Are you concerned about the quality of your tap water? You’re not alone. Many people are worried about the safety of their water supply, particularly since the Flint water crisis made national headlines.
Bottled water is not the solution as it also has its downside: it’s expensive, inconvenient to store and often bad for the environment. So what’s a concerned citizen to do? Contact Baylor Heating, air conditioning & Plumbing for answers.
The good news is that you don’t have to rely on bottled water or filters installed by your municipality in order to enjoy safe, clean tap water. There are many different types of water filters available in the market, so we’ll help you find the one that’s best for you.
Here are a few tips to help you get started
If you’re looking for ways to improve the quality of your tap water, read on. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about safe tap water and water filters.
-Know your water quality report. Each municipality is required to test and publish the quality of its tap water. Read your report and find out which contaminants are present in your water supply.
-Decide which contaminants you want to filter out. Not all water filters remove the same contaminants. Some filters are better at removing lead, others at removing chlorine or pesticides.
-Choose a filter that’s certified by an independent organization like NSF International or the Water Quality Association. This means the filter has been tested and found to remove the desired contaminants
Who is The Water Quality Report For?
The water quality report is for every resident in the United States. This report is published annually by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and it contains all of the information that pertains to your specific water supply. You can find out what kind of contaminants are present in your water, as well as where they come from.
When is a Water Quality Report Issued?
The water quality report is published every year by the EPA. The date may vary depending on your location, but it’s usually published sometime in the summer. You can find your specific report on the EPA website.
What’s Included?
The report contains;
- The EPA regulations for drinking water.
- The source of your water.
- The quality of your water.
- Maps of water distribution.
- A list of all the contaminants found in your water and how much is present.
- Likely health effects of contaminants that are present above acceptable levels.
- The EPA’s contact information if you have any questions or concerns.
If You’re Worried About Lead Get The Right Water Filter
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems. It’s particularly harmful to children and pregnant women, and it can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems and other health issues.
If you’re concerned about lead in your water, you should get a water filter that’s certified to remove lead. Not all filters do this, so be sure to check before you buy.
Certified water filters will say so on the packaging. Some popular filters that remove lead are the NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or the NSF/ANSI Standard 58. The NSF website provides information on which filters are certified to remove lead.
What is The Importance of a Water Quality Report?
The water quality report is important because it allows residents to see the quality of their tap water. This report also lets you know which contaminants are present in your water and what the health risks are. If you’re worried about any of the contaminants in your water, you can take steps to remove them with a water filter.
How is The Water Quality Reported Distributed?
The water quality report is distributed through the mail and it’s also available online. You can find your specific report on the EPA website. If your community water system serves more than 100,000 people, the EPA is only required to post the report on a public website.
Tap Water Filters And Filtration Systems
Water filters are devices that remove contaminants from water. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are many different types of filters available. Some filters are installed under the sink, while others attach to the faucet. There are also portable filters that you can take with you when you travel.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Water Filter
When purchasing a water filter, you’ll need to consider the following factors:
The type of filter: The type of filter you choose will depend on the contaminants you want to remove.
The size of the filter: The size of the filter will depend on the size of your home and how many people will be using the water.
The capacity of the filter: The capacity of the filter is how much water it can filter before it needs to be replaced.
How often the filter will need to be replaced: How often the filter will need to be replaced depends on the type of filter and how much water you use.
The cost of replacement filters: The cost of replacement filters will vary depending on the type of filter you choose.
Certification: When choosing a water filter, it’s important to choose one that’s certified to remove the contaminants that are present in your water.
Water Filtration: What Are Your Options?
There are a variety of water filters available in the market, and the type of filter you choose will depend on the contaminants you want to remove. Some of the most common types of filters are;
- Faucet-Mounted Filter: This type of filter attaches to the faucet and is installed under the sink. It’s a good choice for people who want to remove contaminants from their water without changing the way it tastes or smells.
- Countertop Filter: The countertop filter sits on top of the counter and is a good choice for people who want to remove contaminants from their water and also want to store a large quantity of water.
- Point-of-Entry Filter: This type of filter is installed at the water main and is a good choice for people who want to remove contaminants from their water before it enters their homes.
- Pitcher filter: This type of filter is pitcher-shaped and sits on the counter. It’s a good choice for people who want to remove contaminants from their water and don’t mind changing the way it tastes or smells.
- Plumbed-In Filter: Plumber-in filter is installed in the plumbing and is also a good choice for people who want to remove contaminants from their water before it enters their homes.
Water Filter Technologies
There are six main types of water filter technologies: mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis filters, distillation filters, softeners, and ultraviolet treatment.
- Mechanical Filters: Mechanical filters use a physical barrier to remove contaminants from water. They can be effective at removing particles, sediments, and rust.
- Activated Carbon Filters: Activated carbon filters use activated carbon to remove contaminants from water. They are effective at removing chlorine, lead, and other chemicals.
- Reverse Osmosis Filters: Reverse osmosis filters use a membrane to remove contaminants from water. They are effective at removing particles, sediments, bacteria, and viruses.
- Distillation Filters: Distillation filters use heat to remove contaminants from water. They are effective at removing volatile organic compounds, metals, and salts.
- Softeners: Softeners use a resin to remove calcium and magnesium from water. They are effective at reducing the hardness of the water.
- Ultraviolet Treatment: Ultraviolet treatment uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in water. It is effective at removing protozoa, bacteria, and viruses.
Which Filter is Best For You?
The best filter for you depends on the contaminants that are present in your water. If you’re not sure which filter is best for you, consult our water filtration specialists. We can help you choose the filter that will remove the most contaminants from your water.
Water Quality Concerns And Filtration Methods
Lead: If you are worried about lead in your water, you should choose a filter that uses activated carbon. Activated carbon filters are effective at removing lead from water.
Chlorine: If you are concerned about chlorine in your water, you should ask your local water utility about the best filters to use.
Perchlorates: As for perchlorates in your water, you should choose a filter that uses reverse osmosis or distillation. Reverse osmosis and distillation filters are effective at removing perchlorates from water.
Chlorine By-products: If you are concerned about chlorine byproducts in your water, you should choose a filter that uses activated carbon. Activated carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine by-products from water.
Taste And Odor: Activated carbon or charcoal filters are effective at removing contaminants that cause bad tastes and odors from water.
Arsenic: If you are concerned about arsenic in your water, select a filter that uses reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis filters are effective at removing arsenic from water.
Fluoride: If you are concerned about fluoride in your water, you should choose a filter that uses distillation or reverse osmosis. Distillation and reverse osmosis filters are effective at removing fluoride from water.
Nitrates: You should choose a filter that uses distillation or reverse osmosis if you are concerned about nitrates in your water. Distillation and reverse osmosis filters are effective at removing nitrates from water.
Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products And Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
Recent water quality studies have shown that there are many pharmaceuticals, personal care products and hormone-disrupting chemicals present in U.S. water supplies. This is worrisome because these chemicals can contaminate drinking water and pose a health risk to people who consume them.
Verify The Quality of Your Filter
It is important to verify the quality of your water filter. Some water filters are not effective at removing all of the contaminants from water. Make sure you choose a filter that is certified by an independent organization, such as NSF International or the Water Quality Association.
Contact Us Today if You’re Worried About The Quality of Your Tap Water
This guide from Baylor Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. provides information on different types of water filters and their effectiveness at removing contaminants from water. If you are concerned about the quality of your water or have questions about water filters, consult one of our water filtration specialists at 812.425.8435.
