Introduction
Hi there! I'm the voice behind goodsguide.com.au, and with 16 years of plumbing under my belt, including running my own business for the past ten years, I've learned a thing or two about water and its purity. Today, I want to share my insights on water filters, which are essential for both tank and mains water users. Whether you're a homeowner, a fellow tradesperson, or someone simply interested in better water quality, I'll guide you through choosing the best water filter for your home and your specific situation, drawing from my hands-on experience in the industry.
Filtering Tank Water
When it comes to filtering tank water, the process often involves a multi-stage approach. Here's a simplified breakdown:
Pre-filtration: This stage is about removing sediment like sand, silt, and organic matter. A prefilter catches these larger particles before they can enter your home's plumbing system.
Microbial and Metal Filtration: This second stage focuses on eliminating microorganisms and potential heavy metals that might have leached from roofing materials into the rainwater.
pH Neutralization: Rainwater is naturally acidic. A crucial step in filtration is adjusting its pH to prevent corrosion in household piping. This is especially important if your water storage solution does not naturally neutralize the pH, like non-concrete tanks.
Filtering Mains Supply Water
Town water usually comes treated from the local authorities, but additional home filtration can further refine its quality:
Chemical Removal: While mains water is typically at a neutral pH, it can contain chemicals like chlorine. Home filtration systems aim to remove these additives.
Bacteria and Sediment Filtration: Despite treatment, there could be sediment or bacteria build-up in the pipes. Point-of-use filters like under-sink systems ensure the water is clean right before consumption.
Reverse Osmosis: For a thorough filtration, reverse osmosis systems are effective. They remove impurities, then re-balance the water pH to ensure it's safe and palatable.
Why Water Authorities Add Chemicals
Water authorities often add chemicals to ensure the water is safe for consumption by the time it reaches your home. Some common chemicals include:
Chlorine: Used for disinfection to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
Fluoride: Added to prevent tooth decay.
Aluminum Sulfate: Helps in clarifying water by binding to impurities and settling them out.
Importance of Removing Chemicals at Home
While these chemicals are crucial for public health, having them in your home water supply isn't always ideal. Removing them through home filtration systems ensures:
Improved Taste and Odour: Chlorine and other chemicals can affect the taste and smell of water.
Healthier Skin and Hair: Chemical-free water is gentler on your body during bathing or showering.
Reduced Health Risks: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, even in small quantities, can have health implications.
Understanding these processes and why they are essential helps in making an informed decision about the right water filtration system for your home, ensuring the water you consume and use daily is as pure and healthy as it can be.
Lets take a deep dive into the completed studies
Research over the years has provided insights into the effects of chlorine and fluoride added to drinking water, raising concerns about potential negative health impacts.
Chlorine in Drinking Water:
Chlorine is widely used for disinfecting water and effectively eliminates most pathogens. However, its use is not without potential health risks:
Cancer Risk: The U.S. Council of Environmental Quality reports that the cancer risk for people who drink chlorinated water is up to 93% higher than for those who do not consume chlorinated water.
Formation of Harmful By-Products: Chlorine can react with organic compounds in water to produce Trihalomethanes (THMs), which are carcinogenic and cause cell damage.
Increased Health Conditions: Various studies have linked chlorinated water to an increase in heart attacks, bladder and rectal cancers, gastrointestinal cancer, and developmental issues in infants.
Impact on Gut Health: Chlorine's ability to kill bacteria extends to beneficial gut bacteria, potentially leading to several health issues, including obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, autoimmune diseases, and even autism.
Fluoride in Drinking Water:
While added to water for dental health benefits, fluoride's impact on overall health has been increasingly questioned:
Neurodevelopmental Effects: Recent studies have shown that fluoride exposure during pregnancy is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental effects in offspring. This challenges the long-held belief that community water fluoridation is unequivocally safe.
Lower IQ Scores in Children: The Maternal Infant Research on Environmental Contaminants (MIREC) study found that higher fluoride levels in pregnant women were associated with 3- to 5-point lower IQ scores in their 3- to 4-year-old children.
Classification as a Neurodevelopmental Hazard: In 2019, the National Toxicology Program classified fluoride as a presumed cognitive neurodevelopmental hazard. This conclusion was based on four high-quality prospective birth cohort studies linking fluoride exposure to diminished cognitive abilities.
These findings suggest a need for further research and re-evaluation of the long-term safety of chlorine and fluoride in drinking water. While these chemicals play an essential role in maintaining public health, their potential adverse effects, particularly with uncontrolled exposure, warrant careful consideration and more comprehensive study.
Lets take a look at the different styles of filters
In my years as a plumber, I've seen first hand the impact of different types of water filters in homes. Let's talk about the various kinds available and their purposes.
Whole House Filters: As the name suggests, these systems filter water for the entire house. They're great for ensuring that every water source in your home, from the shower to the kitchen sink, is purified. They're especially useful if you're concerned about contaminants affecting not just your drinking water but also the water you bathe and wash clothes in.
Single Tap Filters: These are designed for specific taps. If you're mainly concerned about the water you drink and cook with, a single tap filter on your kitchen faucet might be all you need. They're cost-effective and easy to install.
Under Bench Filters: Installed under the sink, these filters are a more discreet option. They're ideal for filtering drinking and cooking water directly at the point of use. Plus, they don't take up counter space, which is a bonus in smaller kitchens.
Each type has its merits, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and water quality concerns. Whether it's ensuring safe drinking water or protecting your appliances from scale buildup, there's a filter solution out there for you.
Replace your filters when required
Changing water filters regularly is crucial, and I can't stress this enough from my plumbing experience. Here's why:
Prevent Contaminant Build up: Over time, filters get clogged with sediments and contaminants. If not changed, these pollutants can find their way back into your water.
Maintain Water Flow and Quality: A clogged filter reduces water flow and efficiency. The water might start tasting or smelling off, indicating impurity build up.
Avoid Bacterial Growth: Old filters can become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to potential health risks if these bacteria enter your drinking water.
Ensure System Longevity: Regularly changing filters not only ensures clean water but also prolongs the life of your filtration system.
Neglecting to change filters can compromise your water quality and potentially pose health risks, so it's a small but essential step in home maintenance.
Get a Flow Meter
I recently added the HM Digital FLM-3 Flow Rate Meter to my home filtration system, and it's been a game-changer. This nifty device, priced at AU $120.00, is perfect for monitoring water usage and keeping tabs on filter life. It's particularly great for systems like RO/DI resin, where precise water consumption data is key for timely filter changes.
With features like a programmable alarm and easy-to-read LCD display, the FLM-3 ensures you never miss a filter replacement. It accurately measures flow rates and total water usage, making maintenance a breeze. I've even showcased it on my YouTube channel to share how it works in my setup. For anyone with a water filtration system, I highly recommend getting one of these – it's a small investment for peace of mind and optimal filter performance.
So what Filters should you get?
That depends on your type of setup. Please see below:
Town water filter system for under sink:
As a professional in the plumbing industry, I highly recommend this under-sink water filter, especially for those looking to remove fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals from their water. It's a standout option in the market, uniquely designed to offer both high flow rate and effective filtration.
What sets this filter apart is its AquaMetix® block filter technology, combining activated carbon with other compounds for a broad spectrum of contaminant reduction. At AU $450.00, this system represents a significant investment in ensuring the highest quality of drinking water in your home. It is designed to be plumbed directly into your cold line under the kitchen sink, so all of the cold water coming out of your kitchen sink tap will be filtered.
Town water filter system for above counter:
The ULTRAPURE Aragon 10" Twin Benchtop Water Filter with Fluoride Removal is a top-tier solution for those looking for superior water filtration in their homes. Particularly effective for treated water supplies, this system is versatile enough for use in kitchens, campers, or boats, thanks to its compact design.
What sets it apart is the innovative combination of cartridges housed in a high-quality, high-pressure casing. The first stage features a fluoride removal cartridge that efficiently reduces fluoride content by up to 97%. The second stage, the Aragon cartridge, offers broad-spectrum purification, removing chlorine, heavy metals, and various microbial contaminants.
This system's unique design and proven efficiency make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to improve their water quality, especially in areas with heavily treated water supplies. With a capacity to filter up to 7000 Litres or for 12 months, it ensures long-lasting, high-quality filtration.
This one requires no plumbing at all, you just unscrew your aerator and screw the new valve on that comes with it.
Town or Tank water whole house filtration system
The Big Blue 10" x 4.5" 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter System, priced at AU $225.00, is a versatile and robust solution for comprehensive water purification. Designed for use with various water sources like dam, tank, bore, and town water, it efficiently removes contaminants such as bacteria, particulate matter, and high molecular-weight substances.
Key features include:
Durable food-grade housing with double O-rings and pressure release valve.
Pressure gauges for monitoring, accommodating standard 10"x4.5" filter cartridges.
Included spanner wrench and metal mounting bracket for easy installation.
1" brass ports and a maximum tested flow rate of 60 Ltrs/min.
The system employs a three-stage filtration process:
5-micron Sediment Filter: Removes dirt, rust, algae, and sediment.
Granulated Active Carbon Filter: Eliminates rust, dirt, chlorine, chemicals, bad taste, and odors.
5-micron Carbon Block Filter: Further reduces chlorine, chemicals, bad taste, odors, and other contaminants.
This system ensures fresher, cleaner, and better-tasting water for the entire household. Regular filter replacement every 12 months is recommended for optimal performance.
Reverse Osmosis
In my professional opinion, I typically advise against using reverse osmosis systems for drinking water. While they are highly effective in removing contaminants, they also strip water of beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are essential for various bodily functions, contributing to bone health, heart function, and overall well-being.
Recently, there have been innovations in water treatment technology, including devices that re-mineralize water post-reverse osmosis. However, it's important to note that these technologies are still in the testing phase and haven't been proven extensively. As such, I recommend opting for filtration systems that maintain water's natural mineral balance while ensuring purity and safety.
The Best water you can get
In my professional experience, the benefits of using well-filtered rainwater collected from your roof extend far beyond just drinking. This water source is exceptionally advantageous for various household uses, thanks to its natural purity, softness, and lack of chemicals typically found in municipal water supplies.
Comprehensive Benefits of Rainwater:
Natural Purity: Free from ground contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals, making it safer than groundwater.
Soft Water: Low mineral content, reducing wear on appliances and being gentler on skin and hair.
Taste and Odor: Lacks municipal water chemicals, resulting in better taste and no chemical odors.
Environmental Benefits: Reduces reliance on municipal water, conserving resources.
Cost-Effective: Can lower water bills after initial setup.
Versatility in Usage:
Gardening: Ideal for plants, offering a balanced pH and no chemical residues.
Bathing and Showering: Softer on the skin and hair, providing a more natural washing experience.
Laundry: Reduces detergent usage and prolongs fabric life.
Household Cleaning: Effective for washing dishes or surfaces, leaving fewer residues.
In summary, well-filtered rainwater is a versatile, eco-friendly, and effective solution for a range of domestic needs, from drinking to gardening, enhancing both the quality of life and environmental sustainability. Remember, effective filtration and sterilization systems are crucial to ensure safety, especially in areas with high air pollution.
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