How to Compare Water Treatment Systems

To compare water treatment systems, there are several considerations. Contaminants removed. Cost of use. Purchase price. And, is the option environmentally friendly?

Product performance data will give you much of this information. In some places, the manufacturer is required to include this information along with the product brochures. The range of contaminants that are removed is one of the most important considerations, but you don't want to drink something that is too "pure".

When you compare water treatment systems, you are sure to see distillers and reverse osmosis. Although distillation is no longer widely used in homes, there are still a few models on the market.

The popularity of reverse osmosis comes and goes. It was very popular until people realized that it did not remove chemical contaminants. In order to address that issue, some manufacturers added a granulated carbon step.

Because of the additional step and the Environmental Protection Agency's suggestion that it is one option for cyst removal, reverse osmosis has again become popular. But, it is not an economical or environmentally friendly option.

If you compare water treatment systems that use reverse osmosis to multi-phase submicron filtration, the multi-phase system wins. It's less expensive, removes a wider range of contaminants and creates no wastewater. It doesn't require electricity to operate and it doesn't de-mineralize.

Both reverse osmosis and distillation create waters that are devoid of a mineral or electrolyte content. They are basically "too pure" for drinking purposes.

Research has shown that they are bad for your digestive system and can lead to nutritional problems. They also increase your risk of dehydration, because you need electrolytes for properly hydrated bodily fluids.

When you compare water treatment systems that are very inexpensive, such as the pitchers and the ones that attach directly to the faucet, the performance is not optimal. Typically, they only contain granulated carbon, so they only remove chlorine and some other chemical contaminants.

Multi-phase units that sit on your countertop or are installed under the sink may cost a little more, but they do a lot more, too. The cost of use is actually less than that of an inexpensive pitcher, because the pitchers require frequent filter replacements and the filters cost as much as a new pitcher. Basically, the company throws the pitcher in for free.

If you want to compare water treatment systems that remove cysts, you must look for a sub-micron filtration step. The inexpensive filters don't include that step. If you want to remove lead, you need ion exchange. For chlorine byproducts and other gaseous contaminants, you need adsorption. To target specific chemicals, you need other filtering media.

No matter how you look at it, the multiphase units are the best. The water tastes better. It has a balanced pH level and electrolyte content. The units are the most economical and environmentally friendly. When purchased direct from the manufacturer, they cost less than a six week supply of bottled water.

You can bottle your own at home to carry with you when you travel. Some companies offer glass containers as a special gift when you buy a system. Hopefully, this info helps you compare water treatment systems and make the right choice.