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Water Contaminant

How Coronavirus Gets into Drinking Water

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative virus of the COVID-19 disease. Although most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, some become severely ill. Furthermore, most people get better within weeks of contracting the disease. However, some experience post-COVID conditions, which include a wide range of new, ongoing, or returning health problems occurring for more than four weeks of getting infected with the causative virus of COVID-19. Studies show that older people and people with underlying medical conditions are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 symptoms. Fortunately, there are safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19.
A letter to Washington, DC, the Governors in all 50 states, tribes, and territories contains a request. The request is that state authorities consider water and wastewater workers, manufacturers, and suppliers that provide vital materials and services in the water sector as essential workers and businesses when enacting restrictions for curbing the spread of COVID-19. The critical water structure and operators depend on laboratory supplies, treatment chemicals, and related goods and materials to ensure safe water supply to homes and hospitals.
On Monday night, the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus was said to be present in Houston wastewater. Although the announcement indicates that the new variant is present in Houston, there are no confirmed cases yet.
Omicron was found in eight out of 39 wastewater treatment plants in Houston from samples collected on November 29-30. The treatment plants include W.C.I.D #111, Keegans Bayou, Chocolate Bayou, Northgate, Metro Central, Turkey Creek, Sims Bayou North, and West District. On Monday evening, the genomic sequencing results confirming the presence of the omicron variant were received.
Fortunately, the virus causing COVID-19 is not yet present in drinking water. Nevertheless, most municipal drinking water systems use conventional water treatment methods like filtration and disinfection, which can remove or inactivate the virus causing COVID-19.
Currently, there is no evidence of the COVID-19 virus spreading to people via pools, spas, hot tubs, or water play areas. With proper operation, and maintenance including chlorine and bromine disinfection, these facilities can inactivate the virus in the water. Although there is an ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus in communities, individuals, owners, and operators of these facilities should take steps to ensure health and safety. These steps include following local and state guidelines that determine how and when recreational water facilities operate.
Another step includes individuals protecting themselves and others in and out of the water at recreational water venues. For instance, practicing social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene is essential. Furthermore, in addition to ensuring water quality and safety, operators and owners of community pools, spas, hot tubs, and water play areas should follow interim guidance for employers and businesses regarding cleaning and disinfecting community facilities.
The COVID-19 virus particles have a size of 0.125 microns or 125 nanometers. The minimum pore size of a membrane in a RO filter is about 0.0001 microns. Therefore, the membrane is 1000x smaller than the virus particles. An RO filter can effectively trap bacteria and viruses larger than 0.0001 microns in size.
When pressure forces unfiltered water or fees water through a semipermeable membrane, reverse osmosis removes the contaminants. In an RO membrane, water flows from the concentrated (area with more contaminants) to the less concentrated (area with fewer contaminants) to provide clean drinking water. The freshwater that the RO membrane produces is also known as permeate. On the other hand, the concentrated leftover is also known as waste or brine.
Water can still flow through a semipermeable membrane even though it has small pores to block contaminants. Water becomes more concentrated while passing through a membrane in osmosis to obtain equilibrium on both sides of the membrane. On the other hand, reverse osmosis blocks contaminants from entering the less concentrated membrane side. For instance, when applying pressure to a volume of saltwater in reverse osmosis, only clean water flows through while the salt remains behind.
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Healthy Life Home Improvement

It’s Important to Consume Plenty of Water over The Winter Months

Most people believe that summertime is the most important time of year to ramp up drinking water. The days are hot, we lose water in our bodies so increasing water intake is very important. What you might not know, drinking water during the winter months is just as important. Please read the following reasons why you should pay attention to your water consumption in the winter.

How Much Water Should You Take In?

Our need for water does alter due to the temperature and level of activities. As an example, if you are an active athlete, your water intake is going to be higher than someone who is not active. Our water consumption is based on different reasons so please read on.
According to the Federal Institute of Medicine, women should take in 2.7 liters of water each day and men 3.7 liters. You might think that during the winter, that’s a lot of water but not so fast. Food contributes to approximately 20% of water each day. Therefore, women should drink 8 8-oz glasses of water and men 12 8-oz glasses of water.
What you might not realize, fruits and vegetables are made up of 90 to 95% water. Eating more of these foods will definitely keep you hydrated. Soup is a very popular food during the winter but just make sure you steer clear of soups loaded with sodium.
Experts highly recommend you keep a bottle of water with you during the day. Keep in mind, your body can only process so much water, so watch your intake.
Also, the fluid in tea and coffee will help keep you hydrated. On the other hand, even though juices contribute to you fluid intake, the level of sugar can be a problem.

Issues from Dehydration Caused When It’s Cold

There are several issues that will arise when you are dehydrated. One, your immune system will not be as strong as usual. You will come down with more colds and various illnesses.
Another problem during the winter from dehydration is fatigue. If you do not stay hydrated, you will become very tired and out of energy during the day. Cold weather will cause higher levels of dehydration forcing your body to burn out faster.
Colder weather also tricks your brain and body into believing you have plenty of fluids. The fact is, you are losing just as much fluid as you do during the summer months. Your blood is drawn toward the middle core of your body which is important to keep you warmer in the winter. You will also lose water because you urinate more often in the winter.

Why It’s Important to Drink Water in The Winter

In general, most people consume more water during the summer because of the high temperatures, blazing sun, and constant sweating. There’s is no doubt, you do need a lot of water in the summer but it’s not the only time of year. The winter is one of the most important times to make sure your water intake is high. If you are not treating water intake in the winter as a top priority, here are reasons you should rethink that attitude.
It’s really easy to overlook water in the winter months. You don’t feel particularly thirsty, you are not suffering from heat and not sweating. This is the time of year you think about hot drinks, making it very easy to overlook your consumption of water. Remember to bring a bottle of water with you during the day to ensure you are hydrated. Keep an eye out for dehydration such as suffering from cracked/chapped lips and dry skin. These are leading signs you are not taking in enough water.

How About Your Level of Concentration

Your level of concentration should always be at its peak no matter the time of year. During the wintertime, you are dealing with the holidays, gatherings of family and friends, and many winter and holiday activities. Keeping up with everything can be a challenge. Drinking plenty of water will improve your concentration as your brain needs plenty of water to operate correctly. If you feel focusing is becoming an issue, start drinking more water and see if that makes a difference.
The bottom line, water is a major necessity all year round. No one can live without water! Too many people overlook drinking enough water or making it a priority. During the winter, it’s critical you drink plenty of water even if you are not feeling particularly thirsty. You will enjoy winter much more when you feel good and your health is up. Your good health will be ready to welcome in the spring and summer months just around the corner.
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Healthy Life Water Contaminant

The Best Ways to Get Rid of PFAS from Your Water

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used for clothing to furniture since the 1940s. These substances are also used for electronics and food packaging. Industries have used these chemicals due to their repellent properties. Because PFAS were associated with adverse health effects in the early 2000s, they were taken out of production in the United States. Unfortunately, these chemicals were carried throughout the environment and in water supplies. Many of these environmental issues were caused by overseas manufacturing, imported products, and will form a strong bond that can resist degradation. According to the Environmental Working Group, it’s estimated that more than 200 million Americans have PFAS in their drinking water. Read on to learn about PFAS, if your water is contaminated, and how you can remove it from your water.

About PFAS

PFAS are man-made chemicals created by a mixture of carbon and fluorine forming one of the strongest bonds in nature. Adding to that, PFAS do not break down, remain stable in water, and stay in the environment along as in human bodies for a very long period of time. These contaminants have been given the nickname “forever chemicals”. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) said it can take up to 4 years for the levels of PFAS in your body to reduce in half.
In the 1940s, PFAS were introduced as repellents in water, oil, grease, stains, and fire. They have been used throughout different industries for many needed products including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, stain-proof fabrics, and the foam used for fighting fires. There are approximately 5,000 forms of PFAS. The most common are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and studied in the U.S. The manufacturing industry stopped using these chemicals in the early 2000s but due to their ability to live longer and because they are used overseas, PFAS are still present in our environment to date.

The Products Where PFAS Are Found

Due to their versatile properties, PFAS are found in a wide range of products. PFAS are found in many household items including:
  • Paint, polish, and wax
  • Microwave popcorn bags
  • Water-resistant clothing
  • Pizza boxes
  • Non-stick cookware
  • Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
  • Cleaning Products

PFAS End Up in Your Drinking Water

When PFAS seeps into soil and groundwater or surface water, PFAS is water-soluble and commonly found in water near facilities that manufacture form for fire fighting in training and also used on military bases, airports, and training centers. PFAS enters water when products containing these chemicals are sent to landfills. Once the products break down, they remain in the soil then seep into nearby water sources.

The Leading Effects from PFAS

The effects on health vary but some of the most common are reproductive, developmental, and immunological issues. Because PFAS does not break down easily, it can build up in the human body over time. The more exposure the greater the chances are for developing negative health effects. The EPA has shown evidence of PFAS exposure in the following:
  • Suppressing the immune system
  • Thyroid hormone disruption
  • An increase in cholesterol levels
  • Lowering infant birth weight
  • Liver and kidney damage
  • Cancer

You Can Remove PFAS from Your Water

You can remove PFAS from your water by using reverse osmosis with activated carbon filtration and ion exchange.
The Reverse Osmosis system applies pressure to push unfiltered water through the semipermeable membrane. The membrane has small pores that prevent contaminants from getting through including PFAS but allows clean water to flow to the other side. Reverse osmosis is the best water treatment to remove contaminants from your water.
Carbon filters have activated carbon with a great number of pores on the surface and infrastructure. As water runs through the carbon, PFAS and other contaminants are captured by a process called absorption, allowing the water to flow through to the other side.
PFAS can be found in bottled water as well as canned carbonated water. A study by Consumer Reports tested 47 brands of bottled water and canned carbonated water and found detectable levels of PFAS but only 9 brands had levels over 1 part per trillion (PPT). Out of the 9 brands with levels over 1 PPT, 2 were basic water and 7 were carbonated.
There are several ways to remove PFAS from your drinking water. You need to purchase a good quality water filtration system to make sure you and your family have safe, clean water to prevent any health issues.
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Healthy Life

8 Tips to Help You Drink More Water

Humans cannot survive without water. Every cell in our body requires water to function as expected. Dehydration causes constipation and the accumulation of toxins in the body. If the body doesn’t get sufficient water, it affects kidney function. On the other hand, Hydration prevents all these, in addition to lubricating the muscles, nourishing the screen, and keeping the body temperature normal.
We are all at the risk of dehydration, but the risk is higher in certain people, including infants and young children and people who spend time outdoors. Older adults are also more susceptible to dehydration. The older we get, the smaller our body’s fluid reserve. As a result, the body struggles to conserve water, as indicated by a less acute thirst sense. If such individuals suffer illnesses like dementia or diabetes that require treatment via certain medications, they may suffer even more severe dehydration.
Drinking water daily is important. However, doing the same thing every time can be boring. But not to worry, we have a few tricks to spice it up. In this article, we have recommended a few products to make your water drinking experience even better.
So, let’s get to it without wasting time.

Introduce Some Flavors to Your Pitcher

How about steeping some fresh fruit, veggie slices, or herbs into your carafe? Adding basil, mint, lavender, and other herbs; or lemon, strawberries, grapefruit, and other fruits can make your water even tastier. You can make it even more fun by experimenting with different combinations, e.g., basil lemon or mint cucumber.

Drink Water after Your Bathroom Breaks

We go to the bathroom multiple times every day. You can make it a habit to drink a glass of water each time you take a bathroom break. A quick stop at the kitchen on your way out of the bathroom to get a glass of water isn’t a bad idea. With time, it becomes a part of your daily routine. Since you are already up from your seat, spending a few minutes filling your glass or bottle shouldn’t be a problem. The benefits are continuous – you drink more water, you frequent the bathroom more, and you get to drink even more water.

Have A Few Sips before Your Meal

Those moments you wait by the countertop waiting for your food to be ready are ideal water-drinking moments. If you are out of your home, you can request a glass of water while you await your orders. Oh, the few minutes you wait for your lunch to heat up is also a good time to drink some water. You can also sip while preparing your snack. These basic rules can go a long way in helping you drink more water. Remember, a hydrated body is a healthy body.

Add Ice and Water to Your Sugary Drinks

We cannot avoid sugary drinks, including ice tea, lemonades, and juice. But, whatever your preference is, you can add some ice and water before drinking. This dilution doesn’t take away the sweetness of your drink. However, it ensures your body gets some extra water alongside the drink. Yes, watering down your favorite beverage may be strange at first. But with time, you can get used to the new diluted taste, and your body can get used to having more water than usual.

Never Be far away from A Gallon Jug

The easiest way to remember to drink water is to have the water close to you. The same way we put an item we do not want to forget in a conspicuous area of the home, placing your jug of water around easily reminds you to drink. You can also have a carafe at your bed at home or at your desk in the office. It can also easily sit on your kitchen countertop, where it screams “drink” every time. Every time you spot your water jug, your brain receives a signal that prompts you to refill it and fill a glass for drinking.

Buy A Filter

Before now, most homeowners used to see filters as a luxury. However, a water filter is more of a necessity and less of a luxury in recent times, especially if your public water is not safe for drinking. When you filter your drinking water, it tastes better than what you get from your tap or fountain. Another interesting way this works is that you are compelled to get the best out of your water filter system, considering how much you have invested. So, getting a filtration device for your kitchen sink or portable bottle will get you to drink more water than you would without such facilities.

Consider Water-Rich Foods

Some foods are richer in water than others. When you eat more of such foods, you increase your daily water consumption, which is incredibly beneficial for your health. Shop more fruits and vegetables with high water content when next you are shopping for groceries. If you are unsure what to get, try grapefruit with 91% water, watermelon with 92% water, zucchini with 95% water, and cucumber with 96% water.

Never Leave Your Glass or Bottle Empty

If you ever have to exhaust the water in your glass or water bottle, do not leave them sitting empty. Instead, fill them up immediately. Yes, this can be physically demanding, and it is easy to procrastinate until you completely forget to refill. This is why you should make it a routine to fill the container back up as soon as you have finished its content. With your glass or bottle filled at all times, you are more likely to drink more water within short periods.

Finally…

Cultivating a healthy water drinking habit requires considerable effort. However, the tips we have mentioned in this article can ensure consistency and make the whole experience enjoyable for you. Remember, your body has a lot to gain if you feed it with sufficient water and a lot to lose if it is deprived of water.
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Healthy Life

Can Bacteria Grow in Water Filters?

A water filter that attaches to kitchen faucets are quite popular for their ability to filter away heavy metals such as lead, in addition to chlorine, and more. However, one issue remains. Faucet water filters are incapable of filtering out bacteria that tends to grow onto the filter cartridge.Water filters that you attach to your faucet are known to be good for filtering out heavy metals like lead and disinfectants like chlorine. But they’re not designed to filter out bacteria that can grow in the filter itself.
As part of a new study, Nancy Love examines bacteria commonly found growing within activated carbon filters. In this journal, titled Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, Love determines the parameters of how bacterial growth is supported by water filters, especially in the Ann Arbor area. Alongside her team, Love discovered that the different types of bacteria supported by water filters was increasing, alongside bacterial growth in and of itself.
Love said that the bacteria found flowing from water filter cartridges increased depending on the type of water flowing inwardly. This count had the potential to increase up to a maximum of 100 times. She clarified that, while this doesn’t prove the bacteria was harmful, it serves to prove that they were becoming increasingly present. Essentially, bacteria is changing. The methods used to prevent bacteria are not as effective as they used to be.
In turn, though the current bacteria is not dangerous at preset, it opens the door for dangerous pathogens down the road. Healthy people may not suffer from the consumption of harmless bacteria, but individuals with a compromised immune system may suffer. This further highlights the importance of replacing water filter cartridges on a regular basis. The powers that be need to consider taking a closer look at various water filters, in order to compare to other models, and see what causes bacterial growth to occur.
At present, researchers are not currently aware of the level of danger presented by bacterial growth in water filter cartridges. Love and her colleagues currently study the phenomenon in Flint, Michigan, and are currently awaiting informative results. They hope that, by spending time researching various water systems, her team will be more inclined to discover potential risks before they arise. Considering the aging infrastructure throughout the US, especially with changes in population, water may spend more time sitting in old pipes. This is why it is important for scientists to study different water environments, if only to discover the root cause of bacterial growth where it shouldn’t be.
Various factors play a role in the situation as a whole, from water sitting in old pipes, to water quality, as well as point-of-use filters, and more. Unfortunately, Love understands the importance of conducting this study in a broad range of environments. Simply studying bacterial growth in one area will not shed light on the problem elsewhere. Regardless, upkeep and regular faucet filter maintenance, especially through routine water filter cartridge replacements, should not be overlooked.
Whether you utilize a water filter, or drink and shower straight from the tap, Love reiterates the importance of flushing the pipes every day. By incorporating this practice into your mourning routine, you are more inclined to clear away the biofilm that may have formed within the pipes of your home or apartment. Biofilm forms after bacteria grows on various surfaces exposed to sitting water (i.e. water pipes). This means, during the time you are sleeping, water is sitting throughout the pipes of your home for 8 hours, or more. By turning on your faucet when you awaken, the first bit of water that comes out has a higher bacterial count than the rest.
A mere 15 to 30 second flush means that the bacteria that built up overnight will simply flush away. If you are using faucet filter, you would need to turn the filter on at this point, before allowing it to run for an additional 10 to 15 seconds. Allow this water to flow down the sink, before drinking any filtered water. Although a water filter has the potential to remove a whole slew of contaminants, many posing a danger to human health, it’s not a cure all.
First, you have to understand that bacteria is not all inherently dangerous. Researchers spend time assessing the amount of bacteria that flows out of the other side of a water filter. This count tends to increase up to 100 times or more. While a whole-house filter tends to do more than merely remove chlorine from tap water, in some cases, it can increase the amount of bacteria colonizing your pipes.
Although a water filter of any kind can be extremely beneficial, the CDC wars that it could pose additional dangers for those with compromised immune systems. For example, an individual undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, it could pose new dangers. In the event of a water filter cartridge change, an individual with a compromised immune system should get the help of a friend or family member. Otherwise, they may expose themselves to unnecessary dangers, in an easily avoidable situation. To be on the safe side, individuals of all levels of health, should consider wearing gloves, and washing their hands afterward.
When you consider replacing water filtration cartridges, it may be helpful to imagine the lint tray in your dryer. Over a short amount of time, the tray begins to collect all manner of dirt, fuzz, hair, and more – a water filter is no different. More often than not, we don’t consider the solids and contaminants flowing through our taps. The longer a water filter cartridge goes without changing, the more likely a clog is going to occur. Additionally, the filter becomes less effective, completely defeating the purpose of its use. Because each filter is designed differently, especially depending on the type of filter material, it’s lifespan will differ. This further highlights the importance of reading and adhering to manufacturers suggestions in regard to maintenance. In the event of being unable to change your refrigerator filter, for example, an overflow will eventually build up and overflow into your water. Avoid the potential of getting sick, by keeping up on regular maintenance with the installation of a new water filter cartridge.
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Water Contaminant

What Is A TDS Meter and When Is It Necessary?

Water can dissolve and absorb almost any substance; hence, it is a universal solvent. The total dissolved solids (TDS) level is the number of dissolved particles, whether organic or inorganic, in a particular volume of water. Water quality is dependent on the TDS level. This article discusses total dissolved solids, the measurement, and reducing TDS levels to improve water quality. Kindly read on for more information!

What Is TDS?

Total dissolved solids (TDS) indicate the level of dissolved organic and inorganic matter in a volume of water; the matter could be metals, salts, minerals, and ions. Generally, TDS is a measure of anything apart from an H2O molecule that dissolves in water. Because water is a universal solvent. It absorbs part of any soluble material it comes in contact with, thus, increasing TDS levels. Familiar sources of TDS in water include natural water springs, municipal water treatment chemicals, road runoffs, and a home’s plumbing system.

What Are The Types of Total Dissolved Solids?

There are several total dissolved solids in water. Common types of TDS include minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, aluminum, chloride, and zinc. Copper, lead, arsenic, chlorine, sodium, and iron are also types of TDS. Water can also accumulate TDS like herbicides, pesticides, sulfates, bicarbonates, and fluoride.
Sources of TDS can either be natural or artificial. Springs, rivers, lakes, plants, and soil are all-natural sources of TDS. For instance, water flows underground to absorb calcium, potassium, and magnesium from rocks in a natural spring.
Human activities can also increase TDS levels in the water. Usually, agricultural runoff is a source of herbicides and pesticides, old plumbing pipes are a source of lead, and water treatment plants contribute chlorine. Sometimes, bottled mineral water contains total dissolved solids as mineral additives.

How Can You Measure TDS?

Total dissolved solids are measured per volume of water—the unit of TDS is milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). The EPA’s secondary drinking water regulations recommend that drinking water should not have more than 500ppm of TDS. TDS levels greater than 1000ppm are unsafe. A TDS level higher than 2000 ppm requires an efficient filtration system to remove TDS.
The best way to know the TDS level in your water is to test with a TDS meter. A TDS reading of 100ppm means that out of one million particles in water, 100 are dissolved solids while 999,900 are water molecules. Consequently, the TDS level is low. The type of TDS present in water determines its quality; however, a TDS meter does not show the types of total dissolved solids in a water sample. Therefore, you need a home water test kit or a lab water analysis to determine the exact kind of TDS present in your water. In addition, water suppliers test and provide water quality reports on request.
The Waterdrop TDS meter has a stainless-steel sensor that can accurately measure the type of TDS present in water without any magnetic field interference. The meter has a screen that displays the readout within seconds. The meter also has an Automatic Temperature Controller (ATC) that ensures the water temperature doesn’t affect the results. The Waterdrop TDS meter has a range of 0-9999 ppm, and you can test the TDS of your tap water, pool, spa, or any other water source.
The Waterdrop TDS meter features a power-saving mode that automatically shuts off the sensor after 3 minutes of no operation. The meter also has a lead-free and BPA-free design that prevents filtered water from secondary pollution.
The water hardness test kit is also suitable for testing TDS in water. All you need to do is dip the test strip in the water sample and compare the strip’s color to the color chart on the bottle. The benefit of this test kit is that you test water quality yourself; you don’t have to visit a store or wait for someone else to carry out the test. Another benefit is that you get consistent and reliable results.
You can read the results of the water hardness test effortlessly. Just compare results from red to green on the oversized color chart. Also, compare the values between 0 – 25 GPG and 0 – 425 ppm. The testing contains a ready-to-use test bottle and 50 test strips in 2 separately sealed pouches. Once you run out of test strips, empty the refill pouch into the test bottle to ensure the reliability and freshness of the test strips.

What Is The Importance of TDS Level in Water?

TDS affects the taste of water and the taste of water mixes such as cocktails. In addition, TDS can affect human health and the piping system in homes. The TDS leveling water can affect the following;
  • Taste and mouthfeel: High TDS levels can give water a bitter, salty taste or odor considering the dissolved solids. When you use water with a high TDS level to cook food or brew coffee, it affects the taste. The mouthfeel, on the other hand, describes the sensations you feel in your when drinking. For instance, silica affects water texture and gives it a slippery feel. Always read a bottles label or a chemical test kit to know the type of TDS present in drinking water
  • Gastronomical experience: TDS level allows you to find the perfect water that can enhance taste, especially when combined with food and other drinks. For example, whiskey has an improved taste when paired with super-low TDS water because it enhances the liquor’s taste. Furthermore, low TDS water, when paired with light food, enhances its flavors. On the other hand, high TDS water pairs better with red meats, thus improving its flavors

Health Effects of High TDS Level in Drinking Water

Although high TDS levels may affect water taste, it does not cause any harm to human health. Nevertheless, TDS levels greater than 500ppm require further testing to ascertain if it contains toxic types. Also, TDS levels above 1000ppm are unsafe for consumption. It is best to note that the TDS types present in water are more critical than the TDS level. Fortunately, a home test kit or lab analysis can help ascertain the types of total dissolved solids present in a water sample.

Conclusively

The total dissolved solids in water can affect its taste and feel. Also, high levels and the type of TDS present in drinking water can impact human health. Thus, it is best always to test the TDS level in the water
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Healthy Life

Your Tap Water is at Risk with America’s Aging Water Pipes

Your drinking water may be at risk if you’re one of the millions of Americans who get their water from a public tap. Lead pipes are still in use in homes and businesses across the country, more than three decades after they were prohibited. These decades-old pipelines are hidden underground, out of sight and, for the most part, out of mind. However, they are rapidly degrading and may be leaking harmful pollutants into your water supply.
According to a 2012 assessment by the American Water Works Association, more than one million miles of these pipelines need to be repaired or replaced. According to some estimates, the US may lose more than $1 trillion as a result of this. We may expect more frequent water main breaks, higher emergency repair costs, and additional water service interruptions if this investment is not made. Even more severe water pollution outbreaks, such as the one that occurred in Flint, Michigan, might occur.

The Current State of the Water Infrastructure in America

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) produces an Infrastructure Report Card every four years, patterned after our school grade system. According to the 2016 report card, America’s total infrastructure received a dismal “C-.” But why did you get such a low grade? Is the infrastructure in the United States really so bad?
Our drinking water infrastructure is one of our major concerns, according to the research, which looks at all aspects of the country’s infrastructure. Perhaps it’s because America’s 1.6 million miles of water and sewage pipes are on average 45 years old, and cast-iron pipes in at least 600 cities and counties are over a century old. It might also be due to pipe materials, their lifespan, pipe corrosion, inadequate infrastructure design, lack of monitoring, insufficient financing, and so on.
But, when everything is said and done, a C- not only implies that the water infrastructure has to be repaired or replaced right now. As a result, we may be encountering things that are suffocating our quality of life. These may include the following:
  • annoyances such as service interruptions in the middle of our showers or when ‘cheffing’ it up in the kitchen,
  • getting stopped in traffic for hours due to water main failures,
  • and contamination concerns that may threaten our health

What’s causing America’s pipes to corrode?

The subterranean water infrastructure of America was built in three phases: in the 1800s, 1900-1945, and after 1945. Pipes built in each age are failing virtually at the same time due to a variety of causes ranging from aging and corrosion to pipe materials and bad installation.
The first cast-iron pipes were manufactured in the late 1800s. They have a functional life expectancy of 120 years on average. The lifespan of these cast-iron pipes was reduced to around 100 years due to changes in production processes and materials throughout time. Of course, techniques and materials evolved with time, reducing the pipes’ lifespan even further.
Pipes, on the other hand, do a lot of work in general. Pushing that much water throughout the country, as in America’s water infrastructure, necessitates a lot of pressure, power, and energy, which puts a lot of strain on the inner walls of the pipes. The abrasive force of the fast-moving water wears down the pipes over time, weakening them.
Metal pipes are commonly utilized in water delivery (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, copper, ductile iron, aluminum, etc.). This is due to the fact that metals are durable and may endure a long period. Metal pipes, on the other hand, are subject to a variety of conditions that might cause them to corrode.
Pipes can deteriorate due to their characteristics, ambient conditions, adjacent soil, and stray electric current, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The chemistry and features of the water (pH, alkalinity, and biology), salts and compounds present in the water, and the physical qualities of the water are all variables that influence pipe corrosion (temperature, gases, and solid particles).

Does pipe corrosion affect water quality? And if so, how?

When pipes corrode, the integrity of their walls is jeopardized. Hazardous pollutants, such as heavy metals and other minerals, might dislodge off the walls of pipelines depending on the material. These tiny particles are then carried into your house by the water flowing through the pipes, and perhaps into your drinking glass. This is a bigger problem in older homes constructed before 1981, especially if the plumbing system hasn’t been updated. Pipes installed before to that date may have been manufactured using materials that have been shown to be hazardous when consumed.
Visual, taste, and odor are the most common ways to identify pipe corrosion and leaching. Corroded iron pipes can create an unpleasant red or reddish-brown rust tint in your water. It may also have a metallic flavor and tiny particles floating in it. Corroded copper pipes can also turn your water red, brown, or orange in color. Sulfide corrosion of copper and iron pipes, on the other hand, can turn your water black. Microbial activity byproducts can leave a bad taste and odor.
Don’t drink your water if any of these indications appear. Drinking unfiltered water from corroded pipes is potentially harmful to your health. For small children and pregnant women, the consequences are considerably more severe.

So, what can you do?

Because most heavy metals, such as lead and copper, are found in drinking water, they accumulate in pipes and plumbing components. Allowing the water to run for at least one minute before drinking it is a very easy and affordable option. While this technique may be successful against some heavy metals, it will not protect you from other pollutants like germs and viruses.
Installing a quality water filtration system, particularly a reverse osmosis water filter system, is your greatest line of defense against an old water system and the danger of unexpected pollutants potentially infiltrating your water supply if flushing does not work.

APEC Water Systems ROES-50

The system uses technology to eliminate pollutants including chlorine, taste, odor, and VOCs, as well as harmful fluoride, arsenic, lead, nitrates, heavy metals, and 1000+ others. To ensure water safety and your health, it is developed, engineered, and constructed in the United States. WQA certification has been granted to the system. The long-lasting premium filters may be used to purify both tap and well water. It gives you limitless access to clean, refreshing, crisp-tasting water that tastes better than bottled water.

Waterdrop D4

From complexity to simplicity, technology has progressed. After conducting extensive research on the characteristics of various materials, the Waterdrop D4 RO reverse osmosis water filtration system uses unique technology and design to merge multiple filtering materials into a 5-in-1 composite filter. The filter takes up the least amount of area possible to produce an optimal filtration effect, which reduces TDS, chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Categories
Healthy Life Home Improvement

How Effective are Faucet Water Filters?

The majority of households across America, and other well developed countries, already enjoy a supply of treated tap water. However, it may come as a surprise to learn that as many as four in ten Americans prefer to utilize some form of water treatment within their home, in order to remove additional contaminants. Because they are easily accessible, and simple to use, faucet filters are a widely used form of water filtration. While they may be easy to buy, and simply to use, they may not be the best option for your family. If you find yourself doubting the effectiveness of your faucet filter, let’s explore a few questions:
  • Are Faucet Filters Effective?
  • Are Faucet Filters Worth the Investment?
  • Should I Purchase an Expensive Unit?

Understanding Filtering VS Purifying Water

Far too often, people unintentionally compromise their own health by putting less effort toward their drinking sources. Although some individuals consider the terms filtering and purifying to be the same thing, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is, filtration and purification differ greatly from one another.

Water Filtration

Removes large contaminants from water that has already been processed and treated. This is helpful with water that was treated with chemicals such as bleach, in order to remove unpleasant scents and tastes that may remain. Additionally, some treated water may still contain lead, and chlorine, which can carry serious health consequences. Faucet filters and pitcher filters are also capable of removing dirt, dust, cysts, germs, and even mercury, to name a few.

Water Purification

When water has been treated improperly, or left untreated, it will benefit from water purification through an RO system, or the like. This means that purification is capable of removing virtually everything that’s harmful to human health, even if they’re tiny – such as arsenic. This type of water treatment is extremely beneficial to areas where access to safe drinking water may be restricted or unavailable.

How Effective is Tap Water Filtration?

The method and means by which a faucet water filtration is utilized makes all the difference in overall effectiveness. In areas where treated tap water is available, you can expect effective filtration results, capable of removing lead and chlorine. Some forms of sediment might also be removed in small amounts. Overall smell and flavor will also improve, as many of the contaminants that affect taste quality are easily filtered out. Homeowners should expect a 20% improvement in their water quality through the use of a water faucet filtration device. However, for areas suffering from highly contaminated, or otherwise dangerous, water conditions, a tap water filter simply won’t cut it – turn to an RO system, instead.

How Do Faucet Filters Work?

Since we have now provided a full picture of what filtering vs purifying drinking water looks like, you can have a greater understanding of how faucet filters operate. Essentially, homeowners can rely on an affordable faucet filter to remove solid contaminants like sand and dirt, various chemicals like chlorine, and metals like lead. Overall, users will notice a marked improvement in taste and smell if they were initially cringing at the thought of drinking water laced with bleach.
These water filter devices are easy to install and use, requiring a simple mount directly onto your sink faucet. Typically they are comprised of metal, but may also utilize a plastic housing. The internal aspects feature a filter cartridge, which usually provides filtration through activated carbon. Depending on the manufacturer, style, and price, there may be one or more stages water is filtered through.

Sediment Removal

Water flows through a non-woven screen whenever a faucet is turned on. This screen is wrapped around a filter cartridge, typically filled with activated carbon. This provides the means to trap sand, sediment, and dirt, preventing it from flowing through to your cup.

Activated Carbon Block

After water has gone through the screen, it flows through activated carbon, and zeolite. Water contaminants are trapped as it passes through nooks and crannies of the carbon block, effectively removing various chemicals. On the downside, once these porous surfaces are filled, filtration effectiveness will drop before stopping completely.

Activated Carbon Filter (ACF)

This type of carbon filtration utilizes a microporous material in a fiber shape, with a structure that’s well-defined and particularly porous. This provides an absorption rate anywhere from 100 to 1000 times faster than other traditional methods for organic gases. ACF tends to cost more on the expensive side, due to the use of high quality material and input cost associated with newer tech. However, this type of filtration features a long service life, and costs under 10 centers each day for unlimited healthy, safe drinking water.

Ceramic Filter

Mainly used for filtration, ceramic filters are capable of removing pollutants, organic chemicals, chlorine, while improving odor and taste. Compared to other types of filtration, such as ACF or even CTO, the effect of a ceramic filter is poor. This is simply due to the fact that it is incapable of removing heavy metals and various inorganic salts.

Chemical Removal

While activated carbon performs well enough at removing some contaminants, it simply cannot do well against calcium and magnesium, to name a few. This is where the removal of chemicals is such an important aspect, especially if you smell chemicals out of your tap. One easy and affordable method for the removal of chemicals, is to allow water to trickle through slowly, thereby producing a higher removal rate.

Top Recommendations for Faucet Filtration

Waterdrop is a well-known professional water filtration brand. The ACF Faucet Filtration System is tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI standard 42 for the overall reduction of chlorine, foul tastes and odors, and to NSF/ANSI 372 for lead-free material.
With 6 stages of filtration, the Waterdrop ACF Faucet Filtration System has been proven to effectively reduce lead, fluoride, and chlorine commonly found in tap water. The activated carbon fiber in particular is efficient at removing up to 93% of chlorine, taste and odor, and many other contaminants. A simple design provides quality filtered water to your family, through the use of simple tap water. With leak-proof technology, the Waterdrop means you can fit this product to your faucet with any of the included adapters. The Waterdrop Facebook homepage also sends out coupons on a regular. Simply follow @waterdropdirect for more information in regard to discounts.

In Conclusion

Should you ever come into contact with someone wondering “how effective are the faucet filters?”, you will be prepared to explain the entire situation. Regardless of how clean they consider their tap water, they are sure to taste the difference in the overall reduction of lead and chlorine with the simple installation of a Waterdrop faucet water filter.
Categories
Healthy Life Home Improvement

Interesting Water Filter Facts You Should Know

Bottled water manufacturers’ major marketing point is that the water is “pure” and “sourced naturally,” making it safer than tap water. In essence, they are banking on dissuading people from tap water by making it look suspicious. That worked wonderfully – over 700% increase in bottled water sales was recorded between 1997 and 2005. The per capita bottled water consumption climbed from 16.2 gallons to 42.1 gallons between 1999 and 2017. Interestingly, these significant boosts in sales and consumption came with substantial adverse effects on the environment. There was a corresponding and unprecedented increase in environmental degradation, human rights abuses, and landfill waste.
Were the manufacturers right about their claims on the purity of bottled water? No, they weren’t. Scientific studies have confirmed that bottled water is no safer than tap water. According to the EPA, bottled water is still prone to contaminants. However, that does not threaten the health of anyone who drinks the water.
So how do we ensure the water we drink is very safe? The only way to get pure and safe drinking water is by using a water filter. This option is not only effective but also cheaper and more environment-friendly than using bottled water. All you have to do is choose the right water filter capable of getting rid of the contaminants of interest.
Read on to learn more about water filters and how they can help you.

Is Public Water Safe?

The Safe Water Drinking Act empowers the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set the drinking water standards for the entire nation. Therefore, the agency oversees over 80 water contaminants that may be present in public water systems. These include lead, chlorine, e-coli, arsenic, and cryptosporidia, among others. The EPA confirms that 90% of US public water has been evaluated and found to meet the standards. However, a water filter will offer you a guaranteed safety of your water.
According to a 2015 study undertaken by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) – a nonprofit organization, about 18 million Americans have lead or other EPA-regulated impurities in their public water supply. This was attributed to environmental pollution and continuous degradation of the pipes. So, even if your tap water looks and tastes okay, you may have contaminants deposited in the water during transit. NRDC identified impurities like fecal waste, rocket fuel, lead, arsenic, and other byproducts produced during water treatment in the tap water studied. And the presence of these contaminants may cause serious health concerns.
The Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) noted in its booklet, Drinking Water: What Health Care Providers Should Know, that “exposure to the contaminants (sometimes found in public and private drinking water) can cause many health problems, ranging from nausea and stomach pain to developmental problems and cancer.” The report mentioned that about 900,000 Americans suffered ill-health annually from contaminated private and public drinking water. Approximately 900 patients end up dying from the complications of their sicknesses.
While it is clear how unsafe public water can be, it is still almost as safe as bottled water. So, despite pumping billions of dollars into making water clean and healthy for drinking, bottled water manufacturers have not exactly achieved what they claim they have. Instead, they only sell the idea of bottled water being better and safer than tap water.

Going From Unsafe Water to Clean Water

Step 1 – Know what you are up against.

There is no universal water filter. Filters are designed to be effective against a specific set of contaminants. Knowing the contaminants in your water will help you choose the right filter, thus saving you money and time that could have been wasted on the wrong filter. This is why you must do a little research before anything else.
According to James P. McMahon, the owner of Sweetwater, LLC, a leading product consultant company on water and air purification, people end up with the wrong filter system skipping the research part of the process. “They skip this very important step, and then they’ve wasted money and resources on a system that isn’t making their water any safer.”
The annual “Consumer Confidence Report” from your water utility company often contains details like the source of your drinking water, the contaminants present, and their levels relative to the national standards. Suppose you don’t get a copy of this report by July 1. In that case, you can reach out to your utility and request a company or check www.epa.gov/safewater if it is available online.
The report will give you insights into the state of the water in your area; you need something more specific to verify the safety of your tap water. This is where the water test comes in. A water test at a state-certified lab can provide such information. You can check the EPA’s drinking water website for the list of suitable labs. Note that these tests come at a fee.
The same is applicable if your water source is a private well. Do your well water test during late spring or whenever there is a change in color or taste.

Step 2 – Identify the safest type of water filter.

There are tons of water filters in the market, including under-the-sink filters, faucet filters, inbuilt refrigerator filters, pitcher filters, and even whole-house filters. Each filter type is different, especially in the media types adopted. So, you need to go for one that best suits your needs.
If your Consumer Confidence Reports show that your water is better than the EPA levels, you can go for a water filter that targets the chemicals used in treating your water at the municipal plants. If these chemicals are not listed in your report, reach out to your utility and ask. Chemicals like chlorine, which is used for treating microorganisms, may combine with organic elements to produce carcinogenic byproducts, causing neurological and respiratory problems in humans. Chloramine is another water treatment chemical that can cause respiratory and circulatory problems.
The most effective filter type against chlorine and its byproducts is a combination of carbon/KDF adsorption filters. They are available as sink filters, whole-house filters, and shower filters. Waterdrop are known manufacturers of such filters.
You can go for a countertop or under-the-sink filters if there are one or multiple contaminants in your water. The NSF online database can guide you on choosing filters that have been verified to be effective against the contaminants of interest.
Lastly, if you detect serious safety issues with your drinking water, the best solution would be a multi-stage filter. Such a filter can eliminate almost all contaminants in water, thanks to the variety of filter types it combines.

Step 3 – Check the labels.

What you are looking for on the labels is mainly the NSF certifications. The NSF International is a nonprofit organization that conducts standardized safety tests on products from the water and food industries. In the case of filters, NSF certifications signify that the filters have been tested and found to perform according to the manufacturer’s claims. Water Quality Association and Underwriters Laboratories are two other organizations that run similar certification tests in line with the NSF standards.
There are various NSF certifications. For instance, if a filter is NSF-certified to be effective against chlorine, it will not be effective against nitrates or lead. This is why you should check the filter labels and ensure that it is effective against your contaminants of interest. You should also check for either the Water Quality Association Gold Seal, the NSF seal, or the UL Water Quality mark on the label for additional assurance on the filter’s performance.

Safe Water For The Present And The Future

Filters are far from perfection. They come at a relatively high cost, in terms of money and energy, plus you cannot recycle the filter cartridge. However, you will only end up disposing of a few cartridges, which is better than disposing of billions of single-use water bottles. So, what can we do to ensure we get clean and safe drinking water for now and in the future?
We should start by avoiding bottled water. It is not safer than tap water, yet, it is expensive and harms the environment. Next is to demand that companies manufacturing water filters take back their cartridges for proper recycling. The best way to recycle filter cartridges is to dispose of them off in a sealed landfill, ensuring that the contaminants trapped in them do not escape back into the environment.
Brita is a popular water filtration brand with several refrigerator filters, faucet-mounted filters, and carbon adsorption pitcher filters to its name. The company accepts recycling shipments of its products once correctly sent by the consumer. You may want to check if your filter manufacturer offers a recycling option before purchase or have one in the works.
Lastly, America still relies on its old and tired water treatment and distribution systems. It is vital to repair and upgrade these systems to ensure the public gets safer and cleaner water. While such repairs and upgrades may be capital intensive, they are worth the investment. Fortunately, a few organizations are pressuring Congress to provide funding for these projects.
In the end, we cannot entirely run away from the use of water treatment chemicals, especially in the future. This is why we must take charge of our health and safety by putting adequate measures in place to make our water as safe and healthy as possible for drinking.
Categories
All Reviews Water Contaminant

How Long Does Zerowater Filter Last and Why the Water Tastes Lemony?

The water filter pitcher is one of the most popular filtration options on
the market for its accessibility and convenience.
Many consumers purchase the water filter pitcher to reduce unpleasant flavors and odors, and wish to improve the
water quality.
Among all kinds of pitchers with different designs and filtration
performances, the ZeroWater filter pitchers stand out for
their ability to reduce the TDS (total dissolved solids) to
zero.
Yet, behind the successful marketing concept, the product receives numerous
complaints about its taste and replacement cost.
Before making the purchase, let’s take a thorough look at the ZeroWater pitcher. We’ll ask how long does the
ZeroWater filter last, and why does the water
taste lemony?

The unpleasant taste within a very short time

Based on many reviews and product comparison reports, the water filtered by
ZeroWater tastes better than that of Brita and PUR water
filter pitchers. However, consumers complain that after about two weeks, the water developed a very unpleasant
taste. Some people described it as a sour and lemony
disgusting taste, some people described it as fishy.
The reason for the sour chemical taste is not because of some flaws of the
product quality, but the urgency to replace the filter. Why? How
long does a ZeroWater filter last? The following section will explain the filtration process behind and answer
the question for you.
ZeroWater uses ion exchange to reduce the
TDS in water to zero. The ions carrying positive charges are called cations, while ions carrying
negative charges are called anions. The two types of ions in water are always equal in the number of charges.
Typical cations may include calcium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion,
magnesium ion, and typical anions may include sulfate ion, chloride ion, carbonate ion,
and so on. The ZeroWater filter contains an ion exchange layer that replaces the cations with hydrogen ion, and
replaces the anions with hydroxyl ion, which forms pure
water H2O eventually.
The filter will work perfectly to deliver you pure water until it runs out
either H+ or OH-. If the OH- is fully consumed first, then the anions remain
in the water after filtering, and the cations are still replaced by the hydrogen ion (acid ion), finally
resulting in acids, such as sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and carbonic
acid. That’s why the water tastes sour or acidic at the end.

The high replacement cost

You can solve the unpleasant taste problem simply by changing the filter.
Then the next problem shows up: the frequency of filter replacement. Like
we have discussed above, once the H+ or OH- inside a filter runs out, then it’s time to replace. So how long
does a ZeroWater filter last? Not very long. We’ll go into more
depth below.
Based on the true product reviews, if the source water TDS is around 100,
the ZeroWater filter can filter about 15-18 gallons of water before it turns sour.
If the source water has high TDS as 700, each ZeroWater cartridge could not filter more than 5 gallons of water.
So, how long does a ZeroWater filter last? The numbers are far below than
the advertised filter service life. A filter will last, on average less than two weeks.
Therefore, it could become excessively pricey having to change the filter
three times a month.
It would be economically preferable to switch to other filtration options.

What is TDS and how to reduce TDS in water?

Before we jump into the filtration option section, let’s learn some
information about the TDS.
TDS stands for total
dissolved solids, it refers to the total concentration of dissolved solids in water including both inorganic and
organic matters.
Some of the common components are calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium cations and carbonate, hydrogen
carbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate anions.
There is no scientific evidence that suggests that high TDS will bring out
adverse health effects. Many countries do have drinking water standards in
regards to TDS, but only for aesthetic reasons with no health criteria. The US recommended maximum level is 500 mg/L as
well as the Canadian guideline. To learn more about the
recommended TDS level here.
TDS Level in parts per million(ppm)
Palatability Quotient
Less than 300
Excellent
Between 300 and 600
Good
Between 600 and 900
Fair
Between 900 and 1200
Poor
Greater than 1200
Unacceptable

Efficient and economical way to reduce the TDS in water

The common ways to reduce the TDS in water are distillation and reverse
osmosis

Distillation

Distillation offers clean water through
boiling and producing water vapor. When water vapor rises and reaches to a cool surface,
it will condense back to the liquid form. The dissolved salts and other particles will remain in the boiling
solution.
You can get zero TDS water from distillation without the concern to replace
any filters, however, the downsides are the energy cost and the slow output.

Reverse Osmosis

The benefits of Reverse
Osmosis filtration
is obvious by comparison. The system uses a semi-permeable membrane which
the unclean water is “pressured through.”
The membrane contains pores of 0.0001 microns that are only big enough to
allow the passage of water molecules while blocking other foreign components
like pyrogens, bacteria, organics, and dissolved solids. The normal output of a RO system is around 200-600
gallons per day and you can access clean and safe water by just turning
on the faucet.
Therefore, from the efficiency, sustainability and cost perspectives, we
recommend using a reverse osmosis system to reduce the TDS in water.
Many people are concerned about the amount of waste water that the RO system generated during the filtration
process.

Our recommendations

Below are several types of RO systems from that we have picked for you.

Waterdrop G3 reverse osmosis water filtration system

As the star product of Waterdrop, the G3 reverse osmosis is taking the
market by storm with its revolutionary tankless design. The system looks nothing
like a traditional RO system. It is very thin and sleek. The tankless design saves much undersink space and
brings more room for storage.
In terms of filtration performance, the G3 system adopts the premium DOW RO
membrane with the TDS removal rate of 94% as well as other contaminants in water.
The system is designed for easy DIY installation and the filter replacement
only takes 3 seconds. If you’re looking for an efficient and certain way to get clean,
safe and healthy drinking water, Waterdrop G3 would be the ideal option.

SimPure Y6 Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Purification System

Unlike traditional under sink reverse osmosis system, SimPure Y6 is designed
to be placed on countertop. This means you can enjoy pure RO water at anywhere
you want and you don’t have to drill a hole on your kitchen sink.
The plug-in design allows you to get purified water right away. One full set
of quick changing twist-and-seal filters come included it. You can get rid of
the troubles caused by complicated installation and filter replacement. Compared to traditional Under-Sink
Filtration, SimPure Y6 is free from water source and space constraints, you
can place and move SimPure water purifier to anywhere with power supply available, perfect for kitchen, bedroom,
office, lobby, Outdoor RV etc.
This system is able to convert your tap water or well water into pure and
healthy drinking water by removing 99.99% of the 1,000+ pollutants & harmful substance
including chemicals (PFOA/PFOS, Pharmaceuticals), heavy metals (Lead, Arsenicetc), chlorine, TDS (fluoride,
nitrates/nitrites) and etc.

Waterdrop D6 RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

Traditional RO water purifier is composed of several filters, and the
installation is quite complicated. Waterdrop D6 RO water filter system adopts
a 5-in-1 composite reverse osmosis filter with a DOW reverse osmosis membrane that has a pore size of 0.0001 um.
The D6 reverse osmosis water system employs a tankless design
and a composite reverse osmosis filter. Compared to traditional whole house reverse osmosis, the compact D6 RO
water filter system saves 70% of your under-sink space. Also,
a DIY installation can be completed within 30 minutes. The push-in replacement design allows you to replace the
filter in 3 seconds, without moving the system or using any tools.
Waterdrop D6 reverse osmosis water system is upgraded to have a flow rate of
600 GPD. With an innovative internal pump and a larger filter surface, you can fill
a cup of water in 8 seconds. A low drain ratio of 1.5:1 means that dispensing 1.5 cups of pure water produces
only 1 cup of wastewater, saving 450% of water compared to a conventional water
filtration system for home.