There are numbers different methods of filtering water, each with varying degrees of effectiveness, and varying costs. The general purpose of filtering water is to improve the water's hygiene and aesthetic qualities. The different methods employed in water filters to produce pure filtered water are many and varied and your choice is governed and depends on the degree of purity you want (and/or reductions in contaminant in the water source). Mostly, the more you pay/ investing in your filter the better the end results.
Here we list some of the most comment methods-
For a water cooler with a re fillable bottle on top and a filter inside:
The filters inside a water bottle are called bottle filters or BFA (an example of it can be found at Bottle filter)
Filters for a water cooler connected to the mains supply:
There are water filters called CB or Carbon Block, designed to reduce such contaminates as sediments, tastes, smells, chlorine and amyriad of other contaminants. (See a sample at Matrikx Filter)
Activated Carbon Filtration is an established technology that works through absorption of the problematic compounds, primarily to remove taste and odour but these systems will also remove some harmful contaminants. “AC” is a highly porous material with a very large surface area. Chemical pollutants are attracted to and held by the AC's surface. These water filters are best suited for the removal of organic compounds.
UV (Ultra Violet) Filters are for water coolers connected to mains supply-
UV Filters (see an example of a UV Filter at Aqua Pro UV Filter they are designed for biological unsafe water and are able to kill the majority of bacteria and viruses in the water which passes through them. However, they won't remove chemical pollutants from the water (for these you use CB Carbon Block filters) . Also you should note that the treatment is ineffective outside of the treatment area, so water should be used immediately after it is treated.
Another type is the Ceramic water filters; “Royal Dalton” is one of the most famous brands. These filters are also commonly used for biologically suspect or extremely contaminated water.
To remove “Fluoride” and most other contaminates-
There are the specialized filters (often but not always using a combination of sediment and carbon water filters) see our extensive information on RO Reverses Osmosis filters they combine several technologies to help remove the more complex chemicals "such as Fluoride" found in our water today.
Then there are Water Ionizers specifically to improve your health, see extensive information at Ion life F.A.Q.
The definitive answer to the problem of fluoride in our drinking water-
and the most effective long term solution is undoubtedly the Reverse Osmosis technology, which removes up to 98% of fluoride, with similar rates for all other chemicals and pollutants from your drinking water.
Because Reverse Osmosis is so efficient, it also removes all minerals from the water, which actually causes it to be acidic as it draws carbon dioxide from the air on pouring.
The RO systems work by pressuring water up against a semi-permeable membrane that stops contaminants from passing but allows clean water to get through. Both health-related related contaminates-such as lead and asbestos-as well as many aesthetic contaminates that can affect taste, color and odor of water are reduced or eliminated by an RO system.
Reverse Osmosis systems, produce high-quality water perfect for use in drinking, cooking and making ice cubes. The low mineral content of RO –treated water also makes it ideal for use in steam irons, car batteries and humidifiers. Today, more than 70 percent of Australians say they are concerned about the quality of their home water. A reverse osmosis system is an effective means producing gallons/Liters of fresh water at a fraction of the cost of premium-bottled water.
HOW SPECIFICLLY DAS REVERS OSMOSIS WORK?
Osmosis is the natural tendency for water of al lesser concentration containing few dissolvent particles) to pass through a semi-permeable membrane and dilute water of a higher concentration (containing more dissolved particles). Eventually, the fluid concentration on both sides of the membrane is equalized.
Reverse Osmosis, as its name implies, is the reversal to the natural flow of osmosis. By applying pressure to the water solution of higher concentration (the incoming water), the flow of liquid is reversed. Under these conditions, the membrane still rejects the containment, but allows the fresh cleansed water to pass through. The purified water is collected and the contaminates are flushed away. The process, originally designed to make see water drinkable for the Navy, removes sodium, as well as lead, arsenic, nitrates, asbestos, and a range of other contaminants from household drinking or bore water.
Questions and Answers about Reverse Osmosis Systems for Home Water Treatment:
Q. Who should consider purchasing reverse osmosis systems?
A. Anyone concerned about the quality of their drinking water-particularly if their home drinking water-particularly if they notice taste or odor problems or are aware of high levels of dissolved minerals in their water supply-should consider an RO system. Additionally, RO systems often are recommended for immune-comprised individuals who could be especially susceptible infection from various waterborne contaminants. The center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends reverse osmosis as a method for removal of dangers microorganism cyst called Cryptosporidium. Reverse Osmosis systems, which generally include both an RO membrane and pre-and post filters, offer a comprehensive means of potentially harmful contaminants in home drinking water.
Q. Specifically which contaminants do reverse osmosis systems remove?'
A. CONTAMINANT
Inorganic:
Aluminium 90%
Arsenic 98%
Arlum 95%
Cadmium 95%
Calcium 98%
Chromium III 98%
Copper 90%
Fluoride 95%
Iron 98%
Lead 90%
Magnesium 98%
Manganese 90%
Mercury II 85%
Nitrate 90%
Potassium 95%
Selenium 95%
Silver 98%
Sodium 95%
Strontium 90%
Sulphate 90%
Zinc 98%
Total Dissolved Solids 95%
Asbestos 99%
Organic:
Chlorine 98%+
Herbicides 98%+
Pesticides 98%+
DDT 98%+
Endrin 90%+
Undane 98%+
Aldrin 98%+
Benzene 98%+
V.O.C.S. 98%+
Adrazin 98%+
Fluoranthene 98%+
Phenol 98%+
Trihalomelthanes 98%+
Toxaphene 98%+
Dichloromethane 98%+
Chloroform 98%+
Trichloroethylene 98%+
Perchlorethylene 98%+
Tannic Acid 98%+
Metoxychlor 98%+
PCB 98%+
Q. Beyond reducing health related contaminants, what are some other benefits of installing a reverse osmosis water system?
A. There are many benefits to installing a reverse osmosis system beyond greatly reduced concentrations of contaminants. Cleaner, sparkling drinking water is probably the most noticeable. Because there is little to alter the RO-treated water’s natural state, the flavor of food can come through without any “chemical” taste. Brewed items such as coffee, tea, or soups may have a richer. more robust flavor, and fruit juices and powdered drinks mixed with RO-treated water may taste better, too. Even ice cubes can take on a crystal clear appearance.
Q. Does a Reverse Osmosis system remove biological contaminate?
A. RO systems are capable to removing certain biological chemicals such as Cryptosporidium and Guardia. The pore size of the RO membrane along with the amount of pressure applied to the water will generally determine the rate of reduction of such contaminants. The Water Quality Association (WQA)cautions, however, that while RO membranes are reliable for treatment of a range of health contaminants, design considerations such as tiny leaks or manufacturing imperfections may prevent a unit from offering foolproof protection against biological contaminants for consumer drinking water systems. Therefore, WQA suggests that absolute disinfections (a reduction of contaminants greater than 99.9% be ensured with cyst-rated and certified products and post-disinfections systems such as ultra violet light.
Q. How do I properly maintain my reverse osmosis system?
A. The filter of your RO system should be changed periodically. In general, both the pre-and post-filters should be replaced every six month, or at least annually: however, the maintenance schedule may vary due to the local water conditions, the quantity of water being filtered, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The reverse osmosis membrane normally lasts between 3 to 5 years. WQA suggests you closely follow the maintenance schedule provided by you water treatment specialist or the manufacturer to ensure that the system is in proper working order.
Reproduce with the kind permission of the Water Quality Association. For further information visit the website at Water Quality
