Water Filters

What method of filtration is the best?

There truly is no accurate answer to this question. The best filtration is based on the application, desired performance and any specific requirements.

• Mechanical Filtration is a process by which water is driven through filtration media(s). There are many different types of media to accommodate different needs. Mechanical filtration of particles is rated by micronage. The smaller the micronage, the finer the filtration. The larger the micronage, the coarser the filtration, the longer the lifetime. Generally, mechanical filtration requires no electricity and it requires about a minimum of 30 psi water pressure. A high-grade mechanical filter is sufficient to remove most impurities that people are concerned with today. These impurities include: Chlorine, lead, cysts, VOCs, THMs and all kinds carcinogens and industrial pollutants. Generally, mechanical filtration is not a good choice for the reduction of Fluoride, Nitrates, Sodium or hardness minerals. For these problems Distillation or Reverse Osmosis is recommended.
   
• Distillation is a process of filtration by which water is boiled. The water is caused to evaporate. The evaporation is then trapped and cooled. Distilled water is basically condensation. Distillation is an excellent choice for customers who want to "remove everything". Because the water is boiled and then cooled, the water seems to taste somewhat flat. Keep in mind that distillers require maintenance, much like a coffee maker or humidifier. The minerals build up on the heating element and need to be de-scaled. Distillers work with electricity and do build up heat.
   
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a method of filtration by which the water is first mechanically filtered and then the water is pressed through a semi-osmotic membrane. The membrane separates water for the rest of the total dissolved solids (impurities). Then the water is passed through a carbon block filter. The reverse osmosis process is slow and therefore requires a holding reservoir of some type. The reverse osmosis process produces waste water. Reverse osmosis is also an excellent choice to "remove everything" . There are 2 important things that effect the performance and lifetime of the unit. Reverse Osmosis (just like distillers) perform better in soft water. Secondly, incoming water pressure is essential to R/O performance. The minimum requirement for most units is 50 psi.
   
• Ultra Violet Ultra violet (UV) is a type, or frequency, of electromagnetic energy that occurs naturally as part of the light spectrum (frequency range) in sunlight. It has long been known that sunlight kills micro-organisms. UV light is the part of the spectrum that kills micro-organisms. The light identified as most effective against micro-organisms, referred to as the Germicidal Spectrum or Germicidal Frequency, has a wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm). UV Water Treatment Systems generate this specific light frequency, although at much lower intensity than the sun. UV lights are designed to produce the highest amount of UV energy that may be safely provided at this frequency.

The Water FAQ

Table of Contents

1. Water Basics / General Questions
   
2. Hard Water
   1. What is hard water?
   2. What are hardness minerals?
   3. How do you measure hardness?
   4. Why should hard water concern me?
   5. Who will test my water for hardness?
   6. My water is hard; now what?
   7. Which water conditioning company should I call?
   8. What should I look for in a water conditioner?
   9. I have a water conditioner, now my water feels "slimy"!
3. Water that Smells
   1. My water stinks! What can I do?
   2. OK, it's my raw water that smells -- now what?
      1. Minor, musty smell
      2. Strong, rotten-egg smell
      3. Strong, musty smell
         
      4. Solutions:
         1. Filters
         2. Feeders
         3. Aeration
4. Water that Stains
   1. I have red stains in my sinks and other fixtures -- Help!!
      Iron types:
      1. oxidized
      2. soluble
      3. colloidal
      4. bacterial
      5. organic-bound
   2. I have blue or green stains on my fixtures -- Help!!
      1. copper in your water supply
      2. copper pipes & corrosive water
5. Improving your drinking water
   1. Filters
   2. Selective Resins
   3. Deinonization
   4. Distillation
   5. Reverse Osmosis
6. What is the best water for coffee?
7. Water Testing Information
   1. When Should I Test?
   2. What Could I Test For?
   3. An Easy Way to Test