How to choose a quality water filter

Water is vital to our survival, it is second only to the air we breath and its quality is essential to our well-being.

According to a Toronto Star ^[1], an estimated 225,000 kilograms of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead and zinc are released into Lake Ontario every year.

Peter Bozzo, office manager at Nimbus Water Systems Inc., said there is a growing movement toward taking better care of ourselves through drinking cleaner water. “But there is misinformation,” he said. “People who buy bottled water often don’t question what’s in that water.”

Some bottled water companies use questionable processes to filter its product. Others, use a reverse osmosis system. This system is effective, but bottled water can be expensive, inconvenient to buy and store. It would be much cheaper and convenient to have a reverse osmosis system at home.

Bozzo said that when choosing a water filtration system the first step is to determine the condition of the water where you need it filtered.

IN THE CITY

City water is highly chlorinated and an increasing amount of chemicals are finding their way into water supplies.

Bozzo said that a Reverse Osmosis (R. O.) Unit is ideal for people living in North York. Recent independent laboratory tests have demonstrated that R. O. Units are 99 per cent effective at only 65 pounds per square inch of water inlet pressure.

Reverse osmosis uses water pressure and a semi-permeable membrane that rejects dissolved solids which are then washed down the drain.

Reverse osmosis eliminates dissolved mineral molecules, pesticides, bacteria and viruses. R. O. Units also have a carbon filter which eliminates any dissolved gasses that make it through the pores of the unit’s membrane.

Reverse osmosis is also used extensively in medicine (kidney dialysis), in the pharmaceutical business and in the computer business where ultra pure water is needed to rinse semiconductors.

Another great way to improve the water in your home is to install a water softner. Water becomes “hard” when it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. The hardness minerals build up inside your kettle, pipes and appliances. They react with soap to form scum or curd. It also causes dry skin, clogged pores, decreases the life of fabrics and reduces the efficiency of water-using appliances such as water heaters.

Nimbus’ whole house water treatment system ensures that water is properly filtered saving you time, labour and money.

AT THE COTTAGE

If your cottage is supplied by well water your first concern would be bacteria. An Ultraviolet System is the best choice in a rural setting because of its effectiveness in killing bacteria.

Bozzo said that to know more about improving the quality of you water you should visit a specialist. To reach a Nimbus expert or for a free water analysis, please call (416) 398-2028.

[1] Toronto Star - Sunday, October 1, 1995 Section D - Watershed