The reason that it’s so difficult for the layman to choose between all of the different water purifiers on the market is easy to understand. All of the manufacturers offer models which cover varying ratings of protection, and all claim that their unit is the best. Some are of course better than others, and not all units are capable of protecting you from all things.
There are a couple of basic questions that you will need to know the answers to when purchasing a water purification unit such as where your water is drawn from, and what known contaminants are present. Without these two pieces of information it will prove very difficult to choose the water purifier that will meet your individual needs.
If your water is coming from the local water treatment facility for example, you automatically know that you need a water purifier that would protect you from the chlorine disinfectant that they use. Conversely, if you are drinking well water or are drawing from a spring then you know that you don’t need to worry about chlorine contamination.
If you are drawing from a private supply it’s imperative that you have the water tested by a laboratory. There may be any manner of microbial contamination such as E coli. If that was the case you would have to look for a unit that destroys bacteria. Depending on what else the lab finds you may need to seek multiple water purifiers.
You may find that the laboratory suggests chlorine disinfection as a way to disinfect your private reservoir, but that would probably only be in severe cases. You can most likely get away with purchasing a water purification unit that employs a micron particle filter in order to stop the bacteria from entering your home. Besides, chlorine disinfection brings about its own set of problems.
Adding chlorine is a practice that is necessary on the large scale but which doesn’t come without dangers of its own. Chlorine is a toxic chemical in its own right and can also seriously endanger your health. If it is unavoidable that chlorine is a present contaminant in your water then a water purifier that has an activated carbon filter will do the trick.
There are a huge number of industrial chemicals in your water besides chlorine. Herbicides, pesticides, cleaning agents and various petroleum products all reach your drinking water at some point in time. The use of water filters with activated carbon filters and a multi media blocker will protect you from most if not all of these poisons.
So in a nutshell if you want to cover your bases from all angles then you want to get a water purification unit featuring an activated carbon filter, a multi media block, a micron particle filter and an ion exchange unit. Your tap will be safer than Ft. Knox.