HOW SAFE IS YOUR WATER?
Drinking Water Systems
CARBON FILTRATION
Is probably the most popular system. Units containing specially prepared, porous carbon attach under the sink or at the tap. It works fast, removing chlorine, toxic organic molecules, and bad tastes from water. Look for specially designed, solid block and precoat-activated carbon filters, which also effectively reduce heavy metals such as lead and mercury. (not all carbon filtration systems capture heavy metals or minerals). The downside to carbon filtration is it stops working as soon as the carbon becomes saturated with contaminants. Also, as the carbon collects organic matter, it starts to become a breeding place for bacteria. Best when used in conjunction with KDF media for bacteria elimination.
REVERSE OSMOSIS
(RO) removes minerals and toxic heavy metals like lead, along with organic contaminants (including cryptosporidium). In an RO unit, water is forced through an osmotic membrane (also called a semipermeable membrane, because the holes allow small water molecules, but not contaminant molecules, to pass through). Bacteria are blocked out, and they don't grow on the filter. All things considered, this is a good way to go. However, you should know that the process is slow and wastes a lot of water, 3 to 10 gallons flushed to produce one gallon of filtered water. RO water is very corrosive to drain pipes, so place the system near the tap.
DISTILLATION
Is one of the surest methods for filtration. Water is heated to boiling, and the steam is collected and cooled until it condenses again without the impurities. It also kills microscopic parasites, viruses, and bacteria.This method works great, but distillers are sometimes expensive, slow, and use power. Distillation does not remove some volatile organic compounds, such as benzene and radon -- so the distilled water should go through a carbon filter before use.
KDF
KDF works to reduce or remove chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, lead, mercury, calcium carbonate, magnesium, chromium, bacteria, algae, and fungi. KDF media utilize an old process in a new way-the oxidation and reduction of ions, known as redox. In short, the redox process works by exchanging electrons with contaminants. This give and take of electrons converts many harmful contaminants into harmless components, such as chlorine to chloride. Other contaminants, including heavy metals, bond to the KDF media, which greatly reduces or virtually eliminates these substances. When used with carbon helps to eliminate bacteria in the filter. See KDFFT
BOTTLED WATER
Quality standards vary dramatically and are little better than tap water standards. The cost of bottled water can also vary dramatically, as does the quality of the water itself, and vendors are not required to report on the content and purity beyond the present standards. Paying top dollar does not guarantee pure water.