How to Solve Drinking Water Problems

With the popularity of water treatment devices, a number of manufacturers have introduced products that integrate water systems seamlessly into the kitchen.

Shop around; you will have choices in price, installation, maintenance, and warranties. Be wary if a salesperson claims a device has governmental or EPA approval. The EPA doesn't test or approve products, it only registers them. For a listing of certified units and the contaminants they remove, call the independent testing organization NSF International at (313) 769-8010. You can locate certified dealers by contacting the Water Quality Association at (312) 369-1600.

If the only problem with your water is grit, dirt, sediment, rust, or other such particles, a physical filter may be sufficient. Made of fiber, fabric, ceramic or other screening media, these simply catch particles--including, in some cases, small organisms like cysts and some bacteria. Don't rely upon them to handle disease-causing organisms, VOCs, metals or the like.

If your water tastes, smells, or looks bad, a filter containing activated carbon (AC) may solve the problem. If you want to remove chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, radon, trihalomethanes (THMs) and some inorganic chemicals, carbon may do the trick, too. Some --but not all-- carbon filters are effective at reducing lead content. Check the certification of the unit you're interested in buying and, if claims are made regarding lead removal, be sure they're substantiated.

You can't rely upon a conventional carbon filter to remove salts, nitrates, nitrites, or some metals. And you shouldn't rely exclusively on one to remove organisms. In fact, be aware that a carbon filter will accumulate the contaminants removed from water and bacteria may even breed in it, so you must replace filter cartridges religiously, according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

A carbon filter that contains pesticide silver may be registered--but is not endorsed--by the EPA. Studies show that these are not fully effective at eliminating bacterial growth or microbiological contaminants. Again, be sure any such claims are substantiated.

Effectiveness of a particular carbon unit is a factor of the amount of activated carbon it contains. Although you can buy beneath-the-counter, countertop, and faucet-mounted styles, the $30 faucet-end models are only marginally effective. Whole-house systems are also available for $3000 or more. Such a system, known as point-of-entry (POE) is recommended for applications where a contaminant such as radon poses a threat to the entire house.

If you must remove inorganic chemicals, such as salts, metals (including lead), minerals, nitrates, asbestos, and some organic chemicals, consider a reverse-osmosis (RO) filter. Actually, most models include carbon pre-filters and post-filters, too, which will catch sediment, pesticides, herbicides, THMs and radon.

RO filters remove lead, but some don't remove chlorine (if this is claimed, request proof of performance). The carbon post-filter is used to improve the water's taste. Pre- and post-filter cartridges should be replaced yearly.

Most RO filters are connected directly to plumbing, and are located beneath the sink. A small tank stores clean water until needed and tainted water drains out through a line connected to the sink trap. Drinking water flows through a special, separate sink-top spout. Some models have an automatic valve that eliminates the waste typically associated with RO filters--conventional models waste about 3 gallons for every gallon of pure water they produce. They generally cost upwards of $250.

If you just want a portable, sink-top appliance that will rid water of most dissolved solids, such as salts, asbestos fibres, metals, minerals, particles, and some organic chemicals maybe an inexpensive distiller is right for you. Distillers heat water until it turns to steam then condense the steam back into water in a separate chamber, leaving behind anything that won't travel in the steam. Unless coupled with a carbon filter, they will not remove all chemical pollutants and all bacteria. Most have to be filled manually, they use considerable electricity to operate and they may take several hours to produce one gallon of water. Though prices range up to $1500, most are less than $400.

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection devices may kill bacteria and viruses, and clear the taste and odour of water, but they are not effective against chemical pollutants and may not work against cysts and spores. Ultraviolet is sometimes used in combination with carbon filters to kill bacteria.

Of all the water quality problems found in homes, hard water caused by an overabundance of minerals, is the most common. But hard water isn't normally a health problem, it's a nuisance. It causes soap scum, bathtub ring, dish spots and damaging deposits in pipes and hot water heaters. You also need more soap when cleaning with hard water. The most common health problems associated with hard water are skin irritations caused by soap scum.

An ion exchange water softener, the most economical type to use, conditions hard water by substituting sodium chloride (salt) for minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron. But because softeners add sodium to water, which can be a health hazard, some people prefer to have them connected only to the hot-water side of the water supply system or to bypass one or more cold water faucets in the house. Installed prices for automatic water softeners begin at about $1600 up; many people rent them.

Plumbing found to contain a high lead content should not be hooked-up to a water softener because soft water is more corrosive than hard water and minerals are helpful in forming a protective barrier in pipes.

Buying bottled water is the quickest and, initially, cheapest way to get clean drinking water. But over the long haul, it is far more expensive. Producers of bottled waters are regulated by the same standards imposed on public water systems and are also self-regulated by the International Bottled Water Association. Club sodas, carbonated waters, seltzers, and waters containing more than 1 percent flavouring are not covered by these standards.

* One final thought: Remember that filters and bottled water will not solve the global need for fresh water. All life on Earth relies upon clean water for survival. It is our responsibility--and in our own best interest-- to use water wisely and do everything possible to minimize pollution.