Water filter - How to choose a drinking water filter?
A water filter is one of the most important and necessary devices in modern life . However, many people still do not know why depth filtration of drinking water is necessary and how to choose one.
In this article we will discuss in detail:
- Why is drinking water filtration important?
- Why is surface water filtration not enough?
- How to choose a drinking water filter based on the appropriate contamination?
Why is drinking water filtration important?
Water filtration is particularly relevant today. Although drinking water may be clear and odorless, it often contains substances that are visually unnoticeable and have a negative effect on the body.
Drinking water may contain:
- Chlorine and organochlorine compounds;
- Organic impurities;
- Heavy metals;
- Nitrates and various salts;
- Bacteria and microorganisms;
- High TDS (high mineralization).
That is why it is important to have a quality drinking water filter that contributes to both the safety of the water and its improvement in taste and quality.
Why does drinking water need depth filtration?
Here's a key detail we need to know - drinking water always requires depth filtration.
A very simple mechanical, activated carbon filter or jug-type water filter:
- Improves the taste of water;
- Reduces the amount of chlorine.
But it can't be removed:
- Excess salts;
- Heavy metals;
- Nitrates;
- Harmful compounds dissolved in water, etc.
That is why the more water we drink every day, the more necessary a deep water filter is - especially in the city's central water supply network where network damage is common.
How to choose a drinking water filter - first steps
When we ask the question - what is important when choosing a drinking water filter, it is first necessary to consider the following factors:
- Water source - central water supply network or well water;
- Biological and chemical composition of water - bacteria, cysts, heavy metals, nitrates and other impurities;
- Taste and smell of water - Chlorine, organic compounds and other factors that affect the taste of water;
- Water hardness and scale formation - high calcium and magnesium content, which causes scale in appliances and pipes;
- Total dissolved solids (TDS) in water - the total amount of minerals that determine both the taste of water and its balance for the body.
It is these indicators that determine which type of water filtration system will be most effective for a particular type of water.
Types of drinking water filters
Activated carbon filter
The activated carbon filter removes water:
- Chlorine and its compounds;
- Organic compounds;
- Unpleasant smell and taste;
- Trihalomethanes;
-
Some heavy metals.
Effective as initial (surface) filtration, not sufficient for full-fledged filtration of drinking water.
Ultrafiltration (UF) water filter
The ultrafiltration membrane effectively removes harmful impurities that are invisible to the naked eye and dissolve in water, purifying water down to 0.01 microns ( μm) , while retaining its beneficial minerals.
Ultrafiltration stops:
- Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, etc.);
- Parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium);
- Mud, sand, rust;
- colloidal particles;
- Water turbidity .
Minerals remain in the water , which preserves the natural taste of the water. Ideal for filtering municipal (central) water , it cannot reduce salts and TDS, therefore it is not effective for high mineralization water.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filter (RO) - Depth Filtration
A reverse osmosis water filter is the gold standard for deep filtration of drinking water , especially when the water has not been pre-treated or has high mineralization. It purifies water to a precision of 0.0001 microns ( μm ) .
A reverse osmosis system removes water from:
- Heavy metals;
- dissolved salts and minerals;
- Nitrates and nitrites;
- Biological contaminants;
- Chemical impurities;
- Microplastics and colloids.
The system provides the safest and most stable drinking water for daily consumption. It is recommended to use it with a mineralization cartridge to return beneficial minerals to the water. The best answer to the question - how to choose a drinking water filter , when you need complete control over water quality.
Why shouldn't we choose a water filter based solely on price?
One of the most common mistakes when choosing a water filter is to base your decision solely on the lowest price. In such cases, quality, safety, and long-term benefits are often overlooked.
The most common mistakes are:
- Choosing a cheap and uncertified water filter from an unknown or unverified brand;
- Lack of depth filtration or an insufficient system;
- The problem of availability of service, spare parts and cartridges.
A water filter is a health concern, not just an accessory . A properly selected system ensures safe water every day and reduces risks in the long run.
And yet - why is it important to filter drinking water?
Water makes up about 60-70% of our body. We consume water every day , so the quality of water directly affects our health and general well-being.
Properly selected water filter and depth filtration:
- Protects health;
- Promotes metabolism;
- Provides proper and effective hydration;
- Improves overall quality of life;
- Provides us with the safest drinking water possible every day.
This is why filtering drinking water is not a luxury - This is a wise and necessary choice for a healthy life.