Water Filter Replacement

In our quest for good potable drinking water, we are constantly trying to better our own systems. Initially we felt that the ubiquitous water filter was enough to take care of our purifying needs. As the available water has deteriorated, the need to clear the water of more and more contaminants has spun out an industry of alternatives to the water filter. These water filter replacements are what we will take a quick glance at.

In theory, water can be purified by many means. It is the high level of purity that appeals to us and pushes us to try alternative methods. Bottled water sales have shot up because of our obsession for pure drinking water. There are water distillers which give good distilled water, but since it has been proven that the many minerals dissolved in water are not just necessary but good for health, the takers for distilled water as a potable solution have dropped. A typical distiller also creates an acidic effect. This used to be a popular water filter replacement at one point.

Ceramic water filters come as a cartridge that fits a normal bench top filter. The basis of the ceramic filter principle is the use is Diatomaceous earth. This is a fossil substance created from the tiny silicon shells left by trillions of microscopic one celled algae called diatoms which existed at least a 150 million years ago. These filters also have nano silver infused into the porous ceramic outer shell that can trap bacteria down to as low as .22 of a micron. The silver releases small quantities of positive charged metal ions. These ions neutralize bacteria making the water clean. The drawback though is that the flow rate is very slow. This water filter replacement is still widely used.

Reverse osmosis was first used on submarines to create drinking water as water could not be stored in vast quantities in such cramped circumstances. When we speak of reverse osmosis we should remember that the end result is distilled water which is not good for health in the long run. In this water filter replacement process, the contaminated water is passed through a very fine membrane with a lot of applied pressure. The process is then stopped and reversed. The result is very pure distilled water.

Ultra violet radiation is yet another water filter replacement. In this method, ultraviolet rays are passed through glass and the strong beam of radiation destroys most, if not all forms of bacteria. This is of course the desired result, but scientists caution that if the flow is too rapid the water is not completely scanned by the rays. Such optimum results can only be replicated in laboratory conditions.

Finally we have the very fancy ionisers, magnetic descalers etc and the humble home made filters. These broad spectrum alternatives are to be chosen according to one's requirements and budget. Water filter replacements are varied and address every consumer's need for pure, potable water.

Water Filter