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 Water Filters

Clean drinking water is important for maintaining optimal health for both you and your family. The need for water filtering systems is a growing concern for many. In 1993, over 100 people died from cryptosporidium contaminated water in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Seven deaths from E. coli tainted water occurred in Walkerton, Ontario in 2000. Our tap water is regularly affected by acid rain, pesticides, heavy metals and toxic waste, all of which can be very dangerous to your health. Filtering and purifying our water supply has become a priority to many. There are many water filters available on the market today. Whether it is a home system for the faucet, refrigerator or shower, it is important to be familiar with the product you are purchasing. Understanding what the filtering system is capable of prior to making a purchase is very important. One major benefit regarding water filters is that the vast majority have to follow strict guidelines. The Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada monitor this industry far more closely than the bottled water industry. In fact, there are no federal filtration or disinfection requirements in place for bottled water companies.

When water passes through a water filter, a filter media absorbs and screens for particles. There are a wide range of water filters, purifiers and methods of water purification available on the market today. There is no single filter or treatment that will eliminate 100% of every contaminant from your water. Many technologies target only a specific type of contaminant and may be completely ineffective against others. Important factors to consider when selecting your system are: does your filter conserve water and energy? Does it eliminate heavy metals, chemicals and microorganisms? How much maintenance does it require? How often do you have to replace the filter? How easy is it to move (are you a tenant?)?  Do you want whole house or localized filtration (drinking water)? What is the cost? For the most popular water filtration methods and drinking water brands on the market refer to the water filter comparison charts at Nature Medicine. The charts compare the performance of carbon, ceramic, reverse osmosis and distilled filtration systems. They also demonstrate how the quality of water changes over time for distillation, reverse osmosis and carbon filters.

There is no filter on the market capable of removing 100 percent of all contaminants. Do your research and select the system that is best for you and your family. Remember if you do not have a water filter, you are the filter!

For additional information on water filters please visit: http://www.purahome.com/articles/files/water_cleaning_technology_comparison-contaminant_removal.pdf

 

References:

  1. http://www.guide2waterfilters.com/water-filter-types/drinking-water-systems.aspx
  2. http://www.aquatechnology.net/system_comparisons.html
  3. http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/exesum.asp