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Two Frightening Facts Regarding Public H2O That Make a Home Water Filtration System a Smart Idea.

By: Rich Eng

What should a home water filtration system do? Considering the fact that the majority of us are connected to a public treatment facility in some way, what reason do we have to worry? Read on.

When it comes to public water filtration systems, their performance is limited as to what it can do. They safeguard people from illnesses such as typhoid. Unwanted and undesirable items such as soil, sewage and animal carcasses are cleaned out of the lakes and reservoirs. They eliminate minerals, including stones and potentially toxic heavy metals. Water is tested to ensure that toxic elements do not surpass a safe level. "Point of use" or "in the home" units of water filtration solve problems that public water filtration systems cannot.

First, most of them use chemicals to kill bacteria and to provide disinfection. Chlorine tends to be the most frequent, but others can be utilized as well. Dangerous by-products can result from the chemicals used to disinfect the water. Chlorine produces by-products called THMs. They are known carcinogens. They are carcinogenic.

Environmental Protection Agency standards limit the THM content or total trihalomethanes to 80 parts per billion. THMs are poisonous and could cause health problems, and even nerve damage once they reach or exceed a certain level. The water filtration system used in public is not adequate enough to counteract the by-products. All they are able to do is check the water for levels that exceed normal.

That brings us to the second problem. If our public officials say something is good that they have tested and determined to be good, doesn't mean that is always the truth. They test the water in homes so our water should be safe and we shouldn't need a home water filtration system, right?

Well, the "safe" level does not take several things into account. One is that the toxic level is for an adult that weights 175 pounds, so if you weigh less, there is a greater threat. Also, in order to pass the tests, instances of incorrect reporting have been observed, even though most facilities are performing their jobs fittingly. Third, the test may underestimate the levels of by-products in your tap water because the water may pick up additional impurities before it enters your home plumbing system.

Scary? Anyone can benefit from a point of use water filtration system and for those households with children, it is especially valuable because it removes chlorine and blocks THMs. You must shop around carefully, however, because many are advertised as purifiers but only block chlorine and odors. In this situation, protection from THM's would be non-existent.

Industry standards and performance certifications are two important factors when looking for a water filtration system. Certifications are not mandatory, but the better companies have them done. They should also have a data sheet that lists THMs and other pollutants, such as VOCs and cysts. Although the names may not be familiar to you, pestisides and herbisides should also be listed. Two of the most common chemicals in united states are benzene and lindane. A system that removes all kinds of impurities is the kind that will be the best bargain. Few perform the tasks in their entirety.

Hopefully, this has helped you understand what an in-home water filtration system should do and why you need one. Happy shopping!

Article Source: http://www.sportsmansarticleresource.com

Rich Eng serves as the leader of a high growth healthcare services business for a Fortune 500 company. A 20 year industry veteran and "holistic health and fitness" coach, he constantly researches better ways to improve one's mind, body and spirit. Visit his site at www.clean-filtered-water.com to learn more about the drinking water filters he personally uses and why he chose this product after extensive research.

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