How to Choose a Drinking Water Filtration Systems

The benefits of filtering your own water at home are immense. Making the decision to filter water is simple from a health and economic perspective but doesn’t answer the question of what the best water filter is for your specific situation. From the simple water filtration pitcher to the under sink filter and the whole-house models, it is important for consumers to know what they are paying for and why.

In general, water filtration systems remove certain types of impurities and are usually labelled for what they will remove, such as chlorine or lead. Water filters do not remove microorganisms; and, are intended for use with water that is known to be microbiologically safe. No single water filter can be used to remove all types of substances from water.

There are many types of water filter models on the market. Different drinking water treatment systems have their own advantages and disadvantages and must be investigated individually to identify the unit or combination of units best suited for your household.

There are three main types of filters used in water filtration systems that include:

Particle Filter: This type of filter uses a membrane to trap particles or screen out impurities based on their size. The pore size of the membrane is used to determine a rating for the filters. It is measured in microns. More efficient water filters have a smaller pore size. For instance, a filter that removes particles that are 0.5 microns in size will result in cleaner water being produced than when using a filter that removes particles that are 5 microns in size.

Activated Carbon (AC) Filter: This type of filter is effective at removing organic contaminants from water which means you will have water that is not only healthy, but also tastes and smells good. The water will also be clear. When water flows through this filter, the carbon block attracts and removes contaminants such as heavy metals like copper, lead, and chlorine and dissolved substances such as hydrogen sulphide.

Resin Filter: These filters contain resins that remove such contaminants as heavy metals. They also remove minerals that create deposits. These types of impurities have an electrical charge. They are removed from the water when they attach to an opposite charge that is contained on the resin. Resin filters can be used along with activated carbon filters to remove dissolved substances and various types of impurities.

Filtered Water Pitcher: This type of filtration is the most affordable method of purifying water, but these devices do not always completely purify the water as it depends on the type of filtration system used.

Water treatment systems are a great method of improving household water. You can buy filtration systems that range from drinking water pitchers up to large house water filtration systems at a wide range of prices. They make drinking water healthier and improve its colour, taste and odour while removing impurities that can be harmful to people. They can also remove water hardness which is caused by minerals. Using a water filtration system will ensure that you and your loved ones are drinking safe and great tasting water.