How to Filter Flouride Out of Water

Filter and remove potentially harmful fluoride from your tap water.

The U.S. government treats municipal tap water with fluoride. Adding fluoride to water is thought to help care for your teeth and help fight tooth decay in growing children. However, there are potential long term health risks associated with fluoride, including dental fluorosis (too much fluoride causes chalky, brittle teeth) and bone cancer. You will need a special filter to remove fluoride from water.

Things You'll Need

• Home activated alumina filtering system
• Drill
• Wrench
• Rubber gasket

Instructions

1. Determine which type of filtering system is best for your home. When buying your activated alumina filtering system, choose one based on the type of water you have in your area. You will have either hard or soft water, so choose accordingly. Make sure it comes with at least two filters, a TOCS and the activated alumina filter. The TOCS will remove chlorine and VOCs like chemicals from pesticides, and sediments, while the second filter takes care of the fluoride.

2. Install a tap in your water pipe. This allows you to get a new line from your main water supply. Drill a new hole in your pipe so that you can access the water. Tighten the tap and seal the joint using a rubber gasket. Consult a plumber if your connection leaks and won’t stop after a few hours.

3. Drill a hole on your kitchen countertop near your sink where you want to install the drinking water tap. The size of the hole should match the size of the filter system.

4. Insert the water filter. Reinforce the filter under the sink using two heavy duty screws for additional support. The filter system has specific instructions on how to exactly make the water filter fit. Connect the filters and taps by using the tubing found in your filter kit.

5. Turn on your water. Allow the water to run for a few minutes before drinking.

Tips & Warnings

• When eating out or buying food for the house, choose non-fluoridated water, organic vegetables and unprocessed food to avoid fluoride.

• If you’re going to buy water, choose the brand that goes through a reverse osmosis process or distilled filtering method.

• Boiling water will not remove fluoride.

• Freezing water will not remove fluoride.

• An activated alumina filter will need replacement every six months.

References

• Efficient: How to Filter Your Drinking Water Very Efficiently