Water Filtration

If you are reading this, you’ve probably already come to the realization that many others have: Using a home water filtration system will save you time and money! One of the cheapest, easiest ways to filter your drinking water at home is to use water filter pitchers in your refrigerator. With so many different models and makers available to you, you have your work cut out for you when choosing one to buy. But before you buy one, here are 3 things you need to know about them to make a smart, economical pick.

1. Chlorine Level: This is number one for a reason! Chlorine is what gives tap water its bad taste and odor, which is probably the reason you are looking at water filtration in the first place. Water filter pitchers remove most of the chlorine in your water, giving it its clean, pure taste. Most filter pitchers remove between 92-99% of the chlorine in the water. You can find out the exact amount that a filter removes by looking at the specifications on it’s box or webpage. Remember, the more chlorine it filters, the cleaner the water will taste!

2. Fluoride Retention: Although you want to filter out most of the chemicals from the tap water, there is actually one that you want to keep -fluoride. Fluoride is vital to the health of your teeth, and water utility companies add it into the tap water so that you and I don’t have to take fluoride supplements. Many water filter pitchers will filter out the harmful chemicals from tap water but keep the useful fluoride in the water for you to drink. Check it out on the specs where you found the chlorine level count.

3. Replacement Filter Value: While the cheapest filter may initially seem to be the best deal, don’t be fooled! Not all replacement filters have the same lifespan. The lifespan of the replacement filters for the average water filter pitcher is usually in the 40-50 gallon range. To find the actual value of the filter, divide the price of the filter/number of gallons it can filter before replacement. This will give you an actual cost per gallon of water to effectively compare filter value.

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You may be surprised to know that not all water treatment procedures result to pure water. In most cases, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and microorganisms can still linger even after going through reservoirs and plants so what comes out of your tap may not be suitable for drinking. Learning the water purification process will guarantee that you use only the right devices.

Explain Water Purification

Water purification process involves the removal of harmful microorganisms, chemicals and other known contaminants from raw water sources. Via a designed treatment profile that limits the inclusion of particular matter, water is produced effectively for specific purposes. Water is purified for human use and consumption or drinking water while certain requirements are also needed for water used in the fields of chemistry, medicine, pharmacology and industry. Some of the known methods include filtration, distillation, ultraviolet radiation and deionization.

The government indicates the standard for quality of drinking water wherein minimum and maximum set points of contaminants as well as control elements are made for safe drinking water. Specific amounts of disinfectants such as chlorine are controlled and required to produce the right quality after water leaves the plant to prevent recontamination.

Methods and Safety

Bottling is another type of water purification process which is considered only as safe as the source. In the past, cholera epidemics have resulted from contaminated bottled water. People should not consider bottled water similar to pure water since studies were conducted which showed that several different brands had enteric pathogens even after treatment. Carbonated water may be better because of its acidity which can destroy bacteria and other microorganisms.

Heat or boiling destroys microorganisms and all enteropathogens are destroyed at below boiling temperatures. Once water boils, disinfection is already achieved even in very cold places. There is no need to continue boiling for 5 to 20 minutes.

Chemical Treatments

Chemical disinfection can best explain water purification via the different reactions of present substances and contaminants. Halogens like chlorine and iodine are the most common chemical disinfections since these can destroy most bacteria, amoeba and Giardia cysts and viruses. The effectiveness of each chemical depends on the chemical concentration, water temperature and contact period. It may take longer contact time for water with lower concentrations or temperature. Sediments increase halogen need and flavors should only be added after the recommended contact period.

Chlorine and More

Chlorine is the most widely used element in the water purification process since it is able to destroy so many types of pathogens. However, there are some that object to the resulting taste as well as its unreliability in destroying Giardia cysts in basic concentrations. Halazone tablets are affordable and convenient but may require up to 6 tablets per liter for a contact period of 1 hour. The chemicals also lose effectiveness with warm humid air and causes poor flavour.

Superchlorination-dechlorination is composed of 2 steps and is considered inconvenient. Initially, chlorine in high concentrations are developed followed by its removal with the addition of peroxide.

Iodine is also used in water purification process for almost 100 years with advantages over chlorine in convenience and efficacy. It is ideal for short and intermediate length usage anywhere from 3 to 6 months. However, there seems to be a trigger for people allergic to iodine, pregnant women and individuals with hyperthyroidism.

In closing, water purification is not the same as water filtration. When it comes to selective filtration on a residential or commercial basis, my recommendation is to leave it to your local water utility to handle the water purification and take matters from there into your own hands by purchasing any one of a number of quality water filtration systems to ensure you’re getting the best and safest water.

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There are so many contaminants in our ground water from hospitals, farms, manufacturing plants and other places that you will need a well water filtration system. All kinds of contaminants from fertilizers to petroleum products can seep into the ground and from there into the ground water supply. Even if you live several miles away from any form of industry your well can harbor impurities that will impact the health of your family. A well water filtration system can purify the water coming from your well to make it safe to drink. But before you run out to the local hardware store to pick up a filtration system there are a few things you need to know.

All filters are not created equal:

Filtration systems that were used in the past like reverse osmosis systems may not be the best choice for you. These systems were designed to remove the larger contaminants. Today, the contaminants we need to worry the most about are chemicals with very small molecules. If you are using one of the older systems many of these smaller chemicals will pass right through it. Chemicals that you may need to worry about are chlorine, pesticides and even prescription drugs.

Leave the good stuff please:

Some filters also have another problem; they tend to remove the good with the bad. Filter types like reverse osmosis can remove minerals as well as other contaminants. Removing all the minerals from the water can have consequences that are just as bad as drinking the water unfiltered.

So now what?

The best filtration system for you to use is a carbon based filter system. A multi stage carbon well water filtration can remove 99% of the contaminants from your well water without removing the minerals we need. A multistage carbon system can even remove bacteria and parasites that are common to well water.

The best choice for a filtration system is a whole house water filtration system. A whole house filtration system is hooked up to the main water line going into the house so that all of the water in the house is purified not just the water you drink. This type of system is a necessity if you use a well in your home. Chemicals and other contaminants can easily enter the ground water and from there get into your well even if you are several miles away from any industrial complex. A system using a multi stage carbon filter is the best choice for you.

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It has been more than 200 years now since man has understood that pathogens can be waterborne. Back at that time, a radical new system of sand filtration was developed which dramatically cut back the incidence of cholera, and the people were amazed. This was a Cadillac of systems compared to other 18th century innovations. What most people don’t realize, though, is that our “modern” water treatment plants use this same system to treat our water today. What was outstanding technology during the 1700s is inadequate in today’s world. If you have been trusting that the water that comes from your tap is as good as it gets, you need to learn what’s really going on.

The truth is that while water treatment plants today are bumbling along using these antiquated systems, a certain amount of waterborne pathogens are still being allowed to filter into our drinking water. Yeah, we grew up thinking our municipal water is clean and perfect, and a lot of people still believe this is so. However, studies have been conducted that have proven to the contrary. What was an amazing reduction in bacteria in the water of the 18th century is something that shouldn’t be tolerated now, during the 21st century. There is no reason for us to drink contaminated water, though, and there is something that each of us can do about the problem.

Many types of water filtration systems are available today that utilize much more modern technology than that used by the treatment facilities. These devices are meant to be installed in individual homes to further filter the water that comes in from the municipal systems. Whether you choose a refrigerator with in-the-door filtration, an under-sink unit, or a countertop model, you’ll be doing yourself and your family a big favor. These units are designed to filter out contaminants that have escaped the city’s filters which means that the water you use in your home will be much safer than ever before.

Why don’t water treatment plants update their technology to represent the new capabilities that have been developed? The main answer is “money”. You can’t turn on the TV these days without seeing reports about someone somewhere who doesn’t have enough money to pay for the necessities of modern life, and water treatment centers are no exception. New filtering technology is cost-prohibitive for cities which are struggling to fund the services they already offer. As long as the water they produce meets minimum government standards, they aren’t going to pay to update anything. It’s up to you as a homeowner to ensure that the water coming into your home is as clean as you want it to be by installing additional water filters.

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Looking for a hard water shower filter? I’ve got good news and bad. Hard water shower filters are available and some are reasonably priced. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that some hard water shower filters are very expensive for no good reason. Would you pay $249.00 for a hard water shower filter?

I might, if I could see a good reason for the price. This pricey system is supposed to “imbue” our waters with health giving qualities. Through the use of rare Japanese stones, they are supposed to provide antibacterial and antifungal action.

The company uses pseudoscientific jargon to promote the product and I’m sure that a lot of people fall for it. They also claim not to use ion exchange or softening chemical compounds. Instead, they say they use magnets.

It’s all very illogical. But, the fact is that you cannot “imbue” a liquid with anything simply by running it over a bunch of rocks. You can trap chemicals if the rocks are actually activated carbon granules. You can reduce hardness by exchanging mineral ions.

But, the reason that we need hard water shower filters has to do with the length of time that the waters sat in the ground. During that time, they absorbed some minerals. But, it didn’t happen overnight. The process certainly cannot be duplicated with a hard water shower filter, so there is literally no reason to pay this much for a product.

You always have to be a smart shopper, if you really want to get something effective. A couple of different companies claim to offer hard water shower filters. But, when you look at their product’s certified performance, you see they only remove chlorine.

You want hard water shower filters that also remove chlorine, because the chemical dries the skin and hair. It smells bad. It changes the natural color of your hair. If your hair is color-treated, it can turn it orange, pink or green, depending on the chemical reaction.

But, removing chlorine will not affect the hardness. Then there is a hard water shower filter that only contains water softening chemicals. So, it doesn’t remove chlorine and other chemical contaminants. Some of those chemicals cause cancer.

Researchers have proven that chemicals are absorbed through the skin and inhaled during a hot bath or while showering. The best hard water shower filters remove all of those cancer causing chemicals. They also remove copper.

Copper isn’t particularly hazardous, but it’s nice to have a hard water shower filter that removes it, because it can stain your tubs and fixtures. It can also change the color of your hair, particularly if it is treated.

With ion exchange, hard water shower filters balance mineral content, so you bathe in the softest waters available, without adding chemicals. This can be proven with real science, unlike the idea with the rocks.

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Home water coolers are a common sight in many households  these days. They offer fresh clean water, hot or cold. Whatever you need at the moment you can have without opening the refrigerator, or boiling water in the kitchen. This has revolutionized how people enjoy their coffee, juices, or tea anytime they want. Even at the gym or in the workplace, a convenient place to get cold water is always a welcome addition.

Here are some of the available types of water coolers that you can choose from depending on your need, your space availability, and your budget:

• Fixed / Wall mounted water coolers - These are the types of coolers that do not use 5-gallon plastic containers in their system. Instead they get water from the pipes and main water line at home or in an apartment. These are essentially less work because you do not have to change the jug once it is empty. With wall mounted water coolers you can be assured of a convenient source of filtered water any time of the day. This type of cooler is also placed in the malls or in the workplace where there are a lot of people using it.

• Freestanding water coolers - These have been around for literally decades. They uses 5-gallon plastic water bottles for dispensing both hot and cold water. As long you have a power outlet, you are good to go. Replacing the empty water bottle however poses a daunting task, because the bottles are quite heavy when  full. Children, ladies and elderly people will have a difficult time replacing these bottles and may end up thirsty when no one is around to refill them. Also, since they are free standing, they take up space, so if you do not have a big enough space this might be a problem.

• Countertop water coolers - Countertop water coolers for home or for the office are the solution for those who lack space in their area. This unit can be put on any counter or table top as long as it is stable and does not move easily. Extra care should be given though so that the unit won’t easily fall off, causing possible damage or injury. One thing to keep in mind is that some reviews say that this type of cooler doesn’t give out cold enough water, unlike the free standing ones.

These are some of the best possible choices available to you. Think about where you plan to put your cooler, what budget you are working with, and what needs you have, then select the best one that addresses all of your needs. That way you can get the most enjoyment out of your new water cooler without breaking the bank.

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If you are in search of an affordable as well as an environmentally friendly alternative to the bottled water then the bottle-less coolers offer a good choice. These office and home coolers combine the appeal of a common dispenser with the best purification technologies to offer you the very best quality of drinking water. And, without the hassle of dealing with heavy bottles and delivery schedules. Save money, space, and time with your own bottleless water cooler system. All coolers Install easily, Plumb directly to your cold water line for a continuous supply of hot and cold water with a built-in water filtration system that avoids the contamination that occurs every time a new bottle is loaded onto a regular bottle type cooler. No need to continually clean up the dispenser to ensure your water stays safe. A Green Product that is environmentally friendly, saving plastic waste and energy use from transportation of plastic bottles.

The Best Bottleless Water dispensers include a combination of Multi Filtration Carbon Filters, Reverse Osmosis and/or UV ultraviolet sterilization filters. Bottleless Water Coolers are the perfect way to enjoy clean, pure, filtered water. Models are available in counter top and floor model dispensers to fit your space and budget.

The installation process for these coolers is as easy as installing a coffee brewer or a refrigerator. Once the bottle-less cooler is installed into the line, it purifies the tap water through a multi-stage purification system.

After having passed through the purification process the water is then stored into a container made of stainless steel. In this way, you can enjoy a limitless supply of fresh, pure and tasty drinking-water, without having to worry about the bottles.

When you use bottle-less water coolers you can cut down your costs for safe drinking water by over 50% compared to buying bottled water. In addition the purification methods used by this type of coolers is unparalleled. It not only utilizes the best purification technology but also offers a zero risk of contamination of the drinking water from the air borne pollutants and pathogens as well.

The better Counter top and floor model bottleless coolers features include a separate hot/cold power switch, automatic heating shut-off when hot water tank is empty or hot temperature reached, and automatic hot and cold-water temperature control. Bottleless coolers and dispensers also have automatic float valves and a high efficiency sealed compressor-cooling system made with type 304 stainless steel hot and cold tanks. Easy access front panel for service of filter system.

So its time to think beyond bottled waters and be environmentally responsible. Opt for bottle-less water coolers.

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Nowadays, it seems that most of the newest models of refrigerators come with complete functionalities with a refrigerator water filter unit already installed. These filtration system installed in most advanced refrigerators provide clean and clear drinking water and are indeed a great boom to the health of your entire family.

Refrigerator filters practically perform the job of removing harmful substances in the water - adding higher level of protection to your kids’ fragile immune system. It is important to have a safe and clean water supply that can be accessed easily for drinking or cooking purposes. Some household filtration systems such as faucet filter attachments are not that convenient to use, and sometimes they are simply left unused.

Refrigerator filters are preferred as they are easy and convenient to use. They offer easier access to clean, refreshing cold drinking water. With the other common types of household water filters, this is not the case. Setting pitchers with a built in filter, as an example, the pitcher must be refilled constantly in order to maintain an ideal or sufficient supply of drinking water, thus giving you a bit of inconvenience.

With a refrigerator filter available for use in your home, you can be sure that you will have access to healthy, great tasting water any time of the day. This is made possible by the useful dispenser installed on the refrigerator’s door. With the serious concern about the harmful substances that common tap water contains, this type of filtration system gives users peace of mind - not worrying about these elements to reach their drinking glass.

A typical refrigerator filter provides good quality of drinking water and ice that are free from any bad taste and odor. Refrigerator filters are basically small activated or charcoal filters that are capable of removing most of the common water contaminants. The filter makes sure that the water filtration is completed and the water is purified before it flows through the in-door dispenser or the fridge’s ice maker.

It is generally more convenient to have a refrigerator with a built in water filtration system as opposed to having a filter installed in the actual tap. Majority of refrigerators with built-in filter are designed for quick and convenient access to the filter. This is for easier filter replacement. In line with this, refrigerator water filters can be replaced regularly to make sure that the quality of your drinking water is maintained.

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Showers are the leading cause of chlorine exposure. When heated, water flows out of the shower head and chlorine is vaporized into the steamy air. Vaporized chlorine is readily absorbed into open pores and even inhaled into the lungs. One 10-minute shower causes more chlorine absorption than drinking a day’s worth of unfiltered tap water. So what is the best shower filter to remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals from the water?

Filter Media

State of the art shower filters use a patented filter media called KDF, which stands for Kinetic Degradation Fluxion. KDF is a fancy way to say that chlorine, heavy metals, and contaminants are attracted to the filter media by their respective positive and negative ionic charges. As water flows through the KDF a tiny current of electricity is generated, making it possible for the copper and zinc granules to rearrange the electrons of the contaminants, rendering 90% of the available chlorine harmless. KDF filters attract and sequester heavy metals and eliminate sulfur smells, odd tastes and colors.

KDF is sometimes combined with a granulated activated charcoal in two-stage shower filters. The zinc and copper in KDF filters naturally prevents bacterial growth, including E. Coli and molds. KDF is the media used in the best shower filters because it works well under high temperatures and high water flow. KDF filters last longer than activated charcoal filters. Most KDF filters last close to a year and filter thousands of gallons. High sediment levels may shorten filter life, however.

Cost

Most filters for the shower are in the $50 price range, although more expensive models are out there. Depending on the type of filtration used they will need replacement in 3 months to a year. GAC filters made from granular activated charcoal have the shortest life, while KDF filters can last eight months or longer. Generally, replacements cost about half the price of the initial filter assembly. But it is good to know that some of the less expensive ones only remove half of the chlorine. The best shower filters, made with KDF media, get rid of 90% of chlorine and a wide range of common contaminants.

Shower filters not only remove chlorine, but reduce hard water build-up and scale. Shower heads that use KDF naturally soften the water and balance pH for smoother, softer hair, as well as make your shower easier to clean. Using a filtration system in your shower will also prevent skin reactions and breathing problems related to the chlorine vapors.

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KDF water filters have become the filters of choice because of their proven effective removal of contaminants as well as the fact that they are also inexpensive and have multiple applications. One of the advantages of using KDF water filters is that you are assured no harmful chemicals were used in the filtering process. So, it’s easy to see why you should consider KDF water filters when looking for home water filteration options.

Getting to Know a KDF Water Filter

KDF which stands for Kinetic Degradation Fluxicon water filters employ a unique process called Redox (oxidation/reduction). With Redox, the structure of contaminants is changed through the conveyance of electrons between two channels which are of different charges, one positive and one negative.

Chemicals that are made up of atoms with a positive charge are attracted to the process media in the KDF water filter that holds a negative charge, like zinc for example, while those chemicals with atoms carrying a negative charge are drawn to the process media that holds a positive charge, like copper. This way, when the contaminants come in contact with the KDF process media, electrons are drawn away and the make up of the contaminant is changed.

KDF water filters and the chemical process they employ allow potentially harmful substances to be changed into harmless substances that are water-soluble. As an example, KDF water filters transform chlorine through the Redox process by removing the electrons which then leave a harmless chemical chloride that is water-soluble.

What Harmful Chemicals can KDF Filters Eliminate?

KDF water filters boasts of 99% accuracy in eliminating harmful chemicals including mercury, aluminum, iron, chlorine, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, and lead. The filters also control algae, fungi, bacteria, scale and other known micro-organisms which may be harmful to humans. This is possible because the Redox process produces an electrolyte field that kills the majority of micro-organisms.

The type of filter you will need depends largely on the kind of water quality you need to treat. KDF water filters come in either KDF-55 or KDF-85, each one treats a different combination of contaminants and you should consider this carefully when choosing the right filter.

How Are KDF Water Filters Used?

Both KDF-55 and KDF-85 water filters can be used either as part of a larger water purification system or on their own. When used alone, KDF-55 and KDF-85 water filters are both highly effective at controlling all the water contaminants listed above.

When you use KDF filters as a part of a multiple filtering or purification system they not only aid in the elimination of health threatening contaminants but also in the prevention of chlorine build up that can shorten the life of your water filtrations system substantially.

One of the most common uses for KDF water filters is in shower heads. This is because KDF water filters remain effective at the higher water temperatures and flow levels associated with showerheads.

It may sound unusual that these filters are used for showerheads, after all you may not feel that filtering your bath water is necessary. Why should we filter our bath water? Harmful micro-organisms and unhealthy impurities can get into your body by passing through your pores which open up during hot baths. KDF water filters make sure that these chemicals and impurities will be eliminated before they touch your skin.

KDF shower filters, which are proven to be good quality filters, are also quite affordable. This makes tem a very good option to consider when choosing a reliable filter for your home. Another distinct advantage of the KDF shower water filter is that it’s environment friendly, its materials are 100% recyclable and they do not use any synthetic chemicals or additives that can pollute. Installing a KDF shower filter is a practical and healthy choice for your home.

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