When it comes to drinking water, reverse osmosis filters are the most effective type of filter. They are designed to remove a large percentage of contaminants from water, including dangerous waterborne bacteria. Reverse osmosis systems typically have seven or more filtration stages, along with the osmosis process, which makes them effective in removing up to 99 percent of contaminants from water, such as chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides. Some reverse osmosis systems even add healthy minerals and nutrients to water.
Immunocompromised individuals should not change water filters themselves, as this can expose them to contaminants collected by the filter and potentially increase their risk of infection. It is important to consult a list of the contaminants that your filter removes or reduces. A good standard water filter containing activated carbon can remove a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals such as lead and mercury, as well as pesticides and herbicides. A reverse osmosis system typically consists of a sediment filter, two stages of carbon filters, a reverse osmosis filter and a coconut fiber filter.
It is important to note that no filter can remove all contaminants; however, certification is one of the only ways you can be sure that your water filter is removing contaminants that your packaging claims. Mineral Clear filters are designed to provide up to 100 gallons of filtered water, which equates to approximately 3 months of use. Brita filters come with NSF certifications and their jugs are popular for their ease of use. There are different drinking water filtration systems available, such as reverse osmosis, water distillers, ion exchange filters, ultraviolet disinfection and black carbon filters.
Hydros is a relatively new brand in the water filter scene that makes a glass water filter. When choosing a water filter, it is important to consider your specific needs and the type of faucet filter, water bottle filter or whole-house filter that will work best for you. While filters can do a great job at removing contaminants, no filter can remove all contaminants. Using a water filter is not an effective way to eliminate viruses; however, some water treatment systems can disinfect water by killing viruses.