A Guide To Aid Consumers In Choosing An Effective, Cost Efficient, Drinking Water Filtration Unit.

Purchasing a water filter in today's marketplace can be confusing even for the most savvy of consumers. Hopefully this guide will assist you in making the right choice in purchasing any water filtration system.

There are over 400 companies that sell drinking water systems for the treatment of various contaminants. Water filters vary widely in quality, price, and performance. Although hundreds of companies make water filtration devices that can reduce chlorine from water, only a few companies offer drinking water treatment units that are certified to reduce a wide array of contaminants of health concern.

A few companies or their representatives claim their products produce PURE drinking water. I have yet to meet such an animal. No water filter produces PURE water, but some do reduce numerous contaminants to a high degree. Avoid any brand that makes such false claims.

Water filters are like everything else, quality costs money. Quality drinking water purification systems usually cost a few hundred dollars to purchase, but save money in the long run because they produce drinking water for a fraction of the cost as compared to cheap filters.

Cheap filters do little or nothing as far as purifying drinking water. One thing they are good for is costing the consumer a lot of money in purchasing replacement filters. A quality filter will give you years of service and save you money. As a rule of thumb - If it costs less than - Let's say $200.00 - Put it back on the shelf. Do not worry, I am going to show you how you will save more than the $200.00....

Here are a few simple steps to purchasing a quality water filter that will be highly effective, cost efficient, and last for years.

Step 1 - Type Of System

Which application would be best for you - Counter Top - Undersink - Inline - or a Convertable type that can be used as a countertop or be installed undersink?

Counter Top Systems usually install by the use of a valve and rubber hose attached to your existing sink faucet. They do take up some space on the counter. Many people find this to be inconvenient.

Undersink Water Filters install conveniently under the sink and have their own faucet which should be installed at the corner of the sink. They save counter space. Sure beats having a monster sitting on your counter or a hose hanging off your sink faucet. This is the preferred type as it is not only the most convenient but can also be hooked up to an icemaker.

Inline Filters install directly in the line to any appliance that uses water such as an icemaking machine, coffee pots, water coolers, beverage machines, etc.

Convertible - Undersink/Countertop can be used as a countertop or installed as an undersink water filter.

Step 2 - Technology

Determine what you are trying to accomplish by using a water filter. Chlorine reduction only? Bacteria?

Or, do you want to effectively reduce bacterial cysts, chlorine and a wide range of chemical and organic contaminants at the same time. This is what a quality water filter can do.

Another thing to consider is - Do you want to remove the "Healthy Minerals" from your water? Minerals are good for your teeth and bones.

There are a number of different technologies when it comes to water purification. Here are some examples -

Loose Carbon - This is a bacteria factory. Loose carbon allows oxygen to exist within the filter itself which encourages, infact, enhances the growth of bacteria. These filters are very cheap to purchase, but expensive in the long run because the filters have to be replaced frequently.

Distillation - Can be effective on bacteria, sediments, solids, and any organic or chemical contaminant that will not evaporate. There are some chemical contaminants found in water today will evaporate, MTBE is a good example.

Ultraviolet lighting is sometimes used in conjunction with a filter to kill bacteria and has been found to be effective.

Reverse Osmosis - A membrane which reduces radium, fluoride, and numberous other contaminants to a high degree, but it does have it's limitations. There are many contaminants found in water today that will pass through an RO membrane. Reverse Osmosis used in conjunction with a high quality filter can be very effective. Reverse Osmosis does remove the "Healthy Minerals".

Reverse Osmosis alone is capable of reducing a number of contaminants found in drinking water today.  Arsenic, barium, radium, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba, fluoride, lead, nitrates, nitrites, 
selenium and a few others...

Solid Carbon Block - This type of filtration reduces the widest range of chemical contaminants to a very high degree. Some are higher quality than others. The density and high quality of the carbon determine the effectiveness. Water passes through a high quality solid carbon block as a molecule instead of a drop. This means all the water touches the carbon. Therefore all the water is subject to proper filtration. Look for a carbon block which will reduce contaminants to at least 1 micron, preferably 0.5 micron. The smaller the number the better. 

Any high quality solid carbon block will reduce a wide range of contaminants.  Contaminants such as
lead, bacterial cysts, mercury, asbestos, mtbe, and many others. 

Step 3 - Performance

Performance is the key factor. Actually the most important thing to look for in any water filter. Don't waste your money on an ineffective water purification system that simply does not work.

****Carefully read the packaging. Determine which contaminants the manufacturer states the filter will reduce. The label on the product package should state exactly which contaminants it is capable of reducing based on standards set by NSF International.

**** So how do you know if the claims made on the label are correct? If the filters is not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, put it back on the shelf. Quality water filter manufacturers put their filters through rigorous testing by NSF and are proud to advertise their certification.

**** NSF International tests and certifies drinking water treatment devices to the standard appropriate for the technology of the product. For filtration devices, NSF International may certify the product to improve the aesthetics of the water to Standard 42, the health effect of the water to Standard 53 or both. In addition, NSF has developed an additional testing standard for Reverse Osmosis units, Standard 58.

One other thing I want to mention, be sure the packaging states NSF Certified To Standard 53 for example. If it says "tested to NSF Standards" - This does Not Mean Certified.

If you want to see the actual certification, go to the NSF website: www.nsf.org - Click the consumer block and put in the make and model of the filter. If the filter is actually NSF Certified, you will be able to view the contaminants tested for and certified to remove. This way you can compare different certified filter's performance.

Step 4 - Cost Efficiency

Quality water filters have a long filter life capacity. This is what Saves You Money. Look for a water filter that has a capacity rating of at least 6 months. Understand, this is an estimate. The actual life of the filter depends a lot upon the qualities of your water. If your water has a lot of solids the filter will clog sooner than it is rated. If your water has a high level of contaminants, it will become ineffective sooner. In most cases though, the filter life rating is conservative, meaning the filter will actually outlast the capacity rating. Always keep the filter changed at the recommended intervals, even sooner if possible.

Cheap ineffective filters actually cost more to operate. Having to frequently change the filter cost a lot of money in the long run. 

I hope this article helps you in your quest for a quality water filter!

Read More Articles Concerning Drinking Water, Water Filters, Reverse Osmosis, Tap Water, Bottled Water, Home Water Filtration, Water Contamination, Water Purification, and the Florida Aquifer @ 

http://www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com 

Patti Wilson
Water Filtration Consultant

MultiPure Independent Distributor
St Augustine Florida

email:   patti@supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com  

Carbon Block

Carbon Monoxide In Your Home

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

CO Carbon Monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Fifteen hundred people die annually due to accidental carbon monoxide exposure, and additional 10,000 seek medical attention. (Medical experts agree that it's difficult to estimate the total number of carbon monoxide incidents because the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble so many other common ailments.)

Carbon monoxide is a flammable, colorless, odorless, tasteless toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of fuel.

During normal combustion, each atom of carbon in the burning fuel joins with two atoms of oxygen - forming a harmless gas called carbon dioxide. When there is a lack of oxygen to ensure complete combustion of the fuel, each atom of carbon links up with only one atom of oxygen - forming carbon monoxide gas.

What Is The Danger?

Carbon monoxide inhibits the blood's capacity to carry oxygen. In our lungs, CO quickly passes into our bloodstream and attaches itself to hemoglobin (oxygen carrying pigment in red blood cells). Hemoglobin readily accepts carbon monoxide - even over the life giving oxygen atoms (as much as 200 times as readily as oxygen) forming a toxic compound known as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb).

By replacing oxygen with carbon monoxide in our blood, our bodies poison themselves by cutting off the needed oxygen to our organs and cells, causing various amounts of damage - depending on exposure.

Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning (with COHb levels of 10%) result in symptoms commonly mistaken for common flu and cold symptoms - shortness of breath on mild exertion, mild headaches, nausea.

With higher levels of poisoning (COHb levels of 30%) the symptoms become more severe - dizziness, mental confusion, severe headaches, nausea, fainting on mild exertion.

At high levels (CHOb of 50% or more), there may be unconsciousness and death.

How Does CO Enter The Home?

Carbon monoxide can escape from any fuel-burning appliance, furnace, water heater, fireplace, woodstove, or space heater.

Any of these things can be very dangerous:

• A faulty furnace, maybe from mechanical failure
• A clogged fireplace from a bird's nest resting on top
• Water heaters, perhaps damaged in a flood
• A gas stove in your kitchen
• A faulty space heater
• A gas dryer that's not properly installed
• A grill used inside a garage during winter
• A car in the garage

Most newer homes are built very air-tight, thus cutting down on the supply of fresh air to your furnace - and creating an oxygen starved flame. Tight closing replacement windows and doors, as well as additional insulation can cause similar problems in older homes.

Carbon monoxide can spill from vent connections in poorly maintained or blocked chimneys. If the flue liner is cracked or deteriorated, CO can seep through the liner and into the house - slowly creeping up to dangerous levels. If a nest or other materials restrict or block the flue, CO will mostly spill back into the house.

Improperly sized flues connected to new high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters can also contribute to CO spillage. (Many new furnaces and water heaters are installed using the existing chimneys which may be the wrong size to allow the furnace to vent properly.)

Warming up vehicles in an attached garage, even with the garage door opened, can allow concentrated amounts of CO to enter your home through the car port door or near-by windows. Wind can also blow fumes back into the garage, and temperature differences between the indoors and outside can move CO back into your house or garage.

What To Do In A CO emergency

If you are suffering from chronic flu-like symptoms, see your doctor and ask her if it could be a low-level CO poisoning.

If you have a CO detector, and it alarms, open windows and ventilate your home with fresh air, have your heating system checked by a professional.

If your alarm sounds and you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, leave the house and call 911 from your neighbors' home. You may need medical attention for CO poisoning.

Home inspection can help

Having your home inspected each year at the beginning of the heating season can help avoid deadly carbon monoxide gas from leaking into your home, according to Chairman Ann Brown of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

CO poisoning from the use of fuel burning appliances kills at least 200 people each year and sends more than 5,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Consumers can avoid this by having their fuel-burning appliances inspected by a qualified technician each year, and by purchasing and installing CO detectors.

Modern heating equipment is sophisticated and requires special training and tools for proper maintenance; consumers should not service their own appliances, but instead have a qualified professional perform an inspection.

A yearly inspection of your home by a professional should include a careful look at the following sources of carbon monoxide:

• Furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves. If they burn natural gas, heating oil, wood or other kinds of fuel, these appliances are potential sources of CO.
• Chimneys, flues and vents. Have flues and chimneys inspected before each heating season for leakage and for blockage by creosote or debris. Creosote buildup or leakage could cause black stains on the outside of the chimney or flue. These stains can mean that pollutants are leaking into the house. Have all vents to furnaces, water heaters or boilers checked to make sure they are not loose or disconnected.
• High Temperature Plastic Venting (HTPV) pipes, which are used in mid-efficiency appliances, may separate or crack. This could allow CO from the furnace to enter a home. Homeowners with a gas-fired mid-efficiency furnace or boiler installed between 1987 and 1993 should have them inspected for cracking or separating.
• Improper ventilation. Make sure that your appliances have adequate ventilation. A supply of fresh air is important to help carry pollutants up the chimney, stovepipe or flue, and is necessary for the complete combustion of any fuel.
• Finally, consumers should be aware that charcoal grills can also be a potential source of CO. Never use charcoal grills in enclosed spaces such as a home, garage, vehicle or tent, and never bring grills with live coals indoors after use. Never use charcoal grills as an indoor heat source.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly threat, but it can be avoided by having a yearly professional inspection of your home fuel burning appliances and by installing a CO detector that meets the most recent UL standards.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

If you wish to purchase a Carbon Monoxide Alarm or Detector then visit http://www.co-awareness.com

Products include - Honeywell Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Aico Carbon Monoxide Alarms

About the Author

Martin Wyatt | www.co-awareness.com | Carbon Monoxide Alarms Ltd

Scientists Strive To Replace Silicon With Graphene On Nanocircuitry
Scientists have made a breakthrough toward creating nanocircuitry on graphene, widely regarded as the most promising candidate to replace silicon as the building block of transistors.

Carbon Block

Water Filter Installation

Following on from previous articles I would like to explain water filters and magnetic water conditioners. It is useful to know how each of these work and the advantages and disadvantages of each to make an informed decision if you were to purchase one.

Water Filters

Water filters are not only good for helping to soften water, but are also useful to remove unwanted contaminants and ensure that your drinking water is clean of any suspended particles. It should be noted that these days water quality from treatment works is usually of very high quality and unlikely to need further treatment. However, if you require even higher purity water then a water filter can be a good choice...and some people say it tastes slightly better as well! There are several different types, and each will be explained below:

• Granulated, activated carbon water filters - The the simplest type of filter are portable filters that are found in jugs. They remove chlorine, large particles and parasites. They are easily purchased from most department stores and are great if you have a low budget as they are reasonably cheap. A disadvantage is that they have a short filter life and are unable filter out certain bacteria and chemicals.

• Carbon block, activated carbon water filters - Built-in to the water supply in your home, the disadvantage of these filters is that they are more expensive than granulated types as described above. However, they do not need to be replaced as often and generally give better filtration.

• Reverse osmosis water filters - For the best form of water filtration available these are hard to beat. They work by passing the water through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out almost every contaminant. Although they are more expensive than other types of filters they have reasonably low running costs. Once installed they can be used to filter water to the whole house.

• Combination Systems - This filter has become available in recent years and are seen as an alternative to reverse osmosis systems. They have a number of different filters, and each filtration process removes different contaminants.

• Ceramic carbon water filters - To filter out a broad range of contaminants from the water supply these are effective as the filter is comprised of a ceramic and a carbon part. Some are infused with silver, as this is a good antibiotic and reduces the number of micro-organisms present. These filters are good value for money and are built-in to the home water supply and in a typical house they require replacing about every 12 months.

• Alkaline Water Machines - It is a good system for those with environmental illnesses where there is too much acid in the body as this system not only filters your drinking water but it makes it more alkaline. It has effective filtration but it can be expensive and it wastes a lot of water during the filtration process.

Magnetic Water Conditioners

Electromagnetic water conditioners are a relatively new invention. They work by passing water through a magnetic field, the calcium and magnesium ions are altered in such a way that they loose their ability to cause scale. This has a number of benefits and although the water is not technically soft, it has the useful properties of soft water. This means that it won't cause hard water deposits and will increase heating efficiency as well as lengthening the lifespan of any clothes washed in the conditioned water.

As calcium is an important dietary element, the fact that conditioned water still retains its calcium content is an added benefit.

About the Author:

Patrick Henry BEng (Hons), is a recognised industry expert in removing hard water stains. With an honours degree in Chemical Engineering, he teaches people how to remove stubborn hard water stains and limescale using a step by step guide. He is author of the ebook "Hard Water Stain Removal Secrets Revealed". Complete information on his popular ebook is available from his web site. And while your there, don't forget to subscribe to his FREE report at http://www.hardwaterstainstips.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Improve Your Tap Water - Top Tips on Water Filters and Conditioners

Carpooling pair save money while getting taken for ride
Welcome to the New Year, when resolutions flow as freely as champagne.

Best Water Filters

Following on from previous articles I would like to explain water filters and magnetic water conditioners. It is useful to know how each of these work and the advantages and disadvantages of each to make an informed decision if you were to purchase one.

Water Filters

Water filters are not only good for helping to soften water, but are also useful to remove unwanted contaminants and ensure that your drinking water is clean of any suspended particles. It should be noted that these days water quality from treatment works is usually of very high quality and unlikely to need further treatment. However, if you require even higher purity water then a water filter can be a good choice...and some people say it tastes slightly better as well! There are several different types, and each will be explained below:

• Granulated, activated carbon water filters - The the simplest type of filter are portable filters that are found in jugs. They remove chlorine, large particles and parasites. They are easily purchased from most department stores and are great if you have a low budget as they are reasonably cheap. A disadvantage is that they have a short filter life and are unable filter out certain bacteria and chemicals.

• Carbon block, activated carbon water filters - Built-in to the water supply in your home, the disadvantage of these filters is that they are more expensive than granulated types as described above. However, they do not need to be replaced as often and generally give better filtration.

• Reverse osmosis water filters - For the best form of water filtration available these are hard to beat. They work by passing the water through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out almost every contaminant. Although they are more expensive than other types of filters they have reasonably low running costs. Once installed they can be used to filter water to the whole house.

• Combination Systems - This filter has become available in recent years and are seen as an alternative to reverse osmosis systems. They have a number of different filters, and each filtration process removes different contaminants.

• Ceramic carbon water filters - To filter out a broad range of contaminants from the water supply these are effective as the filter is comprised of a ceramic and a carbon part. Some are infused with silver, as this is a good antibiotic and reduces the number of micro-organisms present. These filters are good value for money and are built-in to the home water supply and in a typical house they require replacing about every 12 months.

• Alkaline Water Machines - It is a good system for those with environmental illnesses where there is too much acid in the body as this system not only filters your drinking water but it makes it more alkaline. It has effective filtration but it can be expensive and it wastes a lot of water during the filtration process.

Magnetic Water Conditioners

Electromagnetic water conditioners are a relatively new invention. They work by passing water through a magnetic field, the calcium and magnesium ions are altered in such a way that they loose their ability to cause scale. This has a number of benefits and although the water is not technically soft, it has the useful properties of soft water. This means that it won't cause hard water deposits and will increase heating efficiency as well as lengthening the lifespan of any clothes washed in the conditioned water.

As calcium is an important dietary element, the fact that conditioned water still retains its calcium content is an added benefit.

About the Author:

Patrick Henry BEng (Hons), is a recognised industry expert in removing hard water stains. With an honours degree in Chemical Engineering, he teaches people how to remove stubborn hard water stains and limescale using a step by step guide. He is author of the ebook "Hard Water Stain Removal Secrets Revealed". Complete information on his popular ebook is available from his web site. And while your there, don't forget to subscribe to his FREE report at http://www.hardwaterstainstips.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Improve Your Tap Water - Top Tips on Water Filters and Conditioners

Should I let muddy well water run through my whole-house water filters, or wait until the well fills up higher?

My house uses well water, and when it rains the well fills with dirt, and the water stops running in the house. So I turned the water off, but when I turn it back on, the clear cylindrical case housing the filters fills with muddy water. If I wait, will the well fill higher and dissipate the mud, or can I turn it on now? I want water!

If your getting dirt into your well then you have a serious problem with it. Yes it will clog up the filters, but more importantly you could get sick from that water. Sounds like you need to have some well repairs done. In my 21 years of where I'm living my well water has always been crystal clear, I don't even need filters.

Iron Water Filters
What is the major difference between a water filter, purifier, softener or conditioner?

I have a private well system here in Wasilla, AK and I am not happy with the water quality. I used a shower filter to remove chlorine etc when I lived in California but that is not the problem now. The water causes dry skin, tastes horrible and seems to have a lot of calcium and iron in it. I had some tests done and was offered a Water conditioner that uses polymer beads and a seperate system that uses reverse osmosis to filter and soften all of the water in the house. This will cost around $3000 is that the best way to go or does anyone know of a better option? I do want to filter all of the water in the house for drinking, cooking, bathing laundry etc. Are there certain things I need to leave in the water for health reasons? Is it ok to strip the water of as many minerals etc as I can?

Excellent story! Here are some valuable drinking water filtration
resources you can use in the future.

Solid carbon block technology is considered the most effective method
for reducing contaminants of health concern. In addition to the
removal of cysts, a solid carbon block filter also reduces:
· chemicals; MTBE, TCE
· pesticides;
· herbicides;
· disinfections byproducts;
· heavy metals;
· cysts; Crypto bug
· asbestos
· particulates
· chlorine.
. Arsenic

This is Chris Anderson,
I have been educating consumers & others in the drinking water field
for over 10 years.
How do you choose a water filter? What does the filter actually reduce
or remove? And finally what does it cost? These answers are found by
doing a little research or home work will call it. Doing such will
save you a lot of money and provide you with pure "healthy" drinking
water. The bottom line is you must get a Data Performance Sheet by the
NSF national sanitation foundation to compare filters. These "proof of
performance" sheets show exactly what the filter does and for how many
gallons. If you can't get one from the manufacturer or from who ever
is trying to sell you one, simply say no thanks!

Please visit my Water Filter Facts site and bookmark it for future use.

www.solidcarbonblock.NET

The direct link to view products, prices and gather more information is here.

www.multipureusa.com/canderson

NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company™, a
not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, is the world leader in
standards development, product certification, education, and
risk-management for public health and safety. For more than 59 years,
NSF has been committed to public health, safety, and protection of the
environment. While focusing on food, water, indoor air, and the
environment, NSF develops national standards, provides learning
opportunities through its Center for Public Health Education, and
provides third-party conformity assessment services while representing
the interests of all stakeholders. The primary stakeholder groups
include industry, the regulatory community, and the public at large.

Do your home work! Make a good choice for your drinking water needs.
Visit NSF below:

http://www.nsf.org/consumer/drinking_water/dw_treatment.asp?program=WaterTre

The Importance of Certification
In the last decade, interest in home water treatment products has
grown tremendously. Unfortunately, it isn't always easy for consumers
to know whether or not a particular product will actually be as safe
and effective as the manufacturer claims at reducing various
contaminants from your water supply.
NSF has a long history of developing and running independent product
testing programs. In fact, we are the leading independent tester of
home water treatment products on the market today. With our
state-of-the-art laboratories and highly skilled staff, we have the
knowledge and expertise to effectively evaluate water treatment
products, including:
Adsorption filters (i.e. carbon, charcoal, KDF, ceramic)
Reverse osmosis systems
Water softeners
Distillation systems
Ultraviolet disinfections products.
As an added assurance for consumers, NSF requires that all products
meet annual re-certification requirements. Unannounced plant
inspections and periodic retesting of all certified products are
required of all NSF-listed companies. This unique requirement allows
us to ensure that the products we certify continue to meet all stated
requirements year after year.

Note: NSF has tested & certified over 4000 different filters. It's
important to understand we have 400 plus manufacturers of water
filters alone world wide. Having said this "why" would you purchase a
water filter that is NOT tested & certified by NSF. It all comes down
to this: Talk is cheap and facts are hard to find in the drinking
water filtration industry! NSF is were you will get the facts.

Ultimately it comes down to this: What does the filter do & how much
does it cost?

NSF Data performance sheets is were to find "what it does".
Price: For a $1.00 a week you can have pure healthy drinking water. If
you are spending "more" it's costing you too much.

Ps. Should you have any questions in the drinking water field, please write.
waterfilters@gmail.com
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Chris Anderson Independent Distributor of Multipure Drinking Water
Systems #223193

Farmington remained busy throughout the year
The year 2009 was a busy one for Farmington residents. From the loss of a sizable employer, the astounding response of donations to help the local food pantries, to hosting an internationally-viewed race, most would say the year was full of ups and downs.

Drinking Water Purifier

Using a good home water purifier is a very good way to make sure that you stay away from waterborne diseases. Drinking contaminated water kills many people across the country every year. Drinking purified water is one of the best ways to make sure you and your family stay safe.

 Since there are so many different types of water purifiers available in the market today, it can be extremely confusing to choose the right one at times. Always remember this rule of thumb when it comes to water purification.

 A water purifier must be able to get rid of the contaminants present in water and yet at the same time should not alter the natural taste of water or remove the essential minerals present in it. If you apply this rule when selecting a water purifier you will end up with an excellent choice.

 Before you decide to buy a home purifier water system, you should first get the water tested and find out what kind of contaminants are present in it. This is very important because you should choose a water purifier based on the kind of contaminants present in your water.

 As you know, water purifiers are based on different water purification technologies and their capacity to remove contaminants from water differs a lot. Some water purifiers are very effective at removing inorganic contaminants. Other water purifiers are very effective at removing heavy metals. And some are good at removing cysts and other substances. You need to choose the right kind of water purifier for your home.

 However, if the water you get is highly contaminated, which is true in most cases, you can go for a good home purifier water system based on active carbon block filtration. It usually purifiers water on three levels - granulated active carbon blocks, ion exchange, and micron filtration.

 It is extremely good at removing fungi, algae, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and other types of contaminants found in water. Also, it does not remove the essential minerals present in water or alter its taste in any way.

 Most importantly, it is cheaper than most other types of water purifiers available in the market today. You can get pure water every day at an affordable rate. What more can you ask for?

 If you do not have a good home water purifier, it might be a good idea to get one as soon as possible. The dangers of drinking contaminated water cannot be stressed enough. Drinking pure water is very good for your long term health. So, make the right decision today.

About the Author:

Derek Reeve runs an informational website that provides details of the best water purifiers. If you're serious about improving the quality of water you use visit water purification systems for home to find the most effective, efficient and affordable products available.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Select The Right Home Water Purifier Using This Rule Of Thumb

Charcoal Water Filters

It's a sad indictment of our times that the water we trust to drink may be harming us. There are so many impurities which can be health damaging.

We are mainly made of water and if we drink toxins in our drinking water we store them in our body. We all agree how important it is ensure that our water supply is toxin free.

So looking at the above you can see why so many people are installing home water filters in their houses. Unfortunately in their rush to fit a system they dont look into the type they really need to fit, to ensure pure natural water and they often end up with an inferior product.

Let's have a look at the ones to avoid: Reverse Osmosis Systems - these are a real no no - they were never designed to be used for drinking water but were first used in the paper industry which needs de-mineralized water. they are also twice as expensive as other systems, they strip out some vital minerals such as potassium and calcium (these minerals are essential for good health) and they can permit some harmful man made toxins such as pesticides to enter the supply.

The best systems need to be affordable and easy to use - but what are they? Main requirement is they must be the sort of filter which has: multi stage activated carbon blocks with ion exchange and sub micro filters.

This is the multi-filtration system and is easily the best sort of filtration system. It's fairly new and works by the formation of a chemical bond to all contaminating substances. Just as necessary is this type of filters properties of retaining healthy minerals in the supply.

So now the decision has been made to fit the correct home filter, it is necessary to decide on how far you are going to take this through the house.

There are really only three types you should consider: first the tap/faucet water filter, then the tap/shower combo unit and finally the full or whole house filter unit.

If you only choose the faucet filter you are then leaving yourself open to showering in water which has far too much chlorine dissolved in it, approx. 70% of this will be absorbed into your skin. So filtering the tap water doesn't make much sense as you then take in chlorine and other undesirable pollutants from your shower.

Mimimum recommendation is a drinking tap + shower combination. But by far the best from a longer term cost and practicallity view is the whole house filter system.

About the Author:

Joe Coburn believes that everybody should have clean water free from contaminants. He has a website which gives the lowdown on making the choice for the: Best Home Water Filters Try and go to the site to see those filters which really perform and the ones which quite frankly don't.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Some Home Water Filters are Much Better than others and Some are Not up to the Job

Portable Water Filters

Following on from previous articles I would like to explain water filters and magnetic water conditioners. It is useful to know how each of these work and the advantages and disadvantages of each to make an informed decision if you were to purchase one.

Water Filters

Water filters are not only good for helping to soften water, but are also useful to remove unwanted contaminants and ensure that your drinking water is clean of any suspended particles. It should be noted that these days water quality from treatment works is usually of very high quality and unlikely to need further treatment. However, if you require even higher purity water then a water filter can be a good choice...and some people say it tastes slightly better as well! There are several different types, and each will be explained below:

• Granulated, activated carbon water filters - The the simplest type of filter are portable filters that are found in jugs. They remove chlorine, large particles and parasites. They are easily purchased from most department stores and are great if you have a low budget as they are reasonably cheap. A disadvantage is that they have a short filter life and are unable filter out certain bacteria and chemicals.

• Carbon block, activated carbon water filters - Built-in to the water supply in your home, the disadvantage of these filters is that they are more expensive than granulated types as described above. However, they do not need to be replaced as often and generally give better filtration.

• Reverse osmosis water filters - For the best form of water filtration available these are hard to beat. They work by passing the water through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out almost every contaminant. Although they are more expensive than other types of filters they have reasonably low running costs. Once installed they can be used to filter water to the whole house.

• Combination Systems - This filter has become available in recent years and are seen as an alternative to reverse osmosis systems. They have a number of different filters, and each filtration process removes different contaminants.

• Ceramic carbon water filters - To filter out a broad range of contaminants from the water supply these are effective as the filter is comprised of a ceramic and a carbon part. Some are infused with silver, as this is a good antibiotic and reduces the number of micro-organisms present. These filters are good value for money and are built-in to the home water supply and in a typical house they require replacing about every 12 months.

• Alkaline Water Machines - It is a good system for those with environmental illnesses where there is too much acid in the body as this system not only filters your drinking water but it makes it more alkaline. It has effective filtration but it can be expensive and it wastes a lot of water during the filtration process.

Magnetic Water Conditioners

Electromagnetic water conditioners are a relatively new invention. They work by passing water through a magnetic field, the calcium and magnesium ions are altered in such a way that they loose their ability to cause scale. This has a number of benefits and although the water is not technically soft, it has the useful properties of soft water. This means that it won't cause hard water deposits and will increase heating efficiency as well as lengthening the lifespan of any clothes washed in the conditioned water.

As calcium is an important dietary element, the fact that conditioned water still retains its calcium content is an added benefit.

About the Author:

Patrick Henry BEng (Hons), is a recognised industry expert in removing hard water stains. With an honours degree in Chemical Engineering, he teaches people how to remove stubborn hard water stains and limescale using a step by step guide. He is author of the ebook "Hard Water Stain Removal Secrets Revealed". Complete information on his popular ebook is available from his web site. And while your there, don't forget to subscribe to his FREE report at http://www.hardwaterstainstips.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Improve Your Tap Water - Top Tips on Water Filters and Conditioners

Berkey Water Purifiers
Water purifier questions?

The EPA estimated safe level of chloramines in drinking water is 4 mg/l. My city water is 2.5 mg/l. Is 2.5 mg/l a safe level? Government agencies are hardly trustworthy because they’re so heavily influenced by the private sector, but is 2.5 mg/l a safe level for drinking water? I’m thinking about buying a Berkey water purifier, but it doesn’t filter out chloramines. I guess only carbon block purifiers filter out chloramines, so I would have to rule out the Berkey filter if I wanted to filter chloramines. If 2.5 mg/l is unsafe can you recommend a good countertop carbon block purifier? The fluoride level of my city water is .1 ppm. 2ppm is considered safe, so the fluoride level is not a problem I believe. Thanks for any replies.

First, is the 2.5 the added chloramine or the at the tap level. If the added level, all of that will be gone by the time it gets to your tap. It is added to keep bacteria from getting in your pipes. Before you invest in a filter, test at your tap to see if it is even measurable. Even if at the tap, it is "safe" according to USEPA standards.

Doulton Water Filters

Filtering water at home might seem some extra work, but can make good savings for you. Many have resorted to buying bottled water than use water from public water supply system. This is so because the quality of water from the public supply system hardly safe. So, bottled water appears to be a good alternative.

When checked against the realities of the present global financial crunch, it is obvious that cheaper source of clean table water other than bottled water would be of great financial help to our homes. Filtering our water therefore is a good money-saving alternative. It is an alternative that leaves us with extra cash to meet other needs at home.

With a good water filter, you are very sure that your water is clean and safe. Clearly the long term benefits of a good water filtering system far outweigh the initial cost of purchasing and installation of the filter.

The water filter of your choice must be good. It must be able to filter out the heavy metals, bacteria and other particulates but must spare the good minerals like calcium necessary for good health.

A good domestic water filtration system at home would save you over 70% of the money you spend daily on bottled water, and should removes 99.9% of particles down to 0.5 microns.

Doulton Ultracarb filters will remove more than 99.9% of bacteria in water. Doulton UltraCarb filters use the same ceramic shell as the (0.9 micron absolute) and adds a 1 micron carbon block core for chlorine, chemical and lead reduction. It effectively removes more than 99.99% of harmful bacteria, cysts (Cryptosporidium, Giardia), and sediment down to an absolute 0.9 micron. Enjoy better health via cleaner water today!

Click here to read more on Doulton Ultracarb fliters.

Fortune Ihunweze who is the author of this article is a professional Environmental resources Manager. He is very vast in environmental management issues and has written many articles on the environment. His website which covers just about everything you would need to know about the environment is located at: http://www.environmenthighlight.com.