Why are there more and more manufactures introducing water conditioners and filters onto the market these days? Is there something that they are recommending homeowners to do to improve the quality of the water, and the big question I suppose is - why?

Over the last 30 years, scientists have become more aware of the effect of chlorine that is added as disinfection by- product to the water, and how it affects those people who consume it. Also, as public awareness increases more and more people are

While the addition of chlorine has reduced cholera rates by 90 percent, typhoid by 80 percent and amoebic dysentery by 50 percent, there are certain by- products formed by chlorine that are some cause for concern. One of the main issues is when chlorine reacts with organic matter and forms trihalomethanes (THM's), which scientists are still investigating but which some studies have linked to cancer.

Is it a Risk to You?

There are many disinfection by-products that are formed and worryingly only a few have been studied to evaluate the risk to humans. There are some that do not even have to be ingested but are able to make their way into the body through the skin or by inhalation.

In some investigates, it has been found that epidemiologic studies have shown that a lifetime exposure to chlorinated water through showering and bathing and also swimming is associated with an increased risk for cancer, especially of the bladder and colorectum. In addition, recent studies have raised the issue of potential adverse reproductive and developmental effects.

What Can I Do About it?

As discussed above, manufactures are introducing several different varieties of filters and conditioning devices these days. The devices are indeed a very effective way to reduce the potentially harmful effect of chemicals found in your drinking water, which reduces the risk significantly to humans.

Today's filters have experts on their side. Clifford P. Weisel, an Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute professor at the RWJMS/University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and co-author of a study that measured inhalation and dermal exposures to DBPs, said, "If an individual lives in an area where there are high DBP levels in the water and there are other risk factors for cancer, installing a filter will reduce the risk."

As well as the health problems it may cause, chlorine also dehydrates the skin, making it more susceptible to irritation and disorders such as eczema. According to Leslie Baumann, MD, professor of dermatology at the University of Miami and director of the University of Miami's Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, "Filters are a must for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, especially if they live in a city with hard water or high amounts of chlorine in the water."

To learn more about how water filters can help you achieve the highest quality water supply, click here.

Technorati Tags: Discover, Dramatically, filters, Improve, Supply, They, Water

Image via Wikipedia

water filters

pentek water filters

Pentek is a leading provider of commercial and residential water filtration systems. Pentek water filters come in many configurations to meet various needs. One thing you should know about this brand is that they offer both point of entry and point of use filtration systems. Point of entry filtration systems are for the entire house, while point of use filtration systems are for a particular faucet, for example in the kitchen. You will need to know what kind of system you want or need installed prior to shopping, however a Pentek representative can be of assistance.

This company offers some of the most high tech methods of water filtration, like ultraviolet light. UV filtration systems are commonly utilized in third world resorts and hotels because of the risk of contaminants. The light kills any fecal matter, bacteria, viruses, contaminants, etc. that may be in the water as it is passed through a tube and exposed to the light. These UV systems are most often found as point of entry systems and can be rather costly. The point of use filtration systems are more affordable. The simple reason for this is because they are smaller and treat a smaller area than the whole house systems.

Some of the Pentek filters fit other filtration systems. For example, the IC-101L Inline filter is made for the Culligan IC-101 and 102 models. This model can also be used as an inline filtration system for water dispensing refrigerators as long as it fits your particular refrigerator. Or you may want to look at the Reverse Osmosis System for your household. This system removes particulates and makes your water taste better whether you are drinking it, making tea or coffee, or cooking. You will notice the difference between the water you were drinking and the water after it has been filtered.

You can browse the wide selection of Pentek water filters online at their official website. Some stores may carry this brand as well. Because the choices can be a bit confusing when you first look at them, you may need the guidance of a knowledgeable professional to help you choose and install your filtration system. Water filtration systems can help you achieve a healthier life by removing contaminants from the water you and your family consume everyday. Although you cannot see them, the toxins are there and a filter can remove these microscopic particles.

Technorati Tags: Pentek Water Filters

Image via Wikipedia

These days, many people have decided to trust their tap water rather than spending money and making waste by drinking bottled water. However, there still may be some concerns about the purity and cleanliness of the water supply. In this case, there are many options including under counter water filters that can help. You will also find countertop models, and filtration systems that attach directly to your faucet. For that matter, there are filters for your shower and even those you can take on the go.

Under the sink filtration systems are perfect for people who need a well performing purification system and don't have a lot of counter space to spare. One example of such a filtration system is the Culligan Undersink Drinking Water Filtration System. This under the sink filter can handle 500 gallons of water. It works to dramatically reduce lead, sediment, lindane and other contaminants. The mechanism is easily twisted on and off, and the connect fittings are quick-fit. This product is NSF certified and comes with a 5 year product warranty.

Another name brand company that makes water filtration systems that fit conveniently under the sink is GE, or General Electric. Their Full Flow Water Filtration system is great for the kitchen or the bathroom. You don't need another faucet as you might with other systems. You also don't have to drill any holes in or around your sink. There is a remote reminder that tells you when the filter needs to be changed. The twist and lock design makes filters easy to put in and remove. As you may know, GE is a company that has been around for a long time making products for the household.

You can find plenty of other manufacturers who make under counter water filters. These filtration systems can be located at most any home improvement store. Or, you could try shopping online. While you cannot see or handle the product online, you can read all the description details and compare prices from different online stores. And, when you shop online, you can shop at your convenience, any time of the day or night. Some of the bigger stores allow you to order online then pick up your purchase at your local store. Others may offer shipping discounts for customers who spend a certain amount of money.

Technorati Tags: under counter water filters, Under Sink Water Filters

Forsta Filters Inc. has revolutionized the industrial water filter industry with the release of its Green-Clean technology, reducing backwash waste water by as much as 75%.

Without interrupting system flow during backwash, Green-Clean technology utilizes smaller flush valves to minimize the volume of water required to remove buildup on a filter element. Using internal vacuum nozzles, the new Green-Clean system scans and removes debris from the filter in 15 seconds or less. This combination of short duration and small flush valve make the Green-Clean backwash cycle one of the most efficient in the industry.

Forsta Filters offers a full line of self-cleaning water filters (1-36” flange size), with screen elements ranging from 5 to 4000 micron. Integrating the Green-Clean technology in all products maximizes efficiency and reduces waste water and energy costs. The filters are constructed from all stainless steel and are designed to provide a long term solution to a wide range of industrial and municipal applications.

For more information contact:
FORSTA FILTERS, INC.
www.forstafilters.com
Phone (888) 9-FORSTA (888-936-7782)
Fax (310) 837-6477
PO Box 341830
Los Angeles, CA 90034

Technorati Tags: Automatic, Backwash, filters, Forsta, GreenClean, Save, Water

Be honest---are you one of those people NOT using drinking water filters? I was that person in my social circle for a long time. Every time I would have a get-together at my house, I would hear about it. Seriously, some of my friends wouldn't drink the water out of my tap. After this happened a few times, I decided to do some research on my own, see if tap water really has bad as they were telling me.

It didn't take much searching to find loads of studies on tap water.

One study in stood out; it was conducted by the Ralph Nader Research Institute. You might now Mr. Nader as the guy who ran for president in 2000, and I think, in 2004 too. Anyway, when he's not dabbling in politics, he's a major consumer rights activist.

The Ralph Nader Study Group, after carefully reviewing over 10,000 government documents on water contamination, concluded that "US drinking water contains over 2,000 cancer-causing chemicals".

Reading that floored me at the time. 2000? Cancer? Yeah, my tap water tasted a little chlorine-y, but I didn't think drinking it would kill me. What a later learned, in water purification jargon, chlorine is classified as a synthetic organic chemical (SOC). Low-level traces of SOCs are found in every drinking supply worldwide.

Water treatment plants don't remove SOCs from our water. Since 1950, surprisingly little progress has been made in how water is cleaned at public water facilities. Only visible particles get filtered out and bleach is added. What about microscopic traces of SOCs? They go unfiltered, it seems.

That means SOCs like pesticides and herbicides were in my tap water. No wonder my neighbors who use water filters made faces when they sipped my water. After drinking truly clean water, mine probably tasted like metal.

After just a few hours of reading about the crap in tap water, I was convinced that I needed to start using a water filter. It was hard to admit that I had been wrong. After all, I had joked that water filters were a scam and a waste of money. I still haven't lived down saying that.

But, at least, now I'm drinking pure water.

There are a lot of different drinking water filters on the market. At my website, I only discuss the drinking water filters that take all those SOCs out of your tap water. Don't be stubborn for years like I was; listen to the people in your life who gladly spend money to purify their water. They already know how much better purified water tastes.

Carol Truesdale
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/1-gross-thing-drinking-water-filters-eliminate-from-your-tap-water-688946.html