The quality of your water system can directly impact your family’s health. As a result, you may need to invest in Excellent Water Filters to remove the contaminants present in your water. And while at it, you might be wondering, “what’s the healthiest way to filter water?”
The healthiest option is the one that best eliminates or reduces contaminants. Why? While a particular filtration method may be considered healthy, it may not eliminate all the impurities or minerals in the water. Would that make it the most beneficial option? Highly unlikely.
Case in point, boiling is arguably the safest way to purify water, helping kill harmful parasites and bacteria. But, boiling doesn’t remove all the contaminants or kill all the bacteria present in water. In fact, if the water contains lead, boiling it only concentrates the contaminant. Consequently, the water would be unsafe for drinking. Plus, boiling water isn’t sustainable unless you don’t mind a high utility bill. Hence, a water filtration system is the most viable and healthiest option to purify water.
Filtered Water
There are various types of water filtration systems you can choose from. But generally, they all perform the same function- to get rid of contaminants. Such systems are a healthier and more convenient alternative to boiling water.
Besides, water filters are categorized based on their ability to remove specific contaminants. In short, the filter you buy has to meet specific standards before it’s considered safe for use. In this regard, water filters sport the National Sanitation Foundation’s (NSF) mark or quality. Essentially, the NSF rates filter’s based on how well they can eradicate contaminants and, in the process, make your water healthier to drink, clean, and cook.
An NSF mark assures you that the filter you’re using has undergone rigorous testing and is deemed reliable. NSF and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certify filters based on safety and aesthetics (odor and taste). Depending on the impurities the filter can remove, it’s assigned a number. Basic classifications include:
- NSF/ANSI 42- Filters given this certification can remove chlorine, iron, zinc, and dissolved solids.
- NSF/ANSI 53- Given to filters that eliminate contaminants like lead and chromium, which can impact your health.
- NSF/ANSI 401- Such filters reduce impurities such as prescription drugs, herbicides, and chemical compounds.
- NSF/ANSI 55- A classification used for filters that incorporate UV technology.
- NSF/ANSI 58- Used for classifying filtration systems that apply reverse osmosis.
Find A Measure of Your Problem
So, how do you determine the healthiest or best filter? The ideal approach is to establish your filtration needs first. For starters, find out the pollutants present in your water system. To do this, you can buy a water test kit for use at home- these are available online. The most effective kit can reveal the pollutants in your water system.
Once you’re armed with such information, determine an ideal water filter to match your specific needs. For instance, if your water has trace amounts of lead, an NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter would be the right pick.
But if you have to deal with bacteria or parasites in your tap water, then a UV light filter with a high rating would be ideal. Alternatively, activated carbon would work best if chlorine is the primary contaminant in your water system. I hope you get the drift. Let’s discuss three filtration systems to drive the point home and hopefully find the healthiest option.
Reverse Osmosis
A reverse osmosis filtration system works by channeling your tap water through various semi-permeable purification membranes. In so doing, the membranes separate or trap multiple contaminants, including:
- Fluoride
- Arsenic
- Copper
- Chromium
Once water exits the system, it’s fit for consumption. And although the process is slower, it tends to remove most (up to 98%) contaminants. Similarly, only a fraction (a third) of purified water is fit for drinking, leading to wastage. All the same, it’s arguably one of the healthiest options.
Activated Carbon
This system uses an activated filter. The carbon component is activated using oxygen. Once your feed water permeates the filter, the contaminants are attracted to the carbon as water seeps through. Such a system is considered a cheap and simple option for filtering water. However, it may not trap some contaminants such as magnesium or chloroform.
UV Disinfection
UV disinfection may be ideal if bacteria and viruses are a concern in your water feed. Based on this system, water passes through a tube sporting a UV lamp- the emitted light waves kill bacteria and other living pathogens. But, UV filtering doesn’t remove non-organic contaminants like lead.
Overall, reverse osmosis is the healthiest water filtration system due to its ability to remove most contaminants. The other alternatives would work best as add-ons to your existing system. Meanwhile, if you’re searching for top-tier water filters, consider going through the Discount Filter Store for a comprehensive list of cost-effective options.
