Which Home Water Filter to Use

Why to use a drinking water filter for better health

A filter on your drinking water can have benefits to both the environment and your health. Doctors and nutrition experts are unanimous in emphasizing the importance of regular water intake for the health and general physical state of our organisms. Estimates vary between two or three liters a day, depending on age and weight, which is quite natural since approximately 60 percent of our bodies is made of water. However, it is the quality of water we drink that bears the biggest influence on our health. Both tap and bottled water vary significantly in the content of ingredients they contain, other than usual H20 formula. Therefore, the best manner for you to be certain that you are drinking clean and healthy water is to filter it, especially when it comes to tap or natural source water.

On the other hand, even thou you may find bottled water that meets strict criteria of being almost completely pure water, the costs of use are strongly on the side of filtered water, not to mention the negative impact on the environment plastic bottles have. Having all this in mind, the only problem you have now is how to choose a suitable water filter for your home. That is why we prepared a survey of all the options, to make sure your choice would be a proper one.

Carbon water filter

This type of water filter basis its purification method on the effect active carbon has on impurities. Being positively charged, it attracts negative ions of contaminants to its surface, thus cleaning the water. The size of particles it attracts varies between 50 microns to 0.5 microns, depending on the amount of carbon and the flow rate of water. Maintenance is quit simple and cost effective, all you need to do is change filters, but it has to be strictly scheduled and never overdo. However, carbon filters are ineffective when it comes to viruses and bacteria, as well as arsenic and iron, so their use is limited.

Ultraviolet water filter

As the name says, this water filtering systems is based on the ultraviolet radiation. This type of radiation is completely harmless when it comes to our health, but it is very effective when it comes to viruses and bacteria. Not to go too much into scientific explanations, it narrows down to the influence on the DNA of bacteria and viruses which ends in disabling their vital cellular functions, disabling their ability to reproduce and resulting in their imminent death. The process itself is quite straightforward and simple, the ultraviolet bulb positioned in the center of the filter exposes water to ultraviolet radiation. Maintenance is also very simple and easily performed; you need to replace the bulb after a certain use and according to manufacturer’s instructions. The downside is that ultraviolet filtration is ineffective against chemical pollutants and for it to be completely effective you need pre-filtering. If you opt for ultraviolet filter, and include pre-filtering, add their regular replacement to your maintenance list.

Reverse osmosis filter

This filtering method is based on the reverse osmosis principle, that is, applying pressure to overcome osmotic pressure and provide chemical clean water as a result. What this means is that a reverse osmosis membrane will successfully remove all impurities and particles larger than .001 microns. This happens in three stages. Tap water is first pre-filtered through reverse osmosis pre-filters, usually sediment filters which remove sand silt and other sediments before water enters reverse osmosis membrane. After being cleaned off all particles larger than .001 microns, water goes through a post filter, which is usually a carbon one, to remove any odor or taste and finally goes to reverse osmosis faucet for you to use it. Bear in mind that reverse osmosis is a somewhat slow process and average systems daily produce about a gallon of water. If you need larger quantities, make sure you choose a higher flow reverse osmosis membrane. When it comes to maintenance, filter and membrane replacement needs to be performed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

To sum up, any of these water filters has its positive sides and limitations. Before opting for one, or a combination of two, make sure you have your water samples checked. After you receive the results, choose the one that will be most effective against contaminants present in your drinking water.

By: Diana Smith