Water filtration systems are excellent ways to offer water quality guarantees. They can also protect equipment and are a required step in treatment processes. Many companies wonder whether the time and effort are worth it, and question what is involved. However, it may be worth first considering which water filter system will be best for your needs. We created this article to explore everything that you need to know about water filter systems. But, before we answer the main question of which is the best water filter system, let’s start with the basics.
What is a Water Filter System?
Water filter systems are water filtration devices intended to remove impurities from water. These water filters may be for residential or commercial use, and water filters can also be found in many homes and businesses around the world.
The water filters used in water filtration systems may include several types of water filter media, including:
- granular activated carbon (GAC)
- ion exchange water filters
- ceramic water filters
- string-wound micro-filtration water filters
- compressed carbon block water filters
- water filter water softeners
- water filter water pitchers
- other purification systems
Which Types of Water Filters are Available?
There are four main types of water filter available. Different water filter systems are suitable for different levels of water quality and use.
1) Carbon filters are the simplest water filtration system available, and use water-safe carbon to remove contaminants from water by absorption and adsorption.
Most water filters available for domestic water treatment are primarily activated carbon filters.
2) Reverse osmosis is a more expensive water filtration system, using pressure to force water through water-tight membranes, leaving some contaminants behind.
Reverse osmosis water filters can remove water contaminants including dissolved inorganic solids and most or all types of bacteria.
3) Distillation water filters use evaporation and condensation to leave water free from almost all contaminants, but are expensive compared to other systems. Distilled water is also very different from regular water, which has an important effect on water chemistry.
4) Iron filters use water-safe iron to oxidize water contaminants including manganese, iron and hydrogen sulfide, which can be smelly and discoloured water.
Iron filters are not very effective for water with high levels of other water contaminants such as nitrate or pesticides, but work well for smells caused by water contaminants.
Which is the best water filter system
Well, the answer is — it depends. Water filter systems can be designed to remove certain water contaminants that may cause water quality problems such as bad tastes, odors and cloudy water. These water filters may also take out chemicals such as chlorine and chloramine that are often used in water treatment. Some water filter system manufacturers will offer different models of water filtration systems, each one removing a different water contaminant or water pollutant.
For example, a water purification pitcher may remove chlorine and chloramine from water, but not lead or other water contaminants such as sediment. This type of water filtration system would be suitable for someone who is concerned about water pollutants like fluoride and chlorine but does not mind water that contains a small amount of particulate matter such as silt and sediment.
Another water filter system may remove all water contaminants but the water would need to be boiled before it could be used for cooking or washing food because this type of system does not remove microbes from water. This water filtration system might be suitable for someone who does not want water that tastes or smells like chlorine but does not use water for any type of cooking.
Choosing the water filter system that is right for you can be complicated because there are so many different water filtration systems available. Always check the water filter system’s rating to find out what water contaminants it can remove before making a final decision.
How to Choose the Best Water Filtration System
Choosing a water filter system involves multiple considerations, such as:
- Water filter type;
- Water purification technology (how it works);
- The water filtration media used (the most effective types);
- How well each water filter type prevents common water contaminants;
- Water filter cost;
- Water filter replacement cost.
Step 1: Identify water contaminants in your water
Water quality varies from one water company to another and water treatment plants can miss removing certain water pollutants. The best way to know which contaminants you need to remove is by having a water test completed by a water professional (i.e., local health department, water company or water treatment professional). This water test will tell you which water contaminants in your water and the level in which they exist.
Step 2: Look for a water filtration system that removes the water pollutants identified in your water report
The best water filter systems remove most, if not all, of the water pollutants identified in water tests. Some water treatment systems are better at removing certain water pollutants than others.
Step 3: Decide what type of water filtration system you need
Water filter systems come in several forms that vary by water quality, water use and cost.
- Point of entry water filtration system: water treatment system installed on water line entering the house from outside the house
- Point of use water filtration system: water treatment system attached to a faucet or water outlet
- Water softener : water treatment system that makes water “softener” by removing minerals (i.e., calcium, magnesium).
- Water purifier: water treatment system that is used for water quality improvement or backup water filtration system
Step 4: Determine the water filter system capacity needed to meet your needs
Water filter system capacity refers to how many water contaminants can be removed by the water filter before it needs to be replaced. The water filter capacity needed will depend on water quality, water use and cost you are willing to spend. Most water filters have different capacities (i.e., some remove more water pollutants than others). Check the water filtration system water quality, water use and water filter capacity before making a water filter purchase decision.
Maintenance practices for a water filter system
One of the most important parts of water filter system maintenance is to change your water filter cartridges. Neglecting this aspect can result in water that has a bad taste, odor or color, which may not be safe to drink. We advise against a DIY approach for the maintenance of water filter systems, and would always recommend for this to be conducted by a professional, as filtration systems can be temperamental if altered with.
Still have questions about the water filter systems? Schedule a free consultation with us and we will help you with choosing the right system for your business.
How often do water filter systems in the UK need to be maintained?
Every water filtration system should have instructions detailing when it should be serviced, what maintenance operations are required and how to carry them out. Every water filtration system will require some level of regular service, even if it only means that you replace its filters or water cartridges. Depending on the water filter system you have, different maintenance operations will need to be carried out at different periods of time.
For example, a water filter system with a water softener would require a service after every 100 hours of operation. That water filter system accumulates calcium and magnesium from water through its process of filtration, so it would need to be emptied, cleaned and refilled with water softener salt.
On the other hand, water filter systems without water softeners will not accumulate calcium or magnesium in their mechanisms, so they do not require water softener salt refills over time. That type of water filtration system would simply need its filters replaced when they are worn out, or the water filter system needs to be serviced when its water flow slows down or water is less clear.
Here at Wychwood Water Systems, we design, manufacture, install and service Water Filtration Systems and can advise you on the most effective system for your business requirements. We welcome you to Contact Us or give our experts a call on +44 (0)1993 892211 to find out more.
