Millions of Americans are exposed to unsafe drinking water every year. And globally? 844 million people are without the most basic clean water services.
This is a huge issue for any number of reasons, but most importantly is human health.
The majority of any human body, infant, adult male or female, is made up of water. So when your doctor tells you to hydrate more, you better believe it’s good advice! Ok, so you’ve committed to drinking more water. But is your water really safe straight from the tap?
Instead of worrying, it’s a good idea to get a water filter installed. There are so many benefits to this, not just for your health. But how do you choose the right one?
Keep reading for 8 tips on styles to help you figure out which water filter is best for you and your family.
1. Water Filter: Go Big or Go Frugal?
These days, there are many styles of water filters to choose from. That can cause some confusion for you, but only if you don’t know what you need and want from a water filter. You might need to do a little research, first.
For example, what state do you live in? Some states have public water issues that might really impact your family’s health. That would mean you’d need a bigger, more complicated water filter for your entire home. Or, you could live in a state with higher quality water, and you’d only need a small, simple filter unit.
In addition, you need to decide how much water you and your family uses per day, and if you want to deal with a higher maintenance option that requires electricity. If it’s just you in your home, you could get away with a nonelectrical option that doesn’t need to filter too much.
Some filters are more affordable than others, too. If you’re really invested in you and your family’s health, then it would make sense to purchase something with a warranty that will do a lot of work over a long period of time.
But if you’re budgeted and aren’t sure if you’re ready for that kind of investment, something small might do the trick.
Regardless of what you do end up choosing, it will be well worth the investment. Filtering your water is always beneficial.
2. Carbon Filter
If your water is obviously funky- tastes bad, looks murky, or smells weird, you could get an activated carbon (charcoal) filter. It’s great for removing chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, which is vital for your health. It’ll also remove radon and THM’s (trihalomethanes) along with some other inorganic chemicals.
A real issue to consider is that some, but not all, carbon filter will remove lead. Some of the varieties that will trap lead are solid-block and pre-coat absorption filters. You’ll have to check the certification of the unit you’re looking at buying, and really check for proof that it actually does remove lead.
These filters also won’t remove salts, nitrates, and nitrites, nor will they remove all metals. Don’t rely on a carbon filter to remove all organisms, either.
The thing to remember with these filters is they will accumulate the contaminants they remove, so bacteria and other critters might breed on it. You’ve got to replace filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Don’t think that a carbon filter that has pesticide silver is actually effective. The EPA hasn’t endorsed those, and studies have shown they’re not totally effective at killing bacteria or other microcontaminants.
Be aware that the range of carbon filters will vary in price. The countertop or faucet-mounted options that sell for super cheap aren’t always the most effective, while the whole-house units will eliminate anything worrisome. So you’re looking at a wide range of prices from $30 to thousands.
3. Reverse Osmosis
Are you living in a state where removing inorganic chemicals like salts and lead, asbestos or any other toxic chemical has shown up in public water supply? You might be in the market for a reverse-osmosis (RO) water filter.
Most models will also contain carbon filters, both pre and post, which will do a good job of catching sediment, pesticides, and the other dangerous chemicals like radon. They’ll also remove lead but won’t always remove chlorine. The taste of the water will be good, though. The post-filter handles that.
RO filters will connect directly to your plumbing, so locating them under the sink and to your faucet supply is ideal. Small tanks will store filtered water until it’s needed, and contaminated water drains out through the line to the sink trap.
The water you actually drink comes out of a separate, sink-top spout. They aren’t too expensive, ranging from $200 to $400 and there are models that cut down on the amount of water wasted.
4. UV Water Filters
These are great filters for when you want to be ‘high-tech’ and eco-friendly.
However, they won’t be effective against chemical pollutants. They also won’t kill spores, although they can kill most bacteria, viruses, and help your water taste and look better. Combining them with carbon filters is ideal, and these units will cost from $300 to $700.
5. Water Distillers
These water filters are the most convenient. They’re simply portable, sink-top devices that do a good job of eliminating salts, asbestos, organic chemicals, lead, and metals.
They’re inexpensive, but you might find your water tastes a bit weird. Distillers heat the water until it becomes steam, then condenses the steam back into water. That gets deposited in a separate chamber (a fun science experiment for kids) which keeps the junk from following along.
However, unless you get a carbon filter to go along with it, a distiller can’t remove all bacteria and chemicals. You’ll have to fill this manually, and they use a lot of electricity to operate.
They’ll take several hours to complete their process, too. A gallon of water can take some time to be produced. The price range is affordable, though, ranging from $80 to $400.
6. Water Filtering Faucets
You can look for a full, under-sink unit, which is ideal. But there are filters that attach to the end of your faucet spout. Again, like other devices that are more portable, and changeable, it won’t always do a great job of eliminating all of the offending chemicals and bacteria.
Most will come with a carbon filter installed, and those will need to be changed regularly. If you’re just using it for drinking water, it’ll probably okay for just you. If you’re providing filtered water for your family and pets, though, you’d want to invest in the full under-sink options.
Remember not to fall for unverified claims or too-good-to-be-true options. If something isn’t endorsed by the EPA, or doesn’t have certificates you can check, then don’t invest.
7. Gravity Filter
If you want to go old-school and survivalist, and don’t want to rely on needing maintenance or electricity, go for a gravity filter. These can hold a lot of water although you need to fill them manually.
They sit on your countertop and are made of stainless steel, and they’ll use a carbon filter. These are great for removing lead, so along with the carbon filter, they’ll do a good job of keeping your water safe.
The cost ranges from $100 to $300.
8. Whole Household Filter
This is the boss of water filters, and although a hefty investment, it’s the best way to ensure your water is fully safe.
You install this where your main water line enters your house, and every tap and appliance will be supplied with this filtered water. That includes your hot water heater.
The styles are similar to everything discussed in this guide thus far: carbon, reverse osmosis, UV…the advanced technology for next-generation water filters can be included in your whole house filter.
Your least expensive option will likely be the carbon-based system, going for around $800 and can last 300k gallons before needing replacement.
RO house filters are more expensive, coming in at over $4,000 and needing a large water storage tank. These are also high maintenance but won’t require separate drinking water filters at your taps.
Whole-house filters are great for large families, with lots of kids and pets. Your water needs will be taken care of, for a long period of time. However, be prepared to do some serious research on which style to go with.
Water Filters: Keeping It Clean
You’re going to want to filter your water because it’s a worthwhile investment in your health.
This guide gives you some ideas as to which water filters are available, and what would be most practical and cost-effective for your needs. But if you need more information on what to choose and how to install it, let us know!
There are three main types of rafts: paddle boats, gear boats and oar/paddle combination rafts. Each craft has its specific uses. Paddle boats can carry the most people, require the least amount of rigging. Gear boats are best for transporting lots of equipment on multi-day trips. Oar/paddle combos and stern mounts can carry more people than a gear boat with greater acceleration while allowing a guide more control than with a paddle boat. All three types of whitewater boats have their advantages. This post will also look at other whitewater crafts including motor rafts, dories, inflatable kayaks, packrafts, catarafts, and hardshell kayaks. We also have a post on the different whitewater raft designs and materials.
1. Paddle Boats
Paddle Raft
The most popular inflatable raft for whitewater is a paddle boat. In a paddle raft everyone has a paddle with a guide in the back giving commands and steering. The most common paddle boat is a 14-foot raft with six paddlers and a guide. This type of raft is ideal for day trips on class III and IV water. The best paddle rafts are stiff so they don’t fold making it easy for people to hold their positions in the raft.
Historically paddle boats had two thwarts. However, the newer rafts with three thwarts making it easier for all 6 paddlers. The most dangerous place to sit in a paddle raft is the back which acts like a launching pad when rafts go over bigger drops. Many guides prefer oar rafts or oar/paddle combo rafts for the added control of not needing to rely on paddlers. Running a paddle raft well requires training your paddle crew.
Running Matterhorn on Goodwin Canyon this guide gets launched a bit.
2. R-2 (raft- 2 people)
R-2ing has increased in popularity over the years. R-2 stands for raft with two people. Most often the two paddlers will sit across from each other in the middle of the raft. Paddlers typically discuss where they want to take the raft rather than calling out commands. Since there is less weight in the boat it more maneuverable and less likely to flip off of rocks. Many of the people running hard technical class V rivers prefer R-2ing.
While R-2ing is attractive because of the ease of running rivers, it is also popular due to the ease of organizing and getting on the river. All one needs is a buddy and minimal rafting gear. Rigging at put-in is fast and gear doesn’t take much room in the car. This my favorite way to run a river.
3. Oar/paddle Combos (Stern Mounts)
As rivers increase in difficulty it’s helpful for the guide to have added control when steering the raft. This is more true on high-volume rivers where rafts need to be turned to face into large breaking diagonal waves. An oar/paddle combo raft takes the best of aspects rowing, the ability to easily turn the raft and combines it with the power and acceleration of a paddle boat. The biggest disadvantage is the oars can quickly become dangerous weapons when surfing in a hole or if they get caught on a rock. On rocky rivers guides have to ship their oars constantly making a paddle raft more functional in those moments.
Shipping oars in an oar/paddle combo (aka creek frame) on the Illinois
Sometimes oar/paddle combos are referred to as stern mounts. In this case the small frame is rigged on the stern of the raft. This works well on high water as it allows for a maximum number of paddlers to still ride in the raft. However, much like a paddle raft when going over drops this rig is known to launch guides causing injuries.
Stern mount with tractor seat
A creek frame (or day frame) is a small frame that is rigged on the flat part of the raft in front of the stern. This puts the guide in a more stable position so they are less likely to get thrown around. The disadvantage of this rig is that there is less space for paddlers. A 14-foot raft would have space for a maximum of 4 paddlers plus a guide. While a stern mount in a 14-foot raft would have space for 4 paddlers.
4. Gear Boat
In a gear boat the guide is most often seated on a cooler close to the center of the raft surrounded by a frame that can carry an extensive amount of gear. There is typically space for two to three people to sit in the front of the raft. Lounging in the front of a gear boat float through a canyon is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel.
Some gear boats will have the back of the raft completely full with gear. Others will have two more people sitting in the back of the boat. This can also be fun and a little more dangerous. The passengers in the back of the boat need to be watched because if they sit up high it is easy for them to get thrown. In addition, on rocky rivers when shipping oars guides have to be careful that if their oar catches a rock it doesn’t shoot back and hit the rider behind them.
5. Oar Boat
An oar boat is a type of gear boat without the gear. Instead it has a light center mount frame (though many times it is a little aft of center). Like an oar/paddle combo, the seat for an oar boat is usually a tractor seat or a slant board. An oar boat is usually light with just the rower and maybe a little bit of gear just for a day. These boats are nimble and great for rocky low volume runs. They are terrible in big water when they get knocked around by waves due to their lack of mass.
Oar raft with center mounted slant board
Other Types of Whitewater Craft
Inflatable rafts are the standard whitewater craft for commercial whitewater trips. However, plenty of other types of boats are used in whitewater. The most common are catarafts, motor rafts, dories, inflatable kayaks, and kayaks.
6. Catarafts
Catarafts are similar in use to rafts but have a few key differences due there being no inflated floor. Also called Cat Boats and Cats, catarafts can perform like sports cars or an unwieldy tanker depending upon how much weight is in it. The two tubes in the water create minimal drag but this also means less area for displacing weight.
Cataraft in Washer Woman on the Selway River
Light catarafts turn (particularly shorter ones with rocker) and accelerate quickly. Due to the minimal contact with the river it is much easier to punch through holes in a Cat Boat and they are more challenging to flip in hole due to the lack of a floor. However, light Cats flip easily when pushed up against a rock sideways.
Their are some disadvantages with catarafts. The lack of the inflated floor makes it challenging to take more than the rower and they are not comfortable for passengers. Unfortunately, heavier loads quickly push catarafts deep into the water. They draft so much water that they are incredibly stable but equally difficult to turn.
Safety Catarafts
One of the best uses of the cataraft is for downstream safety on high water rafting trips. Since the first boat is most exposed its ideal to have a minimum number of people in the boat in case it flips. It is also nice to have a craft that is extremely manuverable, stable and can carry 4 or 5 people for a short period of time and still help get another raft to shore. The safety cataraft can do all these things.
Safety Cataraft out front High Water Tuolumne
Overall, catarafts are a cheaper way to get on the river if you are looking to be by yourself in a boat. they are also lighter and easier to get to and from the river. Get the right amount of weight and they perform like a dream and are typically more forgiving than rafts.
7. Motor Rafts
These boats predominantly used on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Due to high flow and the minimal number of rocks, these large inflatable rafts are able to negotiate the rapids use a small outboard motor. These boats are typically over 30 feet long and can carry almost 20 people.
Motor Rafting the Colorado River
8. Dories
The original commercial rafting trips were on dories and motor rigs. While the huge motor rigs go for the biggest waves on the river. The dories are the darting sports cars slicing between river features that could easily flip them.
Dories historically were made of wood. Guides have to be ever vigilant since what would be a bump of a rock with a raft can cause serious damage to a dory. Some dories are now made with aluminum to be a little more durable but more difficult to repair.
Dories sit on top of the water rocking back-and-forth and side-to-side going down the river. Unlike ocean going dories, whitewater dories have rocker (rise in the bow and stern) to make turning the boats easier. They are the most exciting ride of the larger river crafts.
Whitewater Dory
Types of Kayaks
9. Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks (aka: Duckies) are pretty much miniature rafts designed for one to two people using kayak paddles. Duckies are smaller and sit lower to the water giving a more exciting ride. The inflated tubes make them fairly stable but they still flip easily in larger hydraulics.
10. Packrafts
Packrafts are basically extra light inflatable kayaks designed to be easy to carry into remote water ways. Like inflatable kayaks they can be fairly high performance. A fairly common upgrade on packrafts is to have a stow zipper on the boat which allows gear to be stored within the tubes. This improves performance by giving the raft a lower center of gravity and allows for significant carrying capacity.
11. Hardshell Kayaks
Generally referred to as kayaks. Hardshell kayaks are mainly made out of plastic and sometimes fiberglass. They are much more challenging to learn to use but they are also much more high performance much like the relationship between dories and rafts.
Whitewater kayaks typically have a skirt unlike inflatable kayaks so that they stay more maneuverable by not taking on water.
The benefits of water range from getting better skin to weight loss – and there are many other reasons why water is good for you below, along with tips on how to avoid dehydration.
How many litres of water should you drink a day?
The European Food Safety Authority says women should aim for 2 litres a day and men should have 2.5 litres of water a day.
However, it doesn’t all need to come from drinking water. Helen Bond, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, explains that “we get about 20% of fluid from the foods we eat, so it’s estimated that women need around 1.6 litres of fluid (about 6 x 250ml glasses) and men around 2 litres a day (about 8 x 250ml glasses).” This is only a guide, however, as “how much fluid we need varies according to our age, gender, levels of activity and the climate,” she says.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, dietitian for the Tea Advisory Panel adds: “Being pregnant adds an extra 300ml daily to water needs, while breastfeeding adds an extra 700ml per day.”
Carries agrees that you can hydrate via a range of sources: “As well as drinking water it can come from foods such as soup and yogurt, and hydrating drinks such as regular black tea, herbal teas, dairy milk, plant milks and zero calorie drinks,” she says.
One drink that won’t hydrate you and isn’t a substitute for drinking water is alcohol. This is because it is a mild diuretic and will dehydrate you.
How do we know if we’re drinking enough water?
‘I get my clients to check the colour of their urine to see if they are hydrated or not,’ says Nicola Shubrook, a registered nutritionist and founder of Urban Wellness. ‘You want to look for a very pale or light yellow – not completely clear as you may be drinking too much fluid – and be aware that certain supplements such as B vitamins, or foods like beetroot, may alter your urine colour.’
What are the benefits of drinking water?
Improves general mental and physical performance
Improves kidney health and helps prevent UTIs
Reduces fatigue
Helps improve gut function
Reduces risk of headaches
Aids aching joints
Improves brain function and mood
Boosts your emotional health
‘It’s so easy to overlook, but drinking well is just as important for good health as eating and living well,’ says Helen. ‘Water is essential for life, health and wellbeing – your body has water in every cell, tissue, and organ. It helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, regulates body temperature, and keeps the skin moisturised and healthy – as well as carrying out lots of other important jobs,’ she says.
Improves general mental and physical performance
Our bodies need water regularly – and little and often is best. ‘Even mild dehydration, which can be measured as a 1-2% loss on body weight, would have a negative impact on mental and physical performance,’ says Carrie.
Kidney health and warding off UTIs
Not drinking enough water can lead to sluggish kidneys and urinary tract infections. ‘Mild dehydration can can increase your risk of developing kidney stones and UTIs,’ says Helen.
Reduces fatigue
“With blood being 90% water, it helps to deliver oxygen around the body and may help reduce fatigue,” says Nicola. If you feel tired, try drinking a large glass of water to see if it perks you up.
Helps your gut function
Drinking water is an essential element of a healthy gut. “Because water removes waste products from the body, mild dehydration increases your risk of developing constipation,” says Helen. As a result, you may feel bloated. Conversely, drinking water can reduce bloating.
“There are lots of links with healthy digestion and drinking enough water,” says Nicola. “Water helps to ensure that the body is detoxifying and removing waste naturally and regularly. However, it’s best to sip water throughout the day, rather than glugging large glasses in one go – this is less likely to have you running to the toilet every five minutes!”
Reduces risk of headaches
When we have a headache it’s easy to reach for some painkillers when all we need is a large glass of water. “Mild hydration can increase the risk of headaches,” says Nicola.
Aids aching joints
If you find that your joints are aching, one of the reasons could be that you are dehydrated. Helen explains that this is because: “water lubricates and cushions joints.” So staying hydrated is key to feeling fit and healthy.
Improves brain function and mood
‘Water is needed by the body to produce hormones and neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), so mild dehydration can affect brain cognition and mood,’ says Nicola. ‘Even mild dehydration can can leave you feeling irritable,’ adds Helen.
Boosts your emotional health
Although regarded as nonsense by some, others are convinced that adding crystals to drinking water can boost our emotional and physical health. ‘There’s a tradition of using crystals in and around water, which goes back millennia, and there’s evidence to suggest that the frequency emitted by crystals (you have quartz in your watch and your mobile phone because it emits an electronic frequency) restructures the water molecules, improving oxygen levels and pH,’ explains Jude Polack, director of bewater reusable water bottles, which contain crystals thought to “unlock happiness, vitality and wellbeing”.
Does crystal-infused water have emotional benefits? (Credit: Bewater)
For example, bewater’s Glow water bottle ‘combines rose quartz, amethyst and green aventurine – crystals that are associated with relief from stress, promotion of sleep, healthy circulation and great skin,’ says Jude, while ‘carnelian improves motivation, and amethyst relieves stress and brings clarity,’ she says. Even if you don’t believe, your gorgeous water bottle will be the envy of all.
What are the benefits of drinking water for skin?
It’s touted as an integral part of our beauty routine, but how does water improve the largest organ in the body? ‘Our skin is a thirsty organ – it contains about 72% water,’ explains Helen. ‘Many beauty therapists and dermatologists regard good hydration as important to help keep the skin’s elasticity, softness, tone and appearance. So, as well as eating well, to keep your skin looking youthful, make sure you’re taking on board enough fluid. Opting for water means that you’re not adding sugar or calories to your daily diet, while maintaining good levels of hydration,’ she says.
‘A healthy fluid intake also balances oil levels in skin to avoid greasiness. And it ensures that the skin is adequately defended against sun and wind damage. You’ll still need your sun cream, though,’ adds Carrie. In fact, drinking enough water can even help skin conditions like cracked heels.
Alongside exercise and a calorie-controlled diet, drinking water may help with weight loss. (Credit: Getty)
What are the benefits of drinking water for weight loss?
While water doesn’t contain any magic fat-burning properties, it can be a useful aid in managing hunger and improving bodily functions that help us maintain a healthy weight. “People often confuse thirst for hunger and end up snacking on unnecessary calories instead of drinking,” says Carrie. “So, if you’re trying to lose weight, drink a glass of water if you’re feeling peckish,” she suggests.
You can also sip water while you eat. ‘Upping your fluid intake during mealtimes may encourage you to eat more slowly – this allows satiety cues to catch up,’ she says.
Although gulping down water is not a substitute for food or skipping meals, drinking fluid can take the edge off hunger. It can also help with sugar cravings. “When we are dehydrated it makes it harder for the body to metabolise stored energy (glycogen) and so we crave sugar in response to the need for energy,” Nicola explains.
Always start the day with a glass of water. (Credit: Getty)
Tips for avoiding dehydration
Helen also has some top tips. Here, she gives an easy-to-follow breakdown on how to incorporate more water into your day:
Start the day as you mean to go on. Water levels in the body are low first thing so have a refreshing drink and water-rich fruit (such as melon or oranges) with your morning meal.
Out of sight, out of mind. Always make an effort to refill your cup, glass or drinks bottle. You’re likely to drink more if you see a drink in front of you.
Prepare. Always keep a jug on your desk, a bottle in your bag or a glass by your side. Or fill a 1.5 litre bottle at the start of the day and make it your mission to empty the bottle.
Don’t rely on thirst. You don’t feel as thirsty when the weather is cold, so thirst may not be the most accurate indicator of the body’s fluid needs when the temperature drops. As long as you’re sipping regularly throughout the day, urinating frequently – and your urine is a pale, yellow colour like straw – then you’re drinking enough.
Drink on the move. Finding a healthy drink when you’re on the go isn’t always easy so carry a bottle with you. It doesn’t mean sticking to just water – make drinks tasty with low-sugar squashes or hot herbal teas.
Don’t forget, food counts. Fruits and vegetables contain a high percentage of water. For example, an apple is 86% water, bananas are 75% water, carrots are 88% water and cucumber is 97% water. Take advantage of colourful, seasonal produce that’s water-rich and packed with immune-supporting vitamins and minerals.
Stay hydrated while you exercise. This is because you lose more water through sweat. Follow the golden rule for hydration and drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise.
Take stock of your environment. Centrally heated homes and offices dry out the air and speed up the evaporation of sweat on the skin. This can increase our fluid needs, so drink more and at regular intervals.
The quality of water that we drink, wash our hair and body with, as well as that we use to clean fruits and veggies, has a huge effect on our health. Nowadays, to make sure that the water we use is clean, treatment facilities add chlorine to it, which can be damaging as it may contain harmful bacteria and chemicals that have a negative effect on our health and wellbeing.
Tap water passes through water treatment facilities, however, it can get easily contaminated the moment it leaves the treatment facilities. Therefore, the best way to make sure that the water you consume is clean and hasn’t been contaminated is by installing a water filtration system.
Installing a water filtration system will ensure that the water you drink is clean, free of contaminants, and safe to drink compared to those coming from water treatment plants without going through a home filtration system. There are many types of contaminants that can be found in water coming straight from these treatment facilities, including chlorine, lead, and fluoride.
However, you can avoid the consumption of all these toxins by installing a water filtration system in your house. That way, you and your loved ones will get your daily supply of drinking water without any health risks.
Healthy Skin
The team at wellnesswaterfiltrationsystems.com recommends that you seek the help of certified experts to assess the water in your house and help you get rid of all impurities and toxins it contains. An easy way you can validate that they are certified is by checking their website. That way, you will ensure that anyone in the house who has eczema or any other skin condition will not suffer from more damage to their skin.
Cutting Costs
Your plumbing system can get damaged by heavy metals and minerals that are found in unfiltered water. However, installing a water filtration system in your home will reduce plumbing repairs, which will result in reduced repair bills as well. Other than the pipes in your house, some home appliances can get damaged by unfiltered water, like the fridge, washing machine, and dishwasher. Repairing or replacing these appliances can cost you a lot of money! Therefore, to cut costs and reduce your monthly bills, you need a reliable home filtration system to protect your pipes and home appliances from damage.
Preserves the Environment
Drinking bottled water will add to the already huge amounts of plastic waste our planet is suffering from. Plastic is endangering the existence of many marine creatures, as it can take up to five hundred years to disintegrate! Installing a home filtration system is a huge contribution to saving the environment from more plastic waste. Although it might seem like a small contribution, it is absolutely not! The amount of plastic bottles produced and thrown away is way too much than our planet can take!
Fewer Scum Deposits
Washing your clothes with unfiltered water that comes straight from the treatment plants can leave deposits on them over time. Moreover, if you use them to wash your clothes and dishes, it increases the number of scum build-ups sticking on your belongings that cause allergies and skin rashes. On the other hand, using filtered water to clean the floor and wash your clothes and dishes will reduce the number of scum buildups and deposits sticking to them.
There is absolutely no reason to consume or use unfiltered water as it poses risk to everyone’s health. If you think about it, filtered water is safer to drink as the filtration system removes the contaminants and toxins that it might be carrying. Filtered water can help you have better skin as well and ensures that any skin condition doesn’t get worse. Moreover, using filtered water will reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles, which is a major contribution to saving our planet. If you think that installing a filtration system is expensive, you are mistaken, as it will reduce your plumbing bills and protect your home appliances from damage. Water is life, so you need to make sure that you and your family are drinking clean and pure water.
Water is an absolute necessity of life. It takes about 60% of your body and is involved in many essential body functions ranging from regulating body temperature to flushing out toxins and protecting body tissues, joints as well as the spinal cord. Water also plays a critical role in carrying out many of the body’s chemical reactions. Without water, parts of your body such as the skin would lack its proper shape and fullness. This article will go into detail about the importance of water filtration so that you’re drinking the best quality of your water to keep you healthy.
Importance of Water Filtration and Purification
Due to the high risk associated with impure water, the demand for water filtration has never been higher. Our natural resources are also under pressure, as we grapple with pollution, climate change, and a rapidly growing population. Unfortunately, tap water, which is meant to be safe for drinking, can be quite harmful as contaminants affect overall water quality. Additionally, physical, chemical, and microbiological impurities from various water sources make water even more unsafe for consumption.
Boiling water used to be sufficient enough to kill many germs and bacteria, making it safe to consume. However, things have since changed as boiling water, even for more than 20 minutes will not get rid of new age contaminants such as pesticides and other dangerous chemicals that find their way into our water sources. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the importance of water filtration, and purification options to keep your family’s drinking water safe. Water filters remove bacteria and harmful chemicals which can cause diseases and poor health. Here are some of the reasons to filter your water:
Reasons to Filter Your Tap Water
Filtering water can result in not only better tasting, but also better smelling water by removing chemicals, pesticides, chlorine, bacterial contaminants and heavy metals.
Point-of-use water treatment filters remove a wide range of contaminants from drinking water including chlorine, chemicals, and up to 240 other volatile organic compounds.
Research has established that water filters reduce the risk of certain cancers including colon cancer, rectal cancer, and bladder cancer by ridding water of chlorine and chlorine by-products.
Carbon water filters are designed to selectively remove toxic contaminants from drinking water and still retain healthy mineral deposits that help to balance the pH of drinking water.
By removing giardia, e-coli and cryptosporidium, water purification systems like reverse osmosis technology have been shown to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disease by more than 80%.
Filtered water is vital for children as it provides, clean, healthy water that’s essential for their immune systems.
Water filters act as the last line of defense against over 2,100 known toxins that may enter the body through drinking water.
Drinking clean, filtered water leads to general overall wellbeing and also helps to prevent disease.
Bottom Line
Given the significance of water in sustaining life, it’s no surprise that access to clean water is a basic human right. Your body needs safe drinking water for it to remain healthy. Impure water, on the other hand, can be very deadly. That’s why the importance of water filtration is incredibly high. Water filtration experts at Clear Water Concepts will be able to help you with anything ranging from whole-house water filtration systems to water softeners to improve the water quality in your home.
Hobbyists who take proper care of their aquariums will rarely encounter sick fish but there is no guarantee that you will never have to treat your fish for 540. disease. Almost all health problems can be avoided by maintaining proper water chemistry and pristine water quality, feeding a varied diet of high-quality fish foods, and providing fish with an optimum habitat and suitable tank mates. Knowing how to prevent diseases as well as being able to recognize and treat problems before they become unmanageable will ensure years of success and enjoyment with your aquarium. Keep reading to learn how to keep your fish healthy, spot problems early, and treat common fish diseases.
Prevention
Virtually all fish diseases can be traced to stress, which weakens their immune systems. Sources of stress include shipping, poor water quality, improper water chemistry, inadequate filtration, improper diet, overcrowding, leaving the light on 24/7, injuries, aggression from other fish, and inadequate habitat. To keep your fish in optimum health, perform regular partial water changes, be diligent about filter maintenance, feed them a varied high-quality diet, don’t overstock your aquarium, and put the light on a timer to simulate a normal day/night cycle. When performing water changes, always treat tap water with a conditioner before adding it to your aquarium.
Never purchase fish that have just arrived at your local aquarium store. New arrivals are usually stressed and moving them again will only stress them further. Let them settle in for a week or more before purchasing. Take new purchases straight home and acclimate them to your aquarium’s pH and temperature for at least 30 minutes, spending extra time with sensitive species or if the store’s water chemistry is significantly different from yours. Make sure there is plenty of cover for all your fish and rearrange decorations if necessary to deter established territorial fish from harassing new arrivals. After adding new fish to your aquarium, leave the light off for a few hours to allow them to adjust to their new environment. Do not tap on the glass or suddenly turn on the aquarium light in a dark room.
While most freshwater aquarium fish are raised in captivity today, some rarities and oddball fish are still collected in the wild. These fish may have a higher chance of carrying diseases and have typically gone through far more stress on their way to your aquarium. Extra care and quarantine measures should be taken when purchasing wild-caught fish. When keeping burrowing fish such as eels in the genus Mastacembelus and certain types of loaches, use sand instead of gravel to avoid injury to their bodies when they burrow into the substrate. Use smooth, rounded gravel to prevent Corydoras catfish, loaches, goldfish, and other species that like to forage on the bottom from injuring their barbels and mouths.
Quarantine
An effective way of maintaining a disease-free aquarium is to quarantine all new additions. While this may not be practical for every aquarist, it’s well worth the investment for those who keep high-value fish such as discus, rare fish or dedicated planted aquariums where the use of medications is not recommended. Quarantining new fish greatly reduces the chance of introducing a disease organism into your aquarium and allows you to safely treat sick fish if necessary, without introducing chemicals to your show tank. A quarantine aquarium can also be used to isolate bullies or fish that are being picked on.
A 20-gallon aquarium works for most situations. It should be filtered, heated, and maintained just like any other aquarium, and should be fully cycled with test fish before being used for new purchases or treatment. To provide cover for fish, decorate the aquarium with plastic plants or other non-porous decorations that are easy to sterilize and/or clean. Do not use porous rocks or driftwood as they can absorb medications. Different sized PVC fittings or sections of pipe can also be used as hiding places. Do not use gravel or substrate, as this gives parasites like Ich a place to reproduce.
Remove carbon and other chemical media from the filter, as they will adsorb medications, lowering their effectiveness. An aerator is recommended in addition to the filter, as some medications lower the oxygen level in the water. A light can be used but is not necessary, as dimmer surroundings will calm your fish and are also known to inhibit some disease-causing organisms.
Whenever you purchase new fish, place them in the quarantine aquarium for a minimum of 30 days to make sure they aren’t sick. Many hobbyists treat new purchases preventatively against parasites whether they are observed on their fish or not. Perform a 25% water change and filter with carbon for at least 48 hours before switching medications or introducing new fish to your quarantine station.
Have a separate net, siphon hose, an algae scraper, and other equipment for your quarantine aquarium, and never use them in your display aquarium. Doing so risks spreading diseases and defeats the purpose of the quarantine aquarium. Disinfect this equipment in bleach water and rinse well on a regular basis. After working in your quarantine aquarium, scrub your hands and lower arms with an anti-bacterial soap before working in your display tank.
Ultra-violet Sterilizers
Disease-causing organisms exist in virtually every aquarium, but they will not infect fish if their numbers remain low and the fishes’ immune systems are functioning properly. Ultra-violet sterilizers kill disease-causing organisms as well as suspended algae and help keep water healthy and crystal clear. Coralife Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizers are available in three sizes and accommodate aquariums up to 500 gallons. UV sterilizer lamps should be changed every 10 months or 7,000 hours of operation to maintain peak performance.
Recognition
In order to recognize problems that may arise, it’s helpful to have an understanding of what “normal” appearance and behavior are for your fish. Observe your fish regularly – feeding time is a good opportunity to do this. Look for white spots, cloudy eyes, bloody patches, a white body film, or torn, ragged fins. Also, there are certain things fish never (or at least very rarely) do. For example, fish do not normally gasp at the surface. They typically do this because of poor oxygenation, high nitrate levels, parasites, or damage to their gills. Other behaviors that are cause for concern include loss of color, shimmying, rubbing against decorations or the substrate, cowering, refusing food, or dashing around the aquarium.
If your fish appear sick or exhibit abnormal behavior, consider speaking to an expert as soon as possible for assistance with diagnosis and treatment. Photographs or a short video of your fish can be extremely helpful when seeking advice, as verbal descriptions can be misinterpreted by aquarium shop personnel and other experts.
Diseases
You can’t predict if or when your fish will get sick or what disease they might come down with, but it’s a good idea to be familiar with common ailments and their symptoms so you can quickly begin treatment if you think they may be infected. Being able to recognize problems and begin treatment early gives you the best chance of saving your fish!
Parasites
“Ich” (Pronounced ICK) is short for Ichthyopthirius multifiliis, the most common aquarium parasite. The most noticeable symptom of Ich is small raised white spots on the body and fins, however rapid breathing, rubbing against the decorations or gravel, twitching, or darting around the aquarium can be early indicators of an infection. Common triggers for the onset of Ich are a sudden drop in temperature caused by heater malfunction or adding cold water during a water change or introducing new fish. Incoming fish can be carriers of Ich without showing signs, but your aquarium can also have a latent population of parasites that existing fish have become resistant to. New fish additions are typically stressed and have lowered immune systems, making them more likely to become infected. Scaleless fish such as loaches, catfish, and eels, as well as silver-scaled fish such as silver dollars, hatchet fish, and Bala sharks, tend to be more susceptible to ich, but all fish can be affected. If you think one of your fish might be infected, you will need to treat the entire aquarium, as Ich is highly contagious. The earlier you recognize Ich and begin treatment, the better your chances are of curing your fish.
There are several ways to treat Ich. If you’re relatively new to fishkeeping, the most effective and safest way is to use an aquarium-safe Ich medication. First, make sure the temperature of your aquarium is appropriate for the types of fish you keep (76° to 80° F for most tropical fish). Remove carbon and other chemical media from your filter and follow the recommended dosing instructions for the net gallonage of your aquarium. Remember that after adding gravel and decorations, your aquarium holds 10% to 15% less actual water than its stated size! If repeated treatment is called for, perform a 20% water change and vacuum the gravel to remove parasites before each subsequent dose. Make sure replacement water is the same temperature as the water in your aquarium.
Once you’re sure your fish are Ich-free, do another 20% water change and return carbon and other chemical media to your filter. Observe your fish carefully for the next few days to make sure they don’t experience a relapse. If white spots persist after 5 days of treatment, it’s possible that a secondary bacterial infection has invaded the lesions left by the parasite, and an antibiotic is called for. (See bacteria treatment below)
Another method practiced by experienced hobbyists and those who don’t like to use chemicals is to gradually raise the temperature in the aquarium to approximately 85° F and maintain it for up to two weeks. The heat speeds parasites through their life cycle, and they eventually die off. Adding an air diffuser to the aquarium is recommended when using this method, as water holds less dissolved oxygen as the temperature rises. NOTE: Only increase the temperature by 1 to 2 degrees per day and watch your fish closely for signs of distress. If they begin to gasp at the surface or show rapid or labored breathing, slowly lower the temperature until they recover and consider an alternate treatment method. Also, recent reports suggest that heat-resistant strains of Ich are becoming more common in the hobby, making this treatment method less effective.
Ich can also be treated with aquarium salt or unionized salt. Some species of freshwater fish are sensitive to salt, so it’s important to do research before deciding on this treatment method. In addition to killing parasites, salt effectively lowers stress by reducing ammonia and nitrite toxicity in freshwater aquariums and can help bolster freshwater fishes’ immune systems. For general Ich treatment, a ratio of 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons should be used. To avoid stressing fish, dissolve small amounts of salt in water and add the solution to your aquarium gradually over a 24-hour period until the full dose has been administered. Observe fish closely and discontinue if they show signs of stress. When doing water changes, add 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons of water changed.
Treat only the replacement water, not the whole aquarium.
Raising the temperature in conjunction with the addition of salt is also practiced but remember that both of these measures lower the dissolved oxygen level in the water. Regardless of which treatment method you choose, be sure to vacuum the gravel every few days to remove incubating parasites.
Chilodonella
This protozoan parasite produces similar symptoms to ick, such as labored breathing, gasping at the surface, clamped fins, heavy mucous secretion, and scratching on objects in the aquarium. An outbreak of Chilodonella is often associated with poor water quality. Discus and young fish tend to be more susceptible, but they can infect any fish. Effective treatments include formaldehyde, methylene blue, and acriflavine. Raising the temperature does not typically provide any benefit.
Oodinium
Also known as Velvet, Rust, or Gold Dust disease, there are several species of this dinoflagellate that attack fishes’ skin and gills. Symptoms include what appears to be a yellow to rust-colored dusting on the fish’s body, heavy mucous secretion, clamped fins, and/or labored breathing or gasping for air. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms are observed, the chances of saving the fish are limited and massive die-offs from this disease are not uncommon. The best treatment for Oodinium is Acriflavine. It should be noted that this product stains the water in an electric yellowish-green that persists for a long time. Water changes and the use of carbon in your filter will eventually clear the water. Copper sulfate can also be effective, but remember that it is lethal to shrimp, snails, and most live plants, and is not as effective in soft water. Raising the temperature to 86° F is also known to kill Oodinium, but this lowers the oxygen level in the water, which is not recommended with already heavily stressed fish.
Fish Lice
Fish lice are crustaceans in the genus Argulus. They have a broad flat shell, four sets of swimming legs, and are easy to see. Infected fish may swim erratically or rub up against objects in the aquarium in an attempt to remove them. Upon close inspection, you may be able to see the lice moving around on your fish! Fish lice are usually brought into the aquarium on pond-raised or wild-caught fish. They occur most often on goldfish and koi, but they can infect any freshwater fish. Argulus attach to the fish’s body and begin digesting its body tissue. Severe infections are particularly damaging and can lead to secondary bacterial infections. Fish lice can be physically removed using tweezers, however, the aquarium should also be medicated to kill any eggs that have been laid. Dimilin is known to be effective against fish lice.
Anchor worm
Lerner Coprinaceae, known as Anchorworm, is another crustacean commonly seen on goldfish and koi, but they can infect any fish. They have multiple life stages, but infestation begins as what looks like a pimple or red sore on the fish, then later the string-like bodies of females can be seen attached to the fish. Anchor worms bore into the fish’s body through the scales, attach using hook-like appendages and begin to digest body fluids. Anchor worms also invade the fish’s gills and mouth cavities. They can be removed using tweezers, but care must be taken to pull the entire parasite out, as they sometimes break off, leaving the head and “anchor” attached. When pulling Lerner out of a fish, a small chunk of flesh is sometimes removed, requiring the use of antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. To prevent further infestations, the aquarium should be treated with salt or Dimilin to kill eggs and other life stages.
Flukes
Fish flukes (Gyrodactylus sp.) are a group of parasites that invade the skin and gills of aquarium fish. They attach using a set of “hooks” and begin sucking blood and body fluids, thus weakening the fish. Symptoms include loss of color, difficulty breathing, excess mucus secretion, listlessness, clamped or tattered fins, flared gills, and small blood spots on the fins and body. Like most fish diseases, fluke outbreaks usually result from stress caused by poor water quality, improper diet, overcrowding, or aggression from other fish. They can also be introduced into your aquarium by new fish purchases that are not quarantined. The safest and most effective treatment for fish flukes is Praziquantel. Treating the aquarium with formalin can also be effective.
Lateral Line Disease (AKA: Head and Lateral Line Erosion or HLLE)
Also known as “hole in the head” this disease is caused by the protozoan Hexamita and is most commonly seen in the discus, Oscars, serums, and other cichlids such as angelfish, although it can infect any freshwater fish. Typical symptoms are cavities in the fish’s temples and along the lateral line. Another symptom is white, stringy feces. Hexamita often starts in the fish’s intestines and then spreads. Poor water quality is often a contributing factor to this disease. It is usually treated with metronidazole, also sold as Flagyl. The most effective treatment method is medicated food, but if the fish has stopped eating, metronidazole can be added directly to the aquarium.
Nematode Worms
Commonly referred to as roundworms, nematodes can have direct or indirect life cycles. Those with direct life cycles can be passed directly from one fish to another when the fish eat nematode eggs or larvae. Those with indirect life cycles need a secondary host such as an invertebrate or another fish to complete their life cycle before becoming infectious again. Roundworms can be difficult to accurately diagnose, and symptoms can be similar to many other diseases. Common signs of roundworm infection include hemorrhaging of the body, bloating of the abdomen or the opposite – wasting away even though the fish is eating well – cysts or lumps on the body, or the actual worm protruding from the fish’s anus. Another symptom is white feces, although this can also be caused by internal bacterial infections or Hexamita (see above). Effective treatments include levamisole, metronidazole, or praziquantel. Metronidazole and praziquantel are especially effective when used as foot soaks. Antibiotics such as nitrofurazone or erythromycin may also help prevent secondary bacterial infections. Read all package directions before using any medications and avoid mixing different medications in the aquarium.
Bacteria
Sometimes referred to as Fin and Tail Rot, bacterial infections are the second-most common diseases aquarium fish experience after parasites. They often follow parasite infestations, abrasions, or physical injury, but can also be brought on by chronic exposure to poor water quality and/or poor diet. Removal of a fish’s protective mucous membrane or scales during netting is another common cause.
Bacterial infections manifest in many ways, but common signs include a white film on the fish’s body or fins, cloudy eyes, tattered fins, and hemorrhaging (bloody patches) or open sores (ulcers) on the body and mouth. Also, if you still see white spots on your fish after 5 or more days of Ich treatment, your fish may have a secondary bacterial infection where the parasites bored into their bodies.
Treating for bacterial infections can be tricky and should be done with care, as some antibiotics can disrupt your aquarium’s biological filter. In addition, unless you have access to an incubator and are knowledgeable in fish pathology, correctly diagnosing what specific bacteria have infected your fish is nearly impossible. That said, some trends do exist and certain medications are known to be effective in specific instances. Always consult an experienced aquarium professional before treating your fish for bacterial infections.
Fungi
True fungal infections in fish are less common than parasites or bacteria. They typically appear as white cottony or “furry” growths on fish but can also be internal. They can be induced by substandard water quality, infected food, or open wounds, but there are many other causes. Although fungal infections are not generally contagious, infected fish should be treated immediately with anti-fungal medication, preferably in a quarantine aquarium.
Viruses
Viruses are tiny organisms that invade the fish’s cells and begin to replicate. They can be difficult to diagnose because they often produce similar symptoms to many other fish diseases. Viral infections are well documented in koi and goldfish as well as angelfish, but they can affect all aquarium fish. There are no known cures for viral infections. Fish that are suspected of having a viral infection should be removed from the aquarium promptly to prevent spreading to other fish. Treatment with antibiotics or anti-parasitic medications in a quarantine aquarium can be attempted in case the infection is a bacteria or parasite and not a virus.
Dropsy
Also known as “pinecone disease” or Malawi bloat, dropsy is more a set of symptoms than an actual disease. It can be caused by a virus or bacterial infection of the kidney that results in fluid build-up in the fish’s abdomen, causing the fish to swell and the scales to stand on end, giving it the appearance of a pinecone. Treatment is dependent on what the cause is. While dropsy is not always treatable, antibiotics or the use of Epsom Salt in a quarantine aquarium have been known to produce results. Infected fish should be removed from the aquarium to prevent transmission to other fish.
Disease outbreaks can be avoided by purchasing healthy fish, maintaining optimum water conditions, and providing your fish with a balanced, nutritious diet. Learn to recognize common symptoms and contact your local fish expert if you think your fish are getting sick.
Water is such an essential part of our daily lives that many times we don’t stop to consider where it’s being sourced or the quality of it. We assume we’re receiving the best possible output. For many, tap water is deemed undrinkable, which is where filtered water comes into play. The importance of water filtration is that it gives people access to clean water that is free of contaminants, that tastes good, and is a reliable source of hydration. Without it, there’s the risk of becoming ill from contaminated water or the alternative of drinking other beverages that may not be as good for your health as purified water.
There are different types of filtered water but all offer the basics of the water purification process. This involves water that has been strained of harmful chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, and other particles that contaminate the water. Although public water systems have filtration protocols in place, these vary from state to state. It depends on where your water supply is sourced from originally, the way it is treated, and the quality of water pipes. For example, older water filtration systems that use lead pipes may be harmful to the final dispersal of water because of lead leaching from the pipes into the water.
The main importance of water filtration is to prevent water-related illnesses and diseases. Infants, elderly adults, and people with poor immune systems are more highly susceptible to experiencing adverse effects due to contaminated water from the tap. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the top causes of outbreaks in public water systems include:
Copper
Salmonella
Hepatitis A
E. coli
Norovirus
Any of these contaminants and heavy metals can lead to health problems such as kidney and respiratory issues, reproductive challenges, and cancer. A polluted water supply can also be harmful to your skin and hair. Lastly, depending on the quality of water, certain values may be outside of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended pH level. When this occurs, it leads to a chance of an increased measure of corrosivity that dissolves metal it comes into contact with and eventually becomes part of the water. Suffice it to say, the chance of drinking water that hasn’t been filtered of heavy metals and impurities isn’t a chance that many people want to take.
FILTERED WATER SOLUTIONS THAT REMOVE CONTAMINATION AND IMPURITIES
Fortunately, there are several ways people can get filtered water. A water filter has microscopic holes that remove sediment and pollutants from the water. The smaller the holes, the less it allows to pass through and the cleaner the water is. The way each type of water filtration system works is slightly different. The most common options are bottled water, at-home filters, reverse osmosis units, and alkaline water.
BOTTLED WATER
Billions of gallons of bottled water are sold yearly as demand for it continues to increase. Although perceived as an inexpensive, convenient filtered water option, it is more costly in the long run than other filtered water choices. The price of bottled water is nearly 2,000 times the cost of tap water and has vastly increased the amount of plastic waste affecting our environment.
Fortunately, many have begun to shift toward using reusable water bottles as an alternative. Having a filtered water supply readily available for use is a key factor in helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste filling up the landfills and oceans. People want clean water that tastes great and can be found conveniently at places where they frequent most often.
FILTER FAUCET ATTACHMENTS AND PITCHERS
These types of filters are easily obtained and are effective in improving the taste of tap water. They help to reduce lead and solids by using a filter screen to capture small particles. In some cases, these types of filtration solutions use a block of activated carbon that helps to remove unpleasant odors and tastes that might be present in your water.
When using either of these at-home options, it’s important to change the filter on a regularly scheduled basis. Failure to do so causes build up in the filters and the water that passes through may not be as clean as desired. Also, when it comes to the availability of filtered water using pitchers, they constantly need to be refilled and there is a period of waiting time until purified drinking water is available again. This is an inconvenience when used in larger households or in organizations where a large group of people is relying on a consistent source of filtered water.
REVERSE OSMOSIS UNITS
Reverse osmosis forces water through a semipermeable membrane using pressure. It ensures that the smallest of particles and chemicals cannot pass through, which leaves behind the purest of water. This filtration process can take a few hours to deliver a couple of gallons, which also can prove to be inconvenient. Additionally, the water used is approximately three times as much as what is treated and suitable to drink. It may remove more harmful contaminants than the average filter, but its efficiency is lacking.
For those who want to make sure their water is wholly free of toxins, this could be a valuable option. However, since it does such a good job of straining out all particles, it means any healthy minerals naturally found in tap water are often left behind as well. You get a pure water experience but compromise losing other benefits along the way.
ALKALINE ALTERNATIVES
Alkaline water has a higher pH level than typical tap water which helps to neutralize its acidity and effect on the body. There are DIY ways to make alkaline water, but the most common way is using a water ionizer. The purpose of this water treatment system is to raise its number on the pH scale.
A water ionizer uses electricity to separate water molecules into alkaline and acidic, keeping the former and removing the latter. People who suffer from acid reflux or want to reduce the acidity in their diet have found this type of water to be beneficial. However, health claims still lack solid scientific evidence that it works to improve health.
FLOWATER ADVANCED FILTRATION STATIONS
The technology of FloWater’s electric water delivery system tackles the importance of water filtration from several angles. It captures solids, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms from the water and filters them out. It also focuses on removing lingering odors and unpleasant tastes from tap water. Although these two filters work similarly to at-home filters, it captures up to 99% of harmful contaminants and is only two parts to a seven-step process.
The system also relies on an advanced osmosis filter to achieve the purest water possible. Plus, it neutralizes the water’s pH level through an alkaline enhancement filter. From there, it adds healthy components back to the water in the form of electrolytes and traces of essential minerals.
The process is then finished with a coconut carbon filter to remove any last odors or tastes to deliver a crisp, delicious finish. This extensive filtration process combines the filtered water benefits of other water treatments, adds to it, and provides it in one ready-to-go system.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
The majority of people drink some type of filtered water. It’s best to consider all the factors when deciding which will work best for you. First is the performance. How well does the filter work? What percentage of harmful chemicals and particles does it remove? Does it add anything back to the water to boost its quality? Not all solutions deliver the same level of water purification.
The second thing to consider is the maintenance involved. How often do you have to change filters? Are there any other components that require attention on a regular basis to achieve safe drinking water? With at-home pitchers or faucets, the filters can become clogged after filtering a certain amount of water, which then deems them ineffective. It requires diligence and a continual cost to change out these filters on a constant basis.
The low-maintenance aspect of our service Refill Station serves as another benefit that other choices don’t have. The setup is performed by a certified technician and the design has chemical-free, self-sanitizing features, such as a powerful drain pump and hidden catchment tray, to limit the amount of ongoing maintenance needed. The majority of customers who use the stations only require a filter change once per year. Third, of course, is the quality of the water itself. How does the water taste? How convenient is the system to use? The goal is to have the best-tasting water chilled to the perfect temperature available at all times. When servicing larger crowds in work environments, gyms, or other public areas, speediness is a factor and doesn’t have to come at the sake of taste. Our stations chill water to a crisp 42° and have a fast auto-replenishment feature that takes 9 seconds to dispense into a 24-oz. bottle. It hits all the marks: cool, quick, and convenient.
FILTERED WATER AT ITS FINEST
The importance of water filtration spans all industries and households. Everyone wants cool, crisp water without the fear of contamination in their water. Our service provides a convenient, environmentally-friendly solution to filtering water. It also adds back electrolytes and neutralizes the water for a well-rounded, high-quality product.
It’s no secret that staying hydrated is essential to everyday health. The better the quality, the more it encourages people to drink more water on a regular basis. It’s also important that the source of purified water is readily available on-demand. With so many options of filtered water available, focus on the one that meets the full range of what people want. You can control the quality of water by using a filtration system that delivers on all levels.
Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones.
Water helps your body:
Keep a normal temperature
Lubricate and cushion joints
Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements
Your body needs more water when you are:
In hot climates
More physically active
Running a fever
Having diarrhea or vomiting
Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and beverages you drink. You can get some fluids through the foods that you eat – especially foods with high water content, such as many fruits and vegetables.
Tips to Drink More Water
Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
Choose water over sugary drinks.
Opt for water when eating out. You’ll save money and reduce calories.
Serve water during meals.
Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.
Of course there are many other beverage options besides water, and many of these can be part of a healthy diet. Beverages vary in their nutrient and calorie content.
Low or no calorie beverages Plain coffee or teas, sparkling water, seltzers, and flavored waters, are low calorie choices that can be part of a healthy diet.
Drinks with calories and important nutrients Low fat or fat-free milk, fortified milk alternatives such as unflavored soy or almond milks, or 100% fruit or vegetable juice contain important nutrients such as calcium, potassium, or vitamin D. These drinks should be enjoyed within recommended calorie limits.
If you don’t stay hydrated, your physical performance can suffer.
This is particularly important during intense exercise or high heat.
Dehydration can have a noticeable effect if you lose as little as 2% of your body’s water content. However, it isn’t uncommon for athletes to lose as much as 6–10% of their water weight via sweat (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, and increased fatigue. It can also make exercise feel much more difficult, both physically and mentally (3).
Optimal hydration has been shown to prevent this from happening, and it may even reduce the oxidative stress that occurs during high intensity exercise. This isn’t surprising when you consider that muscle is about 80% water (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
If you exercise intensely and tend to sweat, staying hydrated can help you perform at your absolute best.
SUMMARY
Losing as little as 2% of your body’s water content can significantly impair your physical performance.
Your brain is strongly influenced by your hydration status.
Studies show that even mild dehydration, such as the loss of 1–3% of body weight, can impair many aspects of brain function.
In a study in young women, researchers found that fluid loss of 1.4% after exercise impaired both mood and concentration. It also increased the frequency of headaches (6Trusted Source).
Many members of this same research team conducted a similar study in young men. They found that fluid loss of 1.6% was detrimental to working memory and increased feelings of anxiety and fatigue (7).
A fluid loss of 1–3% equals about 1.5–4.5 pounds (0.5–2 kg) of body weight loss for a person weighing 150 pounds (68 kg). This can easily occur through normal daily activities, let alone during exercise or high heat.
Research has shown that a headache is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration. For example, a study in 393 people found that 40% of the participants experienced a headache as a result of dehydration (14Trusted Source).
What’s more, some studies have shown that drinking water can help relieve headaches in those who experience frequent headaches.
A study in 102 men found that drinking an additional 50.7 ounces (1.5 liters) of water per day resulted in significant improvements on the Migraine-Specific Quality of Life scale, a scoring system for migraine symptoms (16).
Plus, 47% of the men who drank more water reported headache improvement, while only 25% of the men in the control group reported this effect (16).
However, not all studies agree, and researchers have concluded that because of the lack of high quality studies, more research is needed to confirm how increasing hydration may help improve headache symptoms and decrease headache frequency (17Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Drinking water may help reduce headaches and headache symptoms. However, more high quality research is needed to confirm this potential benefit.
Constipation is a common problem that’s characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool.
Increasing fluid intake is often recommended as a part of the treatment protocol, and there’s some evidence to back this up.
Low water consumption appears to be a risk factor for constipation in both younger and older individuals (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source).
Increasing hydration may help decrease constipation.
Mineral water may be a particularly beneficial beverage for those with constipation.
Studies have shown that mineral water that’s rich in magnesium and sodium improves bowel movement frequency and consistency in people with constipation (20Trusted Source, 21).
SUMMARY
Drinking plenty of water may help prevent and relieve constipation, especially in people who generally don’t drink enough water.
Urinary stones are painful clumps of mineral crystal that form in the urinary system.
The most common form is kidney stones, which form in the kidneys.
There’s limited evidence that water intake can help prevent recurrence in people who have previously gotten kidney stones (22, 23).
Higher fluid intake increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys. This dilutes the concentration of minerals, so they’re less likely to crystallize and form clumps.
Water may also help prevent the initial formation of stones, but studies are required to confirm this.
SUMMARY
Increased water intake appears to decrease the risk of kidney stone formation.
Drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight.
This is because water can increase satiety and boost your metabolic rate.
Some evidence suggests that increasing water intake can promote weight loss by slightly increasing your metabolism, which can increase the number of calories you burn on a daily basis.
A 2013 study in 50 young women with overweight demonstrated that drinking an additional 16.9 ounces (500 mL) of water 3 times per day before meals for 8 weeks led to significant reductions in body weight and body fat compared with their pre-study measurements (27Trusted Source).
In one study, dieters who drank 16.9 ounces (0.5 liters) of water before meals lost 44% more weight over a period of 12 weeks than dieters who didn’t drink water before meals (30Trusted Source).
Even mild dehydration can affect you mentally and physically.
Make sure that you get enough water each day, whether your personal goal is 64 ounces (1.9 liters) or a different amount. It’s one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains around 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain.
2. It forms saliva and mucus
Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean. Consumed instead of sweetened beverages, it can also reduce tooth decay.
3. It delivers oxygen throughout the body
Blood is more than 90 percent water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.
4. It boosts skin health and beauty
With dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
5. It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues
Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.
6. It regulates body temperature
Water that is stored in the middle layers of the skin comes to the skin’s surface as sweat when the body heats up. As it evaporates, it cools the body. In sport.
Some scientists have suggested thatTrusted Source when there is too little water in the body, heat storage increases and the individual is less able to tolerate heat strain.
Having a lot of water in the body may reduce physical strain if heat stress occurs during exercise. However, more research is needed into these effects.
7, The digestive system depends on it
The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.
8. It flushes body waste
Water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and feces.
9. It helps maintain blood pressure
A lack of water can cause blood to become thicker, increasing blood pressure.
10. The airways need it
When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body in an effort to minimize water loss. This can make asthma and allergies worse.
11. It makes minerals and nutrients accessible
These dissolve in water, which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of the body.
12. It prevents kidney damage
The kidneys regulate fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
13. It boosts performance during exercise
Dehydration during exercise may hinder performance.
Some scientists have proposed that consuming more water might enhance performance during strenuous activity.
More research is needed to confirm this, but one review found that dehydration reduces performance in activities lasting longer than 30 minutes.
14. Weight loss
Water may also help with weight loss, if it is consumed instead of sweetened juices and sodas. “Preloading” with water before meals can help prevent overeating by creating a sense of fullness.
15. It reduces the chance of a hangover
When partying, unsweetened soda water with ice and lemon alternated with alcoholic drinks can help prevent overconsumption of alcohol.
Water helps dissolve minerals and nutrients, making them more accessible to the body. It also helps remove waste products.
The kidneys play a key role in balancing fluid levels.
These two functions make water vital to the kidneys.
Every day, the kidneys filter around 120-150 quarts of fluid.
Of these, approximately 1-2 quarts are removed from the body in the form of urine, and the rest is recovered by the bloodstream.
Water is essential for the kidneys to function.
If the kidneys do not function properly, waste products and excess fluid can build up inside the body.
Untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure. The organs stop working, and either dialysis or kidney transplantation is required.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. They account for around 8.1 million visits to health care providers in the U.S. every year.
If infections spread to the upper urinary tract, including the kidneys, permanent damage can result. Sudden, or acute, kidney infections can be life-threatening, particularly if septicemia occurs.
Drinking plenty of water is a simple way to reduce the risk of developing a UTI and to help treat an existing UTI.
Kidney stones interfere with how the kidneys work. When present, can complicate UTIs. These complicated UTIs tend to require longer periods of antibiotics to treat them, typically lasting 7 to 14 days.
The leading cause of kidney stones is a lack of water. People who report them often do not drink the recommended daily amount of water. Kidney stones may also increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.
In November 2014, the American College of Physicians issued new guidelinesTrusted Source for people who have previously developed kidney stones. The guidelines state that increasing fluid intake to enable 2 liters of urination a day could decrease the risk of stone recurrence by at least half with no side effects.
Dehydration happens if we use and lose more water than the body takes in. It can lead to an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes. Electrolytes, such as potassium, phosphate, and sodium, help carry electrical signals between cells. The kidneys keep the levels of electrolytes in the body stable when they function properly.
When the kidneys are unable to maintain a balance in the levels of electrolytes, these electrical signals become mixed up. This can lead to seizures, involving involuntary muscle movements and loss of consciousness.
