It's easy to get confused
when trying to figure out what the
best water treatment solution is for
you. To make an educated choice on
the type of treatment that's best for
you, follow three simple steps:
1) determine what is in your
water
2) understand the treatment technologies
available to you
3) select the most cost-effective solution
for your needs
The Water Filter Supply Company can assist
you with all these steps. But, here's a
brief overview of some basic water-related
terms that can help make water treatment
less confusing.
Abrasion
Abrasion occurs in
water-using equipment when
particles in water come in
contact with other components,
such as pumps and valves.
Continued abrasions may result
in problems with the component.
Basic mechanical (sediment)
filtration will remove most
abrasive particles.
Alkalinity (see
pH)
Asbestos
Asbestos was used in cement water pipes in
the early 1900s, and since it occurs
naturally in rock, it is commonly found in
water supplies near mining operations.
Asbestos is linked to several types of
cancers. Indications are that most asbestos
exposure is by inhalation rather than
ingestion; however the EPA has established
an MCL for asbestos fibers in water.
Filters rated for asbestos reduction will
lessen this health
threat.
Bacteria
One-celled organisms that are present in
everything from water to food. Bacteria can
be found in virtually any water system.
Municipal water systems check for harmful
bacteria levels on a regular basis. A water
filtration system certified Class I for
particulate reduction by NSF is a simple
and cost-effective way to remove particles
1/2 micron in size and larger. Most
bacteria are larger than 1/2 micron.
Bacteriostatic
Effects
A filtration system with this claim means
that the system limits the passage and/or
growth of heterotrophic bacteria so that
the bacterial population of the product
water is no greater than that of the
incoming water. Hetertrophic bacteria are
considered safe for the general population,
but they can cause taste and odor
problems.
Carbon Block
Activated carbon mixed with chemical
binders to form a hard block of carbon,
which is then cut and shaped to fit the
filter housing. Sediment removal is
dependent on the micron rating. Higher
carbon content removes odors and
off-tastes. There are submicron carbon
block filters that remove smaller-sized
particles, providing cyst reduction. These
filters must be handled carefully as they
can crack, causing an undetectable
by-pass.
Chloramines
Often the aftermath of the two step ammonia
plus chlorine disinfection method used at
large, central municipal-type treatment
plants. They can produce a disagreeable
taste and odor. Chloramine removal is
limited to physical adsorption methods such
as filtration using activated
carbon.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a disinfectant which wipes out
bacteria and is added to most all municipal
water systems. Chlorine may produce
undesirable taste and odor in drinking
water, such as a "swimming pool" taste. The
actual health danger comes from some of the
chemical compounds chlorine forms by
combining with organic molecules that can
be found in water. Activated carbon is the
best solution to reducing chlorine in
water.
Counterfeits
A "counterfeit" filter is an inferior
filter cartridge that was manufactured to
fit into the head of another filter system
brand. Proper functioning is suspect since
products are not designed by the same
manufacturer. Threat of leads and bypass
exist. Original manufacturer's warranties
are voided, technical support is lost, and
all NSF and WQA certifications are
voided.
Cryptosporidium
A waterborne parasite that causes severe
stomach cramping, fever, vomiting and
diarrhea that can last from 10 to 14 days
in a healthy person. It can be fatal for
persons with immune deficiencies (eg.
infants or the elderly). Hundereds of
thousands of people are sickened each year
when this parasite is present in the water.
Cryptosporidium can be found in virtually
any surface water source. Very fine
filtration (submicron) is required for
protection from this contaminant. Be sure
to look for NSF Standard 53 on the filters
you purchase.
Cyst
Chlorine-resistant "capsules" which contain
parasites that, if ingested, may cause
disease with symptoms of severe abdominal
cramping and diarrhea. These parasites can
be particularly dangerous for anyone with a
comprised immune systems, such as HIV or
cancer patients. Cysts include
Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Toxoplasma and
Entamoeba. Very fine filtration (submicron)
is required for protection from cysts. Be
sure to look for NSF Standard 53 on the
filters you purchase.
Giardia lamblia
A one-celled, microscopic parasite that
lives in the intestines of people and
animals. It is responsible for an illness
known as giardiasis. It causes severe
stomach cramping, fever, vomiting and
diarrhea that can last from four to six
weeks in a healthy person. This is the most
common waterborne parasite. Those with
weakened immune systems are particularly
vulnerable to this cyst. Very fine
filtration (submicron) is required for
protection from this contaminant. Be sure
to look for NSF Standard 53 on the filters
you purchase.
Granular activated carbon
(GAC)
Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters
consist of a housing filled with loose
activated carbon granules. The activated
carbon (AC) surface attracts and holds
molecules such as those that cause poor
tastes and odors. Better GAC systems can
reduce other contaminants, such as lead.
But, these lower-priced systems do not
"fine-filter" the water and therefore are
not as effective as other products in
removing particulates and cysts.
Hard
water
Water that has picked up
minerals such as calcium and
magnesium as it travels through
certain types of rock and soil.
Approximately 85 percent of the
country has hard water. hardness is
measured in both parts per million
(ppm) and grains per gallon (gpg).
Anything more than one gpg or 17.1
ppm qualifies water as "slightly
hard." It is the minerals in water
that can eventually form scale
deposits in water-using
equipment.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Also referred to as "sulfur water",
hydrogen sulfide causes the rotten-egg
smell sometimes present in drinking water.
it is an acid which can cause rapid
corrosion of all types of plumbing
materials. The only good remedy is chemical
oxidation followed by filtration.
Lead
Lead is a heavy metal that has gained a
great deal of attention from the EPA, which
in 1991 imposed new standards for lead
levels in drinking water that are 10 times
more protective than levels previously
thought to be safe. It is estimated that 40
million Americans currently drink water
containing more lead than the limit set by
the EPA. Lead poisoning can cause mental
retardation adn birth defects. Basic
filtration rated for lead reduction will
offer protection.
Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether
(MTBE)
A common gasoline additive
that has been found to leak into
ground water supplies and contaminate
drinking water. It is made of
methanol and a by-product of the
oil-refining process. The EPA has
classified MTBE as a possible
carcinogen. Basic filtration rated
for MTBE reduction will offer
protection.
NSF
International
The independent testing
agency that sets product standards
for water filtration manufacturers,
established its Drinking Water
Treatment Unit Certification Program
to determine if a water filtration
system performs in the marketplace as
tested. NSF International is known
around the world for the development
of independent standards, product
testing and certification services in
public health, safety and protection
of the environment.
Off tastes &
odors
Many things can contribute to bad smelling
and tasting water such as chemicals,
organic matter, and the condition of the
water distribution system. If your water
smells or tastes like a "swimming pool," it
is probably due to chlorine that has been
added for disinfection. Although chlorine
is very effective at killing harmful
bacteria and viruses, it frequently causes
both an off taste and odor. The addition of
ammonia to produce monochloramine (which
lasts longer in the pipes) makes the taste
and odor even worse. One of the most
effective treatments for bad tasting water
is a filter containing activated
carbon.
pH
pH is the chemical shorthand for how acidic
or alkaline your water is. A pH of "7" is
considered "normal" and neither acidic nor
alkaline. If your water is below "7" it is
acidic and the risk of lead or other metals
in the water goes up. If it is above "7" it
is alkaline and will have a greater
tendency for scale to form.
Precoat
filtration
A very reliable way to remove dirt,
particulate contaminants, chlorine and
off-tastes and odors. Submicron filtration
can remove cysts like Cryptosporidium and
Giardia. The unique preocoat design
consists of a membrane folded over a
drainage grid, which supports a coat of
adsorptive Micro-Pure® powder, a
proprietary blend of powdered activated
carbon and other filtering materials.
Precoat filters provide a longer filter
life and remove 99.99% of all particles
1/2-micron and larger. Precoat filtration
is exclusive to Everpure.
Reverse Osmosis
(RO)
RO systems use pressure to force water
molecules through a membrane, causing
contaminants to be left behind and
separated from the water. These systems are
very effective, especially for removal of
heavy metals, nitrate, fluoride, and
pesticides, but they are more expensive
both in terms of equipment, maintenance
costs, and water usage than other systems.
They are also limited in their ability to
produce water over a given period of time.
Due to these critical factors, it is very
important to verify that your water quality
requires RO.
Scale
This is the term that's used when minerals,
usually calcium and magnesium are deposited
over time in water-using equipment and
appliances. Scaling has the potential to
block tubing and pipes, interfere with
proper operation, and reduces the overall
life of equipment. Many treatments exist to
control or eliminate scale buildup in
water-using equipment. How "hard" the water
is and how the water will be used will
determine which treatment will be most
effective.
Softening
Water softeners condition the water through
an ion exchange process. In other words, a
softener exchanges sodium ions for calcium
and magnesium ions. Softeners are sometimes
confused with filtration, but are primarily
used to reduce the mineral content
(hardness) in water to prevent scale
buildup. They do not produce "ingredient"
water, free of off-tastes and odors,
particulates, certain other contaminants
and cysts.
Trihalomethanes
(THMs)
Trihalomethanes are formed when chlorine
reacts with organic matter in water, such
as from decaying leaves. They have been
linked to a higher incidence of cancer. A
filter with activated carbon rated for THM
reduction is an effective treatment.
Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS)
Total Dissolved solids are not visible to
the naked eye. However, when water is
frozen, ice cubes may look cloudy.
Turbidity
Cloudiness that results from suspended
particles of dirt in the water. These
particles usually are in two categories:
larger, visible pieces that can easily be
filtered out; and minute, invisible
particles that can make water hazy. The
more minute the particles, the finer the
filter required.
Volatile Organic Chemicals
(VOCs)
VOCs are a group of water contaminants that
can be very dangerous if found in drinking
water at unsafe levels. They include some
of the most common, most toxic, and most
widely distributed water contaminants.
Examples include pesticides, herbicides, or
insecticides that seep into the ground.
VOCs are usually the result of pollution
and originate from areas of
industrialization. This category also
includes total trihalomethanes. A filter
with activated carbon rated for VOC
reduction is an effective treatment.
Water Quality Association
(WQA)
WQA is an independent non-profit
organization that provides the water
treatment industry with quality assurance.
WQA awards their Gold Seal to only water
treatment products that have been tested to
meet or exceed industry standards for
performance, capacity, and integrity in
removing a variety of water supply
contaminants.
