Types Of Water Filtration Systems

By Author: Ty Woods
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When it comes to our planet, there is no such thing as new water; the earth has always recycled its own water supply. With more than 70,000 new toxic chemicals being produced by worldwide industry on a daily basis, it's a troubling fact that many of these chemicals will eventually wind up in the water we drink. In fact, according to a recent EPA study, over 2,000 cancer-causing agents and other potentially harmful byproducts are present in the American water supply, including toxic metals, chemicals, biological parasites, and countless other contaminants.

Surprisingly, most municipal water filtration systems have evolved very little over the past century. Basically, the water is passed through a sand bed in order to remove visible debris. It is then chemically treated with chlorine to kill bacteria. However, nothing is done to remove synthetic chemicals, literally thousands of which can be built up in our water supply.

This might make it a little hard to enjoy a glass of water straight from the tap, and bottled water isn't proving to be a clean alternative. Studies have indicated that most bottled water isn't necessarily ...
... any more "pure" than standard tap water; it is, however, much more expensive. So where can you turn for a refreshing drink? The answer, according to thousands of consumers, can be found with water filtration systems.

Home water filtration systems have proven to offer a much cleaner alternative to bottled water. In addition, they can help you save money while offering the convenience of pure water in your own home. It might initially be overwhelming for a first-timer to discern what kind of home water filtration system best suits their needs. Let's take a look at some of the options.

Under Counter Water Filtration Systems

Under counter water filtration systems, also known as "under sink" systems, are installed on the cold water line under the sink and dispense the water via a second faucet affixed above the sink.

These systems are low-maintenance, only requiring attention several times a year to change their cartridges. They're also compact and can be installed out of sight, keeping a kitchen's appearance in order while providing a family with pure water for drinking and cooking.

Although it's not necessarily a drawback, the installation of these systems requires a basic understanding of plumbing, and the uninitiated may need to hire a plumber.

Whole House Water Filtration Systems

If you're interested in upping the ante from just your kitchen water supply, a whole house water filtration system will, as the name implies, ensure that all of your home's water is purified. This includes everything from your shower to your washing machine and dishwasher.

These systems are known as "point of entry" filters, as they filter all of your water as it comes into your house. Since these systems deal with all of the water you use, you'll need to determine an estimate of your family's average water usage which can run from five to 40 gallons per minute.

While it may seem like only water used for drinking and cooking would need to be purified, whole house water filtration systems offer homeowners a host of benefits. Filtered water in washing machines has been proven more effective than standard water, especially in light of the fact that some unfiltered water can eventually discolor clothing. In the shower and bath, filtered water can lead to healthier hair and skin; plus, the water you use to brush your teeth will also be totally clean and clear.

Faucet Mounted and Shower Filtration Systems

One potential drawback of the above systems is that they are only available to homeowners. Renters don't have the luxury of altering their home's plumbing to accommodate a filtration system. They can also require an understanding of plumbing to install. Finally, they might not fit into every consumer's ideal price range. Fortunately, faucet-mounted and shower filtration systems provide great alternatives that circumvent all of these potential pitfalls.

Unlike under sink and whole house systems, these filters are not integrated into a home's plumbing. Instead, they are simply affixed to the end of a faucet or showerhead. While they might not provide as thorough a cleansing as the larger systems, these filters are highly effective when it comes to removing mercury, chlorine, microbiological debris, lead, mercury, and many other potentially harmful contaminants.

Being much more compact than under sink and whole home systems, these filters do require extra attention. Their filtration cartridges may need to be changed as often as every two months, as opposed to two or three times a year as with the larger systems. However, this seems to be a very minor drawback when compared with their ease of installation, practicality for both homeowners and renters, and relatively inexpensive price tags.

Pitcher Water Filters

Pitcher filters offer a highly practical and user-friendly filtration experience. They simply filter tap water that is poured into the top of the pitcher, allowing for pure drinking water any time.

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There are a host of water filtration systems available to suit your specific needs. They range from refrigerator filters, designed to purify the drinking water and ice cubes dispensed by some refrigerators, to filters designed just for baths. They are also carbon block filters and water filters designed for RVs or even marine vehicles.

No matter your situation, it's never been easier to make sure you're getting the cleanest, purest water possible.
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Water Filters Fast carries a stunning array of water filters and refrigerator water filter for all of your home and business water filtration needs.