The Latest in Water Filtration and Purification Technology

Water Basics - Water is generally classified into two groups: Surface Water and Ground Water. Surface water is just what the name implies; it is water found in a river, lake or other surface impoundment. This water is usually not very high in mineral content, and many times is called "soft water" even though it usually is not. Read on

Water and Disease - Water is a gift of nature. The total amount of water on the earth is finite, while man's capacity for pollution is accelerating fast with the growth of population, agriculture and industry across the globe. Read on

Water Pollutants - YOUR BODY DEPENDS UPON WHAT YOU DRINK!
The EPA released to the news media Dec.14, 1988 information that stated there is some kind of toxic substance in our ground water no matter where we live in the US! Read on

There are a wide range of water filtration and water purification products available on the market today.

In reality, there is no single filter or treatment that will eliminate every contaminant from your water. Many technologies target only a specific type of contaminant and may be completely ineffective against others.

Typically, most higher-end systems use a combination of filter technologies to achieve the best results. It is nevertheless important to choose a system that specifically targets the known or potential contaminants in your personal water supply.

To help you gain a better understanding of each major home water purification technology, please consult the Comparison Chart below. Our Niagara+ products feature all of these technologies in various combinations. Compare your water testing results to the chart and information at Excel Water Technologies to determine your best filtration / purification options.

We can argue till we're blue in the face about the lack of health standards for the production of what is allowed to be sold to consumers in this country and other countries around the world, but it starts with us as a society making it our business to know what it is we're buying into. How many people actually read the ingredients in the foods they buy? Unless we put the spotlight on companies by checking into what they're putting into the products they're selling, they will continue to get away with lower standards of quality due to the lack of awareness on each and everyone one of our parts.

Get informed about what you put into your body. If Organic foods are becoming the current trend, it means we're getting on the right track, but what about the water we consume? We've become so environment conscious that the majority of households are drinking bottled water in an effort to make healthier choices. There are two problems with bottled water; firstly, one third of all bottled water contains contaminants! Unfortunately the average consumer isn't aware that bottlers are required in most cases only to meet the same quality standards as tap water.

Taken from an article entitled One Third of Bottled Water Contain Contaminants Written by Greg Lucas, Sacramento Bureau Chief: it states "The Food and Drug Administration needs to tightened its regulations on bottled water after a four-year study by the NRDC found that of 103 brands surveyed, one- third contained levels of contamination.

Of the hundreds of contaminants state and federal regulators measure, bottled water is subject to a higher standard for only two, according to Randy Kanouse, EBMUD's Sacramento lobbyist.

Bottlers don't have to create a "consumer confidence" report each year like water agencies do. The reports tell customers what's in their water. It details levels of contaminants, if any, like lead, aluminium, arsenic and salt."

When I read this I was angry that consumers are so misguided in their attempts to take action! Here we're meant to believe that by drinking bottled water we are minimizing the amount of contaminants we're consuming. (Of course more effort could be taken to the recycling these water bottles that are packing the landfills, but that's another topic of conversation I'll put on the shelf for another day!)
What a croc! I thought. It seems that with the popularity of bottled water, like anything else, companies are popping up everywhere to get in on the action and reap the profit of what seems to be the current trend.

Ok people, it's time to take a simpler approach to this situation. While we wait for the government to take action by imposing standards that would improve this situation we still have to make a choice about the water we drink. I can share with you two ways you can begin to improve the current state of your drinking water:

1) Filter your tap water using a water filter fit you can buy at your local department store. (I chose to use a brita water filtration kit I bought at my local Wal-Mart).

Or

2) Purchase a whole house filtration system. There are plenty of places online you can get information about what they are and how they work. One of the best places I've found on the web is Excel Water Technologies because this site not only sells water filtration products but they discuss water and have a whole section dedicated to the effects of water contaminants. Articles of Interest About Water

Or

3) Get informed about the company that produces the water you're drinking and get pickier about from whom you buy your water. Don't take for granted that just because the water is available for sale that just like any other product on the shelf, it's good for you. Like any other foods we've begun to pay attention to such as foods high in fats, high in preservatives, act. Make it your business as a consumer to inform yourself to make the best choices for you and your family.
Just remember, no matter what you choose; we set the demand, we set the standards! It begins with getting informed.

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Common Water Problems

Aesthetics
Otherwise harmless contaminants like chlorine, sulfur, iron, and manganese that cause taste, color, and odor problems.

Water Hardness
Hard water contains excessive levels of the minerals calcium and magnesium, a condition found in 85 percent of the United States. Hard water shortens the life of household plumbing and water-using appliances, makes cleaning and laundering tasks more difficult and gradually decreases the efficiency of water heaters. Read more about common water problems

Impurities in Well Water
It is a homeowner's responsibility for testing their well for microbiological contaminants such as coliform bacteria. Additionally, many homeowners want to know what other minerals and/or contaminants may be dissolved in their water supply. Private testing labs can provide complete inorganic analyses. Listed below are the most common elements and parameters which will typically be tested and reported. Read more about the impurities in well water

The increasing interest in fresh fruits and vegetables, and the growing market for organic products create new expectations and concerns for both small and medium scale farmers. There is an urgent need for integrating water treatment systems as a major element in organic production.

Since water can be a source of contamination of produce, the ability to ensure the cleanliness of the water is an essential factor in the food safety chain.

For farmers whose primary water source comes from a well, a variety of water filters and softeners may be needed for purification. Especially in organic and animal farming production, it is crucial that the water source be untainted.

Organic Farming

A change in consumer behavior has been taking place since the beginning of the 1990s. Consumers are increasingly demonstrating a high level of concern about food safety and the environment, especially in the light of recent problems like bacterial contamination, residues of pesticides and fertilizers, irradiation and genetic modification of food products.

Organic food has become a popular choice for health conscious individuals. In response to this demand, many farmers in the USA, Latin America, Canada and Europe are working toward meeting the regulations and becoming certified to sell organic products. Part of the major process to be certified involves meeting the requirements relative to the purification of water. The water used must meet the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) drinking standards; therefore agriculture water filters must often be used.

Herbicides and pesticides are two of the most commonly found contaminants in well water. These pollutants can be eliminated with one of our many commercial water filters. Using one of our well water treatment systems, a pesticide water treatment, or a nitrate, nitrite and arsenic water treatment can be applied to purify the water. We also offer a commercial UV system that kills bacteria, viruses, molds, algae and other microorganisms. To soften well water that is hard in calcium,magnesium and iron a commercial water softener should be used.

The Dangers in Animal Farming

A commercial water filter is particularly important in the raising of animals (chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, etc.) It is dangerous for animals to drink polluted water. There are great risks of bacteria infecting the water, causing animal sickness. It is crucial that a commercial water filter, softener and ultraviolet sterilizer be used.