rification is effective at treating bacteria and viruses, but not contaminants such as chlorine, volatile organic compounds or heavy metals. Charcoal pitcher filters are the most
common, easiest to use and least expen- sive, although cartridges add to the cost and are only effective for processing about 40 gallons each. To save money, DIY products allow individuals to refill used cartridges with new activated charcoal. Filter pitchers need to be cleaned regularly because the charcoal can leak, producing mildew, calcium and grime. Faucet-mounted models are easy to
install and can be switched easily from filtered to unfiltered water (e.g., for wash- ing up). Under-sink filters and cartridges are effective for up to 200 gallons, but more challenging to install. Connecting to refrig- erators and ice makers makes installation more complex, and leakage can be an issue; countertop filters take up space, but are less likely to clog. Consumer Reports says reverse osmo-
sis filters are effective at removing contami- nants, but can operate slowly, consume cabinet space, need periodic cleaning with bleach and create three to five gallons of wastewater for every gallon filtered. WHO indicates that conventional
municipal water treatment processes can remove about half of the compounds associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Advanced treatment like reverse osmosis and nanofiltration can be more efficient, removing up to 99 percent of large phar- maceutical molecules. Te first step is a water test. Some
state and local health departments of- fer free test kits and they are also sold at hardware stores. Certified laboratories test tap water samples, with information oſten available from the local water provider. Find a state-by-state list of certified
labs plus program contacts at Tinyurl. com/DrinkingWaterCertificationInfo. Te EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline is 800-426-4791.
Jim Motavalli, of Fairfield, CT, is an author, freelance journalist and speaker specializing in clean automotive and other environmen- tal topics. Connect at
JimMotavalli.com.
November 2018 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
