Everything You Need To Know About Water Filters

Water is fundamental to life, and proper hydration is critical to a person’s health.  People depend on water not just for hydration, but also for other important daily purposes such as cooking, bathing, and cleaning.

What people do not habitually think about however is how water is sourced and how its quality can impact a person’s health. A person’s general health may be harmed by drinking water straight from the tap. Depending on where you live, you could also notice that the limescale deposits that collect at your main water source can clog pipes and harm equipment.  With water filters, bacteria and harmful chemicals which can cause diseases and poor health can be removed.

Filtration is the process of removing impurities from a liquid. Water filters improve the quality of the water by removing undesired contaminants such sediment, taste and odor, hardness, and bacteria. If you were to drink unfiltered water, it would taste very funky and have a clay-like texture. Even the cleanest natural sources contain mud particles and other unpleasant organic materials, with heavy metals hiding out in there as well. While water filters are basically a must-have in most places, it’s still important to know some things about them.

1. Not All Filters Are Created Equal

Water filters range from “filtered water” vending machines to full-fledged countertop filters with multi-stage filtration. Anything will screen out bacteria and protozoa, but things like heavy metals and other chemicals require different approaches. When deciding which filter to get for your home, it’s important to look at the specifications. For example, you can get whole house carbon filter or you can also get filter for a particular area where you need it more. Water fiters are available in different sizes and types.

Of course, that can sometimes get too technical so another alternative is to look at what others have said about the model you’re interested in. According to a springwell water filter review, this brand seems to be pretty promising when it comes to finding good products at competitive prices. While the price point can sometimes be indicative of product quality, this isn’t always the case.

As a rule of thumb when it comes to water filters, it’s best to choose something that comes highly recommended and seems like it will fit your needs.

2. Filters And Fluoride Levels

The water filters by Wellness Water Filtrations Systems screen out fluoride as well as anything else. Some people don’t like the idea of fluoride in their water, but is it necessary? According to some experts – no, while others disagree vehemently.

It’s important to remember that even though they might be controversial, most studies show they are safe and effective. The FDA has approved water fluoridation for over 60 years, even though some still remain reserved when it comes to it. Basically, fluoride can be harmful if you overdo it, but there’s no reason to get rid of the stuff since it’s beneficial in moderation.

A countertop filter with activated charcoal can remove pretty much everything, while pitcher filters will only screen it out to a certain extent. If you’re still unsure, ask the staff at the store what they recommend.

3. Different Types Of Water Filters

There are different types of filters when it comes to water. Some have activated charcoal, others have ion exchange resins or reverse osmosis membranes.

Depending on your budget and needs, you will want to choose something that suits your preferences. If you only drink filtered water occasionally, then a pitcher is probably enough, but if you do it on a regular basis and with guests in mind, then a countertop model might be better. Other popular options are under-the-sink water filters and water softener systems.

A water softener system is particularly popular with people who have hard water. It uses a mixture of salt and chemicals to soften the water, which is good for things like laundry, dishwashing, and bathing. Many people also prefer it since it doesn’t affect the taste.

Here are some types of water filters:

Mechanical filters

The primary idea of mechanical filtration is to physically remove sediment, silt or any particles in the water using a barrier. Mechanical filters can range from simple meshes that remove huge pieces of waste to ceramic filters with incredibly intricate pore structures that can filter pathogenic organisms at an ultra-fine scale.

A filter that utilizes mechanical filtering will normally be given a micron rating which indicates how effective the filters are in terms of the size of the particles it is capable of eliminating.

Absorption

Absorption in water filters is carried out by carbon which quickly absorbs pollutants particularly effective at absorbing water-borne pollutants. Carbon has a large interior surface that is crammed with holes and crannies that can trap chemical impurities like chlorine.

Granular activated carbon (GAC), which is present in the majority of conventional residential filters, absorbs undesirable tastes and lessens odors. The carbon block elements used in more expensive filters are often more effective and have a micron rating for particle removal.

Wood and coconut shell are just two of the many materials that may be used to manufacture carbon filters. Though more expensive, coconut shell filters are more effective but also more expensive.

Sequestration

Sequestration is the action of chemically isolating a substance. Polyphosphate is a frequently used sequestration medium that traps the calcium and magnesium that lead to corrosion and limescale. Although polyphosphate is suitable for residential usage, it is not ideal for commercial uses since it suppresses scale rather than eradicating it. It is because polyphosphate does not soften the water but instead works to keep the minerals within the solution and forming as scale on any surfaces they come into contact with. Due to the hard minerals still being present in the water, scale inhibition isn’t suitable for all applications. Instead, water softening using a process such as ion exchange is usually recommended in water areas with alkalinity levels of 180ppm or more (very hard water) and applications where water is kept at a constant temperature of 95°C or more.

Ion exchange

Ion exchange is a process used to soften hard water by exchanging the magnesium and calcium ions found in hard water with other ions. With ion exchange, hard minerals are physically removed which reduces limescale and makes water appropriate for applications where it is maintained at a constant high temperature.

The most popular method for performing ion exchange is an ion exchange resin. Other water softeners utilize a resin of a similar type, such as resin that uses sodium ions, which must be frequently replenished to keep the resin from losing its effectiveness. 

Resins that utilize sodium ions aren’t usually used in drinking water filters as the amount of salt (sodium) that can be present in drinking water is legally limited to 200 milligrams/liter. As sodium ion exchange increases salt levels, a hydrogen-based ion exchange resin is the preferred option for filters.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is one of the highest quality and most effective. Reverse osmosis systems filter water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove toxins and create safe drinking water. They’re typically used for treating wastewater from manufacturing facilities, removing impurities from saltwater, desalinating water for drinking, and more. Home installation of RO systems can be complicated and expensive, making it best to choose a professional plumber, but RO systems, in general, can be very effective at removing contaminants.

Reverse osmosis systems employ water pressure to force water through the membrane so it consumes no electricity, however the amount of waste water created through this process has to be sent to the drain.

Depending on your budget and needs, you will want to choose something that suits your preferences. If you only drink filtered water occasionally, then a pitcher is probably enough, but if you do it on a regular basis and with guests in mind, then a countertop model might be better. Other popular options are under-the-sink water filters and water softener systems.

While there are different types of water filters, all of them require some level of maintenance in order to work properly. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, but it’s important to do some research before you make your final decision. Don’t forget that the safest way to decide on a system is to look at online reviews and testimonials, as well as to ask professionals for guidance.

4. Durability

Finally, when it comes to water filters, you need to think about durability. Some models are made to last for years, while others will only serve you for six months or so. This is especially important if you plan on using the device for drinking water since purity is of utmost importance.

A lot of countertop filters can be brought back to life if they aren’t too badly damaged, but there’s a limit to how many times this can be done. After a while, the performance will diminish, and you’ll need a replacement. Manufacturers usually give guidelines about what type of water is best for their products. While getting a cheaper version might seem like a good idea at the moment, you should consider how that will affect future expenses.

The best way to go about this might be to put everything down on paper so you can see what’s more important and there won’t be any unwanted surprises. With some research, you should be able to find a water filter that works for you and your household.

5. Three Common Sources of Contaminants in Drinking Water

Sewer overflows and sewage spills

Untreated sewage or excessive wastewater can contaminate drinking water supplies. Sewer overflows and sewage spills may come from broken pipes, technical failure, or overloading the system. When there is a lot of snowmelt or considerable rainfall, the system might become overloaded. Untreated sewage that has overflowed might leak into surface water or seep into the groundwater, contaminating the water source.

Naturally Occurring Contaminants in the Environment

Minerals that naturally exist in our environment are arsenic, aluminum, radon, and uranium. These substances are normally safe in small amounts. But, they can be extremely harmful to human health when discovered in our drinking water at larger concentrations.

Water filter system malfunction

Even the most sophisticated water purification system can malfunction. These issues could be brought on by outdated infrastructure, operator mistake, or malfunctioning or damaged equipment. When these systems fail to function appropriately, toxins can find their way into your drinking water and can significantly impact your health.

Conclusion

Just when you think water coming out of the tap is pure, clean, and healthful, you have to imagine that it passes through lines and lines of pipes before it gets to our faucets. Before being consumed, water can travel a great distance, allowing pollutants plenty of opportunity to accumulate. Making sure pipes are clean can be the first line of defense against diseases; however, water filters can take the second line by ensuring clean, purified and safe water for drinking and everyday use. 

Certain contaminants in our water supply can cause serious health issues, including neurological disorders, gastrointestinal illness, and problems in both male and female reproductive systems. Groups at higher risk to develop these health issues include infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.

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