Water circulating through the environment picks up lots of stuff along the way. It can carry pathogens, microorganisms, chemicals and volatile organic compounds.
Before it reaches your faucet, treatment experts often use several filtering technologies to deal with things like odors, taste and chlorine (used to kill germs). One type of filtration uses a physical barrier that blocks, traps or catches solid debris.
Types
There are many different types of water filters, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, mechanical filtration uses a barrier to physically remove sediment and other particles from the water. This type of filter can range from a simple mesh that keeps out large debris to a ceramic filter with an incredibly complex pore structure to sift out pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
Other types of filters use various methods to clean the water without passing it through a medium, including distillation and ultraviolet (UV) filtration. Distillation works by boiling the water and water purification filter capturing steam. This method is efficient and effective at removing minerals, dissolved salts, bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
UV filtration works by divulging the water to ultraviolet light, which kills harmful organisms and pollutants. This kind of filter is a good option for outdoor activities, especially camping trips, where the water may be exposed to the sun.
Other types of water purification filters use chemicals to kill germs and other contaminants in the water, such as chlorine tablets or liquid chemical disinfectants. These are usually used as a backup or as part of an overall water treatment plan, such as a water purifier with a mechanical or carbon filter. These types of filters are typically more portable than a reverse osmosis or other high-tech water purification system, but they can be less efficient at removing harmful organisms.
NSF Certification
The NSF Certification is a hallmark of the world’s best water filters. It is the only third-party performance standard for products that protect global human health, and it ensures that a filter meets its claimed contaminant reduction claims.
A filter with NSF Certification is a safe bet that it’s not adding anything harmful to your drinking water and that its structural integrity will not fail over time. The process includes testing for over 60 parameters across material safety, structural integrity and contaminant reduction claims. It also involves a full physical evaluation and inspection of manufacturing facilities.
The most important NSF standards for water filtration are NSF/ANSI 42 and 53. NSF/ANSI 42 focuses on aesthetic water quality, such as taste and odor, while NSF/ANSI 53 tests for lead and chlorine reduction. Some of the best water filters on the market are NSF/ANSI 42-certified.
NSF/ANSI 401 is an additional test that can be added to NSF/ANSI 53, and it covers up to 15 contaminants that are often detected at trace levels in water supplies but have a significant impact on consumer perception of drinking water quality. Choosing a water filter with NSF/ANSI 401 is an excellent choice for those looking for maximum protection against emerging compounds and incidental contaminants.
Reviews
Before water makes its way to your faucet, it usually travels a long path from the source to your home. Along the way, it can pick up dirt and other contaminants. A water purification filter can help you avoid these pollutants and make your drinking water safer and tastier.
While water filters typically focus on eliminating bacteria, some can also remove chemicals and heavy metals. To check whether a specific filter targets certain contaminants, read its label. You can also check NSF’s database to see what a particular filter is certified to remove. It’s also a good idea to ask salespeople about the filters they sell, but keep in mind that some are paid to recommend certain models.
Many people choose to use a water purification system because they want to reduce the demand for single-use bottles of water. They may also want to cut down on the environmental water purification filter manufacturer impact of their camping or backpacking trips. However, these systems can be expensive and require a lot of maintenance.
One of the best water filtration systems is the MSR Guardian. It is a pump-based system that works well in North America and abroad. It is resilient to freezing temperatures and has a backflush system for turbid water. Another option is the SteriPen Ultra, which uses UV light to destroy water-borne pathogens. This system is simple to use and has a long structure that you can swish around your water.
Cost
There are many different types of water filters on the market, from basic carbon filters for taste and odour to whole-house systems that reduce toxins, heavy metals, and other contaminants. The cost of a system varies depending on the type and number of filters, local water quality, and usage. For instance, a home water filter system can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for a point-of-entry system.
Using a water purifier in your home can also help to extend the life of your plumbing and appliances by eliminating harmful minerals that may damage them over time. This can save you money on costly repairs and replacements.
In addition to being an eco-friendly alternative to buying bottled water, a water filter can save you money by cutting back on energy costs. This is because a water filter can eliminate the need to heat your drinking water, which can use up a lot of energy.
When used during hiking trips, backpacking water filters can protect you from common waterborne illnesses like norovirus and hepatitis A by physically removing bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. For an extra level of protection, you can use chemical tablets to add a layer of defense by scrambling the DNA of any viruses in your water.
A water filter can be a great investment for anyone who is concerned about the quality of their drinking water or is interested in reducing their environmental footprint. A water purification filter can be a much more sustainable option than purchasing single-use plastic bottles, and can provide you with clean, safe drinking water for years to come.