Alisa Meredith

We cannot remove water from our daily routine. But while water is essential, the source of water is even more important. There are two major choices – bottled water or filtered water. Read on to learn which is better and why.

The human body is 60% water. Therefore, water is crucial to our survival.

Dehydration describes the absence of sufficient water in the body. It can lead to:

Hydration means drinking sufficient water to keep the body running optimally. Hydration leads to:

Health experts generally recommend 2.5 liters or eight glasses of water daily. However, you can determine the specific amount of water your body needs by following the steps below;

The answer is the number of ounces of water you should consume daily.

The biggest advantage of bottled water is its convenience. However, drinking filtered tap water offers the same convenience when you are in your home.

Asides from the advantage, here are a few downsides of bottled water.

45% of what we buy as bottled water in the United States is just municipal (tap) water with proper branding. The other 55% comes from natural water sources. Look out for bottled water with the inscription “purified drinking water” or “drinking water.” Such brands of bottled water are usually from tap water.

Perhaps you think drinking only bottled water from natural sources is all you need to stay safe? Unfortunately, you cannot be so sure. The plastic bottle used in packaging bottled water is a huge problem on its own. Plastic water bottles are made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polycarbonate, or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). These components can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the water, and this comes with serious health implications.

Phthalates and BPA distort hormones when you ingest them through bottled water. Phthalates are probable causes of asthma, breast cancer, type II diabetes, and obesity. They also distort reproductive development and cause male fertility problems. BPA is strongly linked to cardiovascular diseases, allergy, hypertension, general inflammation, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and type II diabetes.

77% of the plastic bottles we use are not recycled. So, except you buy water bottled in glass bottles like Mountain Valley Spring water or some Voss Water types, you contribute to environmental and plastic pollution.

A better alternative to glass bottled water is to install a high-quality filter that filters water directly from your tap.

Choosing filtered water over bottled water is a decision that comes with important benefits. For instance, filtered water protects you from plastic and the harmful chemicals that leech out of it.

Filtering your tap water is necessary because the chemicals used in its treatment often make it unsafe. It does not matter the source of water; almost all water sources, including natural sources, are contaminated with pollutants ranging from urban sprawl to agricultural or industry runoff.

Contrary to popular claims, the chemicals they add to your tap water do not “make it safe for drinking.” These chemicals inhibit some pathogens, but they also cause toxic effects in the human body when consumed. Chlorine is a good example.

It is not uncommon to see the “super clean” tap water smell like a swimming pool. This is because of the chlorine used in the treatment of the water at the municipal plant. Chlorinating water is necessary to meet the federal drinking water standards. However, it comes with an unintended side effect – the deposition of trihalomethanes in the treated water.

If they find their way into the body, trihalomethanes may cause bladder cancer, colon and rectal cancer, low birth weight, miscarriage, and other birth defects.

There is no ultimate water filter. You only have to settle for one that perfectly suits your needs. Your choice of filter often depends on your location and the types of contaminants in your water.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a database that tells you the chemicals in your local tap water. You can check using your zip code and get recommendations on the most effective filters to remove such contaminants.

However, this can be stressful considering that you get several filter recommendations. You may need to get more than one filter type if you have contaminants that cannot be removed by just one filter. That is why we recommend a multi-stage filter. Unlike the pitcher-type filters, the multi-stage filter systems usually have multiple filters that can remove diverse contaminants in water.

The Waterdrop RO Drinking Water Filtration is one of the foremost RO filtration systems. The compact tankless design ensures you get an excellent filtration performance and high output. At only 12.44 inches of height, the filter system requires only a little under sink space. Therefore, it can slot into most kitchens with no problems.

This filter system’s advanced innovative filtration technology combines multiple filtration materials to remove a wide range of impurities. The 5-in-1 composite filter is effective against contaminants like TDS, chlorine, heavy metals, and others. It requires the least space to deliver an optimized filtration effect.

The automatic flushing feature allows the system to flush if it is not in use for an hour. Therefore, the filter stays pure always, giving you an optimized filtration effect and a longer filter lifespan.

The APEC RO water filter system has many impressive features, including its easy and quick installation and high-capacity filters. The filters also last longer than the filter in other systems. The six-stage filtration system delivers a one-year filter life, after which you can replace them.

Asides from removing harmful contaminants in water, this RO water filter system from APEC restores healthy minerals, such as calcium and sodium, into the filtered water. The 75 GPD filtration capacity is one of the best you will find in the market. The system produces 3 gallons of wastewater for every 1 gallon of filtered water.

The system comes with an 11-inch x 15-inch 4-gallon tank, which means you may need to create an ample under sink space to accommodate it.

The most common complaints among under sink reverse osmosis system owners are about not getting enough filtered water. Fortunately, the iSpring RO water filter system resolves this problem. You can expect up to 75 gallons of filtered water from this system every day, which is usually enough to meet the water needs of large families.

It relies on a six-stage filter system, including a special mineralization filter to reduce 99% of contaminants and restore healthy minerals that were removed during previous filtration stages.

The iSpring RO system has a great aesthetic value. The modern brushed nickel design is unique and highlights your kitchen’s beauty.

It is common for water in your recreational vehicles to get contaminated during vacations, and this can pose serious issues for you and your fellow travelers. Interestingly, one of the major reasons people get sick when they are RVing is by drinking or using contaminated water or water treated by chemicals that are strange or harmful to the body. It even gets more complicated if such issues are not discovered early.

Fortunately, you can avoid all of these by putting certain measures in place to ensure that your RV water stays clean and pure. In this blog, we have listed the proven methods you can adopt to safeguard the water in your RV and keep everyone safe during your travels.

Most people who RV are fond of drinking water in venues they visit, even when they are not sure of how safe the water is. It is easy to assume that water is safe for drinking, but such assumptions often come with severe consequences when wrong.

We have gone past the era of drinking from or swimming in any natural water source in the wild. Unfortunately, these water sources often contain life-threatening amounts of parasites, viruses, and bacteria. This is why facilities must ensure proper monitoring of their supplies; it is the only way to ensure that visitors do not develop health issues.

As a traveler, you can never be sure of how safe or healthy a water source is, especially when you are new in the area. Therefore, you must take certain steps during your journey to keep everyone around you safe.

Water in RV parks is hardly safe for drinking, even if they appear clean and pure. And that is due to the variations in the water type and quality across various locations. In addition, the immune system may become weak or react adversely if it gets fed with water with a chemical structure different from what it is used to (the water at home).

Such adverse reactions include hives, constipation, diarrhea, rashes, and others, all emanating from waste matter or inadequate chemical maintenance or contaminated filtration systems.

While it is normal to expect the places you are visiting to be properly sanitized, you might be disappointed in some cases. And that is why pollution is one of the leading causes of illnesses during a vacation.

RV park systems are under the jurisdiction of various health departments. Among other things, they are expected to inspect and ensure they are of the best standards. But this is not always the case. Even when the water sources are certified fit for use, travelers who use the water can be at risk of illnesses because of the chemicals used for treatment.

So, if you are in a new area, assess the water source before connecting your hose. How do you evaluate an RV water source?

It is important to note that a water source may pass all the checks above and still turn out to be unsafe. But the chances of such water being fit for drinking are higher than cloudy, smelly water from a rusty or dirty faucet.

Do not use the water if you have any reservations about its source or quality. In such cases of doubt, resort to the water in your tank until you can assess the purity of the new water.

The tips below will help you avoid contaminated water and the problems that come with it.

You can follow the steps below to sanitize your unit before storage properly or if you detect a taint;

If your tank has a 100-gallon capacity, you need 6.5 gallons of bleach mixture alongside clean water to fill it up. Again, kindly stick to this prescribed measurement to avoid damages to your fittings.

That’s all – you have now discarded all the contaminated water in your system and sanitized the washing machine.

Aquatabs and other water purification tablets can remove any doubts you may have about the purity or safety of the water. We recommend Aquatabs here because of their impressive track records and first-hand experience, although you may go with other brands that do the same job.

You can easily get these tabs in stores around you at affordable rates. They are easy to store and always come in handy in keeping everyone safe during trips and camping adventures.

There are two kinds of filtration systems to choose from here. The first is the inbuilt filtration system that filters only the water you drink, while the other one is a filtration unit attached to your hose and filters all the water that comes out of the RV. Both kinds perform excellently in protecting your water supply – what you use ultimately depends on your preferences.

If you are using the attachable option, we recommend the Camco brand. The brand is known for its quality products that protect your health at all times. You may be considering bottled water as a reliable source of clean water. While bottled water is an option, it doesn’t provide you with clean water for washing dishes or your water appliances. So, you need at least one of the two filtration types to ensure your food preparation area enjoys a regular supply of clean and safe water.

The activated carbon material in these add-on water filters helps to reduce bad taste, odor, and chlorine effectively. But if you want a more powerful filtration performance, you can install a RO system or a UF system by your sink. Ensure you go for a size that can conveniently slot into under your sink space.

Ultrafiltration (UF) water systems are specially designed to remove solids and particulates from water. And they do this not only at a microscopic level but also efficiently. This guide tells you all you need to know about ultrafiltration.

The mechanical filtration of water in an ultrafiltration system requires a hollow fiber or a sheet membrane. The filter system efficiently removes very small particulates present in water, down to 0.01 microns, using this super-fine membrane technology. Thus, an ultrafiltration system filters water on a micro-level – it ensures no suspended solid is left in water.

While an ultrafiltration system is effective against most solid particles present in fluids and does it better than a standard or microfiltration carbon filter, it cannot remove dissolved particulates. However, the reverse osmosis filter systems are effective against dissolved particulates.

In ultrafiltration systems, there is a sediment filter through which water flows and retains the particulates using its porosity. The filtration performance in ultrafiltration systems is similar to other filters, except that it is effective against particulates larger than 0.01 – a higher filtration accuracy and reach than the usual sediment filter. There is also a carbon filter in the system, which gets rid of suspended solid, bad odor, and taste.

Ultrafiltration systems are of two primary kinds;

Despite having the same membranes, the membrane configuration in each case is different. The filtration in both types of UF systems is mechanical, filtering particulates down to 0.01 microns. The point-of-use system is often connected with a dedicated faucet, where the filtered water flows for collection. If you need water for other uses asides from drinking, you will run another faucet for water that is not filtered down to 0.01 microns.

For point-of-entry systems, the water coming into your home is filtered directly. This setup comes in handy if you want to remove or reduce tannins and colloidal suspensions. Tannins are impurities from organic sources, while the colloidal suspension is a solution of a highly suspended particulate that stays dispersed.

An ultrafiltration system is effective against any suspended particulate larger than 0.01 microns. These include bacteria, viruses, and inorganic solids of that size. However, it cannot remove or reduce dissolved minerals – a prominent feature of reverse osmosis systems. But if you want to get rid of any type of solid in your water, including dissolved solids, the UF systems will get the job done perfectly,

The inbuilt filters in ultrafiltration systems are carbon filters. Endeavor to replace your filter after one year for best results. If you are not sure of the exact time to replace your filter, check the gallon capacity rating on the filter pack.

You can get more than a year of excellent filtration performance from your filters if your water quality is above average. The first signs of an expired, or weak filter include slow flow rate and the filtered water of subpar quality.

With a four-stage water filtration technique and a KD/GAC technology, the iSpring CU-A4 delivers an outstanding filtration performance that eliminates several harmful contaminants in water. It retains the essential minerals despite the thorough filtration, giving your filtered water an alkaline balance and a great taste.

This UF water filtration system is ANSI/NSF certified for standards 42, confirming its effectiveness against chlorine, taste, odor, and particulates. The ANSI/NSF 53 standard confirms its effectiveness against lead, asbestos, and VOCs. In addition, there is an NSF/ANSI 401 certification against germicides, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, while the P472 (PFOS, PFOA) confirms that the water quality is the best and per the FDA standards.

The filtration accuracy of the filter in the iSpring CU-A4 is 0.1 micron, which means it can efficiently eliminate several harmful pollutants. In addition, the filtration rate is 0.5 GPM, which is definitely not slow. Asides from retaining the beneficial minerals in the filtered water, this UF water filtration system has a Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) Media that makes it more effective in removing microorganisms and heavy metals.

Waterdrop has consistently lived up to its reputation of being one of the most trusted names in the water filtration industry by putting out best-in-class water filtration solutions. One of those systems is the Waterdrop TSU.

This system relies on an efficient integrated waterway with a basic and integral design to ensure zero leakage. This also means you can quickly and safely replace the filters without shutting the water supply.

Installing this ultrafiltration system is a basic DIY. You have fewer installation steps and spend less time, thanks to the advanced integrated waterway the system adopts. There is no need to bring in a plumber.

You also get to enjoy a smart indicating system that tells you the water quality in real-time. In addition, the front panel is fitted with electronic indicators to inform you when your filters are due for a replacement. This ensures you get the cleanest, safest, and best-tasting purified water every time.

The efficient water filtration process of this filter is due to its 0.01-micron ultrafiltration membrane. It spares no impurity larger than 0.01 micron, including VOCs, heavy metals, fluoride, chloramine, lead, chlorine, and even bad taste and odor. However, this system cannot remove TDS, so it still preserves beneficial materials like magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium in your filtered water.

You can get up to 24 months of service life from this advanced ultrafiltration membrane – longer than what most filter products offer in today’s market. The PP filter offers six months of service life, while the CT filter can go 12 months without replacement. That means you do not have to replace your filter frequently. You can now save more time and effort on filter replacement.

If you are in the market for an ultrafiltration system you can easily install, use, and maintain without any technical skill, the Waterdrop TSU 0.01μm Ultra-Filtration Under Sink Water Filter System is just perfect for you!

Unfiltered water is often fraught various contaminants, such as herbicides, pesticides, bacteria, viruses, lead, and much more. When safe, healthy drinking water is important to the well-being of family, many homeowners turn to Reverse Osmosis systems for a bit of reassurance. Reverse Osmosis, often referred to as RO, utilizes a process that purifies water of dangerous contaminants through the use of a semipermeable membrane. During the act of filtration water flows through the RO membrane in order to produce purified drinking water, with a bit of wastewater left over. These semipermeable membranes have a long, hard to pronounce name, but they:

Before utilizing the semipermeable membrane, an Reverse Osmosis purification systems work to remove chlorine and sediment through the use of a prefilter. Once it's processed through the prefilter, the membrane goes to work at removing various solids. The water moves along past the membrane onto a postfilter, which polishes drinking water before providing flow toward sink faucets, shower heads, toilets, and more depending on the setup. The various stages involved in any particular system is completely dependent upon the model, manufacturer, and needs of the homeowner. With that being said, it's important to note that there is a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing postfilters and prefilters alike.

Although the semipermeable membrane is at the core of the RO system, the other forms of filtration utilized by any given unit can range from 3 to 5 stages of filtration. Rest assured, in addition to the membrane, each RO system contains a sediment filter, as well as a carbon filter. As mentioned, water begins by flowing through a prefilter that catches a lot of sediment, in addition to chlorine. The semipermeable membrane removes total dissolved solids (or TDS). Here is a quick rundown of what each stage is capable of offering:

In areas where arsenic or fluoride are especially concerning, a Reverse Osmosis system can be a true savior for households. The RO membrane works hard alongside other stages of filtration, in order to reduce or remove up to 99% of sediment, dirt, debris, chemicals, and more, commonly found in tap water. Total dissolved solids (or TDS), volatile organic compounds (or VOCs), parasites, and heavy metals will all be a thing of the past with the installation of a Reverse Osmosis purification system.

Contaminants that are impossible to see with the human eye, are still capable of making people extremely sick. A purification system such as an RO system works by filtering away dangerous contaminants before it even reaches your tap. Although the process of RO does remove beneficial minerals (such as magnesium and calcium), that doesn't mean Reverse Osmosis water is bad for you. When you consume a varied diet, full of fruits and vegetables, you will get the vitamins and minerals you need for food. However, if it's a concern for your water to be stripped of minerals, it's easily remedied through the use of a remineralization stage. This type of add-on puts essential minerals back into drinking water.

There is a lot to consider when looking into purchasing a whole house system for your home. It would only be a decent suggestion if the current water quality is so low you have to have an RO system to make your water source safe. Otherwise, you might battle scale buildup on the RO membrane, especially if you have hard water. This will effect overall performance, and cause the system to fail prematurely. Certain types of contaminants may foul the RO membrane, such as iron.

Typically, you can expect to get anywhere from 10 to 15 years out of your Reverse Osmosis system. However, the lifespan of other internal components and stages will differ from the overall RO system itself. The membrane, for example, requires periodic replacement, whereas prefilters or subsequent stages need replacing 1 to 2 times each year. These timelines may also change depending on your overall water conditions. Regardless, expect to replace your RO membrane every 2 to 4 years, if only to ensure proper operation and optimal water quality levels.

When your brand new refrigerator was delivered to your home, it most likely featured a water dispenser and ice maker. In most cases, these appliances deliver refreshing water or ice thanks to a small filter hidden somewhere out of plain sight. After months of use, you might begin to notice a sour flavor in your ice, before dumping it in the sink. It slips your mind, you go about your business, and the thought of replacing your refrigerator water filter never even crossed your mind. This can be a dangerous practice that should be avoided at all costs, and we are here to show you why.

The refrigerator is the workhorse of your kitchen. Not only does it operate constantly in order to keep your food at safe temperatures, but it also filters water for clean and safe water and ice delivery. Tiny contaminants are filtered away from your tap water in order to provide the best water your fridge water dispenser can offer. However, if you allow your fridge filter to go unchanged for great lengths of time, you could be facing adverse effects that were otherwise easily avoidable.

The top reason it's important to keep your fridge filter fresh is to continue enjoying the removal of up to 99% of harmful chemicals and contaminants commonly found in drinking water. This includes lead, asbestos, mercury, cysts, pesticides and otherwise harmful bacteria. Nearly 77 million Americans, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), get their water from sources that are not up to federal standards. These standards are designed to protect the health of American citizens through the sufficient removal of the following contaminants.

Exposure to high levels of mercury have been shown to cause brain and kidney damage, as well as threaten the health of a developing fetus, and pregnant women. Overall, mercury levels in drinking water are not generally considered high enough to cause serious health problems or concern, and a decent water filter is sufficient enough to eliminate it's presence.

Lead tends to become a problem where old lead pipes were utilized, allowing it to seep into the water supply. This leads to serious neurological, behavioral, and health problems in both children and adults. A simple water filter can reduce the amount of lead in your drinking water significantly.

Chemical waste, byproducts, and even radioactive contaminants all wind up in your drinking water. According to the NRDC, radioactive material can tinge local water supplies due to leaks or improper waste storage. These byproduct of energy production can mean serious health complications if left untouched. Medical and pharmaceutical waste has also been tested in drinking water.

Those of you who'd like to avoid the buildup of scale in household appliances, including refrigerators, can benefit from the use and replacement of a fridge filter. Harmful chemicals can have adverse affect on our health, too. By failing to change your water filter in your fridge, it can begin to suffer from scaling and buildup throughout, from the water dispenser to the ice machine. Avoid costly repair bills by avoiding buildup in the first place, with a simple filter replacement.

Old filters quickly begin to fail at eliminating contaminants and other particles commonly found in tap water. This may leech sulfuric or metallic tastes into your drinking water, cooking, and more, if left unsolved. If you would like to keep your drinking water to higher standards, ensure your fridge filter is replaced on a regular basis. By doing so, you can enjoy nicer drinking water, better tasting food, and more.

Most refrigerator are expected to provide anywhere between 8 to 10 years of operation over its lifetime. During this time, it is hardly uncommon for units from all manufacturers to last beyond that point, simply because of a whole slew of determining factors. Things may continue to grow more difficult as your fridge ages, which is why it is important to stay on top of regular fridge maintenance, aside from fridge filter maintenance.

The Samsung genuine refrigerator filter DA97-17376B, for example, is produced by the OEM manufacturer. It has the potential to provide your family with fresh, clean water, while also protecting your fridge from potential damage. The Samsung refrigerator filter is rigorously tested, and certified with a high-grade carbon block capable of removing up to 99% of contaminants. Your family could be enjoying all this filter has to offer, for up to six months of regular use or 300 gallons. Refrigerator manufacturers typically recommend the purchase of the genuine filters, from the OEM manufacturers, in order to assure the best fit and operation with any given fridge model. Unfortunately, this means the price tends to run on the high end, retailing at $49.99 each.

Many customers may feel more assured with the OEM brand, while others simply hope to find a solution they can easily afford. This is why replacement brands have become all the trend in various markets, providing decent filtration at a friendly price. The Waterdrop refrigerator filter replacement adopts advanced filtration technology at an affordable price. As one of the most cost-efficient options in the market, this particular filter utilizes 100% superior coconut shell carbon block, for a price you can afford: $14.99. NSF certifications make the Waterdrop water filter replacement out to be an excellent filtration performer.

The good news is, for those of you with a relatively modern refrigerator, there’s a good chance it will be the first to alert you to a filter replacement. This is all thanks to the use of built-in sensors, enabling the fridge to detect the opportunity for software updates, maintenance, and even filter replacements. Don't risk going without good tasting, healthy water. Replace your fridge filter today with an affordable filter replacement from Waterdrop.

The thought of remineralizing your RO filtered water probably never even crossed your mind. In fact, what is remineralized water? Those of you who utilize a Reverse Osmosis unit on a regular basis have probably heard the phrase “remineralized RO water”, especially when you want the most benefits for your investment. This is an essential phase of RO water production, simply because of how the process of RO works. Essentially, when Reverse Osmosis water is created, essential minerals are removed alongside contaminants. When the human body isn't receiving essential nutrients from sources such as drinking water, there can be serious ramifications to follow. This is why it is more than important to understand the process of remineralizing pure water, in order to keep your body in good fighting shape.

The undeniable fact remains, Reverse Osmosis systems are the most effective methods by which you may filter and purify drinking water. Not only is it capable of removing up to 99% of all contaminants and dissolved solids commonly found in tap water, it's also the most popular choice for residential water filtration on a large scale. Once your RO filtered water has been through the stages of remineralizing, you will be left with the healthiest, safest, and cleanest water available to anyone. Don't let naysayers get you down, in most cases, your body will not demand minerals sourced from drinking water, so please don't let that be a determining factor for or against.

Reverse Osmosis purification systems are a great option when you need serious filtration capabilities, in order to remove harmful contaminants from drinking water. The only downside to this type of water filter is that it removes everything from your water source, even the good. This means electrolytes, and helpful minerals are also taken from water. Over time you are essentially flushing your body of essential electrolytes, rather than replace them. As the body goes on depleted electrolytes, it will be unable to properly hydrate itself regardless of the amount of water consumed.

The process of remineralisation involves the fortification of water with essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium. This provides healthy drinking water, in order to give the body the minerals and electrolytes the body requires to operate properly. What are these minerals, and why do our bodies require them?

Our body completes a function of replenishing itself through electrolytes, something RO water is severely lacking. In order to prevent a deficiency, and continue supporting the body, the act of remineralizing water can reintroduce electrolytes into drinking water. This further enables our body to complete absorption properly.

Remineralized water is also ionized through the act of adding minerals, and thereby raising overall pH levels. Basically, water is made up of clusters comprised of 16 h2o clusters.

Ionized water, on the other hand, is a lot smaller, comprised of 8 or less molecules. The human body can utilize ionized water in a quick manner, through rapid hydration that spreads throughout the body.

The act of purifying water ensures all of the undesirable contaminants and solids are removed, as well as some of the minerals. Because we are used to consuming water that's tinged with the flavor of additional substances, it can seem like a turn off to down a glass of RO water. When water is remineralized, the minerals and salts that are once again introduced, balance out the flavor once again. This means, not only are you enjoying completely purified water, but you aren't missing out on the benefits and flavors these minerals were contributing. If you are a coffee lover, you can also rejoice. Filtered water and spring water are among the top favored water sources when brewing coffee. With remineralized water, you can once again enjoy the broad flavor of a cup of coffee, that RO water had it lacking.

Filtration methods, such as Reverse Osmosis, are far from posing a threat to your overall health – in fact it's far from it. Purification removes dangerous viruses, toxins, and heavy metals that can be detrimental to your livelihood and longevity. It is a far better practice to strip tap water of all things negative, and add minerals back for the perfect glass of drinking water, than to take the risk of consuming water straight from your faucet. Provide your family with the safest, healthiest water mankind can offer, with remineralized RO water. But first, how can you complete this task at home?

A simple way to ensure remineralization of purified water, is to utilize an alkaline filtration stage after the RO system. This reintroduces calcium, magnesium, and potassium into purified water. While it tends to cost more than other forms of remineralization, it is an easy method that doesn't require much hands on effort to complete.

It might seem amazing to realize there are around 84 trace minerals contained in Himalayan salt. This makes it an easily obtainable source for remineralizing your RO water at home. A few of these crucial minerals include calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. However, before you go about remineralizing your water at home with Himalayan salt, there is an important aspect to consider first. When used properly, it provides an affordable way to provide essential nourishment your body needs, while also neutralizing acidity.

Aside from making your water more alkaline, Trace Mineral drops are capable of improving the overall flavor of your RO water. By simply adding Trace Minerals, you will be utilizing the quickest, most simple methods in adding minerals back into your drinking water. This product is found in most supermarkets, at an affordable price anyone can afford.

Many of the top RO systems provide an integrated remineralization stage, in order to provide the most well-rounded Reverse Osmosis water for human consumption. This means you are getting the minerals and salts that were previously stripped from the water, without additional stages or work on your part. Waterdrop, for example, provides a filter that easily remineralizes your water during the process of filtration. If you aren't currently in possession of an RO system, with means of remineralization, rest assured there are several affordable solutions to right the ship.

The process of installing an additional Alkaline stage does not need to be difficult or extremely intricate. This can be completed by contacting a professional or, for DIYers or weekend warriors, on your own with proper tools. If you haven't conquered your first plumbing project, though, it his highly advisable to reach out to a professional who is used to doing this type of work. Otherwise, you may jump on YouTube to locate a few helpful videos – avoiding costly mistakes in the long run. Regardless of how you get it done, your family will quickly benefit from the act of remineralizing essential salts and minerals for good health.

You rely on municipal water sources for your tap water, usually sent to your home’s faucets through the municipal pipes. While the municipal tap water is filtered, it is not safe enough for drinking. The presence of impurities in tap water has been confirmed severally. This is often due to recontamination from the aging pipes.

Most homeowners install a faucet filtration system to remove these contaminants and make their tap water fit for drinking and other domestic use. But how do they know the right faucet filtration system? You can only get this decision right by making the right considerations, including the performance, price, brand, and maintenance.

This blog discusses two different filtration systems – the faucet water filter and the pitcher water filter. Read on to learn more.

It is not surprising that people have a slight bias for pitcher filters. They are more affordable and delivers great-tasting pure water. In addition, the pitcher water filter is simple to use and can shape your conviction about filtered water. However, there is a downside to using a pitcher filter. You must fill it up each time you empty the filtered water. This might be a lot of work for some people, and if this is you, you should consider a faucet water filter instead.

Like pitcher filters, faucet filters are entry-level filtration systems. The filtration principles in both filter systems are similar. They are both effective against the same contaminants and are in the same price range. But there is something about a faucet filter that makes it slightly better: the internal filter. The filters included in faucet water filters are designed to last longer, in addition to removing more contaminants. So, these features can contribute to an even healthier, cleaner, and great-tasting water, compared to what you get from a pitcher filter.

Another significant advantage of faucet filters over pitcher filters is that there is no need for constant refilling. Faucet filters filter water directly from your faucet. As a result, the water coming out of a tap fitted with a faucet filter is already pure and fit for drinking. Also, faucet filters are equipped with a switch that helps you choose between unfiltered tap water and filtered water.

Faucet filtration systems provide filtered water that is suitable for coffee, brushing teeth, washing, bathing, creating an infant formula, and, of course, drinking. The filters in faucet filtration systems are effective against suspended pollutants, algae, rust, and insects. Others include pesticides, estrogen, heavy metals, and chemicals. The filters also remove bad odor and taste to improve the quality of the filtered water.

The filter media in faucet filtration systems contain CTO carbon block, activated carbon fiber, ceramic, etc. Interestingly, certain faucet filters do not meet the standards for direct drinking. This is why you should go for filters that rely on the advanced ACF long-lasting water faucet filtration system. Such filters offer filtered water that meets the standards for direct drinking. This is the only way to guarantee the safety of your family.

The first outstanding feature of the Waterdrop faucet filter is the NSF International Certifications. The NSF/ANSI Standard 42 certification means the filter has been tested for chlorine reduction. The NSF/ANSI Standard 372 certification means the filter has been tested for lead-free materials. The presence of advanced activated carbon block as the filter media means the filter is effective against rust, sediment, lead, and other impurities in water. There is also an additional mineralization filtration media, ensuring you don’t miss out on all the beneficial minerals in tap water.

This filter delivers an impressive water flow at 0.5 GPM, which remains stable at all times. You can get up to 320 gallons of filtered water or three months of optimal filtration performance. There is a dedicated switch to move between filtered water and unfiltered tap water. The adoption of 304 food-grade stainless steel means the product is 100% safe for use. We have also included a 360-degree swivel angle function to ensure you can use the faucet at any angle.

You will have no problems whatsoever installing this filtration system. With all the necessary tools and functional parts included in the box, you just have to connect them and start enjoying filtered water. The simple design makes installation easier, faster, and more enjoyable. It can stay on your countertop without drilling, so it is suitable for homes, RVs, and rental housing. Ensure that you check the installation kit to confirm it is compatible with your faucet.

This product is BPA-free and lead-free. The high-quality carbon blocks used as the filter media are made from Sri Lanka coconut shells. We are committed to ensuring you get great-tasting water at all times, so you can cut down on your bottled water purchase.

The Waterdrop WD-FC-01 Water Faucet Filter relies on the activated carbon fiber to reduce the harmful contaminants in your tap water. The direct connection of the filter to your faucet means you get filtered water anytime you open your faucet. This is more convenient and faster than waiting for the water to pass through a pitcher filter.

Installing a filter has never been easier with the Waterdrop FC-01. There is no need to assemble or disassemble any part. You also do not need to bring in a plumber to install the system.

The inbuilt switch gives you an option between unfiltered and filtered water every time. So, if you want to cook or wash, you can go for the unfiltered water and reserve the filtered water for drinking only. The 360-degree swivel of the filter adds even more convenience and ensures that the filter fits in most standard faucets and sinks. However, if you use a pullout or a handheld faucet, this faucet water filter is not compatible.

You may struggle to fit the plastic adaptor on the filter to certain sinks. While this may be slightly inconvenient, you can reach out to the company. They will fix the situation by sending you a metal replacement adaptor.

Also, unlike under sink filters or refrigerator filters, faucet filters are inserted into your sink, making them more prone to bumping. So, do not expect strong durability.

There are no better ways to familiarize yourself with filtered water and filtration systems than faucet-mounted and pitcher water filters. They make your water safe and pure by removing contaminants while reducing the adverse impacts of plastic bottled water on the environment.

Suppose you are thinking of a water filtration solution for the long term. In that case, you should consider a reverse osmosis water filter or similar advanced water filters instead of these basic filtration options. These filters are cheaper based on the water per gallon ratio. In addition, they are effective against more contaminants, including chloramine, chlorine, fluorine, and other toxins added to the water during the municipal treatment process. Therefore, we recommend the APEC 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System for starters.

You can save yourself from the stress of repeatedly refilling a water pitcher filter by going for a faucet-mounted water filter. First, a faucet water filter is easier to use. Second, it doesn’t force you to give up refrigerator space to accommodate one. Finally, the filtered water from these filters is slightly better than what the pitcher water filters offer.

Water filtration is one of the most misunderstood topics, which is especially odd considering how crucial water is to supporting life. The truth is, water is the most essential elements to human existence, and it's unfortunate to learn how much time individuals put into researching forms of entertainment over water. People tend to “solve” this issue by purchasing bottled water, instead, which only serves to add stress to the environment. Additionally, the plastic that goes into manufacturing plastic bottles, as well as the heat it's exposed to during bottling or transportation, are far from safe. Unfortunately, over 500 million households across the globe opt for bottled water over tap on a daily basis.

How would you feel knowing there is a safer, more affordable method in which your entire household could receive a steady flow of healthy drinking water? A water filter can provide the water you have been searching for, at a fraction of the price of bottled water. If you are searching for more information on why water filters are beneficial, look no further. Here, we will go through the details behind why filtration is worth the investment, and how you can find the best method of water filtration for your household.

More often than not, people stick their noses up at the term “tap water”. Unfortunately, there are a whole plethora of negative connotations associated with municipal water sources for consumption. However, not so long ago, the majority of houses worldwide were totally dependent upon local wells for water collection. Carting water home was not only inconvenient, it was time consuming and heavy, requiring strength and endurance to complete. Tap water was a game changer, providing homes with near instant delivery of drinkable water without the work. The added convenience, and improved safety, took tap water right to the top.

In the last 40 years, though, nearly half of the population has replaced tap water and it's convenience, for the ease of bottled water. Essentially, people have reverted back to toting water back and forth, from the store to the homestead – how bizarre! It's even more mind boggling when you consider that, over this period of time, the quality and safety of tap water across the United States and Europe has only improved. The situation is further worsened by the undeniable fact that bottled water runs up to 1000 times more expensive than tap water. In addition to expelling more effort, paying more money, homeowners are also purchasing lower quality water when they buy bottled.

In countries such as the United States and Canada, tap water is generally considered safe for human consumption. An unfortunate myth continues to circulate, furthering the misinformation that tap water is unsafe to consume. To be honest, this is solely dependent upon local municipal water facilities, as well as the mechanical filtration and chemical methods they employ. In most communities, tap water has undergone extensive treatment and filtration far before it arrived in your sink.

Safety aside, homeowners may face confusion when considering water filtration. However, it's important to note that water filters serve an important purpose – they're not for hypochondriacs here. When tap water goes through filtration and treatment at a water treatment plant, it takes on the chemicals intended to kill dangerous microbes and bacteria found in water. Additionally, water may travel through corroded, old piping, which tends to deposit sediments and shavings along the way. With that in mind, it's easy to see how a simple water filter can improve the overall flavor and quality of tap water, a last line of defense, if you will.

When you live in a developed part of the world, it's easy to take modern conveniences, such as treated tap water, for granted. The fact of the matter is, most of the water sources around the world are not safe to drink from directly, even if they flow to the tap. Issues such as the mismanagement of agricultural, industrial, and even urban wastewater have led to the pollution of drinking water. In turn, this negatively affects the water for millions of people. These dangerous contaminants include:

Typically, there is a set of standards created by both government and international standards. These constitute minimum, and maximum acceptable limits for contaminants, especially when water is intended for human consumption. If you are concerned about your tap water, simply submit a query to the water supplier asking for a recent water quality report. Large water utility companies conduct thousands of these quality reports annually, and make them available to the public. Should you want to conduct a DIY water test of your own, you are left with two options.

Many individuals are concerned with the removal of contaminants from the water they drink, and bathe in. There are a wide range of materials and methods used in which tap water may be filtered into a healthy, safe alternative to bottled water. Regardless of where you currently reside, there may be several contributing factors as to whether or not you need to utilize a water filter. Regardless, let's look at how water filtration works, and who should be utilizing it.

Water purification removes undesirable chemicals, suspended solids, gases, and biological contaminants from water. The idea behind water purification is the produce water that is processed enough to be safe for drinking. Depending on the unit, they may employ a variety of methods of filtration, such as sand filters, distillation, sedimentation, active carbon, and much more. This means that once the undesirable contaminants are removed, the water is safe to consume. But how do these methods work?

As one of the most commonly utilized forms of filtration, and for good reason, activated carbon is effective against at least 70 common contaminants. Activated carbon also allows healthy minerals to remain, which makes it an excellent option for water filtration.

Also referred to RO, reverse osmosis is efficient at removing the same amount of contaminants as activated carbon. The unfortunate downside to RO is that it also removes healthy minerals, which can be dangerous for long term consumption.

One of the oldest methods of water purification, distillation begins by boiling water. Water vapor rises to a condenser to cool, in order to allow the vapor to be condensed and collected before it's stored. Typically speaking, distilled water doesn't taste as good as other methods, and contaminants tend to remain in the liquid phase vessel.

Also referred to as IX, ion exchange is effective at lowering water hardness, and reducing scale. Water scale can build up in appliances and piping, even coffee makers, eventually rendering water heaters useless, etc. The method of IX utilizes ionic charge to remove various substances, while also allowing minerals to remain.

A UV filter is effective at removing up to 99.9% of all dangerous microorganisms found in water. The downside to this type of water purification, is that it is incapable of removing other common contaminants, unless it is combined with activated carbon, or another form of purification.

Activated carbon is available in many forms, including coconut shells, coal, and wood, with coconut shells being the most common. The way it works is by taking unfiltered water in through pressure, before many spherical particles begin to retain contaminants. Essentially, these contaminants get stuck on the surface of said particles, a phenomenon known as Adsorption. Unfortunately, the downside to activated carbon on it's own for filtration comes down to the overall side of the contaminant. Filtration is based on size and, with a particle size of 2 microns, some bacteria is allowed to pass through. This further highlights the important fact of using filtration with subsequent stages.

Considering the nature of even an activated carbon filter, it is clear as to why changing filter cartridges regularly is an important practice. If you aren't committed to regular maintenance, a filter system isn't even worth the initial purchase. New filters prevent the growth of bacteria, clogs, and loss of effectiveness. By simply adhering to the manufacturer's suggested schedule, you can avoid damage to appliances, piping, and more.

The quality of your drinking water will depend on your geographical location, as well as the treatment and filtration methods set forth by your local water treatment facility. Bottled water should not even be considered as an alternative to natural water sources, especially with concerns to environmental impact. Water filters serve as a great solution in the improvement of overall tap water flavor, and removal of contaminants. If you enjoy access to healthy, safe drinking water, turning to a form of water purification such as a water filtration system is a no brainer.