Do I Need A Whole House Filter-

Byadmin6688

　　Is a Whole-House Filter Really Essential?
What exactly are we ingesting through our water faucets? The predominant tap and well water across the United States is moderately to severely tainted with industrial and environmental pollutants. Every water source, whether it’s a lake, river, glacier, or well, contains some level of contamination. These contaminants range from natural minerals to artificial chemicals and their derivatives. Surface water sources, such as rivers or lakes, may be contaminated by acid rain, storm runoff, pesticides, and industrial discard. Groundwater from private wells or public systems can become polluted with disease-causing pathogens, landfill seepage, septic system overflow, hazardous household products, and agricultural chemicals. Although the levels of most contaminants may not promptly induce illness, prolonged exposure to low levels can result in chronic health problems.

　　Unwanted Contaminants in Our Water Supply

  • Microbial Pathogens: Disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
  • Organics: Byproducts like trihalomethanes from the reaction of chlorine with organic matter in treated water, as well as pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
  • VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals): Encompassing solvents, degreasers, gasoline additives, etc.
  • Inorganics: Toxic metals such as arsenic, barium, chromium, lead, mercury, and others.
  • Radioactive Elements: Radioactive substances from the decay of uranium in soil and rock.
  • Scale: Minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water, leading to scale accumulation and affecting pipes and appliances with lime deposits.

　　Only a minority of these contaminants are regulated by drinking water standards, emphasizing the need for whole-house water filtration systems to protect against a wide array of waterborne pollutants.

　　Two Types of Whole-House Water Filters

　　Installing a whole-house water filtration system can tackle various issues affecting water quality, taste, and appearance. These systems purify water through a unit attached to the water supply, ensuring that all water entering the home is treated before reaching faucets, toilets, and appliances. The contaminants to be filtered depend on whether the water source is municipal, from a well, or a spring. Users on city water are usually recommended to use a whole-house carbon filtration system for thorough purification. Carbon filtration effectively removes chlorine, chloramines, odors, and VOCs, providing chemical-free water throughout the home. For specific issues like iron, fluoride, sediment, or bacterial contamination, a specialized whole-house system is necessary to address those particular contaminants. For example, if you notice iron stains on your fixtures, a whole-house iron filter would be essential. A water softener, which is not a filter, is designed to treat hard water and can be combined with any filtration system for clean, soft water from every faucet.

　　There are two main types of whole-house filtration systems. The first is a heavy-duty system that utilizes a large volume of filter media for enhanced contaminant removal. This system, contained within a 50-inch tall tank, offers specific contaminant protection for 5-10 years before media replacement is required. The second type is a standard capacity water cartridge system, which features durable filter housings and is replaced annually. These cartridges are usually 4.5 inches in diameter and 10 or 20 inches in height. While more economical, they demand more frequent maintenance.

　　Benefits of a Whole-House Water Filter

  • Pure, filtered water from every tap in the home
  • Healthier showers and baths
  • Extended lifespan for appliances and household plumbing
  • Scale-free showers, spotless glassware, and softened water
  • Softer, brighter, and more durable clothing
  • Healthier skin and hair, free from harmful substances

　　Even though municipally treated water undergoes some purification, it can still expose users to various contaminants. A whole-house system provides increased protection at every outlet. Since contaminants can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled, comprehensive home protection is vital. For general purification, a carbon filtration system is recommended. For specific concerns, a dedicated system targeting those issues is needed. Enjoy the health benefits and peace of mind that come with a whole-house water filtration system.

　　Related Topics: The importance of removing chlorine from whole-house water, the most cost-effective whole-house water filters, benefits of water softeners, comparing water softening to filtration, differences between POE and POU systems.

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