Quest Countertop
How to Choose the Right Water Filter
A Guide To Aid Consumers In Choosing An Effective, Cost Efficient, Drinking Water Filtration Unit.
Purchasing a water filter in today’s marketplace can be confusing even for the most savvy of consumers. Hopefully this guide will assist you in making the right choice in purchasing any water filtration system.
There are over 400 companies that sell drinking water systems for the treatment of various contaminants. Water filters vary widely in quality, price, and performance. Although hundreds of companies make water filtration devices that can reduce chlorine from water, only a few companies offer drinking water treatment units that are certified to reduce a wide array of contaminants of health concern.
A few companies or their representatives claim their products produce PURE drinking water. I have yet to meet such an animal. No water filter produces PURE water, but some do reduce numerous contaminants to a high degree. Avoid any brand that makes such false claims.
Water filters are like everything else, quality costs money. Quality drinking water purification systems usually cost a few hundred dollars to purchase, but save money in the long run because they produce drinking water for a fraction of the cost as compared to cheap filters.
Cheap filters do little or nothing as far as purifying drinking water. One thing they are good for is costing the consumer a lot of money in purchasing replacement filters. A quality filter will give you years of service and save you money. As a rule of thumb – If it costs less than – Let’s say $200.00 – Put it back on the shelf. Do not worry, I am going to show you how you will save more than the $200.00….
Here are a few simple steps to purchasing a quality water filter that will be highly effective, cost efficient, and last for years.
Step 1 – Type Of System
Which application would be best for you – Counter Top – Undersink – Inline – or a Convertable type that can be used as a countertop or be installed undersink?
Counter Top Systems usually install by the use of a valve and rubber hose attached to your existing sink faucet. They do take up some space on the counter. Many people find this to be inconvenient.
Undersink Water Filters install conveniently under the sink and have their own faucet which should be installed at the corner of the sink. They save counter space. Sure beats having a monster sitting on your counter or a hose hanging off your sink faucet. This is the preferred type as it is not only the most convenient but can also be hooked up to an icemaker.
Inline Filters install directly in the line to any appliance that uses water such as an icemaking machine, coffee pots, water coolers, beverage machines, etc.
Convertible – Undersink/Countertop can be used as a countertop or installed as an undersink water filter.
Step 2 – Technology
Determine what you are trying to accomplish by using a water filter. Chlorine reduction only? Bacteria?
Or, do you want to effectively reduce bacterial cysts, chlorine and a wide range of chemical and organic contaminants at the same time. This is what a quality water filter can do.
Another thing to consider is – Do you want to remove the “Healthy Minerals” from your water? Minerals are good for your teeth and bones.
There are a number of different technologies when it comes to water purification. Here are some examples -
Loose Carbon – This is a bacteria factory. Loose carbon allows oxygen to exist within the filter itself which encourages, infact, enhances the growth of bacteria. These filters are very cheap to purchase, but expensive in the long run because the filters have to be replaced frequently.
Distillation – Can be effective on bacteria, sediments, solids, and any organic or chemical contaminant that will not evaporate. There are some chemical contaminants found in water today will evaporate, MTBE is a good example.
Ultraviolet lighting is sometimes used in conjunction with a filter to kill bacteria and has been found to be effective.
Reverse Osmosis – A membrane which reduces radium, fluoride, and numberous other contaminants to a high degree, but it does have it’s limitations. There are many contaminants found in water today that will pass through an RO membrane. Reverse Osmosis used in conjunction with a high quality filter can be very effective. Reverse Osmosis does remove the “Healthy Minerals”.
Reverse Osmosis alone is capable of reducing a number of contaminants found in drinking water today. Arsenic, barium, radium, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba, fluoride, lead, nitrates, nitrites,
selenium and a few others…
Solid Carbon Block – This type of filtration reduces the widest range of chemical contaminants to a very high degree. Some are higher quality than others. The density and high quality of the carbon determine the effectiveness. Water passes through a high quality solid carbon block as a molecule instead of a drop. This means all the water touches the carbon. Therefore all the water is subject to proper filtration. Look for a carbon block which will reduce contaminants to at least 1 micron, preferably 0.5 micron. The smaller the number the better.
Any high quality solid carbon block will reduce a wide range of contaminants. Contaminants such as
lead, bacterial cysts, mercury, asbestos, mtbe, and many others.
Step 3 – Performance
Performance is the key factor. Actually the most important thing to look for in any water filter. Don’t waste your money on an ineffective water purification system that simply does not work.
****Carefully read the packaging. Determine which contaminants the manufacturer states the filter will reduce. The label on the product package should state exactly which contaminants it is capable of reducing based on standards set by NSF International.
**** So how do you know if the claims made on the label are correct? If the filters is not certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, put it back on the shelf. Quality water filter manufacturers put their filters through rigorous testing by NSF and are proud to advertise their certification.
**** NSF International tests and certifies drinking water treatment devices to the standard appropriate for the technology of the product. For filtration devices, NSF International may certify the product to improve the aesthetics of the water to Standard 42, the health effect of the water to Standard 53 or both. In addition, NSF has developed an additional testing standard for Reverse Osmosis units, Standard 58.
One other thing I want to mention, be sure the packaging states NSF Certified To Standard 53 for example. If it says “tested to NSF Standards” – This does Not Mean Certified.
If you want to see the actual certification, go to the NSF website: www.nsf.org - Click the consumer block and put in the make and model of the filter. If the filter is actually NSF Certified, you will be able to view the contaminants tested for and certified to remove. This way you can compare different certified filter’s performance.
Step 4 – Cost Efficiency
Quality water filters have a long filter life capacity. This is what Saves You Money. Look for a water filter that has a capacity rating of at least 6 months. Understand, this is an estimate. The actual life of the filter depends a lot upon the qualities of your water. If your water has a lot of solids the filter will clog sooner than it is rated. If your water has a high level of contaminants, it will become ineffective sooner. In most cases though, the filter life rating is conservative, meaning the filter will actually outlast the capacity rating. Always keep the filter changed at the recommended intervals, even sooner if possible.
Cheap ineffective filters actually cost more to operate. Having to frequently change the filter cost a lot of money in the long run.
I hope this article helps you in your quest for a quality water filter!
Read More Articles Concerning Drinking Water, Water Filters, Reverse Osmosis, Tap Water, Bottled Water, Home Water Filtration, Water Contamination, Water Purification, and the Florida Aquifer @
http://www.supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com
Patti Wilson
Water Filtration Consultant
MultiPure Independent Distributor
St Augustine Florida
email: patti@supremedrinkingwatersolutions.com
About the Author
Patti Wilson
Water Filtration Consultant
MultiPure Independent Distributor
St Augustine Fl
Crystal Quest Triple 8 Stage Countertop Fluoride Water Filter Review
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST WHITE COUNTER TOP SEALED 20K WATER FILTER $93.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST BEIGE COUNTER TOP SEALED 20K WATER FILTER $93.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST BLACK COUNTER TOP SEALED 20K WATER FILTER $93.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST WHITE COUNTER TOP SEALED 30K WATER FILTER $107.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST BEIGE COUNTER TOP SEALED 30K WATER FILTER $107.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST® Counter-Top/Portable 10-stage Reverse Osmosis System $120.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTER TOP SINGLE 6 STAGE WATER FILTER $79.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTER TOP SINGLE 6 STAGE WATER FILTER $94.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTER TOP SINGLE 6 STAGE WATER FILTER $109.50 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTER TOP TRIPLE 8 STAGE WATER FILTER $119.50 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTER TOP TRIPLE 8 STAGE WATER FILTER $129.50 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTER TOP TRIPLE 8 STAGE WATER FILTER $139.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST BLACK COUNTER TOP SEALED 30K WATER FILTER $107.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST NITRATE COUNTER TOP DOUBLE WATER FILTER $109.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST TRIPLE Countertop Fluoride Water Filter $124.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST Countertop DOUBLE Water Filter System $94.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST Countertop Single Water Filter System $87.90 |
|
|
Crystal Quest Sealed Countertop Water Filter – 30,000 $124.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST NITRATE COUNTER TOP TRIPLE WATER FILTER $129.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTERTOP FLUORIDE REMOVAL WATER FILTER $97.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTERTOP FLUORIDE REMOVAL WATER FILTER $97.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST COUNTERTOP FLUORIDE REMOVAL WATER FILTER $97.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST TRIPLE Countertop Fluoride Water Filter $124.95 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST®Mega Countertop Water Filter CQE-CT-00103 $75.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST®Mega Countertop Water Filter CQE-CT-00104 $89.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST®Mega Countertop Water Filter CQE-CT-00106 $95.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST®Mega Countertop Water Filter CQE-CT-00107 $115.00 |
|
|
New CRYSTAL QUEST® Disposable Countertop Water CQE-CT-00100 FREE SHIPPING $76.50 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST® Disposable Countertop Water CQE-CT-00100 $85.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST® Disposable Countertop Water CQE-CT-00101 $99.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST® Disposable Countertop Water CQE-CT-00102 $109.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST® Countertop Repl.Triple Plus CQE-CT-00109 $119.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST Countertop Repl.Triple ULTRA CQE-CT-00110 $129.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST® Countertop Repl.Triple ULT. CQE-CT-00111 $139.00 |
|
|
CRYSTAL QUEST® 50 GPD Countertop Reverse Osmosis System $134.90 |
|
|
Cuisinart DCC-1100 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemakers This classically designed coffeemaker is accented with stainless steel for a look that is sure to enhance your countertop. The 12 cup carafe features an ergonomic handle, dripless spout and knuckle guard for comfortable, drip-free pouring. Fully automatic, the DCC-1100 has 24-hour programmability and 1 to 4 cup setting for those times you don’t need a full pot of coffee. The Brew pause feature let… |
|
|
Tap Master Jr. F2 (with Fluoride Filter) Counter-top Water Filter $99.00 This advanced compound multi-stage water filter can eliminate over 90% of the fluoride, arsenic, and selenium from your tap water, in addition to chemicals, including VOCs, TOCs, chlorine, and other contaminants that create foul tastes and odors in your tap water. The Tap Master Jr. F2 has special Channel Blockers to ensure even filtration, and avoid problems which are found in other competitor gr… |
|
|
Crystal Quest CQE-PT-03001 C1 .25 in. Tube Countertop Diverter Handle with Collar $27.81 C11/4? diverter 1/4? Tube countertop diverter “handle” with Collar. The design of this product is very exquisite and beautiful. This item has high quality with reasonable price…. |
|
|
Crystal Quest Triple 8 Stage Countertop Fluoride Water Filter $109.95 In stage 1, water travels through a a solid carbon cartridge for removing volatile organic carbon compounds (VOC’s, insecticides, pesticides and industrial solvents).* In stage 2, water travel through a FLUORIDE REMOVAL cartridge. Containing synthetic Aluminum Oxide absorbant media. Specifically designed to have a high affinity for Fluoride, Lead and Arsenic. It removes metals through a mixture of… |
|
|
Aquasana Countertop Water Filter System AQ-4000 $99.99 Aquasana’s patented dual cartridge drinking water filter installs in seconds on standard kitchen faucets and provides up to 30 gallons an hour of ultra-filtered, high-quality water for drinking, cooking and preparing beverages. Includes filter housing, chrome faucet diverter, twin filter cartridge set (lasts 6 months/filters 500 gallons), and easy-to-follow instructions. Replace the filter cartri… |
|
|
Concrete at Home $16.00 Fu-Tung Cheng’s surprise bestseller Concrete Countertops paved the way for a fresh look at a familiar surface. His new book moves beyond the kitchen and transforms this commonplace material into an elegant medium that can be used throughout the house. Combining cutting-edge design with helpful how-to information, Concrete at Home offers ingenious ideas for planning and building walls, fireplaces, … |
|
|
Crystal Quest Disposable Countertop Water Filter CQE-CT-00100 $79.00 Sealed Countertop Water Filter system eliminates the impurities of tap water. Crystal Quest CQE-CT-00101 6-stage filtration, 10,000 gallon no-maintenance water filter. The perfect solution for any household, it is quick and easy to install and use, attractive, convenient, and effectively removes hundreds of contaminants from water. Disposable Countertop Water Filter CQE-CT-00101 advantages: |
|
|
Crystal Quest CQE-CT-00124 Countertop Portable Water Filter, Travel Filter – Countertop Portable Water Filter Countertop water filter 4-stage filtration. Portable Camping/Traveling Water Filter is ideal for those on the go!. Whether taking your family on vacation or going on a business trip, you can enjoy safe and great tasting water anywhere. It is quick and easy to install and use, stylish, convenient, and effectively removes hundreds of contaminants from water 4 stages of water filtration, easily conne… |