost saving, as the cost of having the bottles delivered to the customer is cut down. Also the storage space would be freed and the additional cost of the stock, delivery and changing of these bottles would not be a problem anymore. The other reasons are the convenience and improved water quality since the filtered coolers are of a sealed system, which slows the growth of the microorganisms.

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Before you buy another Frigidaire™ refrigerator water filter, you should know the truth about them. Because the fact is, they probably are not protecting you and your family’s health and well-being as much as you think that are.

Frigidaire refrigerator water filter systems come virtually standard with every new fridge on the market today. Because most people are somewhat aware of the seriousness of drinking water contamination, and since they own a filter that’s built in to their refrigerator, they’re probably going to use it right?

Now let me ask you something…

Since manufacturers of Frigidaire™ refrigerator water filter cartridges KNOW that people with their built-in systems are going to use them and need more filters, do you think that they’re motivated to design top-of-the-line replacement filters that remove all the known contaminants in drinking water?

Of course not!

Now when you go to buy a new Frigidaire™ refrigerator water filter, you’ll see a list of all the contaminants that these filters remove. When reading it, it’ll SEEM like it’s a quality filter. And even though using ANY water filter is better than using no filter at all, it’s important to know if it’s going to effectively protect your health.

What sticks out at me about Frigidaire™ refrigerator water filter cartridges is the fact that they do not remove all volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and chlorinated byproducts (THMs). VOCs is the term used to describe the THOUSANDS of synthetic chemicals found in public tap water supplies, and THMs are created when chlorine reacts with these synthetic chemicals to form new chemical compounds. Both of these types of contaminants are cancerous, and both are most likely still in your drinking water when using these kind of filters.

Is the health and well-being of your family worth $45.00? If so, then I recommend getting one of the inline refrigerator water filters on the market today.

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We’ve all heard the expression “cleanliness is close to godliness”, and I for one, prefer to practice cleanliness the most when it comes to drinking water.

There are certain things that we don’t know about our drinking water also known as tap water. For the most part, it is more often than not healthy for anyone to consume your tap water. At least, it’s thought safe to consume by the SWDA (Safe Water Drinking Act) and EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) standards anyway.

Yet, there are three essential factors out there that impact the cleanliness of our drinking water. These three elements include the water provision infrastructure, industrial chemical waste, and the increasing population that needs more water each day.

The things you have to know about these is that the circulating water supply base is very old and believed by many to be out dated. It was purchased, installed and paid in full by our great grand parents (1920-1950).

After that, we have to worry about millions of chemical waste finding its way into our drinking water each day. Lastly, our population is growing. This means there is more water being used. Both of these two things are out growing our current power to treat and cleanse the water.

So what do we do? The simplest and safest way is to make sure you and your family are getting good clean drinking water. The best way to do this is to purchase a refrigerator water filter.

When it comes to acquiring the best drinking and cooking water for your house you must make sure you have a filter installed at the point of use. This means you need to have a good quality facet or refrigerator water filter in your home.

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