SafeClearWater Blog
Welcome to the SafeClearWater Blog home page !
You are looking for informations about water filters? You plan to buy a water filtration system but you're still not sure what to get?
On this page I explain the basics about water filters following those chapters :
Water Contaminants and other Issues : Legit reasons to use a water filter system.
The Water Filtering Technology : What is it made of ?
The different types of water filtering system : Placements and Devices.
Good reading !
Water Contaminants and other Issues : Legit reasons to use a water filter system :
In fact the water comming of our faucets insn't alsways clean. Of course they meet some standard that states established as acceptable and depending on the place you live the water can be more or less contaminated. Getting a filtering system is not an emergency to everyone, indeed the most part of the world doesn't use one and the world is still running but in some places there are serious contaminations where it is urgent to provide water filter to poeple in those location. My opinion is that having a filtering system at home is still an advantage because there are a lot of stuff we can get rid of the water easely and not just for the health purposes but also for the water taste.
So let dive into it, here is a list of the contaminants that can be present in water, from the most common to the most uncommon :
1.Chlorine: Chlorine is a common disinfectant used by water treatment plants to kill bacteria and other pathogens in the water supply. It is effective at killing microorganisms but can also have negative effects on the taste and odor of the water. Many technologies allows to get rid of the chlorine and just for this purpose I think it is good enough reason to get a filter.
2.Sediment: Sediment refers to small particles suspended in the water, such as sand, dirt, and silt. These particles can come from a variety of sources, including surface runoff, erosion, and the breakdown of pipes and other infrastructure. Often, the thin net as a first layer of the filter will be able to get rid of the sediments.
3.Bacteria and viruses : Bacteria are microorganisms and viruses are infectious agents that are smaller than bacteria that are present in the water supply. Some types of bacteria are beneficial, while others can cause illness. Water treatment plants typically use disinfectants, such as chlorine, to kill bacteria in the water supply, however if the water has not been properly treated or if it has been contaminated again after treatement passing through pipes that could not be properly maintained, there still could be bacteria and viruses in the water. As I am not a doctor I can't say if staying away as much as we can from bacteria and viruses is always a good thing for the immunitary system, however they are some bacteria and viruses we want to stay away for sure including the one that has been very famous lately. So it's up to you to concerning this but almost all filters (if not every) are removing as they say 99.9% of bacteria and viruses so if you get one it will probably be included in.
4.Dissolved solids: Dissolved solids refer to inorganic substances that are dissolved in the water, such as minerals and salts. These substances can come from a variety of sources, including surface runoff, erosion, and the natural composition of the water.
5.Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature and can be found in the water supply. They can come from a variety of sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and the leaching of chemicals from pipes and other infrastructure.
6.Heavy metals: Heavy metals are elements that are found in the water supply and can be harmful to human health in high concentrations. Examples include lead, mercury, and arsenic.
7.Pesticides: Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill or control pests, such as insects and weeds. They can enter the water supply through agricultural runoff or the leaching of chemicals from pipes and other infrastructure.
8.Radioactive particles: Radioactive particles are particles that emit radiation and can be found in the water supply. They can come from a variety of sources, including natural sources and human activities, such as the production of nuclear energy.
Contaminants are not the only reason we could need a filter system, in fact here is a list of other common issues linked to tap water :
1.Hard water: As mentioned in my previous response, hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause a variety of issues, including scale buildup in pipes and appliances, soap scum in showers and sinks, and dry, itchy skin after showering.
2.Low pH: Water with a low pH (below 7.0) is considered to be acidic. Acidic water can be corrosive and can cause issues with pipes and appliances. It can also have an unpleasant taste and can be harmful to certain aquatic species.
3.High pH: Water with a high pH (above 7.0) is considered to be basic. Basic water can cause issues with the taste and appearance of water and can be harmful to certain aquatic species.
4.Odors, Color and Taste: Tap water can sometimes have unpleasant odors, it can also have an unusual color and tase, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including naturally occurring minerals, algae, and bacteria.
If you make a quick search on the internet you should be able to find a water checker for your location.
Want to check your water in a lab ? TapScore provides a water checking service.
The Water Filtering Technology : What is it made of ?
Before buying any filter you probably want to know what is in it. Here is a list the materials that are used in the filters and their purposes :
1.Activated carbon: Activated carbon is a highly porous form of carbon that is commonly used in water filters to remove a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is effective at removing impurities through adsorption, a process in which contaminants are attracted to and retained by the surface of the carbon. Activated carbon filters are available in various forms, including granular activated carbon (GAC) filters and block carbon filters.
2.KDF (kinetic degradation fluxion): KDF is a type of media that is commonly used in water filters to remove contaminants through a process called redox (oxidation-reduction). It is effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, heavy metals, and microorganisms. KDF filters are often used in conjunction with other types of filters, such as activated carbon filters, to provide an additional level of filtration.
3.Ceramic: Ceramic materials are commonly used in water filters to physically remove impurities from water. They are effective at removing sediment, bacteria, and viruses but may not be effective at removing dissolved solids or chemicals. Ceramic filters are available in various forms, including ceramic candle filters and ceramic disk filters.
4.Oxidizing agents: Oxidizing agents, such as potassium permanganate and chlorine, are chemicals that are used in water filters to remove contaminants through a process called oxidation. They are commonly used to remove iron and other minerals from water.
5.Particulate minerals: Particulate minerals, such as sand, gravel, pumice, and zeolite, are used in water filters to physically remove impurities from water by trapping them in the pores of the media as the water passes through. These minerals are typically used to remove sediment and other solid particles from water. Here is more information about those 4 mineral used in water filtration system :
Sand: Sand is a commonly used media in water filters to remove sediment and other solid particles from water. Sand filters are typically used in conjunction with other filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters, to provide an additional level of filtration.
Gravel: Gravel is a commonly used media in water filters to remove sediment and other solid particles from water. Gravel filters are typically used in conjunction with other filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters, to provide an additional level of filtration.
Pumice: Pumice is a porous, volcanic rock that is used in some water filters as a media to remove sediment and other solid particles from water. Pumice filters are typically used in conjunction with other filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters, to provide an additional level of filtration.
Zeolite: Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in some water filters to remove contaminants through a process called adsorption. It is effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, heavy metals, and radioactive particles. Zeolite filters are typically used in conjunction with other filtration systems, such as activated carbon filters, to provide an additional level of filtration.
6.Ion exchange resin: Ion exchange resin is a synthetic material that is used in water filters to remove impurities from water by exchanging ions with the minerals present in the water. It is effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, heavy
7.Reverse osmosis membrane: Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are thin, semipermeable membranes that are used in water filters to remove impurities from water by forcing it through the membrane under pressure. They are effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, bacteria, and viruses. RO membranes are commonly used in reverse osmosis water filtration systems.
8.Ultraviolet (UV) light: UV light is used in water filters to kill or inactivate microorganisms in water, such as bacteria and viruses. UV filters are effective at removing biological contaminants but do not remove dissolved solids or chemicals. UV filters are commonly used in conjunction with other filtration systems to provide an additional level of protection against microbial contaminants.
The different types of water filtering system : Placements and Devices.
As you may need a filter for a specific contamination, here is the lists from the first chapter on top of the page (Water Contaminants and other Issues : Legit reasons to use a water filter system) listing the contaminants and other issues and the type of filter that you need to resolve it :
Here is the contaminants list :
1.Chlorine: Activated carbon, KDF (kinetic degradation fluxion), and ceramic materials are commonly used to remove chlorine from water. Activated carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine and other chemicals through a process called adsorption, in which contaminants are attracted to and retained by the surface of the carbon. KDF filters remove chlorine and other contaminants through a process called redox (oxidation-reduction). Ceramic filters remove sediment, bacteria, and viruses but may not be effective at removing dissolved solids or chemicals.
2.Sediment: Ceramic, particulate minerals, and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are commonly used to remove sediment and other solid particles from water. Ceramic filters remove sediment, bacteria, and viruses but may not be effective at removing dissolved solids or chemicals. Particulate minerals remove impurities from water by trapping them in the pores of the media as the water passes through. RO membranes remove impurities from water by forcing it through a thin, semipermeable membrane under pressure.
3.Bacteria and viruses: UV light, RO membranes, and ceramic filters are commonly used to remove bacteria and viruses from water. UV filters kill or inactivate microorganisms in water through the use of ultraviolet light. RO membranes remove impurities from water by forcing it through a thin, semipermeable membrane under pressure. Ceramic filters remove sediment, bacteria, and viruses but may not be effective at removing dissolved solids or chemicals.
4.Dissolved solids: Ion exchange resin and RO membranes are commonly used to remove dissolved solids from water. Ion exchange resin removes impurities from water by exchanging ions with the minerals present in the water. RO membranes remove impurities from water by forcing it through a thin, semipermeable membrane under pressure.
5.Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Activated carbon is commonly used to remove VOCs from water. It removes contaminants through a process called adsorption, in which contaminants are attracted to and retained by the surface of the carbon.
6.Heavy metals: Ion exchange resin and activated carbon are commonly used to remove heavy metals from water. Ion exchange resin removes impurities from water by exchanging ions with the minerals present in the water. Activated carbon filters remove contaminants through adsorption.
7.Pesticides: Activated carbon is commonly used to remove pesticides from water. It removes contaminants through a process called adsorption, in which contaminants are attracted to and retained by the surface of the carbon.
8.Radioactive particles: Activated carbon and RO membranes are commonly used to remove radioactive particles from water. Activated carbon filters remove contaminants through a process called adsorption, in which contaminants are attracted to and retained by the surface of the carbon. RO membranes remove impurities from water by forcing it through a thin, semipermeable membrane under pressure.
Here is the list about the other issues :
1.Hard water: Water softeners and salt-free water conditioners can be used to address hard water issues. These filters use a process called ion exchange or template-assisted crystallization (TAC) to alter the structure of the minerals in hard water, making them less likely to form scale and soap scum.
2.Low pH: Alkaline water filters can be used to raise the pH of water that is too acidic. These filters typically use a mineral media, such as tourmaline or calcium carbonate, to add alkaline minerals to the water.
3.High pH: Acidic water filters can be used to lower the pH of water that is too basic. These filters typically use a mineral media, such as activated carbon or mineral stone, to remove alkaline minerals from the water.
4.Odors, Color and Taste: Activated carbon filters are commonly used to remove odors, color and bad taste from water. They remove contaminants through a process called adsorption, in which contaminants are attracted to and retained by the surface of the carbon.
To finish, here is a last list of the different filters placements and devices :
1.Whole house water filtration system: These systems are installed on the main water line and are designed to treat all the water entering the home. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure that all the water in the home is of good quality. They can be installed in a variety of locations, including the basement, utility room, or outside the home.
2.Undersink filter: These filters are installed under the sink and are designed to treat water at a single location, such as a kitchen sink. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to improve the quality of the water at a specific tap.
3.Point-of-use (POU) filter: These filters are designed to be used at a specific location, such as a kitchen sink or a bathroom faucet. They can be installed under the sink, on the countertop, or attached to the end of a faucet. POU filters are a convenient and cost-effective way to improve the quality of the water at a specific tap.
4.Faucet filter: These filters are attached to the end of a faucet and are designed to treat water at a single location, such as a kitchen sink. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to improve the quality of the water at a specific tap.
5.Refrigerator filter: These filters are installed inside the refrigerator and are designed to treat the water and ice dispensed by the refrigerator. They are a convenient way to ensure that the water and ice from the refrigerator are of good quality.
6.Countertop filter: These filters are placed on the countertop and are designed to be used with a single faucet. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to improve the quality of the water at a specific tap.
7.Shower filter: These filters are installed in the showerhead and are designed to treat the water used for showering. They are a convenient way to improve the quality of the water used for showering and to help protect the skin and hair from the effects of chlorine and other contaminants.
8.Pitcher filter: These filters are placed in a pitcher and are designed to treat a small amount of water at a time. They are a convenient and cost-effective way to improve the quality of drinking water and are often used in households where the tap water is of poor quality.
9.Bottle filter: These filters are attached to a water bottle and are designed to treat water as it is being consumed. They are a convenient way to improve the quality of drinking water and are often used when traveling or in outdoor situations where the water quality is uncertain.
10.Point-of-entry (POE) filter: These filters are installed on the main water line and are designed to treat the water entering the home. They are typically installed in the basement, utility room, or outside the home. POE filters are a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure that all the water in the home is of good quality.
11.Portable filter: These filters are designed to be portable and can be used in a variety of locations, such as while traveling, camping, or in an emergency situation. They can be hand-held or attached to a water bottle or hydration pack. Portable filters are a convenient way to improve the quality of drinking water in situations where the water quality is uncertain.
12.Reverse osmosis (RO) system: These systems use a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water. They are typically installed under the sink and are designed to treat a small amount of water at a time. They can produce high-quality drinking water, but they can also be expensive and may waste a significant amount of water in the process.
13.Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system: These systems use UV light to kill or inactivate microorganisms in water. They are typically installed on the main water line and are designed to treat the entire home. UV sterilization systems are effective at killing or inactivating a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. They do not, however, remove other contaminants such as chemicals, heavy metals, and dissolved solids.
14.Outdoor filter: These filters are designed to be used outside, such as at a campground or in an emergency situation. They can be portable or installed on a hose or faucet. Outdoor filters are a convenient way to improve the quality of water in outdoor situations where the water quality is uncertain.
Exept the Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization system, every filter placement or device of this list can be equiped with a filtration system that get rid of the contaminants and resolve the other issues mentioned before.
Now you should have enough information to choose a water filter ! :) The thing is to choose the filtration system you need and the placement that fits the best with your needs, generic to get generaly your water cleaner or specific to resolve a particular issue, or both !
Thanks again for reading hoping that this page helped you !