Tips for Buying Water Treatment Equipment

Link to UVDF

Surveys have found that about 60 percent of the homes in Pennsylvania served by a private water system (well, spring, or cistern) have some type of water treatment equipment. Today, almost any water quality problem (both nuisance and health based) can be fixed by purchasing the appropriate equipment. However, homeowners with private water systems are often uninformed about water treatment processes and equipment, making them susceptible to unscrupulous businesses selling treatment equipment.

Understand the Water Quality Problem

If you suspect that you have a problem with your water, make sure to have it tested by a state-certified water testing laboratory. A list of state-certified water testing laboratories is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Penn State also runs a state-certified water testing laboratory. Test kits can be obtained at your local Penn State Extension office or directly from the lab.

If test results from a certified laboratory show that your drinking water failed a primary, health-based drinking water standard, such as bacteria or lead, action should be taken to correct the problem to protect the health of you and your family. Other water tests may indicate a problem from a secondary pollutant such as iron or manganese. In this case, your health is not at risk, but you may choose to install water treatment equipment to reduce stains, tastes, or odors that these pollutants can cause.

Consult Unbiased Water Quality Experts

After receiving your test results from the certified water testing laboratory, it is a good idea to go over the results with an unbiased water quality expert. Unbiased experts may be available from the water testing laboratory or from your local Penn State Extension office. They can help you interpret the test results and provide advice on options available to fix any water quality problem.

Explore All Alternatives

Water treatment equipment is not always the easiest or cheapest way to eliminate a water quality problem. Other options are usually available and should be explored before a decision is made. In some cases, developing an alternate source of water such as a new well, nearby spring, or rainwater cistern may be the best solution. Connecting to a nearby public water supply may also be more economical, in the long run, than extensive treatment of a private water supply. If the source of pollution can be found, such as a malfunctioning septic system, then elimination of the pollution source is a viable solution. Simple maintenance, such as inspecting a well to make sure the cap is sealed or ensuring that a spring box is sealed from insects, can also be an effective solution for many bacterial problems in private water supplies.

Match Treatment to Problem

Once you have decided that treatment is the best solution to your problem, learn about each of the basic water treatment processes and the pollutants that they will remove. Become an educated consumer and know which treatment devices will solve your problem before you approach treatment vendors. Table 1 below provides some information on the most common water treatment processes.

Table 1. A brief summary of common water treatment processes used in Pennsylvania. Treatment Method Primary Uses Type of Unit¹ Notes Acid neutralization Corrosive water, copper, lead, pinhole leaks in plumbing POE Uses limestone chips or soda ash to increase water pH and hardness to prevent corrosion. Activated alumina Arsenic, fluoride POE or POU Water pH must be less than 8.5. Pretreatment with oxidation may be necessary to achieve good arsenic removal. Aeration Hydrogen sulfide, methane, volatile organics, radon POE Expensive and susceptible to clogging by other pollutants but very effective when multiple gases are present. Anion exchange Sulfate, nitrate, arsenic POE or POU Increases chloride concentration in treated water. May make water more corrosive. Carbon filter Chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, radon, miscellaneous tastes and odors, human-made volatile organics, limited removal of hydrogen sulfide odor POE or POU Disinfection should be used on water supplies with bacterial contamination because bacteria can multiply in filter. Carbon must be periodically replaced when exhausted. Chlorination Bacteria, hydrogen sulfide, iron, manganese POE Water must be clear for chlorine to work. Must also provide a tank for storage and contact time. pH adjustment may be necessary. Distillation Removes everything except volatile organics, pesticides, herbicides POU Produces small amounts of bland-tasting water. Space needed to store treated water. Oxidizing filters Iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide POE Periodic addition of chemicals is necessary along with backwashing. Good option when two or all three pollutants are present. Ozone Bacteria, metals, odors, tastes POE Expensive to purchase and operate but very effective at removing multiple pollutants. Reverse osmosis Removes any dissolved pollutants from water POU Produces small amounts of water and produces some waste water. Will not remove most organic pollutants or bacteria. Sediment filters Soil, sand, other particles. Certain types can also be used to remove Giardia cysts POU or POE Must be routinely changed (POU) or backwashed (POE) to maintain water flow Softeners Removes hardness (scale) along with limited amounts of dissolved iron andmanganese POE Causes increase in water sodium level. Use potassium salt or only soften hot water if on a low-sodium diet. Water may become more corrosive after softening. Ultraviolet light Bacterial disinfection POE Water must be free of sediment to kill bacteria effectively. Bulb must be changed annually.

¹ POU = point-of-use treatment device used to treat the water at one faucet or tap where the water is used.
POE = point-of-entry treatment device used to treat all of the water as it enters the home.

Research the Treatment Companies

Always seek reputable water treatment companies that will provide you with local customer references. Research the company history and look for those that have been established in the area for several years to avoid fly-by-night operations that are common in the water treatment business.

Beware of Hard Sale Techniques

Some water treatment vendors may use colorful home water tests or other methods to scare or pressure homeowners into buying water treatment equipment on the spot. Be cautious of companies using this strategy. Never make quick decisions. Confirm home water test results through an independent lab. Take your time and consult with other experts and other treatment vendors to get second and third opinions.

Ask About Maintenance Requirements

Purchasing water treatment equipment can be expensive. However, it can also be complicated by regular maintenance requirements on the equipment. Make sure that you fully understand the maintenance requirements of all equipment before you make the purchase. All water treatment equipment requires routine maintenance. In some cases, this maintenance is simple, such as replacement of a faucet carbon filter or ultraviolet light bulb. In other cases, maintenance is more involved, such as regeneration of oxidizing filters or replacement of membranes in reverse osmosis units. It is best to understand the details of treatment equipment maintenance before you buy. Determine what maintenance will be done by the treatment company and what your responsibility will be.

Look for NSF and WQA Certifications

Several independent associations provide testing of water treatment equipment to determine its effectiveness. Two such organizations are the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the Water Quality Association (WQA). Ask water treatment vendors to provide written proof of these certifications for their equipment. Note that EPA certification does not ensure that equipment will remove certain pollutants. Vendors touting EPA certification should be avoided.

Costs of Water Treatment Equipment

The cost of water treatment equipment varies considerably depending on the type of unit, size, pretreatment requirements and installation. Small faucet or pour-through carbon or activated alumina filters often cost less than $20. Other countertop or faucet point-of-use (POU) devices such as reverse osmosis and distillation units can cost $300 to $2,000, depending on the amount of water they produce per day. Most larger, whole-house point-of-entry (POE) filters, such as softeners, anion exchange units, carbon filters, oxidizing filters, and acid neutralizing filters cost $500 to $1,500. Ultraviolet light disinfection systems can range from $400 for a basic unit to more than $1,000 for one with a light intensity sensor, sleeve cleaner, and automatic shut-off. Aeration and ozonation are usually the most expensive systems costing several thousand dollars.

Final Thoughts&#;

Approach any water treatment purchase carefully after receiving a water test report from an unbiased source. Get multiple estimates from reputable companies. Once you have made a decision, get everything in writing including a detailed warranty and maintenance agreement.

Prepared by Stephanie Clemens, research assistant, and Bryan Swistock, senior extension associate.

Is the water that comes out of the tap in your house safe for drinking? Even after being filtered by a factory, the water that comes out of the fixture may not be completely safe, even though it is treated in municipal water sources and gets transported through pipes before it reaches your faucet. Pipes that are getting on in years can reintroduce contaminants, which makes direct consumption dangerous.

Because of this, the water from the tap in our homes might be safe if we take additional precautions. Determining which type of filtration system to purchase may be challenging when selecting one. Water filters for the faucets? Under-sink water filtration systems or water filters that are placed on the countertop? To acquire a more profound comprehension, continue reading.

A Faucet Water Filter: What Is It?

In order to enhance the quality of the water that comes out of the tap, a device known as a faucet water filter is designed to remove contaminants and impurities. Most of the time, it is intended to be attached directly to a standard faucet, making it a convenient and easily accessible system for filtering water.

The filter uses various technologies, including activated carbon and other specialized materials, to capture and remove numerous contaminants commonly found in water. Water filters for faucets are well-known for their simplicity of installation, as they require only a few tools and minimal expertise. The use of these products is a solution that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly for households that are looking for cleaner and safer drinking water that comes directly from the tap.

Varieties of Water Filters That Are Commonly Used at Home

Water Filters Installed Under Sinks

The quality of the drinking water in your home can be improved in a way that is both discrete and effective by installing water filters placed under the sink. These filters are installed beneath the kitchen sink, and their primary function is to remove contaminants from the water supply.

As a result, the water that comes out of your tap is of the highest possible quality. As a result of their seamless integration into the plumbing already in place, under-sink filters are frequently preferred because they offer a dedicated filtration system without taking up valuable countertop space.

The Waterdrop X12 Introduces Groundbreaking Reverse Osmosis Purification Technology

The Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis System X12 offers a high-speed, tankless water filtration at an impressive G with an 11-stage precision filtration mechanism, capable of removing contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and PFAS, while enhancing water with essential alkaline minerals like calcium and magnesium.

It not only improves health, taste of food and beverages, but can also alleviate stomach acid discomfort. Boasting a smart design, the system includes a digital faucet with functions such as precise water dispensing and TDS/filter lifespan monitoring. It's engineered for space-saving and simple DIY installation, re-mineralizing water to create natural-tasting, fresh, and healthy water accessible directly from your kitchen.

The G3P800 Reverse Osmosis System from Waterdrop

With its rapid flow, this RO system can filter 800 gallons of water daily, and it can only produce one cup of water in just six seconds. In addition to having a sterilization rate of up to 99.9%, it is fitted with a long-lasting LED lamp that turns on automatically whenever water flows by.

Both the NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for TDS reduction and the NSF 372 for lead-free material have been met by the Waterdrop G3P800 to receive certification. The results of the WD-G3P800 RO system test can be found here.

Compact and Efficient Water Filtration: Countertop Water Filters

Water filters installed on countertops provide a method of flexible and straightforward water filtration method. To facilitate easy access to water that has been purified, these filters are installed directly on the kitchen counter and are connected to the faucet. Countertop water filters are an excellent option for individuals looking for convenience without experiencing a reduction in the water quality they drink because of their straightforward installation and removal process.

The company is the world’s best Laboratory Water Purification Faucet supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Hot Cold-Water Dispenser, A1

A water dispenser that can provide hot and cold water is an excellent choice for households with easy access to water of varying temperatures. This product has completed the SGS testing and the NSF 372 certification for lead-free materials. The answer to your questions about drinking healthy water is right here.

As low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit, this water dispenser can deliver cold water because it is equipped with a high-quality cooling compressor typically found in refrigerators. It is an excellent choice for making tea, coffee, and other beverages and has a temperature adjustment range that goes from 41 degrees to 203 degrees.

Click here to learn more about this upgraded water filtration system.

Water Pitchers: Convenient Filtration for Hydration on the Go

Using water pitchers with installed filters provides a solution that is both portable and easily accessible for maintaining clean water in the home. These pitchers come equipped with a filter cartridge that effectively reduces impurities, improving the taste of your drinking water and ensuring that it is safe to consume.

Waterdrop Electric Water Filter ED01

This countertop water dispenser is equipped with an electric design and control activated by a single key, providing an experience beyond that of conventional pitchers and dispensers. It offers faster filtration, more precise filter materials, and effortless operation.

Using the NSF/ANSI 401, 53, 42, and 372 standards, the electric water dispenser has been certified by the International Association of Public Water Management Organizations (IAPMO) to reduce 34 substances, including chlorine, lead, mercury, benzene, and bisphenol A. Lab tests conducted by a third party confirmed that it can reduce PFOA and PFOS, thereby ensuring that drinking water is of a high quality.

What Do Faucet Water Filters Remove?

Faucet filtration systems&#; filtered water can be utilized for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to washing fruits, preparing coffee, brushing teeth, washing the face, and more.

In addition to effectively removing taste and odor, chemicals, heavy metals, estrogen, pesticides, and other contaminants, the faucet filtration system filters out suspended pollutants, insects, algae, and rust. It also removes impurities that are suspended in the water.

Filter media that are commonly used for faucet filtration systems include ceramic, activated carbon fiber (ACF) , carbon-to-carbon block (CTO), and other similar materials. However, not all faucet filtration systems can meet the requirements for drinking directly from the faucet.

What Should You Take into Account When Selecting a Water Filter?

When shopping for a water filter for your faucet, there are a few key features that you should take into consideration to ensure that you choose a model that not only satisfies your requirements but also offers you safe and clean drinking water. The following is a list of the essential components that you should concentrate on:

An Explanation of the Filtration Technology

Carbon Activated (ACC)

Activated carbon is utilized by the majority of faucet water filters in order to eliminate contaminants such as chlorine, pesticides, and pharmaceutical medicines. Taste and odor are both enhanced as a result of this.

Exchange of Ions

Lead and zinc are two examples of heavy metals that can be successfully removed using this method.

Reverse Osmosis

RO can remove a wide variety of contaminants, including fluoride and arsenic, even though it is not as common in faucet-mounted filters due to its size and higher level of complexity.

Contaminant Removal Capabilities

Acquire an understanding of the contaminants that your water filter is able to remove effectively. An effective filter can reduce sediment, lead, and chlorine at the very least. When looking for filters that can handle heavy metals, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, you should look for those that can also take these other contaminants.

Accreditations and certifications

If you are looking for a filter, you should look for official certifications such as NSF or WQA. These certifications indicate that the filter has been tested independently to remove specific contaminants properly.

Rate of Flow and Pressure of the Water

A good filter should not significantly reduce the flow rate of your faucet, which is measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A typical home water pressure of 40-60 psi is sufficient for the majority of faucet water filters to function properly. If you want to avoid filter damage or decreased efficiency, ensure that the model you choose is compatible with the water pressure in your home.

Filter Life and Replacement Indicators

It will be necessary to replace the filter cartridges at regular intervals. Verify the estimated lifespan, which can be expressed in terms of the number of months or the number of gallons that have been filtered. Certain models come equipped with electronic indicators or straightforward reminder systems that will alert you whenever a change is required.

Installation and Maintenance Ease

It should not be necessary to hire a plumber to attach a user-friendly water filter, and the process of replacing filter cartridges should be uncomplicated and not require any technical tools.

You will be better equipped to choose a high-quality faucet water filter that provides clean, safe water while also providing the performance and dependability you require if you give these key features the priority they deserve.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit School Water Purification Faucet.