Water Filters

If you're looking for even more detailed information on water purification, be sure to check out our comprehensive look at the different drinking water filtering and purifying technologies.

***

Water Filter

If you are like most people, you may be concerned about the quality of your household drinking water supply. You only have to look at the finance sections of newspapers to see how well the bottled water industry is performing. It’s literally making billions of dollars of profit. Check out how many different types of water filtration systems are out there and you will lose count. People continually express concerns over the effects drinking tap water could have on their health, and when you understand the types of potential pollutants and effects that they can inflict upon the body, this comes as no surprise.

Tap water is known to contain harmless contaminants such as iron, sulphur, and manganese, which can be removed easily by the use of simple carbon water filters. However there are many other, much more harmful, pollutants that could be contaminating your water supply. Trihalomethanes, for example, are carcinogenic chemicals formed when the chlorine contained within the water supply reacts with natural organic materials, such as leaves, once it has left the treatment plant.  Other pollutants capable of contaminating water are pesticides, resins and solvents, many of which are well known carcinogens. These pollutants are potentially capable of causing kidney and liver disorders, not to mention the damage that they can cause the central nervous system. Asbestos, fluoride, arsenic, lead and mercury are not only by-products from agriculture and industry, but naturally occurring minerals found in soil. All of which may accumulate in the body causing chronic illness further later in life.  Lead in particular is notorious for its irreversibility properties, that is, once it’s in the body it never leaves. Its effects on brain function impairment are well documented. Microbiological organisms, such as cryptosporidium and giardia, are little affected by the processes used in water treatment plants. These can cause diarrhoeal illness, which can become severe and non-resolving in children and immunocompromised individuals. Radon gas, known for its carcinogen properties, especially lung cancer, can easily enter the water supply through the air.

So where do you start in making the right choice of water filter?

Water Distillers: The distillation process provided by the water distillers will adequately remove impurities, but the downside is that they also remove the naturally occurring minerals in the water, required by the body, to assist in both metabolism and the health of the immune system. 

Charcoal Water Filters: Charcoal water filters will not affect the pH balance of the water and therefore will not correct the problems of acidic water. If left unused for very long periods of time they may show signs of mould, and regular replacement of the filter is essential to ensure correct functioning. These filters should only be used if they are above a 1 micron rating – anything less than this simply will not remove cryptosporidium or giardia.  Such systems are easy to use, inexpensive, and will generally work very well filtering out the majority of contaminants.

Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems will produce finely filtered water but again, as with the water distillers, will remove all minerals, which can be a problem in itself.  Latest research even suggests that water, when in its purest form, absorbs carbon dioxide from the air making it acidic, and therefore consumption is best avoided over the long-term.

Ceramic Water Filters: Notoriously slow at filtering, however capable of trapping bacteria and producing water that is bacteriologically safe. They are also low-cost and easy to use.

New for the Future: There are some new advances in water filtration technology which may provide some promise for the future. One such system is ultra-violet radiation, a useful means of water sterilisation. Other systems that have potential are far infra red and magnetic methods, both of which are capable of softening water, and reducing molecular size for improved hydration.

This is but a short summary of the many types of water filters that are commercially available. At the end of the day it comes down to personal needs and preferences. We offer a number of top quality systems at Aviva, and we can help you find a system that will address any problems or concerns you have regarding your water supply.

***

Questions about water purification? Call us toll-free (866) 947-6789. Local customers: Those looking for water filters in Winnipeg can view our selection of water purifiers at our downtown location, or call us at (204) 947-6789 for more information.