Water Filtration and purification

Author: Weider Publications
Date Published: 2005-07-29

Water is essential for your health, but just how healthy is your water?

The quality of drinking water and bath water varies dramatically throughout the World.

A certain amount of contaminants are allowed by most governments. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Web site (epa.gov) states the maximum levels for 90 drinking-water contaminants, including heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, fecal coliform, fuel additive, giardia and other pathogens. While numerous chemicals have been identified in drinking water, the EPA has established safety standards for only a limited number of these.

"In some areas of the U.S., outdated sewage systems are contributing to contamination of water supplies," says Navis Bermudez, spokesman for the Sierra Club's Clean Water Campaign. "The EPA estimates there are 400,000 backups of sewage in basements each year, but the number may be higher."

Happily, water filters and purifiers can help rehabilitate your water supply. Distillation is the surest method of water purification; it's also the most expensive. The process consists of boiling water and then converting the steam back to water, killing bacteria and viruses and removing heavy metals and contaminants, though it can remove healthful minerals, too. It's also a slow process with limited results, producing anywhere from 3 to 12 gallons a day. Purchased distilled water is theoretically safer than tap, but the quality of bottled water varies. Request content and bottling information before choosing a bottled-water delivery service.

Reverse osmosis is also effective, but about as slow as distillation. Options that are more practical include carbon, ceramic and other filters that remove organic contamination and chemicals. All filters require periodic maintenance and replacement; otherwise, they become a point of concentration for the very contaminants you're trying to eliminate. If that seems to be a hit of a bother, just consider the results.

"The benefits of using water filters and purifiers include reduction in long-term consumption of and exposure to toxins, heightened lymphatic and immune system functions and reduced cancer risk," says Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., author of Food as Medicine. "If you are pregnant or have children, using these systems can be especially crucial to your health and well-being."

• Portable water systems, such as those made by Brita, filter for chemical impurities, but not for bacteria, However, the manufacturer of Bottom's Up claims that this travel-sized filter/purification bottle eliminates or reduces up to 99.8 percent of bacterial pathogens such as giardia and cryptosporidium, PCBs, pesticides and heavy metals. It has a filling capacity of 200 gallons, or more than 1,000 refills ($24; raytechstore.com/msm/bottoms.htm).

• PUR Ultimate Faucet Mount Filters are excellent choices for kitchen or bathroom sinks. For cold-water use only, they come in white plastic or chrome; the vertical-mount model has a swivel sprayer, while the horizontal one is most appropriate for shallow sinks. These carbon filters last two to three months ($35-$45; airdelights.com).

• If you prefer your system out of sight, Paragon's under-the-counter titanium silicate/carbon filter easily mounts beneath the sink. Weighing 3.5 pounds, it's for cold-water use only and needs replacement filters once a year ($139; gaiam.com).

• The Shower-Cleen Triple Shower Filter removes odors, bacteria, chlorine, volatile organic compounds, organic waste, and common carcinogens such as carbon tetrachloride, benzene and chloroform. Containing a 5-micron sediment filter, a granular activated-carbon filter and a bacteriostatic filter medium, it's easily mounted and lasts three to six months ($99, and $15 for replacement filters; realgoods.com).

• The Bath Ball Faucet Filter will remove chlorine. This ball-shaped filter attaches to the faucet with a vinyl strap. Water courses through openings in the filter top and flows out 95 percent chlorine-free. Besides sparing you from inhaling chlorine and endocrine-disrupting organochlorines, this filter makes bath water smell cleaner and feel softer. Measuring 4 inches in diameter, the filter must be replaced annually ($49, and $32 for replacement filters; gaiam.com).

COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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