Water Filter Quality Comparison
Today's market is saturated with numerous products claiming to provide quality drinking water at different prices. While some of these products have varying degrees of success in tackling problems associated with tap water, many fall short of removing key contaminants and are prone to additional issues. Below is a comparison between different products and the problems associated with each. We encourage you to research the proposed topics further and have your water tested by an accredited laboratory for an accurate assessment.
Many water regulatory bodies, both public and private, have specific guidelines and standards for drinking water quality. While these standards are effective at preventing disease and acute toxicity from drinking water, they generally allow a maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) for chemical and physical contaminants undesirable in drinking water. These include Heavy Metals, Chlorine, Chloramine, VOCs, Pesticides, Pharmaceuticals, Hydrocarbons, etc. It is important to note that plumbing components (pipes, solder, brass fittings, and lead service lines) are a major source of heavy metal accumulation in municipal drinking water, particularly lead.
The AquaRenaissance® PR110 water filter cartridge is designed specifically to remove contaminants (Heavy Metals, Arsenic, Chloramine, Ammonia, THMs, Cesium, etc.) often overlooked by other systems. When combined with a 0.5-micron nominal carbon block, the AquaReveal® Under-Sink Water Purification system is highly effective at removing chemicals, heavy metals, and impurities from municipal tap water.
AquaReveal® System Highlights
- Durable stainless steel housing and components
- Dual filter design for an enhanced filtration capacity
- Exceptional flow rate (3-4 L/Min) and non-clogging design
- 0.5 Micron solid carbon block filter for removal of Cysts & Bacteria
- Effective removal of Chlorine, VOCs, and other chemicals
- Multistage comprehensive heavy metal reduction (Lead, Mercury, Copper, Aluminum, etc.)
- Removal of radioactive cesium (Cs-134, Cs-137) and strontium-90
- Removal of Chloramine, Arsenic, Ammonia, and Hydrogen Sulfides
- Stainless steel braided hoses are included to ensure a leak-proof connection.
- Easy installation; no tools or drilling are required
- Retains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium
- Over 95% Fluorocarbons (PFAS) removal
- Elevates acidic pH and alkalinity
- Nontoxic and safe for the environment
Contaminants
The chart below lists typical contaminants that the AquaReveal® Water Filtration System targets and removes. Tested in accordance with limits set by EPA, Health Canada, and NSF/ANSI by independent accredited laboratories. This is not a complete list.
Gravity (Pitcher) Filters
These filters vary widely and consist of a container or pitcher and a small, replaceable filter containing granular carbon and other additives. Most filters contain resins that remove positively charged ions from the source water. The size of these filters does not provide sufficient contact time with water to effectively remove many contaminants. A new study by scientists at Duke University and North Carolina State University found that pitcher- or faucet-attachment filters were ineffective at removing Fluorocarbons such as PFAS. In contrast, all under-sink two-stage and reverse osmosis filters achieved near-complete removal of PFAS.
Common Issues:
- The small size and design of these filters contribute to premature blocking.
- They are not very effective at removing heavy metals and many other contaminants.
- They can't effectively remove PFAS or Radioactive isotopes.
- Due to the open design and air exposure, the pitcher and filters are prone to mold and bacterial growth.
- Not capable of removing Chloramine
Water Ionizers (Alkaline Water Machines)
Using electrolysis, water ionizers are countertop consumer machines that artificially separate tap water into acidic and alkaline streams. In recent years, these machines have been marketed extensively, and manufacturers have made numerous health claims to justify the high costs associated with these units. While slightly alkaline water generally tastes better, we cannot find credible research to support any health benefits associated with these machines. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that the water produced by these machines has elevated levels of metals and other contaminants.
Common Issues:
- Water Ionizers do not adequately filter your water. The carbon filters commonly used in these machines won't remove Heavy Metals, Chloramine, or most other contaminants.
- Titanium and platinum plates used in these machines to generate alkaline water can leach toxic metals into the water. Electrical current passing through these plates enhances this process.
- The ionization process also reacts with minerals and contaminants in water, potentially producing toxic compounds.
- High cost and lack of credible testing
Distilled Water
Distillation is a water purification process that uses heat to vaporize water, separating it from contaminants and other undesirable substances. Distilled water is desirable in laboratories and applications where the risk of contamination is critical. In general, distilled water is not desirable for consumption.
Common Issues:
- Distilled water lacks beneficial minerals common in drinking water
- Distilled water is acidic and has a pH of below 7.0
- Due to the lack of minerals, the taste is not palatable
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that uses semi-permeable membranes to remove larger particles from drinking water. RO filters reverse the osmosis process in which a semi-permeable membrane separates two salt solutions of different concentrations. When pressure is applied, water will migrate from the more concentrated solution through the membrane to the less concentrated solution. The porous structure of the membranes allows water to pass while sequentially blocking all submicron particles. The resulting water contains no contaminants or minerals. Reverse Osmosis uses back pressure, so only 15 to 50% of the water put into the system is usable. The rest is discharged as wastewater.
Reverse osmosis is useful in applications where water's mineral content and contamination levels, such as in groundwater, are excessively high. Most municipalities test and treat water according to EPA standards.
Common Issues:
- Removes naturally occurring minerals in water. Requires remineralization
- It is costly and requires professional installation
- Inefficient and wastes water
- RO water is acidic
Whole House Filters
Whole-house filters are installed where water enters your home, ensuring that all the water you use for cleaning, bathing, and laundry is treated. These systems come in a range of sizes and types: some focus on removing sediment and rust, while others can filter out chlorine, iron, and other impurities. In places with hard water, whole-house filters are often paired with water softeners. While they improve overall water quality throughout your house, most whole-house filters do not address contaminants like lead or chloramine that are specific concerns for drinking water.
Common Issues:
- Most models cannot remove heavy metals, lead, and other contaminants.
- They are not capable of removing Chloramine and Ammonia
- They are expensive and require professional installation
- They can not be installed in Apartments and Condos
If you have a Whole-House Filter installed, purchasing a point-of-use filter is highly recommended to ensure proper filtration for drinking purposes.
