A Guide To Aid Consumers In Choosing An Effective, Cost Efficient, Drinking Water Filtration Unit.

Purchasing a water filter in today’s marketplace can be confusing even for the most savvy of consumers. Hopefully this guide will assist you in making the right choice in purchasing any water filtration system.

There are over 400 companies that sell drinking water systems for the treatment of various contaminants. Water filters vary widely in quality, price, and performance. Although hundreds of companies make water filtration devices that can reduce chlorine from water, only a few companies offer drinking water treatment units that are certified to reduce a wide array of contaminants of health concern.

A few companies or their representatives claim their products produce PURE drinking water. I have yet to meet such an animal. No water filter produces PURE water, but some do reduce numerous contaminants to a high degree. Avoid any brand that makes such false claims.

Water filters are like everything else, quality costs money. Quality drinking water purification systems usually cost a few hundred dollars to purchase, but save money in the long run because they produce drinking water for a fraction of the cost as compared to cheap filters.

Cheap filters do little or nothing as far as purifying drinking water. One thing they are good for is costing the consumer a lot of money in purchasing replacement filters. A quality filter will give you years of service and save you money. As a rule of thumb – If it costs less than – Let’s say $200.00 – Put it back on the shelf. Do not worry, I am going to show you how you will save more than the $200.00….

Here are a few simple steps to purchasing a quality water filter that will be highly effective, cost efficient, and last for years.

Step 1 – Type Of System

Which application would be best for you – Counter Top – Undersink – Inline – or a Convertable type that can be used as a countertop or be installed undersink?

Counter Top Systems usually install by the use of a valve and rubber hose attached to your existing sink faucet. They do take up some space on the counter. Many people find this to be inconvenient.

Undersink Water Filters install conveniently under the sink and have their own faucet which should be installed at the corner of the sink. They save counter space. Sure beats having a monster sitting on your counter or a hose hanging off your sink faucet. This is the preferred type as it is not only the most convenient but can also be hooked up to an icemaker.

Inline Filters install directly in the line to any appliance that uses water such as an icemaking machine, coffee pots, water coolers, beverage machines, etc.

Convertible – Undersink/Countertop can be used as a countertop or installed as an undersink water filter.

Step 2 – Technology

Determine what you are trying to accomplish by using a water filter. Chlorine reduction only? Bacteria?

Or, do you want to effectively reduce bacterial cysts, chlorine and a wide range of chemical and organic contaminants at the same time. This is what a quality water filter can do.

Another thing to consider is – Do you want to remove the “Healthy Minerals” from your water? Minerals are good for your teeth and bones.

There are a number of different technologies when it comes to water purification. Here are some examples -

Loose Carbon – This is a bacteria factory. Loose carbon allows oxygen to exist within the filter itself which encourages, infact, enhances the growth of bacteria. These filters are very cheap to purchase, but expensive in the long run because the filters have to be replaced frequently.

Distillation – Can be effective on bacteria, sediments, solids, and any organic or chemical contaminant that will not evaporate. There are some chemical contaminants found in water today will evaporate, MTBE is a good example.

Ultraviolet lighting is sometimes used in conjunction with a filter to kill bacteria and has been found to be effective.

Reverse Osmosis – A membrane which reduces radium, fluoride, and numberous other contaminants to a high degree, but it does have it’s limitations. There are many contaminants found in water today that will pass through an RO membrane. Reverse Osmosis used in conjunction with a high quality filter can be very effective. Reverse Osmosis does remove the “Healthy Minerals”.

Reverse Osmosis alone is capable of reducing a number of contaminants found in drinking water today.  Arsenic, barium, radium, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba, fluoride, lead, nitrates, nitrites, 
selenium and a few others…

Solid Carbon Block – This type of filtration reduces the widest range of chemical contaminants to a very high degree. Some are higher quality than others. The density and high quality of the carbon determine the effectiveness. Water passes through a high quality solid carbon block as a molecule instead of a drop. This means all the water touches the carbon. Therefore all the water is subject to proper filtration. Look for a carbon block which will reduce contaminants to at least 1 micron, preferably 0.5 micron. The smaller the number the better. 

Any high quality solid carbon block will reduce a wide range of contaminants.  Contaminants such as
lead, bacterial cysts, mercury, asbestos, mtbe, and many others. 

Step 3 – Performance

Performance is the key factor. Actually the most important thing to look for in any water filter. Don’t waste your money on an ineffective water purification system that simply does not work.

****Carefully read the packaging. Determine which contaminants the manufacturer states the filter will reduce. The label on the product package should state exactly which contaminants it is capable of reducing based on standards set by NSF International.

**** So how do you know if the claims made on the label are correct? If the filters is not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, put it back on the shelf. Quality water filter manufacturers put their filters through rigorous testing by NSF and are proud to advertise their certification.

**** NSF International tests and certifies drinking water treatment devices to the standard appropriate for the technology of the product. For filtration devices, NSF International may certify the product to improve the aesthetics of the water to Standard 42, the health effect of the water to Standard 53 or both. In addition, NSF has developed an additional testing standard for Reverse Osmosis units, Standard 58.

One other thing I want to mention, be sure the packaging states NSF Certified To Standard 53 for example. If it says “tested to NSF Standards” – This does Not Mean Certified.

If you want to see the actual certification, go to the NSF website: www.nsf.org - Click the consumer block and put in the make and model of the filter. If the filter is actually NSF Certified, you will be able to view the contaminants tested for and certified to remove. This way you can compare different certified filter’s performance.

Step 4 – Cost Efficiency

Quality water filters have a long filter life capacity. This is what Saves You Money. Look for a water filter that has a capacity rating of at least 6 months. Understand, this is an estimate. The actual life of the filter depends a lot upon the qualities of your water. If your water has a lot of solids the filter will clog sooner than it is rated. If your water has a high level of contaminants, it will become ineffective sooner. In most cases though, the filter life rating is conservative, meaning the filter will actually outlast the capacity rating. Always keep the filter changed at the recommended intervals, even sooner if possible.

Cheap ineffective filters actually cost more to operate. Having to frequently change the filter cost a lot of money in the long run. 

I hope this article helps you in your quest for a quality water filter!

Read More Articles Concerning Drinking Water, Water Filters, Reverse Osmosis, Tap Water, Bottled Water, Home Water Filtration, Water Contamination, Water Purification, and the Florida Aquifer @ 

http://www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com 

Patti Wilson
Water Filtration Consultant

MultiPure Independent Distributor
St Augustine Florida

email:   patti@supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com  

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How to Choose the Right Water Filter

Read more on PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance

Utility’s new plant on line in Jackson
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer JACKSON — The Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority’s new water plant is up and running with state-of-the-art technology, greater efficiency and higher output to serve the utility’s customers. The plant went on line in June. read more

Read more on Tri-Town News

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Utility’s new plant on line in Jackson

Over the last 30 years, scientists have become more aware of the effect of chlorine that is added as disinfection by- product to the water, and how it affects those people who consume it. Also, as public awareness increases more and more people are

While the addition of chlorine has reduced cholera rates by 90 percent, typhoid by 80 percent and amoebic dysentery by 50 percent, there are certain by- products formed by chlorine that are some cause for concern. One of the main issues is when chlorine reacts with organic matter and forms trihalomethanes (THM’s), which scientists are still investigating but which some studies have linked to cancer.

Is it a Risk to You?

There are many disinfection by-products that are formed and worryingly only a few have been studied to evaluate the risk to humans. There are some that do not even have to be ingested but are able to make their way into the body through the skin or by inhalation.

In some investigates, it has been found that epidemiologic studies have shown that a lifetime exposure to chlorinated water through showering and bathing and also swimming is associated with an increased risk for cancer, especially of the bladder and colorectum. In addition, recent studies have raised the issue of potential adverse reproductive and developmental effects.

What Can I Do About it?

As discussed above, manufactures are introducing several different varieties of filters and conditioning devices these days. The devices are indeed a very effective way to reduce the potentially harmful effect of chemicals found in your drinking water, which reduces the risk significantly to humans.

Today’s filters have experts on their side. Clifford P. Weisel, an Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute professor at the RWJMS/University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and co-author of a study that measured inhalation and dermal exposures to DBPs, said, “If an individual lives in an area where there are high DBP levels in the water and there are other risk factors for cancer, installing a filter will reduce the risk.”

As well as the health problems it may cause, chlorine also dehydrates the skin, making it more susceptible to irritation and disorders such as eczema. According to Leslie Baumann, MD, professor of dermatology at the University of Miami and director of the University of Miami’s Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, “Filters are a must for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, especially if they live in a city with hard water or high amounts of chlorine in the water.”

To learn more about how water filters can help you achieve the highest quality water supply, click here.

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Water Filters – Discover How They Can Dramatically Improve Your Water Supply

Read more on The Register

Remaining US troops still face danger in Iraq
The number of U.S. soldiers in Iraq dipped Tuesday to 49,700, dropping below the 50,000 threshold ahead of the end-of-the-month deadline set by President Barack Obama.

Read more on Channel 8 San Diego

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Remaining US troops still face danger in Iraq

Read more on Brisbane Times

Maria Rodale: A Visit to My Kitchen: Max Goldberg
Today Max Goldberg is in my kitchen, talking about his views on healthy clean living and clean water. Max writes a blog about organic food…

Read more on The Huffington Post

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Maria Rodale: A Visit to My Kitchen: Max Goldberg

Forsta’s self-cleaning screen filters provide an excellent solution for pump stations or other skid mounted units. They easily integrate into any configuration, and offer high-flow filtration solutions.
Automatic point-of-suction backwashallows the filters to clean themselves as needed, without interrupting the pump flow.

The filter pictured is the A2-90. It offers one square foot of stainless steel screen area, and is capable of handling flows up to 225 gallons per minute.

Skid Mounted filtration systems combine any self cleaning filter model with required pumps, manifolds, and controllers. With mounted components Skids offer a mobile and easy to install industrial water filter station. Skid Mounted units provide a comprehensive solution to virtually any industrial, irrigation or municipal application.

Forsta is a premier manufacturer of self-cleaning irrigation and industrial water filters. Compared to other filter technologies self-cleaning water filters are more cost-effective, automatic, produce less wastewater, and will not interrupt main system flow during the automatic cleaning cycle.

Forsta’s industrial water filtration systems are available in a variety of materials including stainless steel, duplex stainless, and carbon steel with epoxy coating. Internal stainless steel screen elements are available in three-layered sintered mesh, wedge wire, or perforated plate models. Forsta’s line of automatic filters are designed to be durable, long-lasting, and minimize the amount of water used during the backwash cycle.

For major industries including industrial, irrigation, and municipal, Forsta self-cleaning industrial water filters provide invaluable solutions. Integrating a Forsta automatic filter into your water system will effectively improve contaminated sources by straining unwanted particles. Forsta’s industrial water filtration systems serve a range of applications from HVAC to golf course irrigation. Whether your application requires a fine degree of filtration, high or low pressure, or a high flow rate, Forsta’s automatic filters provide an efficient and reliable answer.

Low maintenance, high efficiency and dependability define Forsta’s advantage.

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Irrigation pump skid with automatic self-cleaning water filter

These filtration systems work to remove harmful contaminants from our tap water that can cause health issues.  Unfiltered water can cause a number of health problems such as abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.  In some cases the effects can cause vomiting based on the particular contaminant found in the water supply.  A countertop filter can help to defend against these problems, by filtering out the impurities.

Besides chlorine there are many additional contaminants that exist in our water.  While these contaminants exist in very small amounts, and we are told that they do not pose a threat we can take extra precautions.  Other trace elements found in our water are mercury, lead, organic chemicals, asbestos and fluoride.

For example chlorine while good for removing harmful bacteria from our water it is also not very healthy to consume into our bodies on a daily basis.  Daily consumption of chlorine has been found to be a cause of some cancers.  Chlorine also causes the skin to become dry, and hair to become brittle.  And breathing the water vapor that includes chlorine while taking a shower is not good for your body.

Finding a good water filtration system will depend on what your families water consumption habits are, and what types of contaminants are present in your water.  If you want to know what is in your water before purchasing a system have your water tested.  Once you know what’s in the water then you can purchase a system that will work for you.

While water filters do remove the impurities from the water they do not remove the natural nutrients and minerals in the water.  This will allow you to still enjoy the refreshing taste of the water, and have healthy water at an affordable price.

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The Benefits Of Countertop Water Filters

Without interrupting system flow during backwash, Green-Clean technology utilizes smaller flush valves to minimize the volume of water required to remove buildup on a filter element. Using internal vacuum nozzles, the new Green-Clean system scans and removes debris from the filter in 15 seconds or less. This combination of short duration and small flush valve make the Green-Clean backwash cycle one of the most efficient in the industry.

Forsta Filters offers a full line of self-cleaning water filters (1-36″ flange size), with screen elements ranging from 5 to 4000 micron. Integrating the Green-Clean technology in all products maximizes efficiency and reduces waste water and energy costs. The filters are constructed from all stainless steel and are designed to provide a long term solution to a wide range of industrial and municipal applications.

Forsta’s industrial water filtration systems serve a range of applications from HVAC to golf course irrigation. Whether your application requires a fine degree of filtration, high or low pressure, or a high flow rate, Forsta’s automatic filters provide an efficient and reliable answer.

Major industries utilize Forsta automatic self-cleaning water filters. Three central categories describe all filter applications in this field. Forsta automatic water filters are also applicable in emerging green and blue industries. (e.g. Aquaculture)

Low maintenance, high efficiency and dependability define Forsta’s advantage.

Forsta water filter are gonig green and the industry will follow.

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New Green-Clean Automatic Water Filters Save Backwash Water

Forsta introduces a new line of low pressure automatic industrial water filters. Low Pressure self-cleaning water filters range from 2″-30″ with flow rates range from 15-20,000gpm in a single filter housing . Until now self-cleaning water filters required over 35psi for backwashing, but the new Low Pressure Series design provides an ideal energy saving solution in applications with line pressure as low as 15 psi. Equipped with Green-Clean technology, the Low Pressure Series point-of-suction backwash takes less than 16 seconds and uses less than 1% of the total flow per backwash without interrupting the main flow. Filters are available in stainless steel, carbon steel with epoxy coating or duplex stainless. The Low Pressure Series is ideal for process water, cooling water, wastewater, spray nozzle protection, and other industrial applications.

Low Pressure Series

The Low Pressure Series automatic water filters utilize an electric motor to assist cleaning during the backwash cycle.

Low Pressure models make self-cleaning filtration possible at lower pressures. They are necessary where the minimum 35 psi system pressure is not available. Motor Run filters operate at system pressures as low as 15 psi.

All 180 Series, 90 Series and Zero Series filter models can be upgraded to allow Low Pressure irrigation and industrial water filtration.

Filter Characteristics:

Flow Rate: 15-20,000 gpm
Flush cycle duration: 6-16 seconds
Flush valve size: single 1″ or 2″
Screen opening: 20µ – 4000µ
Temperature: 210ºF
Flush Volume: 2- 30 gallons per backwash
Working pressure: 15- 150 psi
Material: Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, or Duplex Stainless

If you have an application that you would like us to quote please contact us at any time or visit our site and fill in the application sheet

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New Low Pressure Automatic Water Filter Reduces Pump Energy Requirement

You can protect you and your family from almost every possible pollutant contained in many city water systems by using a drinking water filter system. Pollutants such as chlorine rust and sediment, prescription drugs, and yes, even human feces! Why would you want to take the chance of these things coming into your home via your water supply?

Chlorine is used by many municipal water treatments plants to prevent microspical germs that may be lurking in your water pipes. Chlorine is definitely not something you want to be drinking, as it has been associated with many health problems and can cause dry skin. It is also very bad for your hair. Have you ever noticed how many swimmers have problems with their hair due to the chlorine content in the water?

Water is the most important element to human life along with air. It’s a fact that our water supply is becoming more polluted every day. It’s now essential that you and your family have a safe clean source of pure water to drink, cook and bathe in. Having a drinking water filter system is a must have item for the health of you and your family. Bottled water is very expensive. On a per gallon basis, bottled water cost more than a gallon of gas! So having a drinking water filter system will also save you big money! This is one area you do not want to neglect when it comes to the health of you or your family.

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Having a Drinking Water Filter System is No Longer a Luxury, It’s a Must!

The caliber of our drinking water has been continually falling. Our government has turned a cold shoulder to the problem. They proceed to pour chlorine into our water supply, brush aside industrial pollution, and neglect to address the latest menace to public health: prescription medications oozing in to our water system. Drinking water filters are now a necessary item for all.

You need to know what you and your family are consuming when it comes to your water, and how to keep your water safe by using a quality drinking water filter.The human body contains almost 60% water, and you need to ingest about 6 glasses of water to maintain optimum health according to the Mayo Clinic.

Every part in your body needs water – the problem is that most people are not feeding their system with safe, clean drinking water. If you’re not using a drinking water filter you need to know some things that may be hiding in your water: Chlorine, Sediment and Rust, Prescription Medicines, Industrial Waste, and Human Feces may all be contained in your tap water. Drinking water filters help combat this problem.

This minute many cities are trying to bring reclaimed water into the public drinking water supply. That may sound like a small thing until you realize that reclaimed water is the waste that is going down your toilet. The system in place to separate the water from the human feces include the use of chemical sanitizers. Some cities in Southern California alone with around 6.5 million people drink from regional water supplies partly treated with reclaimed waste water.

By contrast, drinking water containing human feces is a little risk to your health when compared to the more serious substances, and toxic elements found in your public water supplies shown here.

Chlorine is used in city water systems to get rid of very small organisms in your water. The problem with this is it’s poisonous While it’s better than having harmful organisms in the water, it is not safe to have it in your water. According to the National Cancer Institute, those who use water with chlorine in it have a 90% increase in the risk of many forms of cancers. Rust & Sediment

Sediment and Rust. Even if your local water treatment facility could remove all of the pollutants from your drinking water you would still have a risk to your health. If you were to go down into your basement, open up one of your water pipes, and peek inside, you would almost be sure to find sediment, lead, and rust accruing on the inside of your water pipes. There is also the possibility of pollution coming from the pipes that transport the water from it’s origin into your house, which you can not control.

The Los Angeles Times reported in it’s January 30th 2007 edition that medical prescription drugs are now showing up in all the water systems in the highly evolved areas of the world. Drinking water filters are a must with medicines such as steroids, Valium, and other medicines showing up in every glass of water you consume.

It’s a scary thought, and to make matters worse there are no regulations from the government prohibiting any of these medicines from being in your water.

Nearly 15,000,000 (fifteen million) gallons of oil seeped into the ground below a New York neighborhood. Even with residents showing a disproportional.amount of people found to have cancer, and and after a class action lawsuit was filed against the oil companies that were liable, the spill has not been cleaned up fully to this day. Industrial waste and pollution is a major problem.

It’s nearly out of the question to get rid of all the pollutants in your city water supply. Using  drinking water filters is a must in today’s world. Shouldn’t you and your family seriously consider the benefits of a quality drinking water filter?

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Not Using a Drinking Water Filter? You Could be Drinking Chlorine, Lead, Pesticides, Drugs and Even Human Feces

Read more on KFVS 12 Cape Girardeau

Most water purifiers unsafe for health: study
New Delhi, July 21: If you rely on water purifiers for clean drinking water, be cautious! A recent study released here today said most of the water purifiers available in the Indian market pose risk to consumer’s health in the absence of proper safety standards.

Read more on New Kerala

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Most water purifiers unsafe for health: study

Read more on NBC Dallas Fort Worth

Neighbors Spotlight: NewAntioch Rotary president contributes through work in many nonprofits
Marital status/family: Croce lives in Brentwood with his wife of five years, Stephanie, who works in human resources for PG&E in Antioch. Croce and his wife have two sons, Alex, 7, and Miles, 4.

Read more on Oakley News

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Neighbors Spotlight: NewAntioch Rotary president contributes through work in many nonprofits

Reverse osmosis is the most expensive choice in drinking water filters    for home use.  They use them in large industries and public treatment facilities.  In certain situations, they are the right choice for the home, but most of us can do without them.

There best application is desalination, but without additional steps, the water is still not safe to drink.

The more reasonably priced drinking water filter    systems reach a top price of around $420.00.  They are typically some form of carbon filtration, combined with a micron filter and some sort of stage to balance mineral content and pH levels.
 
Practically the same drinking water filters can be purchased for less than $150.  The difference is mark-up.  Buying directly from the factory that manufactures the drinking water filter will save you hundreds of dollars.

 
For less than $150 and a dime a day, you can get one of the top ten rated drinking water filters, in the world.  These units are designed to sit on your counter, next to your sink.  They are more effective and less likely to leak than the units that screw directly onto the faucet.

There is typically an option to switch from filtered to unfiltered, in case you want to extend the filter life by doing dishes or washing vegetables in unfiltered water.  For cooking though, you will enjoy better tasting healthier foods, if you turn the drinking water filter to the “on” position.

You may be tempted by the really low priced drinking water filters that retail around $40.  We thought they might be a good reasonably priced alternative for a family on a budget.  We found that there were several problems.

Most are really chlorine filters, not purifiers.  Many harmful contaminants, such as THMs and VOCs, which have been linked to cancer, will not be blocked by the cheap models.  In some, the toxic metal lead is not removed.  Lead contamination is a big problem in many cities.  Not because the treatment facility isn’t doing their job, but because the pipes that run into the house are old.

Bacterial cysts are another type of contaminant that a cheaper drinking water filter cannot remove.  They can cause parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract and have been know to cause death in children, the elderly and people with a compromised immune system.

If that’s not enough, cheap drinking water filters cost more to use.  On average more than 20 cents per day, as opposed to the 10 cents per day that is available.  You see, they get you by charging a lower price initially, but then charging more for replacement filtration cartridges.  Or, the cartridge has a very short lifespan.  Either way, you end up spending more in the long run.

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Not All Drinking Water Filters are Created Equal. What You Really Need to Know

Many people do not know what is in their tap water, and there in lies the shock. A few of the ingredients in your tap water include bacteria, viruses, uranium, radium, nitrate, arsenic, chromium and fluoride. One of the most prominent ingredients in tap water is dissolved toilet tissue. Doesn’t sound very appetizing does it?

Where does this contamination come from? Some of it actually comes from natural sources such as rock formations that find their way into our water supply. Some chemicals such as chlorine are actually placed into our water supply on purpose to kill off harmful bacteria. The problem is, chlorine can be very harmful to the human body and has been linked to certain cancers. This is why many people have turned to using a drinking water filter.

Other sources of water contamination include not getting rid of everyday items in your house such as cleaning solvents, paint, and motor oil in a proper manner. Then you have problem of industrial waste. Seems like everyday you read about some kind of accidental leakage or a large company using illegal methods to get rid of its waste. Pesticides are also another item that has found its way into our water supply.

Our local water treatment plants do try to do a good job in making sure our water is safe, but it’s next to impossible to get rid of all the contaminants. We are also faced with a dwindling supply of fresh pure water, so many cities have turned to using reclaimed water. Reclaimed water includes the waste that is flushed down your toilet, and then is chemically treated and used in our drinking water supply. You should consider using a drinking water filter if you live in an area where reclaimed water is being used.

Many people would like to use a drinking water filter, but don’t know where to start. There are many types and brands available. They most expensive is not always best. Same goes for the cheapest. Some drinking water filters are cheap and do a fair job, but they need replacement cartridges often, which can end up being more expensive in the long run than higher priced drinking water filters.

Some higher priced filters do a poor job but carry a high price tag just to make a profit for the promoter. Doing a little research when choosing a drinking water filter will not only improve your health, but will save you money in the longer term.

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Drinking Water Filters: What’s in Your Water May Shock You!

Read more on PollutionOnline

Babson upgrades, chloramines debut tonight
A frenetic, year-long public infrastructure project culminates tonight when Gloucester activates the Babson drinking water treatment plant and with it a new, high-profile chemical disinfection system.

Read more on Gloucester Daily Times

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Babson upgrades, chloramines debut tonight

All that you want is something clean and pure to drink. And you will see those two words on nearly ever drinking water filter system, because marketers know that’s what you want.

Try to ignore the advertising hype and look at the facts. Companies should provide product performance data for their drinking water filter system,  but if you order one from HSN or QVC, you will find that information missing.

If you call the company, you may learn that what you have purchased is not a purifier at all, but merely a drinking water filter system that blocks some chlorine and odor.

Chlorine removal is fine, but not enough anymore. We have learned that drugs, hormones, pesticides, herbicides, benzene, gasoline additives and tiny bacterial cysts are all present in groundwater and come through the tap. Data sheets should include information about how effectively those contaminants will be removed. There is a drinking water filter system that will remove them all, but you have to be a smart shopper to find it.

Price is no indication of performance. The most expensive systems are sometimes the least effective. Of course, you have to watch out for the ones on the other end of the scale, as well.

If a drinking water filter system is not sold in specific states, there’s a reason. In the states of California, Wisconsin and Massachusetts, companies are required to have their products certified by independent laboratories, such as Underwriters or UL. Performance claims must be certified before the ,b.drinking water filter system,/b> can be sold, so companies with inferior systems avoid those areas.

California also provides a department of health certificate to companies that have excellent performance records. Extensive testing is required to receive this certificate. So, if a company has one, you can rest assured that you have found quality.

A drinking water filter system that costs less initially usually costs more to use. The cartridges usually have a short lifespan requiring frequent replacement. There really is no such thing as a maintenance free unit. There are some disposable ones, but they cost even more in the long run and are mostly ineffective.

A reasonable price to pay is around $125 for a kitchen countertop unit. Of course those systems come direct from the factory. You’ll pay more if you buy from a department store or dealer, because of mark-up. Everybody wants to make a profit.

People say that any drinking water filter system is better than none, but personally, I want the best for my family. You probably do, too. We can get the best at a reasonable price, as long as we shop with care.

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Don’t be Cheapskate When Buying a Drinking Water Filter System!

Read more on North County Times

Willow Lake algae bloom hangs on
An advisory against water contact at Willow Lake near Butte Falls will stretch through the Fourth of July weekend after tests showed a persistent bloom of blue-green algae remains, authorities said.

Read more on The Mail Tribune

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Willow Lake algae bloom hangs on

Read more on The Star

Utility issues precautionary boil water advisory
HUNTINGTON — West Virginia American Water has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for about 3,000 customers in the Salt Rock District areas south of U.S. 60 in portions of Cabell and Lincoln counties.

Read more on The Huntington Herald-Dispatch

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Utility issues precautionary boil water advisory

Water and Water Filters.
Some chemically sensitive people find they are sensitive to water that they ingest in their daily lives, due to minute traces of chemicals and metals. For some people, it is reasonable enough to take care with water that they use for drinking and cooking. Other people, if they are highly sensitive, are affected by washing with, or touching tap water, some even by breathing in steam or vapours from standing or running water – a flushing lavatory, for instance. Intolerance of this nature is rare, however, and for most people, it will be sufficient to avoid drinking the water that upsets them.

What Causes Reactions to Tap water?
Low levels of chemicals known to cause chemical intolerance are found in potable, as well as metals known or suspected of causing harm.
Water quality regulations permit levels of chemicals which may not be Hazardous to your health. Chemically sensitive people are, however, affected by very low levels of chemicals, and particles present in tap water are often sufficient to cause them reactions.

The contents of tap water vary quite considerably across the country, and even within the locality of water companies. This is partly because the level of industrial or agricultural contaminants leeching into the surrounding countryside and finding their way into the local water table. It is also because of the age and quality of water treatment plants and their associated pipe networks. You might happen to live in an area with relatively new water treatment plants and pipe networks, or with little or no industry, or with a farming community with low fertiliser usage, then your tap water will contain lower levels of contaminants than that of other places.
Of course your water supply may come from groundwater drawn direct from springs and or boreholes. If this is the case then little or no filtration would be required.

Water that is drawn from rivers is subject to more pollution and needs greater sanitization, especially water from lowland rivers and reservoirs. The chemicals found in tap water which are predominantly associated with chemical sensitivity are:  chlorine, nitrates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, trihalomethanes, and organic solvents.

Aluminium, found naturally or added to purify water in some areas, is linked to some health problems and in the case of the older buildings, lead can be found sometimes in water pipes within the home and is known to be a health hazard.
Traces of other heavy metals are also found in drinking water – metals such as zinc. Metals like zinc do not cause specific sensitivity reactions, but it is thought that digesting them can depress the immune system, diminish vitamin, and thereby reduce your capability to withstand the chemical excesses.
Finding the right Water Filter for your needs is critical to your well being. Recent resource for all your Water Filter needs.

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Drinking Water – Fridge Freezer Water Filters

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What is the difference in salt water filters.?

What about dechlorinating showerheads?

(my hot/cold water is brown/green from iron rust and copper patina, respectively)

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Do they have any water filters that remove fluoride?

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Water filters on faucets really work?

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how long can i store unused Brita water filters?

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The Hot Button
A look at this week’s most intriguing issues — and why you should care By Chris Young.

Read more on Pittsburgh City Paper

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The Hot Button

Read more on The Advertiser-News

NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 3 June 2010
All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below.

Read more on SpaceRef

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NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 3 June 2010

Read more on Macworld.com via Yahoo! News

In Boerne, it’s not easy being green
Boerne resident Elaine Zaner is calling on the city of Boerne to become more environmentally friendly.

Read more on Hill Country View

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In Boerne, it’s not easy being green

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Water filters of the pitcher and faucet installed variety are advertised as being effective in filtering lead,?

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Should I let muddy well water run through my whole-house water filters, or wait until the well fills up higher?

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what are the best drinking water filters that really work?