A water filter is an important part of your home, but which one is right for you? It should be able to reduce certain contaminants in your water, and the manufacturer will usually state how much each one reduces those contaminants. To make the decision easier, read on. Listed below are the steps for choosing the right water filter for you. But remember to shop around to get the best price.
Physical filtration
There are four primary types of filtration methods, all of which use a combination of physical and chemical techniques. Most household water filters use activated carbon granules, a porous form of carbon created by burning wood. The carbon in activated carbon is like graphite “lead” from a pencil, with a massive internal surface area. As a result, it traps chemical impurities through a process called adsorption.
Turbidity refers to the relative clarity of water. Turbidity is a measure of the amount of light scattered by the materials in water. Higher turbidity indicates more particles. Clay, silt, and finely divided inorganic matter can cause turbidity. Moreover, algae, soluble colored organic compounds, and microscopic plants and animals are all known to cause turbidity in water. Turbidity is the main problem with drinking water, so the best solution is to use a filter that will remove turbidity while also maintaining quality.
Physical filtration methods are different in their efficiency. For example, sand-media filters have a high capacity to remove suspended solids, but they do not perform well in removing smaller particles. Ceramic and fiber-based cartridge sediment filters have smaller pore sizes and more uniform surface area, but are slower to clean and require more frequent replacement. In-depth filtration is a better choice if you want to filter a wide range of impurities.
Reverse osmosis
A reverse osmosis water filter removes pollutants from water in five stages. This filtration process can remove many common contaminants, such as heavy metals, chemicals, organisms, and sediment. The system removes 99 percent of these contaminants. Unfiltered water may have an odd taste or smell. Most softeners replace these contaminants with sodium. However, a reverse osmosis water filter will eliminate these chemicals and other impurities, leaving you with fresh, clean water that will be safe for drinking, cooking, and more.
The reverse osmosis water filter removes the bad taste from water, making it safe to drink and cook with. The membrane contains tiny pores of 0.0001 micro units, allowing only water molecules to pass. There are no tanks or reservoirs with this type of filtration system, so water flows right through it. Moreover, a reverse osmosis water filter also offers a high flow rate.
A reverse osmosis water filter removes contaminants such as heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, and rust. In addition, the filter removes organic matter, bacteria, and heavy metals. These contaminants are not only dangerous to your health, but they are also hard to remove with standard filters. And what’s more, reverse osmosis water filters are more affordable than other water filtration systems.
Ion exchange
Ion exchange is a process that separates positively and negatively charged contaminants through the use of resins. The size, shape, and material of the resin is determined by the substance or contaminant being removed. Some systems use sodium cations as fixed counterions, while others use chloride anions. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choosing a system that will best suit your needs is important. But whatever the case, ion exchange is a reliable way to remove toxins and other harmful impurities from water.
Ion exchange water filters use resins to remove contaminant chemicals. The resins typically are 0.5 mm in diameter, so the amount of resin used is minimal. Resins can be replaced if necessary, and some systems have built-in saltwater tanks. This prevents the need to transport and dispose of resins or spent beads. Users of ion exchange water filters do not need to change the resin in their filter because the resins are easily replaceable. The resins in these systems are also reusable, and you can always replace them as necessary.
The process of ion exchange is a good way to soften hard water. But ion exchange is not a good option for every home. The process can change the water’s pH levels, which will lead to increased leaching of metals and contaminants. This process also results in an initial drop in pH level, typically about one unit, but can be more noticeable with some water compositions. If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, make sure to account for the sodium you are consuming through water softening.
