Water Filtration

The need for proper Home Water Filtration Systems becomes apparent, since we have to face a disconcerting development: current water treatment facilities are timeworn and municipal city water sources contaminated with pollutants. Which water treatment solution / water filter system makes the most sense to ensure pure, clean and healthy water for the family? The examination of two common water filtration & purification methods throws light on this question.

Reverse Osmosis Water Systems Lack Efficiency

In a reverse osmosis system (ROS) the water is passed through a sediment filter to remove sediment, dirt and algae. In a next step, the water passes through one or two (depending on model) pre filters, which remove volatile organics from the water. In a next step the water reaches the reverse osmosis membrane, which removes minerals, lead, inorganic compounds, salt and more. The water then flows into a holding tank (4 gallon), which is an essential component to the system, since the process of reverse osmosis is not instantaneous.

The small pores of the Reverse Osmosis membranes are restrictive to such organic compounds as salt and other natural minerals. That means reverse osmosis is very effective at desalinating water and producing mineral-free water for use in print- or photo shops. In terms of removing dangerous chemicals and purifying drinking water, the reverse osmosis alone, without an additional carbon filter, is not sufficient, because the pores of the membrane block only large molecules like salt.

Natural Trace Minerals will be Blocked

Only activated carbon filters are able remove the molecularly smaller substances and chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and chlorine. Another disadvantage of Reverse Osmosis Systems is the removal of naturally occurring and healthy minerals. Natural trace minerals will be blocked by the Reverse Osmosis membrane. These minerals make the water tasty and serve as a vital function to our body system.

Water without these trace minerals can actually be unhealthy for the body. Long-term consumption of such de-mineralized water can be harmful to the body system and result in mineral deficiencies in the body. The waste of a large portion of water running through a Reverse Osmosis System is also problematic. The system generally wastes two to three gallons of water for every gallon of purified water it produces

Activated Carbon Filters…More Reliable?

The process of water filtration with Activated Carbon Filters is characterized through the flow of water through a granular bed of sand or another suitable media (e.g. several stages of carbon and multimedia filters). The media retains most solid matter and ensures the removal of all unwanted materials while permitting the water to pass. The first filtration stage will remove the most concentrated chemicals like chlorine and Trihalomethanes; subsequent stages will remove smaller and more evasive chemicals, like herbicides or pesticides.

Carbon Adsorbs Chemicals

Granular Activated Carbon Filter Systems clear water of larger compound materials (e.g. salt) and retain trace minerals in it, and also selectively remove much smaller and more dangerous chemicals like chlorine and pesticides, which Reverse Osmosis Systems can’t remove. These water filters use a chemical adsorption process (which means to attach by attraction). In this way a variety of dissolved contaminants are attracted to and held on the surface of the carbon particles. Above that, these systems do not require a heat or pressure source, which makes them fairly cost-effective.

Pesticides, solvents and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are not completely removed by Reverse Osmosis Systems because the pores of the membrane are blocking only larger molecules. Only if an additional post carbon filter is used, these filters are effective and able to remove the molecularly smaller substances and chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and chlorine.

Conclusion

Granular Activated Carbon Filters are effective and valuable water treatment devices, but the consumer has to consider its limitations. One has to keep the water pressure at a uniform and steady flow rate that needs to be maintained for optimal performance, and the filter cartridge must be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation and/or the number of gallons the filter is rated for.

Reverse Osmosis Filtration Systems provide safe, pure, high quality drinking water from highly contaminated water, but at an increased cost and loss of nutrients and minerals that can reduce if not eliminate natural taste.

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Should you drink bottled or tap water? That is today’s question. Well, there is a third alternative.

Why not buy a home purifier and drink something better than bottled or tap water. Is bottled water safer than tap water? The answer is “no”, it’s probably the same thing.

Researchers for the Environmental Working Group or the EWG, for short, have shown that a third of all bottlers use “municipally treated waters”. That means tap-water, for those of you who don’t know.

Coca-cola, for example, makes Dasani. It’s more expensive than some of the other brands, depending on whether or not it’s on sale. Coke came up with Dasani to compete with Pepsi’s Aquafina. So, basically, the “Coke vs. Pepsi war” is on again. Only this time, they decided to use water.

Coke and Pepsi both use “municipally treated waters” and run them through a reverse osmosis system. So, what’s the problem?

The problem is that reverse osmosis does not remove chemicals, such as chlorine and all municipalities use chlorine to kill bacterial contaminants. Dasani was actually recalled in the United Kingdom because the level of a disinfection byproduct was too high.

You see, whenever waters are cleaned of bacteria through chemical disinfection, byproducts are created. Those byproducts are not removed by reverse osmosis and neither is chlorine. Here’s another question.

Is bottled water safer than tap water that has been run through a point-of-use or home purification process? The answer here depends on the purification method used.

If your home filtration system consists of single stage reverse osmosis, then you will still have chlorine and its byproducts. If, on the other hand, you have a multi-stage filtration device then the waters in your home will always be better than bottled.

When it comes to picking bottled or tap water, there are other considerations. If you have a good purification system and you drink from glass containers, then you know that there is no residue from the plastic bottle in what you are drinking.

Those residues include Bisphenol-A, a controversial chemical that may be banned in many countries and is already banned in Canada. They also include phthalates, which cause damage to the male reproductive system.

So, is bottled water safer than tap water that has been run through an effective purification process? Tell me. What do you think?

Another primary consideration is strictly about money. It costs a family of four at least $1200 per year to buy bottles. It can cost even more depending on the brand that you choose. A multi-stage water filtration system costs $172.99 for the first year and as little as $48 for subsequent years. So, you have something cleaner and safer, while spending less money.

I can’t think of another area where this can happen. Usually, you pay more to get more, but not when it comes to bottled or tap water that has been purified. You pay less to get more safety.

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UV water technology is the most cost-efficient and effective means on today’s market. If your home or business requires additional filtration, or if you have a source of private untreated water (rainwater, lake water, wells etc) then this should be your first choice. It allows homeowners and business owners to remove a range of contaminates in their water supply.

Ultraviolet water treatment systems will kill harmful biological contaminants. No microorganism can resist the Ultraviolet light unlike the treatment of water with chlorine. The UV light is known to be highly effective against bacteria, viruses and algae. Bacteria and viruses are the cause of many diseases carried by waters.

Of these viruses, the Hepatitis and Legionnaires have demonstrated ability to survive for considerable periods with treatment with chlorine, but are easily removed by a UV water treatment. The effectiveness of UV light against these and many more organisms is unsurpassed throughout the world. Although the UV light water filter does kill bacteria and viruses in water, additional water treatment is needed to completely purify the water.

No, indeed it does not treat the water against chemical pollutants like chlorine, heavy metals and other chemical contaminates. The installation of ultraviolet water purification would therefore be combined with other water filtration, carbon and a medium base filter type. The most important advantage is it doesn’t leave any chemicals in the water, it produces no by-products, and it will not change the taste, its PH value remains the same and all other properties stay unchanged. Since you are producing safe drinking water and the water is unchanged, it will not harm your plumbing or septic system.

This UV Lamp is simple in its appearance but dynamic in it performance. The water purification lamp is enclosed in a transparent protective sleeve. The UV lamp is mounted in a way that allows water to flow around its light. The water is exposed to UVC rays. When harmful microorganisms pass through the ultraviolet light they are sterilized, effectively killing them by changing their DNA. Unable to reproduce they are considered dead and no longer a threat.

So no need to panic if you have bad water. Just shop around and get a high output (wattage) UV water treatment unit and your family is protected from this troublesome water problem. Remember lamp wattage that is the work horse.

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You’ve seen the advertisements. It is a water pitcher. The unit’s lid includes some kind of filtration device designed to remove toxins and impurities from the water placed within it.

It seems like a smart idea, doesn’t it? If a water filter pitcher can do the job, you don’t need to spend money on at-source filtration units. You can avoid spending a small fortune on a whole house water purification system.

It is inviting. You just pour yourself a glass of water and everything will be okay!

With a sales pitch like that, it’s no wonder that so many people are adding a water filter pitcher to their kitchen. But should you really buy one? Will a water filter pitcher really do what you need it to do?

There are no simple answers to those questions. It is all going to depend on your specific situation and needs. However, there are a few things you should know about these pitchers that will help you decide whether their right for you.

You must understand that these relatively inexpensive products are not a good way to deal with serious water quality issues. If you live in an area where the water quality is a major concern, these filters won’t supply you with the level of protection and purification you need.

A water filter pitcher may be capable of handling some larger minerals and may even be effective in reducing presence of some microbes and pollutants. However, you shouldn’t confuse their simple filtration with actual purification. If you are encountering worrisome problems with respect to the quality of your home’s water, you will want to investigate heavy-duty options like under-the-sink purifiers or a whole house water purification system.

A simple pitcher can be handy for those who find their tap water tasting slightly “off” or who just want to add an additional layer of protection to their water consumption. The simple filters used in these pitchers do make a difference–they’re just not capable of serious purification.

A water filter pitcher can also be a handy possession if you’re camping or enjoying a picnic somewhere where you’re not really certain about the quality of water. They’re extremely portable, convenient and easy to use. That makes them popular with those who are frequently on the go and who don’t always know details about the water and its quality.

They’re also popular because of their low price tags. You can buy a high-quality water filter pitcher at a bargain price from any major retailer. When you consider the low cost associated with these items, the benefit they can provide certainly seems worthwhile.

You can’t rely on a simple water filter pitcher to protect you and your family from water quality issues, but they can provide value under the right circumstances. If you approach them as a supplemental aid and not as a primary means of purification, you’ll probably be happy with your purchase.

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Water is the essential element to life. Our bodies are made up of 70% water. We can go without food up to 40 days, but without water we can scarcely survive a week. Health professionals recommend the average adult to drink eight glasses of water a day to flush out impurities from our bodies. Digestion problems, headaches and even dandruff can be controlled by drinking an adequate supply of water. If we are to drink all the water that health professionals are suggesting, shouldn’t we make sure it’s clean?

The quality of your domestic water, whether from a public water supply or a private well is paramount not only to your family’s health and well being, but also to the proper aesthetics and functionality of your home’s water fixtures and appliances. The impurities that are carried in your home’s water supply can cause appliances to fail, laundry staining, or bathtub and soap scum staining that is nearly impossible to remove without harsh chemicals.

Unfortunately, the average homeowner does not really know the level of quality in the water that they use in their home each day. Some people may have water that is discolored and may be objectionable to the senses. It may appear cloudy, smell bad and/or taste bad, while some water that may appear to look good (it doesn’t stain, looks clear, tastes and smells great) but in fact may be unhealthy for drinking or bathing.

The fact is, you really won’t know what type of or how much of an impurity or chemical is in your water without performing a basic water analysis. A comprehensive water analysis is a better indicator of most of the potential contaminants that are often found to be an issue with domestic water sources in your region. The analysis is typically inexpensive and should be performed on an annual basis by an independent, state accredited laboratory.

The following is a list of some of the water quality problems found in drinking water that a proper filtration system can remedy:

Alkalinity
Arsenic
Chlorides
Copper
Fluoride
Hardness
Iron
Lead
Manganese
MtBE
Nitrates
Nitrite
Odor
pH
Radium
Radon
Sodium
Sulfate
TDS - (Total Dissolved Solids)
Turbidity
Uranium
VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Once you know what impurities are found in your water, you will then need to determine the best water treatment system to remove them from your drinking water. You should find an experienced company to install a state-of-the-art water filtration system to remove the impurities, minerals, and chemical compounds in your water that can negatively affect your health. Many smaller systems can be installed without using a professional, but irregardless, whatever type or size water treatment system you use it should be customized to address the particular impurities you have with your water supply. And, be sure to test your water periodically to make sure the system is indeed working properly to you can be sure you are only using clean, pure water.

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Upon first glance, the initial cost for a whole house water filtration system may seem higher in comparison to the smaller point-of-use systems for your kitchen countertop or under sink models, but in the long run for homeowners, the whole house systems can actually provide long term savings compared to the cost of bottled water and/or replacement cartridges in smaller systems. Typically, studies have shown that whole house systems’ media have life spans ranging from 5 to 10 years depending on the size and water quality.

In addition, another benefit of point-of-use entry systems is the confidence of knowing that regardless of which faucet you turn on in the home, you can be assured of clean filtered water coming out of it. So, don’t be taken in by some of the misconceptions surrounding whole house water filtration systems.

Fact #1 - Any Type Water Filter Cartridge Work

The need to filter water for home use is well known and most people are concerned about the local water supply. There are many filtering systems on the market. They remove viruses, chemicals, bacteria, chlorine, microorganisms, and other impurities. Home water filters come in standard sizes and when you check the size of your filter cartridge then you can use any brand that has the correct size. It isn’t necessary to use the exact cartridge that your home water filter came with just as long as it is the replacement cartridge is the correct size.

Fact #2 - The Best Kind Of Cartridge

Simply put, the best cartridges aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones as long as the cartridge filters out the contaminants in your particular water supply. 

Fact #3 - Replacement Is Very Important

Whatever water treatment system you use in your home replacing the water filter cartridge regualrly is very important. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and change the cartridge as recommended.

The Bottom Line

Even the #1 rated home water filter will not do you any good if you don’t replace the cartridge after the recommended period of time.

When you are ready to buy your replacement water filter cartridge it is a good idea to compare prices from various sellers on the Internet. Even if you are sticking with the name brand of the system you have, you may still find a more economical price for it by researching it. The most important point is to change the cartridges as often as is recommended in order to get the best performance out of your system.

If you really want to be safe, consider an auto-ship program where you are sent your replacement water filter cartridges every few months automatically as recommended by the manufacturer of your water filter.

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If you have a well you really should consider a whole house well water filtration system. Unless your water comes from an artesian well, which is considered to be naturally filtered, your well water is probably contaminated by things like fertilizer and pesticides from the farm down the way, industrial wastes from the factory on the other side of town, as well as, what can get in from your septic tank  or from your neighbor’s.

The fact is anything and everything that gets on the ground can seep down into the water table and end up floating around in your well. Traces of prescription drugs have even been found in well water. A whole house well water filtration system can remove all the impurities that are in your water. You really do need a whole house system too not just a filter in the kitchen.

There are a lot of chemicals and such that can get into your water that will soak into your skin when you take a shower. Chemicals like chlorine and sulfur also can turn gaseous and effect breathing.

A whole house well water filtration system will protect your family against all of the things listed above as well as some things you may not have thought of. Well water is prone to bacteria and nitrates that occur naturally as well.

Bacteria and nitrates and other microorganisms including viruses, and parasites can also get into your well water. Unlike municipal water supplies which are checked regularly and treated for disease bearing microorganisms, private water supplies are rarely if ever tested. This could pose a serious problem to you and your family. A whole house well water filtration system can clear all of the bad stuff out of your water supply while leaving the good stuff like minerals that you need.

You should always have your water tested before you choose a whole house well water filtration system. When you have your water tested you will know which filter type you need to use. Not all filters are created equal and while a good active carbon filter is probably the best choice if you have a particular problem there will be a particular filter for you to use. You should even be able to pick up a DIY test kit from your local hardware store that can easily give you the information needed to make an informed choice.

If your family has a well for water a whole house water filtration system is your best bet for safe clean water. A whole house system hooks up to the main water supply coming into the house so all sinks and taps are protected.

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Nitrates in drinking water have at times been blamed for blue baby syndrome, although scientists have cast doubt on what the risk actually is to humans. It is known that high levels in the ocean can cause the death of fish, primarily by increasing algae blooms and suffocating other forms or marine life.

In humans, excessive nitrate intake causes changes in the blood that lead to oxygen depletion in the organs and tissues. The blue baby syndrome mentioned above and the condition in adults is actually called Methemoglobinemia.

Adults, children and infants that produce insufficient stomach acid have an increased risk of Methemoglobinemia. The condition is treatable, assuming it is caught in time.

Increased consumption of green leafy vegetables can cause the problem, because of the nitrate content. Vegetables naturally contain it. It is added to farmland as a fertilizer. It is present in the ground due to the breakdown of human and animal waste.

In areas where there are septic tanks, it seeps into the ground and is present in groundwater. The amount present in lakes fed by groundwater can be high as a result.

Farm runoff is the primary cause of nitrates in drinking water in most areas. Even in an area that seems to be far away from farmland, the public freshwater source could at some point run through the land.

In general, healthy adults are not affected by nitrate intake. But, it does depend on their diet. Too much in the diet combined with too much in their drinking water could create a problem.

People with gallstones or hepatitis, asthma or food allergies are more sensitive to the negative effects of nitrate. When unfiltered tap-water is used to make baby formula, there is an increased risk to the infant, but not only because of the nitrate.

The nitrates in drinking water may be the least of a parent’s concerns. Perchlorate was recently found in dozens of different test sites throughout the US. Yet that compound is not regulated by the EPA. ’s milk and vegetables. It is assumed that the presence in cow’s milk is due to the animals drinking from ponds or streams tainted with the substance.’t have a water filter on your tap, you need one, you really do. Buying bottled water is no solution. The nitrate content of bottle beverages is not regulated. In fact, there are very few regulations concerning bottled brands.

Perchlorate is an element in rocket fuel. Not only was it found in samples of freshwater. It has also been found in cow

The nitrates in drinking water might be a problem to children. If perchlorate is there, it is definitely a problem. It is known to cause developmental delays and can lead to a variety of health problems.

Perchlorate is a VOC. It can be removed with a filter that reduces VOCs. You will need to check the product performance data to be sure that your water filter works to remove them.

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Most of us are aware that keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water has huge health benefits that can improve workplace efficiency which is just one reason the law states that a clean supply of it should be available in all workplaces. It is also recommended that everyone try to drink eight glasses of water a day. This is almost impossible if there is not a convenient source of water at work, and for this reason many employers are recognising the need to install dispensers in the workplace.

Once the decision has been made to install a water dispenser, the next step is which type of system is right for your needs. There are in fact two basic types of dispenser - a bottled fed, or a bottle-less, point of use dispenser that is plumbed in to the mains supply.

Bottled fed coolers

Bottled fed water coolers s can be installed anywhere that has an electrical socket. You can get bottled fed water coolers in both hot and cold tap, cold and ambient, or just cold. This type of cooler is fitted with a water bottle cartridge which is delivered by purified water suppliers, either on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis depending on the usage you think your business will need. The benefit to this type of water cooler is that it uses large bottled water for its supply, so it is especially perfect for places where plumbing is not allowed or is not practical to install. When choosing to purchase this type of water cooler you have to take into account the issue of space. You will need space not only for the water cooler but also all the bottles that will need to be stored however regularly you have them delivered.

Bottele-less, point of use water coolers

Bottle-less water coolers are basically a large scale filtering and cooling system. The water in this type of system passes through a filtering system eliminating all water impurities and giving an unlimited supply. The benefit of this type of water cooler is that it saves the hassle of refills and once you have it up and running you don’t need to do anything. This type of is also much more practical for companies with a large number of employees. Bottle-less water coolers can commonly be found in large offices or in canteens of large companies. They are cheaper than bottled fed water coolers because you don’t need to buy water bottles periodically, and you also save in the exertion of moving these spare bottles every time one needs to be changed as well as storing them.

Fortunately thanks to companies like Crystal Quest there is a practical solution to everyone’s needs, meaning we can all stay hydrated and healthy. By taking small steps such as investing in a water dispenser we can take care of our short and long-term health.

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