Best water treatment systems

Water is forced under pressure through pressed activated carbon filter material. Water is then exposed to ultraviolet light.

PROS:

• Effectively removes more than 140 contaminants, including pesticides, industrial chemicals, organic and inorganic compounds, and particulates in sizes down to 0.2 microns
• Ultraviolet (UV) light effectively destroys more than 99.99% of bacteria and viruses
• Carbon/UV filter lasts up to 1 year or 5,000 litres (1,320 gallons) whichever comes first (average filter life depends on water quality and usage)
• Supplies treated water on demand directly from your tap

CONS:

• More expensive initially than many alternatives
• Does not filter inorganic contaminants such as Arsenic, Chromium VI, and Nitrates/Nitrites

Pressurized water is forced through a semipermeable membrane. Water is typically collected in a storage tank and dispensed with a separate faucet.

 PROS:

• Reduces inorganic compounds
• May reduce some high Molecular Weights organic compounds
• Reduces protozoan parasites

CONS:

• Requires high water pressure (> 40 psi)
• Removes beneficial minerals
• May not effectively remove bacteria and viruses
• Wastes water (typically 80%)
• May not remove some low Molecular Weights organic compounds

Heating of water until it turns to steam. Vapor is cooled and condenses back to liquid water. 

PROS:

• Reduces Chlorine
• Reduces inorganic contaminants
• Reduces bacteria and viruses
• Reduces high Molecular Weight Organics

CONS:

• Reduces beneficial minerals
• Requires a lot of energy
• May give water a flat taste
• May be slow, inconvenient, and expensive
• Does not remove low boiling point organics

 Water is treated with chlorine chemicals, a process commonly used by municipal treatment centers. 

PROS:

• Simple and effective against bacteria and viruses
• Low Cost

CONS:

• Not effective on protozoan cysts
• Requires contact time (minutes)
• Forms disinfection by-products and other by-products
• Hazardous to transport

Ozone gas (O3) is generated by corona discharge or Ultraviolet (UV light) and bubbled through water.

PROS:

• Effectively kills bacteria and viruses
• Oxidizes and precipitates iron, sulfur, and manganese
• Will destroy many organic compounds

CONS:

• Can create undesirable by-products (e.g. bromate and formaldehyde)
• Requires electricity
• Does not reduce inorganic compounds

 PROS:

• Is contaminant specific to address homeowner issues
• Uses industry standard cartridge sizes and housings
• Eliminates need for larger or more costly systems

CONS:

• Flow rate limited (some are less than 0.5 gpm)
• Capacity limited for some ions
• Selectivity can be a problem (Competition)
• Dumping of contaminant or resin can be a problem if resin is “Spent”
• Requires a strong chemical to recharge (Sodium Hydroxide)

Water is boiled for 20 minutes, then cooled to drinking temperatures.

PROS:

• Reduces bacteria, viruses and cysts – if water is boiled for 20 minutes

CONS:

• Does not reduce particulates, or many inorganic or organic compounds
• Will not improve water taste color or odor
• Is very inconvenient and time-consuming