System Filter

How to Choose the Right Water Filter

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  

About the Author

Patti Wilson
Water Filtration Consultant
MultiPure Independent Distributor
St Augustine Fl

Filtering donor blood reduces heart, lung complications
Researchers have discovered yet another reason to filter the foreign white cells from donor blood: The resulting blood product is associated with dramatically fewer cardiopulmonary complications for patients who received a transfusion

System Filter

Portable Water Filter

Are you a hundred percent sure that the water you drink is potable and safe and does not contain harmful substances? No one who uses water from the generally available water system can answer this question affirmatively except of course if he has devised a method to purify his water supply.

The United States Drinking Water Act provides for the issuance of reports on the quality of water in a certain area every year. The report must be provided to all consumers. These reports can be helpful in determining the current status of an area's water system. However, most cities actually comply with the federal rules on water safety so nothing much can be gleamed form that report. While there is a low level of carcinogen in drinking water, experts believe that there may be a link to the low carcinogen level in water to the increasing number of people getting cancer.

Fear of the quality and contents of water being distributed by their own water systems has led to the growth of businesses related to water treatment. While water companies used to get their bread and butter from selling water equipment that can get rid of mineral contents, their business has grown to great proportions in the last twenty five years. Most of these companies are now selling systems specifically targeted and used for treating water and improving water taste. The demand for water treatment and improvement is expected to grow even rapidly in the next few years with water treatment facilities becoming a common household item.

Water can give life but it can also taste bad. With this realization, people are becoming more concerned about ways and means to improve their water supply to improve taste. Proof of this is the massive growth of the bottled water industry.

Most water systems rely on chlorinated water for both drinking and bathing use. However, there are sectors who believe that the use of chlorinated water can cause itching and loss of natural oils in the skin. It can also rid the body of useful bacteria that can defend the skin against skin diseases. Most drinking water shows a chlorine residue level of more than 1.5 ppm, the recommended chlorine level for swimming pools.

To make sure that their water is safe, people opt for water filter devices. Water filters can be expensive at first glance but it is really cost effective in the long term depending on the kind of water filter that you purchase. There are water filters that can be used without using electricity and without much need for parts replacement. There are portable water filter systems that can be easily attached to your home faucets.

If you have a budget, then opt for a centralized water filter system for the entire home. This type of water filter system filters all water that is being used in your home, whether for drinking or bathing.

Price can be an issue when choosing the best water filter device for your home use. However, when you think of the possible benefits your family can get from filtered water, it makes the cost of installing one the best option.

About the Author:

The author is a staff writer for H2O Headquarters where additional information about water filters and purifiers is available.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Why Use Water Filters

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 5 January 2010
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

Water System Filters

You probably already know that water is essential for good health, and that drinking clean and pure water is just as important. That's why high-quality home water filter systems are so popular.

Using a home water filter system makes sense. After all, why would you want to jeopardize your family's health by having them drink tap water, which can be full of contaminants like chemicals and bacteria?

But you should also be aware of the numerous ways in which healthy water can help your body prevent or clear up various ailments. Here are a few examples:

-It can help treat headaches. Most of your brain is made up of water, and if it gets dehydrated, you get a headache.
-It can help prevent hypertension. Blood is similarly composed mostly of water, and the failure to drink enough water can negatively affect blood circulation or how effectively it goes around your body.
-It can help alleviate pain in the joints. Adequate amounts of water in your body are essential for the lubrication of your joints, to prevent the painful friction that arises when your joints rub against each other.

The ways that clean and pure water helps make you healthier are excellent. But there are other positive benefits to having healthy water in your home.

Here are some of the ways in which home water filter systems can vastly make your residential quality of life even better:

- No more itchy or dry skin from water that is full of chlorine or other chemicals when you shower or take a bath.
- No more mineral deposits on your laundry from contaminants in the water.
- No more odd-smelling water coming from your sink or shower, which can be annoying or embarrassing, especially if you are having guests staying over! Take comfort in the fact that you and the other people in your household are using odor-free, clean water when brushing your teeth or bathing.

Kendall-Jackson to drastically cut water usage
Jackson Family Wines will implement a system to reduce water usage by 70 percent and hopes to help other California wineries adopt the process.

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Unsung Hero: Rich Keer
Richard P. Keer is one of ten board members for Hillside Aquatic Club, the Upper Pottsgrove Township swim club on West Moyer Road. Fellow board member Dianne Stehle nominated Keer as an Unsung Hero for his dedication in keeping the private community swimming pool in excellent condition.

Want To Stay Fine And Fit? – Go for Replacement Water Filters

The importance of consuming fresh, hygienic water for maintenance of good health and living cannot be undermined. Fresh, pure, germ, free water is used for multifarious activities like cooking, cleaning, bathing, washing, and drinking. No wonder, the installation of a water filtration system assumes priority in a school, home, office, hospital, or a hotel. Having filtered water for consumption can ward off many serious illnesses like jaundice, cholera, typhoid and other life threatening diseases.

Why do you need to replace a water filter?

The main task of a water filter is to remove the fine particles and contaminants in the water and make it fit for consumption. Over time, water filters can be clogged with impurities, and need regular changing for proper functioning. If one does not replace the water filter cartridge on time, impurities will build up and clog the water filter, thus preventing the normal flow, and causing damage to plumbing too. Most up-to-date water filters work based on the carbon’s capacity of absorbing particles and impurities from the water. The carbon water filter also takes in bacteria and harmful chemicals, along with the debris, thus requiring replacement. One needs to watch out for sudden drop in water pressure which is a hint of the fact that water filter cartridge needs replacement. Replacement water filter cartridges are thus the backbone of a water filter.

Basic types of replacement water filters

Most water filter makers specify that filter parts should be replaced after its lifespan has ended. It is a common tendency that people forget to replace the water filter, thereby exposing themselves to very serious perils. Replacement of the water filter is a fairly simple task, and the makers of replacement filters do not charge a huge amount for their products. For a regular water filter replacement, one has just got to unlock the filter canister by making the cap turn about one fourth to the left side and repeat the process, in the reverse order. Replacement filters can be in the form of Pitcher Replacement Filters, Faucet Filtration Replacement Filters, and Refrigerator Filters.

A customer has the option for online shopping or can go to local plumbing and hardware stores to find a suitable replacement filter or other accessories. One has to just ensure that he is able to choose the exact type of replacement part or accessory that will work in his specific type of filter.

About the Author

Isopure Water is one of the largest water filtration equipment suppliers carrying everything from whole house water filter systems, replacement water filters, water softeners to even reverse osmosis systems

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