What kind of home water filters should you use and why?
Water quality for our household needs depends on the geographical location and source. That’s why different methods of water treatment can be used.
However, with so many kinds of products on the market, its easy to become confused about what to buy.
Read the news on the best methods of water purification and post your own reviews and comments. What kind of home water filter are you using?
Methods Of Water Purification
To make it easier for you I made a list with the most common methods of water purification for the household use, along with their pros and cons, and some new ideas:
- Water Disinfection Methods
Water Purification
Water Filtration
Best Water Filters
Share Your Own Tips and Story
Water Disinfection
Ultraviolet Disinfection
Disinfection by ozonation or ultraviolet light methods are replacing chlorination in some water treatment plants, and are becoming more popular for home use. UV water purification system destroys bacteria, germs and inactivates viruses.
** Because these systems cannot remove chemical pollutants or sediments, they are often part of whole-house systems that include filtration.
Chlorination:
Both municipal systems and households can disinfect water by adding chlorine. Household systems commonly use liquid chlorine bleach injected into the water by one of several types of pumps.
Chlorination does not remove nitrate or other chemicals, but may oxidize organics and some minerals such as iron. Chlorine metering pumps must be calibrated and maintained carefully.
** Using a carbon filter after chlorination will remove any excess chlorine and chlorine-based chemicals that may form.
Water Purification
Reverse Osmosis Water Systems
These units use a special membrane that allows clean water to pass, but not certain impurities. The Centers for Disease Control consider them the most effective way to treat residential water. How does reverse osmosis work?
** However the quality of these filters consists on the membrane they use, which can be damaged by acidic waters or chlorine. Ask the filter provider about this aspect and how, or how often this membrane has to be renewed.
The human body needs a natural quality of water, as seen on the drinking water page..
Distillation:
Distilled water is water, which has been heated to the boiling point so that impurities are separated from the water, which becomes vapor or steam at 212degrees Fahrenheit (100C.). Steam is then cooled and condensed back into pure liquid form. The impurities remain as residue in the steam kettle (to be periodically removed).
The distillation system removes waterborne biological contaminants such as bacteria, parasites and viruses, organic and inorganic chemicals, heavy metals, volatile gasses, cysts, and other contaminants – removes everything from the water.
** This kind of water is recommended for special medical treatments and not for every day drinking
Water Filtration
Carbon Water Filters
Activated carbon (AC) filtration is most effective in removing organic contaminants, which are often responsible for taste, odor, and color problems of the water.
Found in many faucet filters and water pitchers, (AC) filters also reduce chlorine and pesticides.
AC filtration is recognized by the Water Quality Association as an acceptable method to maintain certain drinking water contaminants within the limits of the EPA National Drinking Water Standards.
“Carbon filter devices are available in several sizes and designs. Small units fit on kitchen taps and treat only 100 to 300 gallons effectively before a filter change is necessary.
Large under-sink units, often called in-line filters, are designed to treat up to 1500 gallons. On such a unit the canister is connected to the cold water line.
Other styles are available that treat all household water. An extra filter cartridge or canister is often included with the initial purchase.
Check on availability of filters and cost of replacement filters at time of purchase; they may be available from the same dealer, at plumbing supply stores, or by mail order.
Best Water Filters
A high quality water filtration is a priceless investment in family health and wellness.
Here are some of the most popular water filters, along with some testimonials:
Brita Filter – Cheap And Efficient
“I’ve been using the Brita slim pitcher over 3 years. It gives me pure drinking water. It completely reduces the taste of chlorine and filters most of the impurities. The filter is affordable and compact in size.
Sometimes there is some black granules on top of the pitcher but not the area goes that you drink.
I highly recommend getting this product, instead of wasting money in bottled water, which is not environment friendly. – Most of the people wont recycle properly. ” Says a user.
Brita Filter – Cheap And Efficient
“My family and I have been using the Aquasana Counter top water filter for a few months now and absolutely love it. Before having the filter we were buying case after case of expensive water, usually paying around $60-$70 per month on bottled water alone.
I did some researching after seeing a Brita filtration system on TV, and finally decided on the Aquasana brand after reading such great reviews.
The system is easy to set-up and the water is far better compared to bottled. The price was reasonable and it basically paid itself off within a month and a half.
Although it’s not to big of a deal, I like how they offer different colors in it as well to go with my kitchen decor. I would definitely recommend any Aquasana product for your water filtration needs.” Says a friend of mine.
Aquasana Shower Filter
This Aquasana Shower Filter is very effective filter that removes chin removing chlorine and other chemicals like THMs and VOCs which are harmful to breath and to the skin.
Aquasana Filters In The Camper
“We use Aquasana filters in our water filtration system at our deer lease. The water at the lease is well water stored in an old cistern style water storage tank.
Our Aquasana filter does a great job of removing the sediment and the “stale” taste and smell from the water supply. The filters make our hunting and camping experience more enjoyable by improving the quality of our water. ” Says Susan from Texas
Traveling Water Filters
If you like to travel, drinking water from natural sources or even tap water can be dangerous and you really need a portable water filter.
Here are the best rated water filters I found:
Katadyn Combi Water Microfilter is one of the most versatile water filter. The only portable outdoor water filter that can be converted for RV, emergency, or temporary home use. # 1 selling water filter for emergencies.
It is effective against bacteria and protozoa and also reduces chemicals and bad taste. It can be connected to a water faucet for multifunctional use in campers, cottages or boats.
General Ecology First Need XL Water Purifier
– The most effective portable Water Purifier at any price
It is effective against cryptosporidia, bacteria, viruses and unmatched in removing harmful chemicals. It consists of increased purification capacity, more secure hose fittings for backwashing and a “direct connect” to most water bottles and hydration packs. * It has very good customer reviews too.
