FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you know if there are contaminants in your water?

All public water systems contain some level of one or more unhealthful chemicals. Regulations only require periodic testing of about 86 chemicals. There are now more than 75,000 chemicals used in our society with over 1000 new ones being developed each year. Contaminant levels fluctuate throughout the year making it impossible to know the actual level of contamination in a central water system. So far over 2100 toxic chemicals have been detected in America’s water systems. The risk is high and the cost for a home water filtration system is low.

Q: How does a water softener system differ from drinking water filtration systems?

Water softener systems are not designed to improve the healthfulness of water, but rather to decrease dissolved minerals and reduce scaling of pipes and appliances. These systems typically use sodium charged exchange media that releases small amounts of sodium ions and removes minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Filtration systems are designed to specifically remove harmful contaminants and leave in the natural minerals.

Q: What are VOCs?

Volatile Organic Chemicals are synthetic compounds that turn into vapor at relatively low temperatures. VOCs typically vaporize at a much lower temperature than water. Most synthetic chemicals found in water, such as pesticides and herbicides, are VOCs and can be removed via whole house water filters or point of source via countertop water filters.

Q: Why do the filtration systems not reduce TDS?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids in the water and is primarily made up of dissolved minerals, which can’t be seen with the naked eye, i.e. calcium. TDS is not always related to harmful contaminants and it is very deceptive for companies to imply that a reduction in TDS means improved water quality when in most cases it does not. The only way to dramatically reduce TDS is by reverse osmosis water filters or demineralizers.

Q: Can filters be used on hot water?

It is not recommended to use drinking water filters on hot water due to the potential for leakage. The soft rubber tubing on the Countertop and under-countertop water filter systems as well as the o-ring seals can soften and create leaks when exposed to hot water. Most systems are rated for water temperatures up to 90 degrees. Shower filters and water filtration faucets can be used with water up to 115 degrees. Typically, 100 to 104 degrees is normal shower temperature.

Q: Are whole house water filters better than counter-top filters?

Whole house water filter systems are by far the best way to ensure the highest quality water since many water-borne contaminants come from the plumbing in your house, especially lead and vinyl chloride from the piping. By filtering water at the countertop you remove contaminants just prior to consumption, eliminating the chance of recontamination. Whole house systems are very beneficial in that they provide filtered water to all baths and showers as well as other water appliances. By filtering all the water going into your home you improve not only the healthfulness of the water, but you greatly improve the indoor air quality by removing chlorine and other chemicals that vaporize and get into the indoor air.

Q: Is Chlorine harmful?

Chlorine was first added to a community water system in 1908 in Chicago and was instrumental in eliminating many types of water-borne disease such as Cholera and Typhoid fever. Prior to chlorination, many major cities had death tolls of 1 in 1000 people from Typhoid alone. Chlorine has been used to disinfect municipal water for over 80 years and has had some positive effects on public health. In the 1970’s it was discovered that chlorine, when added to water, forms Trihalomethanes (chlorinated by-products) by combining with certain naturally occurring organic matter such as vegetation and algae. In 1992 the American Journal of Public Health published a report that showed a 15% to 35% increase in certain types of cancer for people who consume chlorinated water. This report also stated that much of these effects were due to showering in chlorinated water. The National Cancer Institute estimates cancer risks for people who consume chlorinated water to be 93% higher than for people who do not. The effects of drinking chlorinated water have been debated for decades. However, most experts now agree that there are some significant risks related to consuming chlorine and chlorinated by-products. UV water purification has become the alternative to destroying E-coli, cholera, typhoid fever, mold coliform, yeast, dysentery, and other viruses.

Q: What are the benefits to UV (Ultraviolet) water purification?

UV water purification is more effective against killing viruses than chlorine and much more environmentally friendly. UV does not change the taste, odor, color, pH, or the general chemistry of the water and is easy to maintain. UV purification is also compatible with reverse osmosis water filters, drinking water filters, and water softener systems.

Q: Do people with private wells need to use shower filters or water filtration faucets?

There are many health and cosmetic benefits to removing chemicals and compounds from shower water, even on non-chlorinated private wells. Virtually all ground water contains traces of some chemical or chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. Also shower filters helps balance the waters pH, which is also a cosmetic benefit.

Q: How do I know which system is right for me?

You first must decide what you want to achieve and the quality of water you desire, whether it is to soften the water, remove an odor, remove nitrates, remove color, remove chlorine, or ultra purify with UV (Ultra Violet). The next step is to decide if you want a whole house filtering system, a point of use system like the sink or shower, or a portable system for the RV or sport bottle. Finally, ask questions if you are unsure and H2O Purify will assist you. Click on this link and you will be directed to a questionnaire to help you.

Please Contact Us with any questions you have regarding our products or your water.

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