Filtration products can vary and choosing a product that removes a host of chemicals, herbicides, pesticides and other issues of health concern like the most recent news about MTBE is becoming a priority. Filtration in our homes will become as common as having a refrigerator.

Since we have a choice and can do something about it, there has evolved over 500 companies that are in the business. However, only a few of those have listings for the reduction of Lead and Trihalomethanes (a disinfectant byproduct known to cause cancer in humans) under NSF Standard 53, Health Effects. Fewer still have reduction certification for MTBE. NSF International is a Non-Profit Water Watch-Dog. That is very important in choosing a provider.

Following is an explanation of filter types for your comparison:

Solid Carbon Block is a system where water is forced through the pores of the densely compacted carbon block. There is a combination of mechanical filtration, electrokinetic adsorption, and physical/chemical adsorption. It can reduce chlorine, taste and odor problems, particulate matter and a wide range of contaminants of health concern. They do not remove healthful, naturally occurring minerals, require no electricity, and do not add salt or silver to the water.

Distillation works slowly, taking a few hours to produce the first quart of water and uses a lot of electricity. It could cost an average of $240 per year. VOC's (Volatile Organic Chemicals) and trihalomethanes are not effectively reduced by this method. It removes beneficial minerals. We need these minerals to maintain health and possibly avoid hypertension and heart disease according to some leading nutritionists - supplementation with minerals is suggested.

Reverse Osmosis systems may require professional installation. With this process, water passes through a semi-permeable membrane that rejects contaminants suspended in the water. It then goes to a holding tank. It removes salt and most other inorganic material, nitrates and heavy metals. It is recommended for use in places where the drinking water is brackish or loaded with heavy metals, nitrates or fluoride. RO has been used for several years in places where sea water needs to be removed from drinking water. Because it also removes the healthy minerals that we all need, you will most likely need to use a mineral supplement in you diet. Reverse Osmosis does not effectively reduce VOCs, pesticides or trihalomethanes. It is slow and can use 3 or more gallons for every one gallon of drinking water produced. The membrane can also be sensitive to certain water characteristics and should be chosen with your particular water analysis in mind. Although this might be a good option for some types of water problems, it is not a total answer and might require additional water treatment for the removal of additional contaminants.

Granular Activated Carbon can reduce chlorine, rust and particulate matter when the water flows through a bed of charcoal granules. But, if the granules are not impregnated with silver nitrate (considered to be a poison), there may be a breeding ground for bacterial growth. Because the water can channel around the carbon, they are not considered effective in reducing contaminants like VOCs, cysts, trihalomethanes, pesticides, lead or asbestos.

Mixed Media (KDF, ATS) reduces specific contaminants - KDF reduces chlorine, ATS reduces lead. But, not helpful against other contaminants.

Ozonation is used by public water facilities. It kills mainly bacteria. It takes longer to treat water this way and ozone can also create by-products such as formaldehyde and ketones. This can lead to bacterial growth in distribution pipes leading to your home.

Ion Exchange Treatment (Water Softeners) are not filters nor purifiers and it is used only to change the water hardness. This puts sodium into the water. Usually must be professionally installed. Recommended that water softeners be bypassed when installing other systems.

Carafes/Pitchers usually have a mixed media or granular carbon filter. They do not reduce a wide range of contaminants. Some are effective for lead and chlorine. It should be kept refrigerated. Expensive to replace filters over the course of a year.

Ultra Violet Treatment passes water through a chamber where it is exposed to radiation. If it is hindered by particulate matter or dirt it may not be sufficient. Particles can prevent ultraviolet light from hitting every bacterium. It can be effective against many bacterial contaminants - but, it may not be effective in reducing crypto sporidium. For more information on Cryptosporidium, filters and bottled water, see the following CDC site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cryptosporidiosis/factsht_crypto_prevent_water.htm

Our Conclusion is: Always choose a certified system from NSF or UL. Know your water source and remember that it may or may not take a combination of technologies to sufficently remove contaminants from your drinking water. For most water situations, Solid Carbon Treatment Technologies is the filtration system of choice for water you will drink. If you need the benefits of an RO drinking water system, then we have a unique system that combines RO and Solid Carbon. The systems we offer are certified by NSF and UL. They are widely accepted and used throughout the world by hospitals; major universities and schools; laboratories; restaurants; the U.S. military; foreign embassies; major airlines; RV owners and millions of consumers.

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We are committed to supplying you with a system that will give you years of quality water. Our systems are leading the industry in Home and Office Drinking Water filtration.

• Our Solid Carbon filters are Product performance certified or registered by NSF International; California Department of Health Services; Iowa Department of Health; State of Wisconsin, Bureau of Building Water Systems; State of Massachusetts, Board of Plumbing; State of Colorado, Department of Health, Drinking Water Program; Accepted for use aboard interstate carriers.
• 90 day money-back guarantee
• 12 month warranty on all accessories
• 25 year warranty on housing.