There are many types of water filtration systems. There are filters that attach to the faucet, under the sink and standalone pitchers. Among the filter location, there are more choices such as charcoal water filters, reverse osmosis and water distillers. Filters are meant to prevent bacteria such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia from making people sick. Inorganic chemicals such as arsenic, lead, mercury and nitrates, to name a few, are filtered out for health reasons.
Choose a water filtering system based on contaminants that concern you. If you are on a municipal or city water system, request a water analysis. If you are on a well system, have the water tested by a professional company to obtain a report on what is in the water. Once you find out what is in your water, you will be better equipped to research those systems that are designed for your needs.
Faucet filters are popular and easily installed. They average filtering around 100 gallons of water before needed the filter changed. Countertop filters sit next to the faucet. They are portable and can employ various methods of filtering. There are also whole house systems. They are usually installed near the opening where water enters the house. For small needs, there are various sizes and shapes of pitcher filters. They have two chambers with a filter in-between; they need frequent cleaning.
Charcoal that is used in water filters comes from coconut husks. This type is the most used because it is easy to install and filters out the most deadly contaminants and bacteria. In addition, the minerals in water such as fluoride are not filtered out, as they are important to health. Since charcoal filters can last six to nine months, it is very economical.
Reverse osmosis (RO) water filters remove everything from the water using a membrane that is 0.0001 micron per hole. Another name for this system is Ultra-Filtration. It was originally developed by the government as a means to desalinate sea water. This type is typically installed under the sink. A technician may need to come out periodically to check if a new membrane is needed.
Ionized water filters enhance water electronically by using positive and negative electrodes to ionize the water. This process splits the water into alkaline and acidic types. Alkaline ionized water is used for drinking, where acidic ionized water is used outside the body. Acidic water has been proven to kill bacteria such as E. coli and others.
Other ways to treat water include several forms of water filters. A magnetic water filter passes the water through a magnetic field. This does cause a rearrangement of ions but the effect is not permanent. An energetic water filter is typically installed where the water enters the house. The change the water using methods based on the works of Viktor Schauberger, a water researcher. They mostly soften the water using various methods but do not filter or change the charge of the water. Like the energetic methods, vortex filters soften the water but do no other changes.
