Let’s face it – we all want to be sure of quality drinking water in our homes. And the best way of doing this is by using a water filtration system. The only problem is that not all water filters are made equal. In fact, some filters are made to remove certain kinds of contaminants. But wouldn’t it be so convenient if there was one system that takes care of all contaminants?
Strictly speaking, there isn’t a single water filter that can remove all contaminates from water. However, you can settle for one that gets rid of most of them. Your best bet in this regard is a reverse osmosis (RO) system. An RO system uses a semipermeable membrane to remove 99% of all impurities from water. Impurities removed by RO systems include bacteria, viruses, chemicals, minerals, and heavy metals.
Even though most developed countries don’t have a big issue with wastewater management, contamination is still a big issue. Water can be contaminated with a variety of impurities, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, minerals, gases and heavy metals not only at the source but also during distribution. This is why you should always use a water filter.
Is there a water filter that removes all contaminants?
If data from WHO is anything to go by, over 2 billion people globally drink contaminated water. This is largely due to poor wastewater management, especially in developing countries, where almost 90% of the wastewater is discharged into the environment before it is properly treated.
Even though it is impossible to have one water filter that removes all contaminants, you can settle for one that removes most of them. Your best bet is a reverse osmosis (RO) system. An RO system uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water and it can remove up to 99% of all contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.
That said, it is worth noting that different water filters are built for different purposes, and that is why there isn’t one filter that can remove all contaminants.
For best results, you may want first to test your water to know what contaminants you are dealing with. Testing water is easy and you can do it at home using a water test kit. Once you know the contaminants in your water, you can buy a filter designed to remove those specific contaminants. This way, you can be sure that your water is as safe and clean as possible.
Activated Carbon Water filters
If your water test reveals that your biggest problem is dissolved minerals and chemicals, then you will want to use activated carbon filters. These filters are designed to remove organic chemicals, chlorine, and other dissolved contaminants from water. They work by adsorbing contaminants from water, thus making it safe to drink. The process of adsorption occurs when molecules of a contaminant attach themselves to the surface of the activated carbon filter. This creates a physical barrier between the contaminant and the water, thereby preventing it from being ingested.
Activated carbon filters are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, lead, and bacteria. However, they are not effective against viruses or toxic chemicals. As a result, they are often used in conjunction with other types of water filters for maximum safety.
Our recommended activated carbon filter
The Applied Membranes Inc. 3-Stage Filtration System is our recommended activated water carbon filter.
It uses high-quality coconut shell carbon to remove up to 99% of contaminants from your water, including chlorine, chloramine, sediment, rust, dirt, pesticides, herbicides, and more. This carbon is environmentally friendly and works better than charcoal to remove bad odors and chemicals from your water.
Plus, it doesn’t need to be replaced as often as charcoal filters, so it’s more economical in the long run. Not only will this system give you safe and great-tasting water but it also helps to prevent your appliances from sediment buildup.
Reverse Osmosis System Filters
A reverse osmosis filter is a type of water filtration system that uses pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane. The pores in the membrane are small enough to allow water molecules through, but not larger contaminants such as bacteria or chemicals.
As the water is forced through the membrane, the contaminants are left behind, leaving clean, filtered water on the other side.
Reverse osmosis filters can purify fresh and salt water, making them an essential tool for survival in many different environments. In addition, reverse osmosis filters can be used to recycle wastewater, making them an important sustainability tool.
As we have already established, RO systems are the most effective in removing most of the common water contaminants. In fact, they can remove up to 99% of all contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals.
However, they are not perfect and there are a few things that they cannot remove from water. For instance, RO systems cannot remove dissolved minerals or gases such as carbon dioxide. Moreover, RO systems require regular maintenance and replacement of filters to function properly.
Our recommended RO System
iSpring’s 7-stage RO system is our recommended RO system. It can remove up to 1,000 contaminants and give you safe water for drinking and food preparation. This home purifier comes with easy installation instructions that are perfect if your hands get tired from all the wrenching!
It also has Europe-style faucets so there will be no lead or rust issues in what they drain into – making this an excellent choice regardless of where one lives around the world.
UV Water Purifiers
A UV water purifier is a device that uses ultraviolet light to disinfect water. UV light effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, making it an ideal way to purify water.
A UV water purifier can be a handheld device that can be used to purify small amounts of water at a time. To use, simply fill the device with water and submerge the UV light bulb. The light will kill any microorganisms in the water, making it safe to drink.
UV water purifiers are also available in larger sizes for purifying larger quantities of water. These devices work by circulating the water past a UV light bulb and disinfecting it as it passes through. UV water purifiers are an effective and easy way to ensure your drinking water is safe and free of contaminants.
Our recommended UV water purifier
This HQUA-OWS-6 Ultraviolet Water Purifier Sterilizer Filter is a 25W 6GPM unit that easily installs without needing a plumber. The horizontal installation and metal connector for the inlet/outlet are recommended, and the unit is made of 304 stainless steel and Quartz glass for safety and reliability.
If any parts are missing or broken, replacements are available from HQUA-OWS-6. This system is perfect for sterilizing water in the kitchen for drinking and food preparation purposes.
Ion Exchange Filters
An ion exchange water filter is a type of water filtration system that uses charged particles to remove impurities from water. The process begins when water passes through a semipermeable membrane, which allows ions to pass through but not larger particles. The charged ions then attach to the oppositely charged particles on the filter media, thereby trapping them on the filter.
As more water passes through the filter, the ions become saturated and need to be replaced. This is typically done by running a saltwater solution through the filter, which replenishes the ions and allows the process to continue. Ion exchange filters effectively remove a wide range of impurities, including heavy metals, salts, and minerals.
Our recommended ion exchange filter
AQUALKA Alkaline Water Filter Pitcher is designed to remove chlorine, odors, and heavy metals. It uses 7 stage filter cartridge of Ion Exchange Resin, Tourmaline, Carbon, and Mineral Balls. This filtration system can remove odors, chlorine, and even some heavy metals.
For best results, you should replace the filter every 3 months or after every 105 gallons (400 liters) of water.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a water filter, there are many factors to consider but a good place to start is finding out which contaminants you need to remove from your water.
For instance, an ion exchange filter would be good if your water is contaminated with heavy metals and minerals. But if your problem is bacteria and chemicals, you can use an RO system. So, make sure to test your water first before you buy a water filtration system.