How to Compare Home Water Filtration Systems

Water filtration units vary by type and micron size.

Water filter markets offer numerous types and abilities of filters. When comparing the different types and styles of filtration, you want a general understanding of a manufacturer's stated purpose for developing a particular type of filter. While some filters are designed only for the removal of larger microbes and parasites, others are designed to remove specific chemicals and heavy metal molecules. With this knowledge, you can select the most appropriate type of filter for your desired goal.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the water sources from which you will draw the filtered water. If you are living in a large city, for example, consider reverse osmosis filtration equipment, which is more capable at removing smaller heavy metal and chemical molecules; if you plan to use water from a remote natural spring, a carbon filter is adequate since bacteria and parasites may be the only threat, rather than chemicals.

2. Review the filter's package information, making note of how many gallons of water a filter cartridge can safely process. Some carbon-based filtration systems that use a cartridge provide tested information detailing laboratory thresholds in this given area. For a small family of three or less, the annual costs of less expensive filter systems will suffice; a larger family may require a higher up-front expense but with a lower number of cartridge replacements throughout the year.

3. Examine the general capabilities and qualities of the various filtration types. Carbon filters can remove either large or small particles and molecules, depending upon the rated micron size, and these are generally charcoal-based. Any filter with a 0.01 micron rating or larger will remove Cryptosporidium and Guardia and all equally-sized microbes but will not remove smaller items, such as viruses or chemical molecule pollutants. Reverse Osmosis filters behave in a similar process to distillation in that they remove solid particles of mineral and metal size, as well as bacteria and parasites, along with some chlorine and fluoride, though not all. Carbon-based units are designed for portability, whereas distillers and Reverse Osmosis units are not.

4. Compare prices of filter replacement in relation to micron size and efficiency. More expensive doesn't always mean more efficient, as micron size has everything to do with efficiency and nothing else. Some more expensive units contain added expense due to the fancy tank or reservoir while the company may have sacrificed micron size in the filter cartridges themselves. By the same token, some less expensive units may not have much visual appeal, yet the filter cartridges may filter microscopic organisms and molecules of smaller micron sizes.

Tips & Warnings

• Since the human body needs some minerals obtained through drinking water (also called 'hard' water), it is to your benefit to include an occasional bottle of natural unfiltered spring water for minerals if using distillation or Reverse Osmosis filtration to increase your intake of minerals since your filter will remove them.

References

• Heart Spring: A Guide to Water Filters and Water Treatment