Water Filtration

It really is unbelievable how many different kinds of drinking water contaminants you could be consuming on a daily basis. Most of our water treatment systems are outdated and are unable to remove many of the contaminants in drinking water. This article will inform you as to which ones you should be aware of and how to assure that none of them are consumed by anyone in your family.

Like I just stated above, most of our water treatment facilities are outdated so they are not able to remove many of the contaminants in drinking water today. These facilities do a semi-decent job eliminating bacteria through chlorine treatment (even though it’s not healthy for us to consume chlorine, I guess it’s better that bacteria and parasites). But what these treatment centers do not do well is remove synthetic chemicals.

Thanks to things like agricultural runoff, sewage leakage, floods, and other natural catastrophes, every type of chemical we use in our society practically ends up in our tap water system. There is just simply no such thing as “new” water.

Everything from the herbicides and pesticides we use on our farms to the chemicals we use to clean our homes eventually end up in our water supplies. And whether we are aware of it or not, we all have probably consumed some of these drinking water contaminants in our lifetimes.

Thankfully though, there are measures that we can take to assure that our health and the health of our families are protected from drinking water contaminants. By installing a simple quality water filtration system in your home, you can GUARANTEE that over 99% of these contaminants in drinking water are removed before you consume it.

Some quick tips to help you find a safe and effective home water filtration system:

*Get a system that splits it’s filtration process up into multiple stages using multiple filtration techniques. Carbon filtration and granular carbon filters are among the best available filtering methods This will assure that the highest amount of each type of contaminant is removed efficiently.

*Don’t assume that the filtration systems made my companies you’ve heard of before are the best. In most cases, more popular brands spend a whole lot more on advertising, which actually makes their products more expensive.

*By shopping online, you can get a water filtration system at a better bargain since many companies sell their products factory-direct. This will eliminate the hefty markup that you’d be charged at your local department store.

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How tap water is tested for contamination is important because you really do need to know what’s in your water. You will find out in this article several methods how tap water is tested for contamination and what has shown up after tests have been taken in various cities around the country. We’ll start with the simplest testing methods and then work our way up.

1) The very simplest method of testing water is by smell and taste. Try this, get a glass of water from your tap and cover it for a few minutes. Take the cover off and smell it, and then taste it. If you get a faint or sometimes an even stronger disinfectant smell (like bleach you can be sure that chlorine is present in your water. Even if you are lucky enough not to be able to smell or taste it, chlorine is in you water. While trace amounts of chlorine may not harm you right away, the long term exposure to chlorine and its by-products such as chloroform increases the risk of some forms of cancer.

A quote from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Senior Research Team said “We are quite convinced, based on this study, that there is an association between cancer and chlorinated water.”

2) Another method of testing your tap water for contamination is to purchase a home testing kit. For about $10 you can buy a kit that will allow you to test for contaminants such as chlorine and the hardness of your water. Hard water is mainly caused from the build up of calcium and magnesium. It is possible that the buildup of calcium and magnesium can cause damage to the water heater and plumbing in your home.

3) Depending on how much you want to spend you can purchase test kits that test for contaminants such as E. Coli (a main source of water borne disease), bacteria, lead, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, water hardness, and the pH level of your water. You can by kits that test for each individual contaminant listed or a kit that tests for all of them. If you should happen to use well water there are testing kits for that also.

4) If you don’t want to spend any money you can do a Google search for “local drinking water information” without the quotes, and find information about the quality of the drinking water in your location.

5) How is tap water tested for contamination by the government is a common question that comes up. They test in a similar manner as the test kits mentioned above but are a little more expensive than a home test kit. The problem is it is so costly to test every water supply that to do so would be more expensive than police, fire and city services for many small towns.

It’s important to note that contaminated water may not taste bad or even smell bad. One thing is for certain thousands of people each year come down with bacterial illnesses traced back to contaminated water. A mild case may cause diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, or other stomach problems. Some cases of bacterial illness from contaminated water are fatal.

Important Points -

Extensive studies have been performed by many well known authorities such as consumer advocates Ralph Nader on the pubic water supply. The results of the test show trace amounts of over 2,000 different chemicals all of them toxic in the public water system across the country.

If you are concerned and want to be certain test the water for your self. If you want to be safe consider the purchase of a high quality water filter that uses a combination of carbon filtration, ion exchange and sub micron filtration. This is the best type of water filter on the market. They are not very expensive and well worth the money you invest in one.

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As more and more consumers become aware of the possible health effects of ingesting or bathing in tap water, they also often wonder where these contaminants come from. There is no easy or single answer to that question. Contaminants find their way into both groundwater and surface water sources, and very few water sources are actually pristine and pure in their natural state.

One unfortunate fact associated with contamination is that humans are responsible for much of it. The simple truth is that there are an ever-increasing number of activities that lead to pollution and contamination. Some of these activities include: improper disposal of chemicals, pesticide run off into surface water or seepage into groundwater sources, untreated waste from both humans and animals, improper disposal of household products and pharmaceuticals, industrial discharge, accidental spills, and deliberate discharge or spilling of dangerous products into surface water or onto the ground.

Contaminants that affect our water supply also come from nature. There are many naturally-occurring processes that lead to unhealthy water. For example, radon is a naturally occurring source of possible contamination. Most of the mineral content we find in water comes from natural processes as water flows over or through rock.

Some products we find in our tap water are actually deliberately added to the water supply by the treatment plant. These might include chlorine and fluoride.

The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that there are over 2000 known contaminants that can end up in water. This does not include the emerging contaminants which are, to date, still being discovered and researched.

It would be wonderful if we could say that all tap water is free of all contaminants, but that is simply not the case. Even the best treated water in the US will almost certainly still contain chlorine and fluoride. It is true that chlorine is vital to keeping water disinfected but once the water exits your faucet it is no longer needed. The ingestion of chlorine and its by-products can cause health issues and must be removed from the water prior to drinking it or showering in it. Fluoride is important for healthy teeth, but with modern toothpaste and mouthwash, most consumers do not need this added ingredient in their drinking water.

You have options. One such option is to install a quality water filter or to install a whole house treatment system. Point of Use water filters are very affordable and they are very effective in removing many contaminants from your tap water. Shower head water filters can remove dangerous chlorine from your bathing water and do so at a price that might surprise you.

If you are concerned about the water that enters your home, do yourself a favor and look into either Point of Use water filters or Point of Entry water treatment systems. The sooner you protect your family from contaminated water the better.

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In an era of increasing water quality issues, more and more people are turning to bottled or filtered water for their drinking needs. But what about our pets? Cats and dogs have the same water needs as humans, and yet pet owners often neglect to consider giving their beloved animals filtered water as well.

The reasons for giving pets filtered water are numerous. Parasites, such as Giardia, can infect dogs and cats and cause severe cramping and diarrhea. Worse yet, your pets can transmit these infections to you as well. Giardia infections require an expensive trip to the vet and antibiotics to treat.

At the same time, giving filtered water to pets can be difficult to remember. Many consumer filters designed for humans take a long time to filter water, meaning that people often fill the filtration devices and leave them sitting for days or weeks. As the water ages, it loses oxygen content, making it less palatable, which is of special importance to cats. It is absolutely crucial that cats get enough water. Those that don’t are susceptible to urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and other expensive maladies.

Dogs also appreciate clean, healthy water. So, get a water filtration system for your home, even if you only get a faucet filter to start. They can be attached to just about any kitchen faucet with nothing more than a pair of pliers which makes them perfect for renters as well as homeowners. And,  no matter how young or old your pet is, they will appreciate the switch to a filtered water system. Filtered water will keep your pet healthier, happier, and well-hydrated for years to come.

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If you take a look at the label on any bottled water container, you will probably get the impression that the water comes from a mountain spring in some beautiful nature preserve. However, the truth is that the water is either from the tap or another questionable source. But is tap water cleaner than bottled water sold at stores? This is a question many consumers wonder about. Here are 5 facts you ought to be aware of.

1. 60 to 70 percent of the water you buy in bottles is exempt from federal standards. This is because federal regulations don’t apply unless the bottled water is transported across state lines. Many companies that sell water in bottles skirt the law by bottling and selling water within the same state.

So is tap water cleaner than bottled water sold at stores? It’s safe to say that at the very least, most water purchased in bottles is merely tap water in a bottle. Millions of dollars are spent in advertising to make you believe otherwise but the truth shall be known.

2. Tap water must be filtered and disinfected by law. On the other hand, no such law applies to the water you buy in bottles. So is tap water cleaner than bottled water sold at stores? It’s safe to say yes.

3. Tap water cannot contain any E-coli or fecal coliform bacteria. The same prohibition does not apply to the water purchased in bottles. In fact, a certain amount of fecal coliform bacteria is allowed in bottled water.

4. Tap water has to be tested for cryptosporidium and giardia but FDA regulations do not require the same for water purchased in bottles. These common water pathogens can cause diarrhea and intestinal problems yet the water you buy in bottles at the store can contain them legally!

5. Tap water has to meet certain standards for cancer-causing chemicals and toxins. Companies that sell water in bottles are exempt from testing for these chemicals. Phthalate is a chemical that leaches from plastic, including the plastic bottles used for water. It can lead to illness yet there are no regulations surrounding its use.

So is tap water cleaner than bottled water sold at stores? It might sound unbelievable but yes. At best, the water you buy in bottles is the same as tap water. Consumers pay $1 to $4 per gallon for the perception that they are getting safer, cleaner water when in reality they are getting water that is more dangerous than tap water.

Instead of wasting money on water sold in bottles, consider an option that will give you cleaner water, guaranteed. Carbon water filters are very effective and produce water that is free of all synthetic and organic chemicals. Best of all, carbon filters do not remove the beneficial trace minerals from tap water.

Another great aspect of carbon water filters is that they are highly affordable. At less than 10 cents per gallon, you can get up to 30 gallons of clean water per hour. So get out there and purchase a carbon water filter for your home.

Is tap water cleaner than bottled water sold at stores? Yes, but tap water itself is still not safe for consumption. Use a carbon filter to make it safe enough to drink.

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In this day and age, millions of people are looking for ways to purify their water. Most of us go through tons of different filtration systems, trying to come up with the best way to clean our water. The bad news is the fact that people have reasons why they should be worried. If you do not get your water from the city, then that means you get your water from lakes, streams and, of course, private wells. Unfortunately, a lot of these systems do not have clean water, and things like E. Coli and other types of bacteria can come up from time to time. The quality of the water that you are drinking can vary from day to day. Even if you get your water from the city, it is not going to be 100% bacteria free. There are a number of ways that things can contaminate your water. However, today we are going to talk about a way that you can keep your water clean and pure!

This new way of keeping your water clean is known as a UV water purification system. A lot of people have a hard time understanding how UV lights work to clean things, because it is invisible to the naked eye. Of course, we know that UV rays are at work, because they are the leading cause of sunburns when we go outside. There are special lamps that we can use that actually put out UV lights . These UV lights then can be used to disinfect water. Pretty much, UV lights work by attaching themselves to the genetic core or bacteria and viruses. From there, it pretty much clerestories their function to be able to reproduce. Although this may seem like a very simple process, it is very effective. They say that UV lights are able to kill up to 99.9% of all harmful microorganisms. This is all done without adding any kind of chemicals or anything harmful to the water.

So why should you go with a UV water purification system. What are the benefits of it? Sure, it is going to clean your water, but there are other systems out there that do the same. Well, one reason why you would want to go with this kind of system is because it is highly effective. In fact, a lot of companies around the world are already using this kind of system to clean water that goes into bottled water. Another reason would be because it is chemical free. The UV lights add nothing harmful to the water. A lot of other systems can add harmful chlorine into your water. Best of all, the UV lights are, of course, taste and odor free. Sometimes you can smell different chemicals that could have been added into the water to kill microorganism. However, the UV lights leave nothing behind at all. All you are left with is the fresh clean taste of pure water. As you can see, these kinds of purification systems really are the best and should be the main source of your water. Make the switch to UV lights to purify your water. You will be happy you did.

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Too much of the world lacks access to clean drinking water. Engineer Michael Pritchard did something about it — inventing the portable Lifesaver filter, which can make the most revolting water drinkable in seconds.

Click here to see an amazing demo from TEDGlobal 2009.

Click here to see other water filtration products.

It seems like only yesterday when you could relax with the knowledge that you weren’t drinking raw sewage, parasites, or caustic chemicals. I remember the days as a child when I could grab a glass from the cabinet and fill it with some nice, clean, cool, refreshing tap water and drink it down on a hot summer day. Truth is, I have found research on toxins showing that chemicals have been finding their way into our water supplies for almost a hundred years. Fluoride was added in 1945, but chlorine took the lead in 1911, when it was first added to public drinking water as a “disinfectant.”

Up until recently, health advocates and environmentalists found their pleas falling on deaf ears in regards to how unsafe tap water truly is. When I told people twenty years ago that their tap water was poisoned, they could not believe me even though there was plenty of data proving it. Even ten years ago people were suspicious of such claims, but due to recent health scares with water supplies and bottled water, people are starting to stand up and take notice.

Many people boycott drinking tap water on taste alone; chlorine is often noticed by the palette and rather unappetizing. Others have shied away because of health concerns, but the fact still remains that most people still use water in many other aspects of their daily lives: bathing, laundry, dish cleaning, cooking, coffee, tea, etc.

The next substance I want to tell you about is arsenic. Arsenic on the periodic chart is atomic number 33, but arsenic is so much more than a simple number. Still widely used today, arsenic is commonly found in wood preservatives, agricultural products, glass, and most notably, rat poison. Yes, rat poison. This harmful and toxic chemical is currently residing in your tap water. This is not a comforting thought.

The EPA strongly pushes for regulations on cancer causing materials and typically doesn’t allow a substance that has more than a 1 in 10,000 chance of causing cancer to be within our water. At 0.5 parts per billion, arsenic has a 1 in 10,000 chance of causing cancer. Do you think that arsenic levels within public drinking water never rise beyond 0.5 parts per billion? I wish I could say that they did not, but most of us know otherwise.

Arsenic levels range all over the charts, and in 18 states, including Arizona, California, and Nevada, arsenic levels are at, and even sometimes greater than, 0.5 parts per billion. Assuming we were all drinking water from just the 18 states with arsenic at the accepted level of .5 parts per billion, then out of the current U.S. population of 296,241,806 roughly 29,624 people could develop some form of cancer from arsenic.

Currently, arsenic is found in the drinking water of over 22,000,000 American homes. This number is only accounting for the areas that actually had their water tested. There are still vast areas of this country that have no idea what their drinking water contains. Arsenic poisoning over an extended period of time can lead to damage of the central and peripheral nervous systems, heart and blood vessels, serious skin irritations and problems, birth defects, reproductive problems, and many more. As of late, scientists and medical professionals have argued that arsenic isn’t safe at any level within drinking water.

With all of the harmful chemicals that are fighting their way into your body at every given moment, help your body’s defense team strike back. Invest in a water filtration product, even a basic one will do as long as it’s of reasonably high quality.

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Water filtration has come a long way over the years and new methods of filtration are coming up everyday. New water filter materials are being invented in a bid to convert the water we have into a potable commodity. Many countries that suffer from water shortage including the United States are now able to produce water that is safe to drink from water that was previously contaminated by a variety of undesirable compounds including salt.

One of the new technologies in water filtration is membrane filtration. Membrane filtration is able to remove parasites like Giardia and Cyrptosporidium that are resistant to chlorine as well as bacteria. Even if the initial water sample is highly contaminated, membrane filtration is able to produce potable water that is purer than deep artesian well water, or water from unspoiled reservoirs. Membrane filtration is an excellent water filtration material for locales that have to treat salt water. Some of these include Texas, Florida and California.

Membrane filtration’s growing demand is driven by Federal regulations that are becoming increasingly stringent on water drawn from surface sources for human consumption. Demand for this new water filtration method is also high in the Middle East where water is produced through the desalination of ocean water. They are now being used increasingly to clean water for domestic and industrial use.

Another new water filtration system in the market is Ultrazur 450. This new system uses Nylatron M AQS as the base product to filter water. The reason it was selected was that it is high in mechanical strength, corrosion resistant and lightweight. Nylatron M AQS is compliant with FDA regulations and is a certified product for water contact. One of these filtration units is able to process water at a rate of 10,000m³ per day. This filtration system has columns containing membranes of acetate fiber. Untreated water is then pumped up the columns and purified water exits at the top. This is done continuously and includes phases of retro rinsing. The nylon material used is made by a casting process.

A third new water filtration method is using a magnetic unit. Water is passed over a magnetic field, which rearranges the atoms in it. This does not however split the water ions. The magnetic unit is used to turn hard water into soft water. This also binds chemicals in the water making it safe to drink. The disadvantage with this method is that the water must be consumed quickly or it will revert to its previous hard state.

Additional new materials are Far Infra Red Systems, which are a natural energy form and are used to make water soft. They also charge it negatively and break it into small molecules that help hydrate the body. Catalytic conversion water filters take heavy metals, pollutants, viruses and chlorine and convert them into an oxidized form that is harmless.

There is much to be said about the new inventions. Moreover, with the environmental decay of surface water creating a water shortage crisis new material will be discovered for water filtration.

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Have you ever been told to “eat your vegetables?” Well, this was a phrase that echoed through our house during my childhood. Until recently I had no idea that our main source of nitrate is from vegetables, such as lettuce, carrots and spinach among many others. I do not remember suffering any ill effects from eating my vegetables. So why should we be concerned about nitrates in drinking water?

It is perfectly natural to find low levels of this compound in water. Nevertheless on occasions the levels can rise above the EPA limit of 10 ppm. There are many different sources of nitrates; these can include agricultural run-off, industrial wastewater, animal feed lots and septic tanks.

In fact, even your local municipal park or golf course can be a source of nitrates. It is not usual to find high levels in public water systems. However, private wells are another story. Domestic wells are normally situated in the countryside where it is impossible to obtain the public water supply. Their location must be chosen with great care to keep them away from possible sources of contamination. This can include sewage disposal areas or near livestock facilities.

Nitrates in common with most of the water contamination cannot be detected without specialized testing as it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It is highly recommended that any new water supply be tested to ascertain the nitrate levels. It is also advised that annual testing be carried out.

There are certain groups, which are extremely vulnerable to nitrates in drinking water. They include pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and elderly people. The reason since once a person ingests nitrate it is transformed to nitrite in the digestive system. This new compound causes the blood to undergo a transformation. After which it lacks the ability to carry adequate oxygen to the individual body cells.

This deprivation causes the veins and skin to appear blue. This can be fatal in infants under 6 months of age as their natural systems are incompletely developed. The same can happen on the elderly who may have an impaired enzyme system. Nursing mothers should drink only water that contains less than the EPA recommended level of nitrate as it may be passed to the infant in their milk.

It is highly advisable that you are aware of the nitrate levels in your water. There are a few test kits available for measuring the nitrate concentrations. Even so these are not going to be as accurate as samples tested in the laboratory. Of course this testing can work out to be quite expensive.

Nitrates can be removed from drinking water by an ion exchange method. There are water filters available which contain an ion exchange. The installation of this equipment in your household will be your first line of defence against nitrates in drinking water.

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