Why Filter Your Water?

Water is essential to life and a water filter for filtering drinking water is something that a lot of people choose to use. Unfortunately all water sources including wells, rivers, lakes, glaciers and municipal water systems contain a level of contamination. This contamination can include man-made materials and their byproducts, natural minerals and biological agents like viruses, cysts and bacteria.

Most of these contaminants occur at a low level but even low level exposure has been found to cause illnesses such as cancer and liver damage. Chlorine and fluoride, which are commonly used to treat supplies of municipal water, can adversely affect your health.

Using a water filter for water purification is more cost effective that buying bottled water. A family of four spends over a thousand dollars a year on bottled water. A water filter is more economical and also gives better, healthier results. Bottled water is not much safer than tap water and can still contain higher levels of bacteria than desirable.

Types of Water Softeners

If you want a water filter for softening your drinking water, you can choose from manual, timer and meter models. Water softeners featuring timers mean that you can set the timer for the softener to generate, using eight pounds of salt every time. Timer regenerated water softeners are normally cheaper but they use a lot of salt.

Meter regenerated water softeners measure how much water is used and you can set the control according to water hardness, how many people live in the house and how many grains per softener you want to use. These water softeners usually run in the night and do not use a lot of salt.

Water softeners without a meter or timer are known as manual regeneration models and these are good for people who cannot put their unit near a drain. A garden hose is attached and the water drains only when regeneration occurs. A water softener with a large capacity is useful to reduce regeneration time.

Choosing a Water Purifier

Water purification is useful for all household water, not just drinking water. The water used for filling a bathtub, brushing your teeth, washing vegetables or washing clothes might also be contaminated with low levels of viruses, bacteria, toxic metals, parasites, algae and fungi. A water purifier can improve the appearance, flavor, scent and safety of your water.

A water filter for purification might use water filtration, reverse osmosis, water softening, UV light, carbon treatment, molecule stripping, deionization or ultra-filtration, depending on the model. You can also choose from pitcher-based, shower-bound and faucet-mounted water purifiers and those which fit under countertops.

If you are looking for a water filter for removing all impurities from your water, it would be a mistake to buy a cheap one from a department store because these models usually only remove the chlorine and none of the other undesirable things that tap water contains. Popular water filter brands include Aquasana, Aqua-Pure, Brita, Culligan, eSpring, Kenmore, GE, Everpure and PUR. There are different water filters to choose from, depending on your budget, the size of your family and more, so you should take your time in choosing the best water filter for your needs.

First Need XL Water Purifier

This First Need water filter is a compact, lightweight water purifier that has a double-action field serviceable pump, gravity feed, tote bag and sealed, covered canister. The water is purified with chemical-free technology.

This is a very durable piece of equipment with a quick flow rate. Effective against bacteria, viruses and cysts, this water purifier gives you peace of mind as well as being light and portable. The Gravity Assist Kit gives you a hands-free purifying option and the long non-kink intake hose makes it a versatile water purifier.

First Need Deluxe Water Purifier

This water purifier has a 0.1 micron carbon matrix filter element, meaning you can get 1.8 liters of filtered water per minute with chemicals and bad tastes removed. This piece of equipment has a capacity of a hundred and thirty five gallons. This is a popular water filter for travelers and backpackers because its pumping handle is comfortable and it is a compact size.

If you plan to travel somewhere with potentially unreliable municipal water systems, this water filter means you do not have to use chemicals such as iodine or chlorine to purify your drinking water.

The First Need Deluxe water purifier comes with an adjustable float, a self-cleaning pre-filter to stop clogging, an inlet hose, a tote bag and an integral sanitary cover. This water filter removes bacteria, viruses, giardia, cryptosporidum and cysts. The gravity feed bag means that the water purifier keeps purifying water after a couple of pumps.

First Need Deluxe Portable Water Purifier

This First Need water purification system is self-cleaning and lightweight. It is a great water purifier for backpackers, hikers or campers. This water purifier first filters the water then it purifies it. It is portable, lightweight, chemical-free and guaranteed to remove cysts such as cryptosporidium and giardia, viruses like polio and bacteria like e. coli, salmonella and staphylococcus aureus.

This water purifier also removes chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and chlorine, making the water safer and better tasting. The backwashable pump means this machine is easy to clean wherever you are. It does not require scraping or brushing.

The Direct Connect attachment fits most bike water bottles and trail bottles so you can fill these with ease. The Gravity Assist Kit makes hands-free purification easy. You just need to hang the full bag of water over the purifier and gravity does the rest.

A First Need water purification system is a great idea if you are a hiker, backpacker or you enjoy outdoor activities because the water purification with a First Need water filter is quick and easy, the equipment is lightweight and portable and the results are guaranteed.

UV water purification systems are frequently found in third world hotels where the possibility of contracting a serious disease from the local water supply is high. The newer UV water purification systems come with an hour counter so you can replace the element at safe intervals.

What Does UV Light Remove?

As well as eliminating microorganisms, ultraviolet light removes yeast, mold and viruses from water. This is why UV water purifiers are considered to be a safe and reliable method of water filtration. You can use a UV purifier after ozone or chlorine has been used in the water.

You can use a UV water purification system whether you have a small or medium water flow, making them great for residential use. A good system will be able to filter between one and fifty gallons per minute. You can also get ultraviolet water purifiers with a larger water flow, depending on how much you will need.

Types of UV Water Purification Systems

There are two kinds of UV water purification systems. Some are installed at the water line’s main entry point and others are attached to the faucet. UV systems connected to the main water line mean that all the water entering the house is purified, including water used for bathing and laundry.

There are a few technical details to check before installing this type of system. You might need an additional water filtration system to remove sediment, for example, since sediment in the water can pass through a UV filter and it can also cloud the water and hide the microorganisms from the ultraviolet light.

Low Running Costs

A UV water purification system will normally use a low pressure lamp so it is not expensive in terms of electrical cost. This also means the system does not risk overheating. UV water purifiers are good for rural houses, chalets and farms where there is no central disinfection system like there would be in a city or town. Additionally, a UV water purification system requires very little maintenance.

A lot of UV water purification retailers insist that you need a water softener too if you want a UV purifier but this is not true. UV disinfection systems generate heat when they operate and when water is allowed to stand in the UV system you might get scale growing in there. If too much scale grows, the UV light might not be able to get through. This is why you need to keep the temperature down when using a UV water purifier. You might opt to get a water softener as well but it is optional.

For extra peace of mind, you can attach a UV water purifier to your pipes no matter where you live so you can rest assured that your drinking water is safe and clean.

Reverse osmosis, RO or ultra-filtration as it is called in the industry, was developed in the late 1950s as a method to desalinate saltwater. Today it is known as the most thorough and convenient way to filter water. Water bottling plants use reverse osmosis, as do many industries that need ultra-refined water supplies.

How do RO Water Purification Systems Work?

Water pressure forces the water molecules through a 0.0001 micron semi-permeable membrane. The membrane is in some kind of housing so the pressure can be maintained. With RO water purification, the substances filtered out and left behind are diverted automatically to a waste drain so they will not build up in the filter. This is why RO purifiers last for a long time and perform well for many years with hardly any maintenance.

Are There Any Disadvantages?

The main disadvantage of RO water purification systems is the large amount of contaminated wastewater than is generated as a result of the process. This wastewater can be between fifty and ninety percent of all incoming water, depending on the pressure difference across the RO membrane. If there is a big difference in pressure, the wastage will be less.

With RO water purification, you can choose from whole house, under-sink or countertop models, depending how much of your water you want to purify, your budget and the space you have available.

Whole House RO Water Purification Systems

To find out which size of RO water purifier would suit your home, there are several things to think about. A person uses between fifty and seventy five gallons of water each day. This figure includes drinking, cooking, washing, toilet, laundry and more. When calculating how big your RO purifier should be, it is a good idea to use the upper limit of seventy five gallons. To conserve water, you can choose to bypass the toilet and washing machine.

RO Storage Tank

Reverse osmosis is slow compared to other water purification systems and it produces water more slowly than it is used, meaning that the RO purifier will be working even when no water is being used. This means you will need a storage tank to keep the water for later use. Most water is used in the mornings and evenings so you will want a storage tank which can hold at least half of your daily consumption but a full day is better.

If you choose a RO purifier which is too small, it will run all the time and that might increase the chances of premature wear. A unit which is too big will work out more expensive. Try to size your RO system so it produces your daily water allowance in eight hours. This allows for unanticipated peaks in water demand and reduces wear and tear too.

Faucets at campsites usually run to an underground reservoir but the water might not be completely safe. Drinking untreated water means that you risk viruses like Hepatitis A, bacteria like E coli and more.

Portable RV Water Filters

A camping water filter usually works well but you will need something portable. A water purifier mounted on to a pitcher is not the best RV water filtration solution if you are going to hike for miles and your backpack space is important. If you are going to spend most of the time in and around the RV however, this type of system would be fine.

Filter Sizes and Cartridges

RV water filters differ and they have different filter sizes. Some can handle 1.0 microns and others only 4.0 microns. You will also need to look out for RV water filters with water cartridges that are easily available and easy to replace. It is a good idea to carry at least one replacement cartridge at all times and you might want to carry a few in different places in case one gets ruined.

Bacteriostatic Filters

These RV water filters use activated carbon infused with silver. They release metal ions into the water to stop bacteria growing inside.

RV Water Purifiers

Some water purifiers use chemicals like chlorine or iodine but most work mechanically. A purifier uses different filtration technologies to make drinking water safe. A purifier is usually better than a filter because it can reduce chemical contaminants, tastes and odors, particulates, sediment, bacteria, viruses and more.

RV Reverse Osmosis

Osmosis is when plants absorb water from the ground via their cell walls. With reverse osmosis, water is forced against a semi-permeable cellulose acetate membrane by the water pressure. This separates the water from any contaminants because the water goes through the membrane. Bacteria can build up on the membrane causing a blocked flow so RV reverse osmosis is not recommended for severely contaminated water.

A reverse osmosis unit, small enough to fit in an RV, will only produce a couple of gallons in twelve hours and you cannot use the unit while driving. You will need an additional storage medium. If you are thinking about an RV reverse osmosis unit, check that it is registered as a purifier as well as a filter.

UV Water Purifier Systems

These water filtration systems use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. A UV lamp is effective on microbes but does not remove sediment or dirt. Also, any dirt or sediment can pass into the UV chamber and hide the bacteria from the light, so you will need to use a good filter for taste and odor reduction as well as reducing chlorine, dirt and sediment before using a UV filter. UV filters do need electrical power but they are cheap enough to run.

RV water filtration is cheaper in the long run than buying bottled water. Drinking from a clear looking mountain brook might look inviting but the water might contain something nasty. Drinking from any untreated source poses a health risk. With RV water filtration, you can look after your health by only drinking the safest and purest water.

How Do UV Water Filters Work?

The ultraviolet rays in a UV water system are like the UV rays from the sun but stronger. They alter the DNA of bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, algae, cysts and molds so they become deactivated and cannot reproduce. Viruses and bacteria are the cause of most waterborne pathogenic illness. Legionella pneumophila and hepatitis can survive for a long time after chlorine treatment but are eliminated immediately with UV treatment. Unlike with chlorination, there are no known microorganisms resistant to UV.

UV water treatment does not remove metals, dirt, particles or hard minerals so if these are a problem for you, a UV filter system will not be the best water filter system if used alone.

UV treated water is safe to drink because it protects you from any microorganisms in the water. If you are using a regularly tested water source or municipal water supply, you probably do not need to use UV water filtration.

A UV water filter does not change the odor or taste of the water like chlorine does. Chlorinating can also produce harmful byproducts called Trihalomethanes, or THMs, which are linked to cancer.

Types of UV Water Filters

UV water filtration systems come in different types. You can get systems to treat small point-of-use applications or huge ones to treat a whole municipality. A point-of-use UV water filter is a small device that rests on the counter and attaches to your faucet. You can mount these under a counter too. A larger system can be used and these are attached where the water enters the home to disinfect the whole water supply.

Class A and Class B UV Water Filters

You can choose from Class A and Class B UV water filters. Class A systems can be large or small and are for the removal of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria and cysts. These are for use on visually clear water and not to be used on cloudy, turbid or colored water. They cannot be used for converting sewage or wastewater to drinking water.

A Class B UV water filter offers supplemental bactericidal treatment of disinfected drinking water. These systems are intended for water supplies such as municipal water stores and they reduce nuisance microorganisms rather than disinfecting the water.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a UV Water Filtration System

UV water filters are affordable and eliminate most harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. They are also more energy efficient that some other types of water filters. A UV water filtration system does require an electrical connection and it needs pre-filtration in order to be effective.

Any sediments and non-microorganism contaminants can create a shadow which stops the UV rays from reaching the microorganisms, so depending on how your water is to begin with, a UV system might be good for you if you want to ensure there are no microorganisms in your drinking water. If you have dirty water or another problem, you will need a different filtration system in addition to the UV water filter or alongside it.

It is a fact that every water source is contaminated to some degree, either naturally, by manmade chemicals, leaking septic systems or via another cause. This applies especially to shallow water wells.

Water from deep, drilled wells is usually quite pure because it is naturally filtered but improper well casing or cap installation or contaminated surface water entering the well can cause contamination. Most surface water, such as the water in rivers and lakes, is polluted enough to require well water purification treatment before drinking.

Testing Your Well Water Supply

It is important to test for contaminants when you purchase a new property and once a year after that. Your water should also be tested if a new industry has moved to the area, if your water has changed in smell or taste, if you have performed maintenance on the well or if the household is expecting a baby. You can use an accredited private testing laboratory for the testing or enquire as to whether your county health department offers a water testing service.

Contaminants might include arsenic, lead, radon, copper, nitrates and nitrites, e coli and more. Additionally, your water hardness level might be too high, in which case you would need to use a water softener.

Choosing Well Water Purification Systems

Once you have established which contaminants are in your well water, it is time to think about well water purification. Many people opt for reverse osmosis, assuming that this is the best water purification method to use for wells but if you have sand in your well, it can tear the delicate semi-porous membranes in the reverse osmosis filter. Also, reverse osmosis does not remove various herbicides and pesticides.

If you well has a high bacterial count, you might like to get a fully enclosed system allowing you to use chlorine to kill the bacteria. A dual stage carbon filter would be the best well water purification system for this job. You can get one for both your showerhead and kitchen faucet.

If your well water is too high in salt, you can get an ion exchange water filtration system which can remove the salt but leave the other minerals which are good for your health. Reverse osmosis can also do this and it is cheaper.

It is a good idea to compare various well water purification systems yourself. Reverse osmosis is used by most industries and large scale treatment facilities because it is the most economical for them. It might not be the cheapest for you though, when you think about maintenance costs and electrical usage. This system is also prone to break down. Ion exchange is cheaper, both in initial cost and maintenance.

If you need to use chlorine in your well water purification system, your showerhead and kitchen filter need to remove the trihalomethanes produced by chlorination because they are carcinogens and have been linked to cancer.

Remember that drinking the occasional glass of tap water will not do you any damage unless it contains microscopic contaminants such as worms or giardia for example, but the cumulative effect of drinking unfiltered water throughout your lifetime can cause irreversible damage to your heart, reproductive organs, kidneys and bladder.

With this in mind, a water filter will give you peace of mind and improved health. Here are some tips to help you decide on the best home water filter for your household.

You might want to filter only your drinking water or you might want to filter all the water coming into your house. You cannot get a whole house filter as such because you will have both drinking water and utility water. A whole house pre-filter system can be used to remove sediment and dirt to about ten microns. You can also add a water softener to get rid of hard minerals and a drinking water filter to remove most contaminants from your drinking water.

Which Contaminants to Target

You might choose to target specific contaminants in your water, such as PCBs or trihalomethanes, both of which are dangerous carcinogens found in drinking water in certain areas. It is always best, when comparing water filters for home, to choose the water filter which removes the most contaminants.

Remember that some of the worst contaminants found in water have no flavor, smell or color so even if your drinking water tastes fine without being filtered, that is no guarantee of safety.

The best home water filters come with a warranty on the housing. If you are going to get an under-counter water filtration system, get one with stainless steel housing because it lasts longer and works well under pressure without bursting or leaking.

Cartridge Replacements

Some cheap water filters might require frequent and expensive cartridge replacements, rather like with cheap printers. It is important to find out how much the cartridge replacements cost and how often they need to be changed, in order to find out how much your water filter is going to cost to run. Top of the line water filters for home use might work out to be less expensive in the long run than cheap ones using expensive cartridges. You may want to consider a First Need water filter or a GE whole house filter as they are some of the more reputable brands around and they also offer a wide range of water purification systems.

Best Home Water Filters with High Purification Levels

Water filters using UV light can neutralize living microbes and water-borne pathogens. These systems are inexpensive and the flow rate is reasonable. Water filters using reverse osmosis are good for removing most contaminants and also most salts and minerals. This is a cost effective method, both for the initial cost and the running costs. Distillation is the only way to get a hundred percent purity and these filters do cost more and use more energy.

The best home water filters depend on your individual requirements and the quality of the water coming into your home. If you want to choose the best water filters for home use, compare some different types to work out which is the best for your family.

Different Types of Water Filtration Systems

You might want to filter all of the water coming into your house or only part of it. If you have bad tasting, bad smelling, dirty water, you will need to use taste and odor filters and sediment removers.

If your water is not too bad or you have limited space or budget, you might want to filter your cooking and drinking water only. If you are worried about contaminants being a threat to your health, you might want to apply a high water filtration level, such as using a UV water filter or a ceramic water filter. For the highest level of purification, you can use a reverse osmosis unit.

Whole House Water Filters

You might want to get a whole house filter. This water filter system is easy to install and it is placed in the main water line going into your house. They remove rust particles and sediment and can also work as a particulate pre-filter.

Under-Sink Water Filters

An under-sink filter might be the best water filtration system for many people because they are convenient and efficient. Some under-sink units remove only odors and bad tastes. Other types remove sediment, bacteria and lead. When you turn on your water, the filtered water comes out of the faucet. You can also specify with an under-sink filter for which faucets you want filtration. You might want to remove chlorine from your drinking water but not from your bathwater.

Faucet-Mounted Water Filters

A faucet-mounted water filter system might be the best water filter system if you want something small and easy to install. These filters connect to the faucet without plumbing connections. Faucet-mounted water filter systems are highly visible and do not filter the water as well as a lot of the more expensive under-sink models.

Canister Filters and Countertop Water Filters

These are simple water filters and can filter a variety of contaminants out of your drinking water. Some types of canister filters need to be connected to your spigot, some have to stay on the counter and others need you to pour the water through them like with a drip coffee machine.

Faucet-mounted water filters and countertop water filters are the easiest to install and are cheap but they are also less convenient and more bulky that a hidden under-sink filter. These types of water filters are also less versatile if you want to filter out more than smells, tastes and lead.

First you need to decide how much of your water to filter, then you need to decide what you want to filter out of your water. Choosing the best water filtration depends on the space you have available as well as your budget and the best water filter system for one household might be something different to the best water filtration for another household.