Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Choosing Among The Many Water Filters Systems

By Wilson Tasker

Bottled water and water filters are growing in popularity because of the concern of pollution. The air and water is more polluted today than ever, making it hard to know whether your home water is actually safe to drink and use. Bottled water is one option, but water filter systems are being used more today than ever before.

If you suspect a problem with the water or if you notice your water is starting to taste funny, having it tested is the first thing to keep in mind. Having it tested will provide you with the data on whether there is a problem and exactly what that problem is. That also helps you to know what kind of system your home needs.

Sometimes water tastes funny and that is because of contaminants that may be in it that can make you sick. A filtering system is able to remove microbes, lead, radon, pesticides, and other chemicals that may find themselves in your water supply. They basically are able to purify your water, making it safer to drink.

After it has been determined that you do need a filtering system in the home, you need to research the many different types that will best suit your problem. Choosing one that is certified is needed and as all are not created the same, look for the ones that focus on your specific problem.

Two types of systems are used in water filtering. There is the point of use, POU, which focus on the faucets, where the tap water comes out. And, then you have the point of entry, POE, which is the start of the whole water system where the water enters your home.

Generally there are three options for the point of use filters: distillers, reverse osmosis, and water pitchers. The distillers remove contaminants by boiling the water, which will remove many of the minerals found naturally in water and can change the taste. Reverse osmosis uses a membrane that filters water through with a pressure that pulls microbes and chemicals out of it. They will use a lot of water but are extremely effective. The most affordable are the pitchers, these have filters inside and when you fill them with your tap water it is filtered through, trapping chemicals and contaminants. This method also improves the taste of the water.

POE filters usually come in water softeners, aerators, and adsorptive media or water filtration installations. Water softeners are just like the name says, they softener water. Water can get hard with too much calcium and magnesium ions so this system replaces those with sodium or potassium ions, which makes water softer. Aerators work by jets of air that removes chemicals and contaminants, like radon or chemical components of gas. Adsorptive media installations are often carbon based. They trap solids and liquids in the filter to purify.

Having safe drinking and cooking water is a necessity in any home and it is easy to get with the many water filters available today. Making sure you test your water annually will allow you to catch any problems and let you know if the system you choose is effective. You deserve safe water in your family and you can have that easier than you think.

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