Can I Drink Straight from the Countertop Filter?
In this era of water quality anxiety, families are worried about drinking water. Open the faucet, looking at the seemingly clear tap water, the heart is always muttering: this water is really clean? So a variety of water purification equipment came into being, especially small and convenient Countertop Filter, has become the savior of many families drinking water. But the problem is – filtered water can really be assured of drinking directly? Today we will break the big problem of health!
Can you Drink Straight from the Countertop Filter or Not?
When it comes to Countertop Filter, it is really a net product for modern families. Does not take up space, easy to install, affordable, to the kitchen countertop a put, immediately feel the quality of life on a grade. But many people buy home, looking at the filtered water, the heart began to drum: this water can really drink directly as advertised?
Different Types of Filters, Security Difference!
First to throw pots of cold water – not all Countertop Filter water can drink directly! It depends on what type of filtration technology is used in your home. Currently on the market there are three common Countertop Filter:
Reverse osmosis filter is the king of filtration. It uses 0.0001 micron ultra-fine filtration membrane, the water 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, pesticide residues are rejected. The purity of the water from this filter is comparable to distilled water, which can be drunk directly. However, it also has a small disadvantage – the filtration process will be beneficial minerals in the water is also filtered out, long-term drinking may need to pay attention to mineral supplementation.
Ultrafiltration filter using 0.01 micron hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane, can effectively intercept sediment, rust, colloids, bacteria and other impurities, but can not deal with smaller viruses and some heavy metals. Whether the water from this filter can be drunk directly is controversial – theoretically, if the local tap water quality is good, the water after ultrafiltration can be drunk directly; but for insurance purposes, especially at home with the elderly, children or members of the lower immunity, it is recommended to boil and then drink.
Activated carbon filter is the most basic filtration method, mainly relying on activated carbon adsorption odor, residual chlorine and some organic matter. However, it is basically ineffective against bacteria, viruses and heavy metals, and the water from this filter should never be drunk directly! It must be boiled before drinking.
Drinking Water Safety is Determined by Your Usage Habits
Even if you buy a high-end reverse osmosis filter, don’t think you can just get it over with. Filter cartridges have a lifespan! Over-service cartridges not only greatly reduced filtration effect, but also may become a breeding ground for bacteria. Imagine, originally used to purify water cartridge into a bacterial petri dish, the water you still dare to drink directly?
Generally speaking, PP cotton filter 3-6 months to change, activated carbon filter 6-12 months, reverse osmosis membrane 2-3 years. But the specific replacement cycle also depends on the local water quality and water consumption. Do not delay the replacement in order to save money, health can be more important than that a few filter money!
Is it Necessary to Boil Filtered Water?
Is it still necessary to boil water that has been treated by a filter? The answer to this question has to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
In these cases, it is safer to boil:
If your home is using ultrafiltration or activated carbon filter, it is strongly recommended to boil the water before drinking! Especially when the following situations are encountered:
When the water supply comes after a water outage: impurities deposited in the pipes will be flushed out and the water quality fluctuates greatly
After a rainstorm: the water source may be contaminated by surface runoff
There are infants and young children in the house: the baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed
Members of the Sensitive stomach: rather have more trouble than risk your health
Boiling water is the most traditional and reliable way of disinfecting, effectively killing any pathogenic microorganisms that may remain in the water. Don’t look at this method, but it can avoid a lot of health hazards in critical moments!
In these cases, direct drinking is not a problem
If your home is installed in the regular brand of reverse osmosis filters, and on time to replace the cartridge, then direct drinking is completely safe. In fact, the water from these high-end filters is cleaner than a lot of bottled water. Boil instead of may bring some small problems:
Repeatedly boil will lead to a reduction in dissolved oxygen in the water, drinking taste worse
Limescale problem: although it does not affect the health, but look at the people are always uncomfortable
Waiting for the cooling: want to drink a cup of cold water have to be prepared a few hours ahead of time, how inconvenient
Modern life is concerned about the efficiency. Modern life is all about efficiency, so why hold on to old traditions when technology has already provided a safe solution for drinking straight from the bottle? Of course, if you just like to drink hot water, there’s no harm in boiling it – it’s safe and customary, so of course you should choose the way that gives you more peace of mind!
Countertop Filter Buying Guide
There are a variety of Countertop Filter on the market, as a savvy consumer, how can you choose a product that really suits your home? The following dry goods recommended collection!
Select the Type According to Demand
First ask yourself: buy a filter mainly want to solve what problem?
If the water quality is hard, limescale is serious, it is recommended to choose reverse osmosis type, it can effectively reduce calcium and magnesium ions, boil water no longer see the annoying scale.
If you mainly want to improve the taste, remove residual chlorine, ultrafiltration + activated carbon combination is enough, make tea, brewing coffee effect immediately.
If only temporary use or rent, you can consider portable water filters, although the filtering effect is limited, but stronger than drinking tap water directly.
These Parameters to Read
Buy filters do not just look at the appearance and price, these key parameters must be asked:
Filtration accuracy: reverse osmosis (0.0001 micron) > ultrafiltration (0.01 micron) > microfiltration (0.1 micron)
Number of cartridge level: usually 3-5 level is more reasonable, not the more the better the number of levels
Throughput Size: 400G or more water production speed is fast enough, do not have to wait anxiously
Wastewater ratio: good reverse osmosis filters can do 2:1 or even 3:1, water and environmental protection
Common Misconceptions About Using Countertop Filters
Even if you buy the right filter, using it the wrong way can affect the results. The following common misunderstandings, see if you have been hit?
All is Well Once the Filter is Installed
Many people think that the filter can be installed once and for all, which is very wrong! Water purifier is a live device that requires regular maintenance:
First time use: the new cartridge may have carbon powder residue, to first drain the water for 10-15 minutes
Long-term non-use: re-use of the stored water should be put clean to avoid stagnant water breeding bacteria
Everyday use: every morning, first drain the overnight water, especially ultra-filtration equipment
Neglecting Water Pressure
Countertop Filter usually does not need to be plugged in and works on tap water pressure. If the water pressure at home is too low (<0.1MPa), it may result in little or no water output. In this case, you can consider adding a booster pump or choosing a model with an electric pump.
Place all your Hope on the Filter
Be aware of the fact that even the best filter can’t turn poor-quality water into miraculous water. If the local tap water is seriously polluted, a Countertop Filter alone may not be enough, and a whole-house water purification program needs to be considered. It is also important to regularly clean the water tank and replace old water pipes!
