Water purifiers are readily available today from many sources.  But not just any so called "water purifier" will do the job to give you the water purification you really need.  Here are but 3 reasons why you should get a genuine water purifier before the sun goes down or you drink one more drop from your kitchen tap.

But first before I list the first reason you should know a little about the public water purification standards.  Simply put the standards are lacking.
Bottled water is no more than tap water that has been "processed" by means of some kind of water purifier.  However, you definitely need a water purifier in your home.  But don't depend on the treatment by the public water facility.  More on that in a moment.

What Pure Water Should Be

-Pure water should have no chemicals.
-It should be bacteria-free.
-The pH level should be correct.
-The mineral content should be balanced.
-It should smell good and taste good.

The Truth About Water Purifiers

Many products call themselves water purifiers when in fact they are not.  One very popular "water purifier", (it is not), because its name sounds like it is, gets many sales as a result.  A home shopping network sells one for about $40 and people buy it thinking that it is for water purification. Sorry about that.  Many customers were dissatisfied because it did nothing to remove a chemical that they thought it would.  This brings us to reason #1.

#1 Chlorine Removal is Vital

You might think that chlorine is good to have in the water.  You're right and you're wrong.

You're right that it is beneficial to a point.  The point being: NO FURTHER THAN YOUR TAP.  Chlorine is a contaminant and a poison when you drink it.  No you probably won't vomit or get noticeably sick.  But it does the body no good.  It helps kill certain dangerous "things" from water sources: wells, rivers, etc. But it is not to be ingested.  But it is by most people.

Did you know that when you take a shower your skin is absorbing chlorine right into your bodies sytem?  Scary isn't it.  Sorry but you have good reason to be concerned.  Also, it is not the only water contaminant to worry about.

#2 Lead is Toxic

Yes, lead is being found in drinking water in many areas.  Lead is a metal that is toxic (poisonous) and can accumulate in your body over a period of time.
But, unfortunately, it is usually discovered after the damage is done.  Get it out of your water.

#3 Reverse Osmosis - Exposed

This reason is more of an exposure of deception.
Reverse osmosis systems are promoted as the answer to pollution.  RO is beneficial for some applications ( removing mud, debris,etc.) but not for in home water purification purposes.  Here's why.

RO takes good minerals out of the water.  It de-mineralizes the water.  The body needs minerals that come naturally with water.  Mineral free water can eventually produce problems like indigestion.  RO can not remove pesticides or chlorine.  For that you need a filter that is carbon activated.

There are more reasons than just these three. To summarize just remember that removing lead and chlorine is crucial and not removing minerals is vital to your health.

You need to do what I did to find a water purification  system that really protects your family.  Do your research before you buy a piece of junk. I found only one such company that truly makes a reliable water purifier and at a price that any one can afford. For more information see my website. - Larry L. Taylor

Many of us have water filters in our home, either a whole house filtration system or simply on our taps.  It is wide spread knowledge that filtering our water is a necessity what with all of the chlorine, sediment, drugs, etc. in our water supply these days.  What happens though when we are traveling, hiking, camping, or simply anywhere that we want to have clean water fast?  There are an array of portable water filters that can easily be taken with us anywhere we go.  They give the convenience of being able to fill up at any tap or water fountain and still drink clean, safe water.  There are many different types of portable water filters.  Below is a list of some of the more popular portable water filters that eliminate sediment, chlorine and some bacteria.

6 STAGE Portable Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System US $269.12

2 Portable Water Purification Filter water bottles with ceramic filter 24 ounces US $44.99

Portable Water Purification Filter Ceramic water bottle with ceramic filter US $49.99

Clear2Go Portable Water Bottle w Filter Perfect for your new gym membership US $10.99

Portable Water Filter Camping Emergency Survival US $19.99

High Country Portable Water Bag with Ceramic Filter US $46.99

Soldiers Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier Outdoor Survival Portable US $21.61

CLEAR 2 GO WATER PURIFIER TRAVEL PORTABLE WATER FILTER US $4.68

EQUINOX PORTABLE TRAVELER WATER FILTER SYSTEM W CUP US $1.99

Hiking Camping Portable Water Filter Purifier Travel US $29.99

Portable Army PLA Soldier Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier USA SHIP DC021 US US $28.90

Carico Portable Water Filter New US $19.99

AQUA PURE REUSABLE PORTABLE WATER PURIFIER FILTERPOUCH US $55.48

Soldier Portable Mini Camping Hiking Travel Soldiers Water Pure Filter Purifier US $18.99

Portable Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System 50 GPD RO US $149.00

Portable Hiking Camping Water Filter PurifierLubricant US $39.54

Portable Soldier Water Filter Purifier for Hiking Camping Fishing Hunting US $64.95

Body Glove 18oz Portable Water Filter Bottle Camping US $19.95

Hiker Portable Backpack Water Filter Purifier Camping US $119.58

Water Pitcher Filter Brita Jug Container Portable Pitchers Jugs Containers NEW US $20.73

PORTABLE REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER FILTER SYSTEM 160 GPD US $89.90

Seychelle Portable Water Straw w Advanced Filter for Purification Filtration US $16.95

AQUARIUM Water Filter Portable R O System with DI Resin US $151.31

2 Portable Water Purification Filters Ceramic Carbon Silver impregnated US $73.99

Pure Easy Soldier Portable Mini Water Filter Purifier US $35.98

Bota of Boulder Outback Bottle Filter - This is a filter bottle that is great for wilderness hikers.  It can remove many common bacteria from water and therefore is excellent for filling up at the nearest stream.

Bottom's Up - The filter in these bottles is in the bottom of the bottom as opposed to being part of the lid like many others.  The reason for this is that the filter will stay protected within the bottle and won't be exposed to air contaminants.

Clear Brook Portable Water Filter Bottle - This is a great 22oz bottle that has a Lexan cover that will resist cracks and leaks.  Excellent for anybody on the go.

Exstream - Excellent high quality filters that come in three different models and sizes.

Innova Water Filter Bottle - This bottle comes in two sizes, either 16 oz or 27 oz and has a two-stage filter that cleans the water as your squeeze.

Pres2Pure Canteen - These canteens are a bit of an odd shape and can be difficult to carry in a standard water bottle holder or pack.  However they come with colloidal silver filters that allow for a natural filtration and work great.

If you are looking for a more extensive portable water filter that will be effective in eliminating water borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, an excellent choice would be the Portable Gravity Water Filters with Doulton ceramic filtration elements.  These units are intended to be used in any situation where safe drinking water is not available. They are used by many major aid and emergency relief organizations around the world.

The fact is that it is necessary to filter our water before we drink it in order to avoid contamination and ill health effects.  If we are in a situation where clean water is unavailable then we better be sure to have a portable water filter.  Do a little shop and comparison online and be sure to get one that is beneficial for what you need.  There are many excellent units on the market like the ones listed above.  Be sure to get one that is going to fit your needs.

To learn much more about portable water filters as well as to learn about the different types of water filtration technologies visit Get-Water-Filters.com where you’ll find this and much more, including great information on expedition water filters.

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Imagine you are hiking through some of the lushest and most beautiful virgin forests in the middle of nowhere. The air is fresh and everything feels so pristine and perfect. You are thirsty and a small stream with clear fresh water is running in front of you. Naturally you feel the need to drink from that water source; however doing so will be ill advised. Most people think that just because water is from a natural source, is clear and tastes "natural" that means that drinking it will be fine. This is a terrible mistake and would expose you to unnecessary risk. Don't drink untreated water in the wilderness!

Soldiers Hiking Camping Pure Easy Ceramic Water Filter Purifier Ship From USA US $34.90

Army PLA Soldier Military Camping Water Filter Purifier US $21.61

KATADYN POCKET MICROFILTER CAMPING WATER FILTER GIFT US $298.95

Portable Water Filter Camping Emergency Survival US $19.99

Portable Army PLA Soldier Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier USA SHIP DC021 US US $28.90

Soldiers Hiking Camping Pure Ceramic Water Filter Purifier USA Ship DC021 US US $34.90

SAWYER COMPLETE HIKING CAMPING WATER TREATMENT FILTER SYSTEM 4 LITERS 1 GALLON US $89.99

Soldiers Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier Outdoor Survival Portable US $21.61

Water Filter 75 265 gallons camping backpacking katadyn hiking purifier travel US $40.00

Pure Mini Soldier Ceramic Pump Backpacking Water Filter Hiking Camping Purifier US $9.98

KATADYN HIKER MICROFILTER CAMPING WATER FILTER US $64.95

AQUA PURE REUSABLE PORTABLE WATER PURIFIER FILTERPOUCH US $55.48

Soldier Portable Mini Camping Hiking Travel Soldiers Water Pure Filter Purifier US $18.99

Hiker Portable Backpack Water Filter Purifier Camping US $119.58

2 WATER FILTER STRAWS Emergency Survival Disaster Rescue Camping Hiking BOB Lot US $2.99

Seychelle Straw Camping Water Purifier Advanced Filter US $16.95

Hiking Camping Portable Water Filter Purifier Travel US $29.99

KATADYN HIKER PRO MICROFILTER CAMPING WATER FILTER US $79.95

KATADYN VARIO MICROFILTER CAMPING WATER FILTER US $89.95

Portable Soldier Water Filter Purifier for Hiking Camping Fishing Hunting US $64.95

Portable Hiking Camping Water Filter PurifierLubricant US $39.54

Pure Mini Soldier Ceramic Pump Backpacking Water Filter Hiking Camping DC021 US $34.98

Sawyer All in One Water Filtration Kit Great Camping Water Filter US $58.95

Body Glove 18oz Portable Water Filter Bottle Camping US $19.95

New Soldiers Hiking Camping Water Filter Purifier DC021 US $34.89

For most people, getting a drink of water is just a matter of walking a few feet, turning on the faucet and drinking up. However in the camping or hiking scenario the normally simple task becomes a bit more laborious. Usually the safest option when you are out in the wilderness is to simply bring your own treated water. However, if you are going for an overnight hike or camp-out this simply won't be an option as you can't bring the amount required, the only option will be to treat water that you can source from the hiking or trekking area.
Potential Contaminants

Water taken from natural sources such as lakes, river, streams and ponds may look clean and have no undesirable odor or taste. However pathogens found in water are not only harmful, but are also invisible to the naked eye and may be odorless or tasteless. The pathogens in question are bacteria, viruses and protozoa which can cause mild nausea and fever or can develop into more serious illnesses such as severe diarrhea, hepatitis or typhoid fever. Water from lakes, rivers, streams and ponds should always be disinfected and treated before being used of cooking or drinking.
These pathogens may seem out of place in such pristine environments but rotting or fecal matter in the water harbors these pathogens. This means that there is a chance that some animal has either died or excreted body wastes in the natural water source or there could be some contaminated water run-off from a source upstream which would render the water source unknowingly unusable.
Besides pathogens, sediments from mud, soil or sand may also render natural sources of water unusable. The general practice before the advent of portable water filters is to collect the water and let it sit in a bowl of some sort to let the sediments collect at the bottom then pour the remaining water on the top to another receptacle for consumption. This can normally be a very time consuming process and in emergency situation might not be very practical, especially since the water still isn't fit for consumption, pathogens as discussed earlier may still reside in the water and thus still has to be treated before consumption.
On a more alarming note, the U.S Geological Survey reports that in North American wilderness waters, there are trace amounts of organic chemicals, pesticides, solvents, gasoline compounds, refrigerant and fumigants in the supposedly pristine wilderness waters. The good news is that the levels of chemical concentrations are very low but is an early warning that human activity is having an effect on regional surface-water quality even in remote areas.
Water Treatment Devices for Campers/Hikers

Water treatment devices can generally be divided into two groups following their functions. The first group are water treatment devices to improve the overall taste, smell and appearance of water or to remove undesirable chemicals or minerals, these types of water filters are not as essential to the camper/hiker thus we will not discuss them there. The next group is water treatment devices designed to disinfect water which we will discuss here since the biggest risk for hikers or campers is ingesting water with active pathogens which will cause illness.
Chlorinators, Iodinators and Ultraviolet Light (UV)

These are generally the most practical mean to disinfect larger volumes of water that might be needed for drinking purposes of a large camp site. Chlorine and iodine kills most disease-causing organisms and require short to moderate contact times with the water before taking effect. Chlorine is used widely in municipally treated water and has virtually eliminated waterborne infectious diseases such as typhoid and cholera in urban areas.
However, chlorine and iodine treatment alone will not eliminate all pathogens, protozoa such as Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium Parvum will not be killed with just chlorination. If protozoa are present or suspected, then it is recommended that the water be passed through a water filter with a 0.1 micro-meters or smaller pore size to remove these harmful parasites then treated with chlorine or iodine before consumption.
Iodine is another alternative to disinfecting water, however should be reserved for occasional or emergency use only. Iodine should not be used as a long term solution for disinfection because iodine is physiologically active thus ingesting large amounts over a long period can also be harmful.
Both chlorine and iodine are effective at killing pathogens however research has indicated that long term chlorine usage is dangerous and can be linked to cancer and also brain damage, it is thus advised that these treatment agents be used as a last resort where other water treatment options have been exhausted.
Ultra-violet devices are also effective against bacteria, viruses and protozoa. You don't have to add anything to the water thus the treated water has no taste or odor, additionally only a few seconds of expose is necessary if the water is clear. This system however is rather expensive compared to the other types of water filters and also doesn't guarantee the quality of the water beyond the point of use. Basically, once you apply the UV light, you should drink it immediately, it isn't a long-term solution where you can store the water in a receptacle for future consumption.
Ceramic or Glass Fiber Filters

These types of filters normally come in a canister form for use in camping or hiking situations. They treat smaller amounts of water, suitable for camping with few people or when the water needs aren't very high. These types of filters can remove most bacteria and protozoa from mildly contaminated water and are normally sufficient for the average camper/hiker's needs. When presented with heavily contaminated waters, it is recommended that these filters be used in conjunction with the above mentioned chlorinators, iodinators and ultraviolet lights to get a broad spectrum of disinfection and treatment.
There are also portable glass fiber/ceramic filters with iodine-releasing resins designed specifically for campers or travelers to countries where drinking water quality is questionable. Some of these iodine-releasing portable filters also have activated carbon filters to remove excess iodine from the water.
Generally, these types of filters are the most practical when it comes to hiking or camping because of their easy of use and portability. If the camper of hiker is looking to clean the natural water that isn't overly contaminated, using these types of filters is recommended above the rest of the treatment options.
Distillers and Ozonators

These are point-of-use devices that are suitable where electric power isn't available such as during a hiking or camping trip. The distillation water filters are effective for the removal of inorganic chemicals including heavy metals and selected organic chemicals. They are often combined with activated carbon for the removal of certain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) such as trihalomethanes and tetrachloroethylene. It should be noted that distilled water is demineralized, there have been quarters that say drinking demineralized water for extended periods will cause illness however there has been no research to prove or disprove this theory.
Ozonators produce small quantities of ozone which is a very strong oxidizing agent that is effective in killing pathogens over a short period of time. Ozonation produces no taste or odor in the water. Unlike chlorine and iodine, ozone does not protect water after the application (however is safer based on research) and is normally combined with activated carbon filtration to achieve a more complete water treatment solution.
These type of filters are normally used in conjunction with ceramic or glass fiber filters when a much broader spectrum of contaminants is present in the water. Generally these types of filters are bulkier, take longer to filter and should only be used where water is known to be contaminated with these toxic chemicals. Under normal circumstances, such a high level of filtrations isn't necessary.
To conclude, the main objective of campers when it comes to their water needs is to ensure that water consumed is free from harmful pathogens, chemicals and toxins so that they don't get ill on their trip. As such, water filters which provide the most balanced filtration needs for the camper/hiker would be ceramic or glass fiber water filters, again assuming that the water isn't overly contaminated.

The vendors who carry whole house water filter replacement cartridges cater to those customers who have a whole house water filter system. What is a whole house water filter system? It is a filter system that connects to the main water line going into a home. The typical connection comes before the point where the line splits, sending part of the line to the hot water heater.

When a homeowner has a whole house water filter system then all the residents of the home can enjoy access to filtered water in the kitchen, the laundry and the bathroom. Of course that access remains a benefit of residence in the same home only one overriding condition-the homeowner takes the time to get whole house water filter replacement cartridges.

2 Set Replacement Water Filter Cartridges CarbonSedime US $43.18

HYDRO LIFE WATER FILTER REPLACEMENT CARTRIDGE FOR SERIES 200 US $10.00

21 Reverse osmosis Water Filter CARBON BLOCK SEDIMENT GAC CARBON REPLACEMENT US $19.00

PERFECT CONDITION Orange Brita Water Pitcher AND Replacement Filter US $11.99

NEW NIB GE Smart Water Refrigerator Filter Replacement Cartridge MWF US $24.60

Amway eSpring Water Purifier Filter Replacement Cartridge US $192.99

Factory original LG replacement water filter Model LT600P NEW IN OPENED BOX US $28.51

2 Pack PUR 2 Stage Water Pitcher Replacement Filter US $22.99

WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER REPLACEMENT FITS ALL 10 Canisters The FInest Made 5mic US $6.98

Sub Zero water filter new in box 700017 replacement cartridge US $45.00

9 VITAPUR VWPF Replacement water filter cartridge cartridges NEW IN BOX US $11.99

AQUAFRESH replacement water filter for refrigerator WF288 US $19.00

New GE SmartWater Replacement pre post water filter US $35.00

OMNI WATER FILTER REPLACEMENT CARTRIDGE US $19.95

Rubbermaid Replacement Water Filter 3 Pack 34 Qt 1 Gallon Pitcher 2 G Dispenser US $4.99

Hydro Life Water Replacement Filter for models HL 170 171 and 172 New in Box US $46.00

PUR Water Filteration System Filter Replacement Pitcher and Flavor Cartridge US $18.99

1 GENUINE BRITA Pitcher Dispenser Replacement Filter Water Filter US $3.99

NEW BRITA Standard Replacement Water Pitcher Filter Free Shipping US $6.99

2 Pk Culligan D 15 Replacement Water Filter Cartridge Sealed US $18.00

WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER REPLACEMENT FITS ALL 10 Canisters The FInest Made 1mic US $6.00

Two2 Pur Water Filter Faucet Replacement Stage 3 sealed NIP US $11.50

WATTS PREMIER REPLACEMENT WATER FILTER PACK NIB US $39.99

PUR 2 Stage Water Pitcher Replacement Filter System NEW US $29.99

2x Replacement Ceramic Filter f Easy Home protection Tap Faucet Water Purifier US $1.07

As any homeowner thinks about investing in a whole house water filter system, he or she might have a few questions. Frequently homeowners ask this question: Can I use this filter to get pure water for the plants in my garden and the grass on my lawn?

The homeowner must examine the blueprint for the house, in order to obtain an answer to that question. The homeowner needs to learn where the city's main water line splits into a "house" line and a "yard" line. Of course, no garden or lawn can receive filtered water if a homeowner fails to purchase the needed whole house water filter replacement cartridges.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applauds homeowners who invest in a whole house filter system and also make the effort to get the necessary whole house water filter replacement cartridges. A survey done by the EPA in 2001 showed that 82,655 city water systems in the U.S. had unsafe drinking water.

Water safety experts at in the EPA know how the drinking of unsafe water can affect the health of those who remain unaware of the dangerous substances in that water. Sometimes water contains radioactive contaminants. When the residents of a home drink water with those contaminants they increase the likelihood that they could develop cancer.

If city water contains antimony, and if that water enters a home unfiltered, then the residents of a home could have rising cholesterol levels or falling blood sugar levels. If city water contains arsenic, then it could cause the unsuspecting city residents who drink that water to have unexplained skin damage or circulatory problems.

If a city water system contains barium, then the physicians in that city might find that a number of patients have a rising blood pressure level. Were those same physicians to inquire about the use of water filters in the home, they could probably link those rising blood pressure levels to the absence of a whole house water filter.

Having emphasized the importance of a whole house water filter, this article needs to offer help to those who plan to purchase whole house water filter replacement cartridges. Those who go in search of such cartridges should know exactly what size they need. Cartridges have varied lengths. The most commonly used cartridges have lengths of 5 inches, 10 inches and 20 inches.

Those in search of whole house water filter replacement cartridges should also know that there are three basic types of filters. Some come with sediment prefilter; some have a high flow carbon filter. Homeowners can also buy a whole house filter with both sediment prefilter and a high flow carbon filter.

Any homeowner with a whole house water filter system should become familiar with the available sources for whole house water filter replacement cartridges. Only the regular replacement of such cartridges can insure the purity and the good taste of water in a home. Only needed replacement cartridges can guarantee the functionality of carbon filters with an ion exchange and of micron filtration.

The homeowner who has purchased a whole house water filter system has made a safe choice. The homeowner who, in addition, regularly takes the time to get whole house water filter replacement cartridges has made the safest choice.

There are several water borne diseases, while organizing drinking water or serving water in different occasions, it is prudent to have a clear insight regarding proper water filtrations. It is a hard fact that we all are quite concerned about clean water intake but we do not have the proper information regarding the processes that we need to follow to drink pure water. All types of water supply that are made today are filtered water. Still it is advisable to keep a water filter for water filtering in a proper way.

Refrigerating the filtered water is often a challenge and especially while we arrange for cool drinking water for some occasions, refrigeration of pure water often becomes a problem. So, it is best to go for water coolers instead of taking the hassles of purifying water and then cooling it. The reputed water cooler manufacturers provide both purifying and cooling facilities. Even containers are not required for filtering the cool water; the water coolers are well designer and have proper water storage facilities. About 70% of our physical make up is made up of water and for this reason it is necessary to ensure proper water intake to keep our body functioning properly.

To be specific, water filtering is advisable since last two decades. The process of filtering water is not always same. There are different types of filters that provide de-mineralized water and it is not at all a good idea to intake such water. Human body require some of the minerals that remain within water and so the water filtering processes that maintains good taste of the water beside keeping the water minerals intact can be the ideal drinking water. It is indeed sensible to get a water filtering system that provides drinking water besides keeping taste of the water intact.

It is beyond question that water is indispensible to our lives. Our bodies are often susceptible to different water borne diseases. It is not that only the children are only affected by the water borne diseases but the adults also can have illness due to unfiltered water intake. It is a prudent idea to carry water bottles and filtered cool water within the bottles. Many people prefer that buying mineral water is the alternative solution of carrying drinking water. Actually the mineral water is costlier and always it is nice to maintain similar drinking water intake. Water filtering and clean drinking water is mandatory to prevent diseases like cholera and typhoid.

The advance water filtering system consist combination of filter, there are several parameters set by the Federal government for proper water filtering and while we buy a water filter, we must remember that the good water filters only ensures proper water filtering process. There are several online resources that provide in-depth information about proper water filtering. The cool water filters are now highly popular as both taste of the drinking water gets maintained and the water is also filtered properly. Before purchasing a water filter, it is necessary consider the different available options.

A very good question, "are water filters important?" In today's society, life is very fast passed, so much to do and so little time to do it. Between work, family and all the things in between, we sometimes overlook the simple things that can make a big difference in our lives. Most people are health conscious these days, we try to eat right and exercise and drink a lot of water, which is good. But most of the time, people end up buying very expensive bottled water and don't realize how much they are really spending, a bottle here, a bottle there, it adds up quick! There have been reports that bottled water isn't even all that good for you, having impurities and even toxins from being stored in plastic. There is an alternative to this highly expensive way of getting our drinking water and that is finding a good water filtering system.

When you take the time to look at what options exist for filtered water, you will see that it isn't all that complicated to figure out and you will save a lot of money compared to what you spend on bottled water. Some people get scared when thinking of purchasing a water filter system. Maybe the price of the unit seems too high or the thought of having to install the unit and then do the maintenance turns people back to the easy way of just throwing their money away on bottled water. Let us examine this further and see if that way of thinking really makes sense or if purchasing a good water filter system is the way to go. We will ask the questions: How do know what unit is the best for my situation? What are the costs of owning a filtration unit and how will it save me money? What are the benefits I will receive from using water filtration over tap or bottled water? Are there different types of water filtration? We will look at these questions and see that the difference is great and filtering your water is the way to go.

First, there are many different water filter manufacturers out there and it is important to find an established company that has a good reputation. Since there is such a great push to being healthy and drinking plenty of water, there are many companies getting into the market and copying what good manufacturers have already put out there. A little research will help you to know the difference. Once you have found a good water filter company, it's just a matter of deciding what you want out of your filtering system. Do you want to filter all the water coming into your house with a whole house unit, or just filter at point of use, such as the kitchen sink using a counter top water filter unit or faucet filter, maybe a shower filter or a combination of filters. Regardless of what you want to filter, a good water filter manufacturer will have what you need and be able to walk you through the process.

The cost of owning a water filter system can vary quiet a bit depending on the type of set up you want.Some people just want filtered water for drinking and cooking, in that case going with a counter top or under sink water filter unit is a good way to go and there are many variations to choose from ranging from around fifty to a couple of hundred dollars. If you are just looking to filter your shower water, there are very good shower filters at very reasonable prices, most around thirty to fifty dollars. A lot of people are looking to filter all the water coming into their house; this is called point of entry. There are many types of units for this purpose and a lot depends on the home you are putting the unit in, such as what type of water comes into the house, well or city water. Also, how big the house is, number of bathrooms and so on. These units can range from as little as a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. The money you will save by purchasing a water filter system is great! You will have an endless supply of clean filtered water for only pennies a gallon, the water filter will pay for itself in no time when you add up all the wasted money on bottled water. A whole house water filter unit can save you an untold amount of money by protecting your water pipes and all the appliances that use water by keeping sediment, lime and calcium build up and rust out of the system.

Other benefits of filtered water over tap are many. Of course your water will taste better and be healthier for you by taking out the chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals that are added to city water, but there are even more benefits to talk of. A good shower filter will make your skin and hair softer and smoother, good for people with sensitive skin or allergies. The human body is made up of over 70 percent water and showering in unfiltered water allows the body to absorb harsh chemicals like chlorine and THMs that are harmful and the steam from using hot water causes chlorine to be inhaled if no filter is used. Also, your clothes will be brighter and softer especially if used with a water softener.

There are different kinds of water filtration, the most popular are a system that uses filters or a reverse osmosis unit. A traditional water filter system has the most options of filtration as there are sediment, carbon, fluoride and media packed cartridges. It is important to use a filter that has GAC (Granulated Activated Carbon), KDF-85 and KDF-55. It is easier to develop a system that will best suit your needs. Reverse Osmosis water filter system usually will cost more and does have some limitations. It requires more maintenance and is limited to a certain amount of water it can produce per day and may end up wasting more water than it produces. Although, many people say that the water has a better taste and this is because reverse osmosis water filter system also removes dissolved mineral contents which can cause a bitter taste in some water.

A water filter system can greatly affect your life in many positive ways, most importantly by giving you better health, it will also save you lots of money from purchasing bottled water and keeping your pipes and appliances in good working order.

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  

A portable water purifier can come in handy many times, including the aftermath of a natural disaster or while camping. There is, however something that you need to keep in mind when considering having fresh, clean drinking water and that is there is a difference between filtered water and purified water. All filtered water may not be safe for human consumption and even when using a portable water purifier the water can still hold floating contaminants that can alter the appearance and taste of the water.

There will be a portable water purifier to meet your needs, no matter the reason or the amount of water needed. From small units that fit into the top of a water bottle to much larger ones, big enough to supply purified water to hundreds of people in a short period, a portable water purifier can turn some of the worst types of water into potable water for drinking and cooking. Unless many of the floating particles in the water have been removed, it may not taste or smell very good, even though purified water is usually safe for drinking.

Filtering will remove many of the smallest particulate matter, including metals and some bacteria, but in order to be safe a purification unit will be necessary. Even a portable water purifier can kill all the bacteria and germs living in the water to prevent them from causing disease when ingested.

On The Camping Trail Portable Units Handy

Having a portable water purifier, especially for campers, allows them to have a continuous supply of clean water while on the trail without having to carry large amounts of water with them. Before passing the dirty water through a portable water purifier to completely clean it of dirt, smell and bacteria, first run the water through portable water filters to remove any sediment.

Use of chlorine and iodine are some of the different methods of purifying water, but despite it being safe to drink, these chemicals often leave an unpleasant odor in the water which may not be acceptable to some people. Ultraviolet purifiers use the power of the sun to create heat to kill bacteria, while others use an electrical charge to kill any living things in the water. Using membrane filters small enough to capture bacteria also popular types of portable water purifiers, but require pressure to force the water through the filter.

Why are there more and more manufactures introducing water conditioners and filters onto the market these days? Is there something that they are recommending homeowners to do to improve the quality of the water, and the big question I suppose is - why?

Over the last 30 years, scientists have become more aware of the effect of chlorine that is added as disinfection by- product to the water, and how it affects those people who consume it. Also, as public awareness increases more and more people are

While the addition of chlorine has reduced cholera rates by 90 percent, typhoid by 80 percent and amoebic dysentery by 50 percent, there are certain by- products formed by chlorine that are some cause for concern. One of the main issues is when chlorine reacts with organic matter and forms trihalomethanes (THM's), which scientists are still investigating but which some studies have linked to cancer.

Is it a Risk to You?

There are many disinfection by-products that are formed and worryingly only a few have been studied to evaluate the risk to humans. There are some that do not even have to be ingested but are able to make their way into the body through the skin or by inhalation.

In some investigates, it has been found that epidemiologic studies have shown that a lifetime exposure to chlorinated water through showering and bathing and also swimming is associated with an increased risk for cancer, especially of the bladder and colorectum. In addition, recent studies have raised the issue of potential adverse reproductive and developmental effects.

What Can I Do About it?

As discussed above, manufactures are introducing several different varieties of filters and conditioning devices these days. The devices are indeed a very effective way to reduce the potentially harmful effect of chemicals found in your drinking water, which reduces the risk significantly to humans.

Today's filters have experts on their side. Clifford P. Weisel, an Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute professor at the RWJMS/University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and co-author of a study that measured inhalation and dermal exposures to DBPs, said, "If an individual lives in an area where there are high DBP levels in the water and there are other risk factors for cancer, installing a filter will reduce the risk."

As well as the health problems it may cause, chlorine also dehydrates the skin, making it more susceptible to irritation and disorders such as eczema. According to Leslie Baumann, MD, professor of dermatology at the University of Miami and director of the University of Miami's Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, "Filters are a must for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, especially if they live in a city with hard water or high amounts of chlorine in the water."

To learn more about how water filters can help you achieve the highest quality water supply, click here.