Tips to Choosing the Best Water Filter
Monday, April 28th, 2008Deciding which system works as the best water filter in a home will largely be a matter of opinion. However, when making the decision, knowing what to expect from a water filter can help to make tht decision more educated. The type of water filter one chooses will also depend on the type of problems one is having with the water and the quality of water he is willing and able to pay for.
Though cost is usually a factor, it is not the only factor in choosing the best water filter. Some inexpensive units filter out heavier particles suspended in the water. More expensive units claim to remove microbes as small as .01 microns (.00001 mm) in diameter. The most common technique used for such fine filtration is reverse osmosis technology.
However, the best water filter for homes with a deteriorated water supply will do more than simply remove sediment. They will also remove bacteria usually using an ultraviolet light system.
Every house’s water problems will be different making it difficult to provide a ‘one solution fits all’ for every homeowner. Water pumped from a well may be cleaner than that supplied by a municipal source, but usually it will contain some microbial materials that can affect its appearance, taste, and odor. A water test can reveal what is in the water and a choice can be made about the best water filter to handle the problems.
For many people simply having a water filter through which water is run before drinking can provide comfort in believing their water is free of contaminants. For others getting the best water filter money can buy will be a necessity. In cases where the well or water supply is heavily contaminated with bacteria, even the best water filter may not be able to handle the dangerous microbes in the drinking water.
Odor in drinking water, often caused by excessive iron in the water, may or may not be a health threat. Simply filtering that water often will not remove that odor. Whether or not odor is a problem, an adequate filter will remove contaminants of .4 microns or more. However, the best water filters treat both sediment and bacterial threats.
Some have opted for a duel attack on their water problems by using both a water softener and filter system. When the minerals are removed first, the life of the filter cartridge can often be extended. What is the best water filter system? The answer to that can only be determined when the water is evaluated, and the minimum acceptable levels of contaminants is established.