WHY USE A WATER FILTER?

In order to capitalize on the health benefits of water, it is essential to draw from a clean source of water.
Drinking impure, contaminated water is the leading cause of epidemic disease in developing countries.
There are more than 2100 known drinking water contaminants that may be present in tap water, including several known poisons.
Bottled water does not offer a viable alternative to tap water.
Municipal water treatment facilities cannot always control for the outbreak of dangerous bacterial contaminants in tap water.
The only way to ensure pure, contaminant-free drinking water is through the use of a point-of-use filtration system.
Several types of cancer can be attributed to the presence of toxic materials in drinking water.
Clean, healthy drinking water is essential to a child’s proper mental and physical development.
According to the EPA, lead in drinking water contributes to 480,000 cases of learning disorders in children each year in the United States alone.
It is especially important for pregnant women to drink pure water as lead in drinking water can cause severe birth defects.

WHY USE A WHOLE HOUSE FILTER

Harmful chemicals constantly escape into the air in a home from the dishwasher, the toilet, and the shower.
The release of water contaminants into the air results in poor air quality in a home. This poor air quality is a leading cause of asthma and bronchitis.
The use of a countertop water filter and shower filter cannot entirely protect a home from harmful water contaminants.
Shower filters, because they must filter water at extreme temperatures, are not 100% effective at removing all dangerous contaminants.
Many skin rashes and other irritations are a result of chlorine and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that have become embedded in clothing washed in chlorinated water.
The dishwasher releases more chlorine into the air than any other water source in the house, besides the shower.
The use of a whole house water filter is the only way to ensure pure, filtered water from every water source in the house.
A whole house water filter purifies water efficiently and cost-effectively, making it a viable solution to drinking water contamination for a majority of people.
The 2100 known water contaminants can make their way into our bodies not just from drinking the actual water but also from inhalation and dermal absorption.

Merely avoiding drinking tap water by indulging in bottled water is not an effective means of protection against dangerous water contaminants.

WHY CHOOSE FILTERED WATER

Bottled water, due to several factors, is clearly not a healthier or purer alternative to tap water. Also, bottled water is outrageously expensive when compared to the cost per gallon of tap water. If one is choosing only between tap water and bottled water, tap water is plainly the more economical, and, in many cases, the healthier choice. Despite this assertion, tap water does not remain without its problems.

The concerns over the quality and safety of tap water that sparked the growth of the bottled water industry are still entirely present.

Tap water is nowhere near free from dangerous contaminants.

The most recent and innovative solution to the problems of low water quality has come about in the age of water filters.

Water filters currently provide the best and healthiest solution to the problems of both bottled water and tap water.

Water filters remove more dangerous contaminants than any other purification method, and they are uniquely designed to work with municipally treated water. The water they produce is not subject to phthalate contamination, and they are able to remove cryptosporidium from drinking water, a feat that neither municipal water treatment plants nor bottled water companies have yet managed. Also, drinking filtered water is a much more economical practice than drinking bottled water. The pure water produced bya water filter costs very little more than untreated tap water. Furthermore, because water filters use no more energy than is already required to propel water through a home’s plumbing system, they circumvent several of the environmental problems of the bottled water industry.

At this point in time, there is simply no better choice-for purity and economy-than filtered water.

THE EFFECTS OF BOTTLED WATER ON THE ENVIROMENT

It is hard to argue the fact that waste management has become a large problem in the world, with landfills growing to enormous sizes and recycling rates remaining dismally low. The number of plastic bottles produced by the bottled water industry and subsequently discarded by consumers has only exacerbated this problem.

According to a 2001 report of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), roughly 1.5 million tons of plastic are expended in the bottling of 89 billion liters of water each year.

Besides the sheer number of plastic bottles produced each year, the energy required to manufacture and transport these bottles to market severely drains limited fossil fuels. Bottled water companies, due to their unregulated use of valuable resources and their production of billions of plastic bottles have presented a significant strain on the environment.

The authors of the WWF report suggested that water bottles be washed and reused in order to lessen their negative impact on the environment. Unfortunately, reusing plastic bottles further compromises the quality of the water, due to the fact that more and more phthalate leaches its way into the water as the bottle gets older. In another suggestion, the authors recommended that bottled water companies use local bottling facilities in order to lessen fuel expenditures for transportation needs. Regrettably, local bottling further compromises water quality due to the reduced health standards for in-state bottled water production and consumption. It seems there is no feasible solution to this problem. The bottled water industry causes a severe strain on the environment, but solutions to this environmental damage significantly lessen the quality of water in the bottles.

BENEFITS OF WHOLE HOUSE FILTRATION

The EPA has stated that every household in the United States has elevated levels of chloroform in the air due to chlorine released from showering water.
Tap water often contains at least as much, if not more, chlorine than is recommended for use in swimming pools.
More chlorine enters the body through dermal absorption and inhalation while showering than through drinking tap water.
The chlorine in showering water has harsh, drying effects on skin and hair.
Skin pores widen while showering, making dermal absorption of chlorine and other chemicals possible.
The chlorine in showering water can cause rashes and other skin irritations when absorbed by the skin.
Chemicals in showering water vaporize at a much faster rate than the actual water. Thus, the steam in a shower contains a much higher concentration of chemicals than the water itself.
Inhaled chemicals make their way into the bloodstream much more quickly than ingested chemicals, without the added filtration benefits of digestion.
More water contaminants are released into the air of a home from the shower than from any other source.
Chlorine is a suspected cause of breast cancer. Women suffering from breast cancer are all found to have 50-60 percent more chlorine in their breast tissue Bottled water, due to several factors, is clearly not a healthier or purer alternative to tap water. Also, bottled water is outrageously expensive when compared to the cost per gallon of tap water. If one is choosing only between tap water and bottled water, tap water is plainly the more economical, and, in many cases, the healthier choice. Despite this assertion, tap water does not remain without its problems.

WHY USE A WATER FILTER?

The concerns over the quality and safety of tap water that sparked the growth of the bottled water industry are still entirely present.

Tap water is nowhere near free from dangerous contaminants.

The most recent and innovative solution to the problems of low water quality has come about in the age of water filters.

Water filters currently provide the best and healthiest solution to the problems of both bottled water and tap water.

Water filters remove more dangerous contaminants than any other purification method, and they are uniquely designed to work with municipally treated water. The water they produce is not subject to phthalate contamination, and they are able to remove cryptosporidium from drinking water, a feat that neither municipal water treatment plants nor bottled water companies have yet managed. Also, drinking filtered water is a much more economical practice than drinking bottled water. The pure water product of a water filter costs very little more than untreated tap water. Furthermore, because water filters use no more energy than is already required to propel water through a home’s plumbing system, they circumvent several of the environmental problems of the bottled water industry.

At this point in time, there is simply no better choice-for purity and economy-than filtered water.

WELL WATER

Naturally sources of contamination
The first step to protect your health and the health of your family is learning about what may impact the quality of your source of drinking water.

Microorganisms are bacteria, viruses, and parasites sometimes found in water. Shallow wells are at greater risk of contamination. Runoff, or water flowing over the land surface, may pick up contaminants from wildlife and soils. This is often the case after a flood. These organisms can cause a variety of illnesses.
Radionuclides are radioactive elements such as uranium and radium. They may be present in underlying rock and ground water. Radon is a gas that is a natural product of the breakdown of uranium in the soil and can also pose a threat. Radon is most dangerous when inhaled and contributes to lung cancer. Although soil is the primary source, using household water containing radon contributes to elevated indoor radon levels. Radon is less dangerous when consumed in water, but remains a risk to health.
Nitrates and nitrites are inorganic compounds. Usually from human activities, they may also be found naturally in ground water. They come from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds (such as fertilizers) in the soil. High levels of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water have a more significant health impact on fomula-fed infants.
Heavy metals occur naturally in underground rocks and soils. Heavy metals from natural sources may be a concern in some areas, but are not often found in household wells at dangerous levels. Naturally-occurring heavy metals include:
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Lead
- Selenium
Fluoride: High levels of fluoride occur naturally in some areas and can contaminate private wells. Fluoride is helpful in preventing tooth decay; however, excessive consumption of fluoride can damage bone tissue. Too much fluoride can also cause tooth discoloration in young children.

Contamination from human activity

Septic tanks are designed to have a “leach field” around them — an area where wastewater flows out of the tank. This wastewater can also move into the ground water.

Bacteria and nitrates: These contaminants are found in human and animal wastes. Septic tanks or large numbers of farm animals can also cause bacterial and nitrate pollution. Both septic systems and animal manures must be carefully managed to prevent private well contamination.
- Sanitary landfills and garbage dumps are also sources.
- Children and some adults are at extra risk when exposed to water-born bacteria. These include the elderly and people whose immune systems are weak due to AIDS or treatments for cancer.
- Fertilizers can add to nitrate problems.
- Nitrates cause a health threat in very young infants called “blue baby” syndrome. This condition disrupts oxygen flow in the blood.
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs): The number of CAFOs, often called “factory farms,” is growing. On these farms thousands of animals are raised in a small space. The large amounts of animal wastes/manures from these farms can threaten water supplies. Strict and careful manure management is needed to prevent pathogen and nutrient problems in private wells. Salts from high levels of manures can also pollute ground water.
Heavy metals: Activities such as mining and construction can release large amounts of heavy metals into nearby ground water sources. Some older fruit orchards may contain high levels of arsenic, once used as a pesticide. At high levels, these metals pose a health risk.
Fertilizers and pesticides: Farmers use fertilizers and pesticides to promote growth and reduce insect damage. These products are also used on golf courses and suburban lawns and gardens. The chemicals in these products may end up in ground water. The extent of contamination depends on the types and amounts of chemicals used and how they are applied. Local environmental conditions (such as soil types, seasonal snow, and rainfall) also impact their contamination potential.
- Many fertilizers contain forms of nitrogen that can break down into harmful nitrates. This could add to other sources of nitrates mentioned above.
- Some underground agricultural drainage systems collect fertilizers and pesticides. This polluted water can pose problems to ground water and local streams and rivers.
- In addition, chemicals used to treat buildings and homes for termites or other pests may also pose a threat.
- Again, the possibility of problems depends on the amount and kind of chemicals. The types of soil and the amount of water moving through the soil also play a role.
Industrial products and wastes: Many harmful chemicals are used widely in local business and industry. These can become drinking water pollutants if not well managed. The most common sources of such problems are:
- Local businesses: Factories, industrial plants, and even small businesses such as gas stations and dry cleaners handle a variety of hazardous chemicals that need careful management. Spills and improper disposal of these chemicals or of industrial wastes can threaten ground water supplies.
- Leaking underground tanks and piping: Petroleum products, chemicals, and wastes stored in underground storage tanks and pipes may end up in the ground water. Tanks and piping leak if they are constructed or installed improperly. Steel tanks and piping corrode with age. Tanks are often found on farms. The possibility of leaking tanks is great on old, abandoned farm sites. Farm tanks are exempt from the EPA rules for petroleum and chemical tanks.
- Landfills and waste dumps: Modern landfills are designed to contain any leaking liquids, but floods can carry conaminants over the barriers. Older dumpsites may have a wide variety of pollutants that can seep into ground water.
Household wastes: Improper disposal of many common products can pollute ground water. These include cleaning solvents, used motor oil, paints, and paint thinners. Even soaps and detergents can harm drinking water. These are often a problem from faulty septic tanks and septic leaching fields.
Lead and copper: Elevated concentrations of lead are rarely found in source water. Lead is commonly found in household plumbing materials. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder. Lead can leach into water systems when these plumbing materials corrode. Lead in drinking water can cause a variety of adverse health effects. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause delays in physical and mental development in babies and children. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
Water treatment chemicals: Improper handling or storage of water-well treatment chemicals (such as disinfectants or corrosion inhibitors) close to your well can cause problems.