A quick guide to filters, distillers and purifiers and how to clean your tap water
“Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land.” ~ Luna Leopold
The hidden nasties within a glass of drinking water are a disturbing reality of the UK’s water industry. Bacteria, viruses, carcinogens, organic phosphorus, glyphosate, herbicides, perchlorate, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and detergents lurk, dissolved in our tap water – and that’s just for starters. Organic minerals sit alongside heavy metals which include arsenic, aluminium, mercury, lead, chromium 6 and copper. Then there’s fluoride (thankfully, currently only in 10 per cent of UK water supplies), nitrates, rust, silicon components, microplastics, chlorine, radon, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), trihalomethanes (THMs), plus pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs). Tap water also contains ‘forever chemicals’, known as PFAS, which are a group of synthetic chemicals from industrial processes that take a long time to break down. Hormones and antibiotics are also suspended in the water, and there’s even the suggestion of potential vaccines being added to the water supply – for health reasons. Furthermore, our water sources are vulnerable to contamination from industrial and agricultural pollutants which seep into the aquifers. Our tap water is delivered via an ageing infrastructure, clogged with these impurities and the pipes themselves can introduce harmful bacteria, rust and parasites to our water.
These no doubt that these ‘additions’ to our water supply make us sick. But although these pollutants are only in small amounts, they can still have devastating effects on our physical and mental health and wellbeing. It only takes 50 micrograms of bee venom to cause an anaphylactic shock, so imagine the damage being done to us over years of imbibing and bathing in thousands of litres of water choc-full of invisible things that can do us harm.
But there are many ways we can clean our water, whether it’s at home or when we’re out in the great outdoors. Do your homework and find out how contaminated your local water is. Then take time to choose the water purification method that suits your lifestyle and your budget. At first you’ll be relieved that you’re doing something to help protect your health and that of your family. After a while, you’ll start to notice a real difference in how you feel physically and mentally. But don’t hang about on this one. Do it now.
A selection of water filters, purity testers, distillers, purifiers and soluble minerals
In your quest for purified water start by checking your drinking water using a TDS tester (Total Dissolved Solids). This won’t tell you what impurities are in your water, but it will give you an idea of the level of impurities and pH. If you can, start by testing distilled water, which should be zero rated for TDS. Then check your filtered water and unfiltered water. Compare readings with rain water, bottled water (the minerals of which may increase the reading). Compare your home tap water with that at your place of work or education, or in cafes, restaurants, water fountains etc. You’ll be surprised by the results. The TDS tester will give you an indication of the effectiveness of the water filtering/purification method you eventually adopt. It’s good to know.
Click here to see a YouTube video which compares Total Dissolved Solids levels in tap water, Smart Water (bottled), Evian (bottled) and distilled water. Using an electrolyzer, the solids reappear in the water, and depending on their thickness and colours, it’s possible to determine the organic and inorganic TDS you’re drinking. The results are shocking. Even bottled mineral water contains nasties. Protect yourself and your family – purify your drinking and showering water.
Hydrogen water generators claim to provide optimal hydration, promote regeneration, reduce oxidative stress, boost metabolism and improve sleep quality and skin health naturally.
Hydrogen-rich water is abundant in antioxidants, which help improve muscle soreness after exercise and help reduce physical fatigue. Charging takes a couple of minutes. These devices are small and portable.
This 6-Stage Alkaline Remineralisation Layered Filtration system fits under the kitchen sink and has been designed to restore the natural alkalinity and mineral balance of water. The Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration system converts water into clean, pure and healthy drinking water by removing up to 99% of over 1,000 harmful contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, lead (removes up to 98%), arsenic, asbestos, calcium, sodium and more. This needs to be plumbed in by a professional.
From the USA, iSpring’s Reverse Osmosis system produces slightly acidic water with a pH of 7.0 or below and converts water into clean, pure and healthy drinking water by removing up to 99% of over 1,000 harmful contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, lead (removes up to 98%), arsenic, asbestos, calcium, sodium and more. TDS reduction rate is 80 to 90% or better. It also removes hard water minerals such as calcium, magnesium and sodium that leave white residue or scale. It fits under most kitchen sinks and is easily installed. This needs to be plumbed in by a professional.
Although it’s chunky and a bit ugly, this device, which fits on the end of your kitchen tap, provides a deep filtration capability, effectively reducing chlorine, chloramine, lead, mercury and many other contaminants. It’s long-lasting, delivering up to 500 gallons of clear and clean filtered water. Change the tap filter every 6-8 months. Easy to fit.
iSpring SF series shower filters quickly remove up to 99% of chlorine, sediment, hydrogen sulphide and water-soluble heavy metals. Water quality is further improved by nurturing elements such as Vitamin C being released and added back to the shower water. Cheap to run, the filters last between 6 and 9 months before needing to be replaced. The effects are noticeable – the filter helps fight eczema, irritation, itchiness or dryness, leaving noticeably smoother skin, softer hair and stronger nails. It stops limescale buildup, and any sediment buildup can be rinsed out. There’s standard fitting for all showers. A great product to protect against absorption and consumption of dangerous chemicals and pathogens during showering. Easy to fit.
CO-Z WATER DISTILLER, Stainless Steel Distilling Pure Water Machine for Home Countertop Table, 4L Distilled Water Making Machine, 4 Litre Water Purifier to Make Clean Water for Home, Silver £126.
This tabletop water distiller creates 4 litres of pure distilled water in its jug at any one time, to which you can add Celtic sea salt, fulvic or trace minerals to remineralise. Top up the tank with hot water to speed up the distillation process (around 3 hours). The water is the purist you can get, but the distiller uses a lot of electricity in the process. Prepare to be horrified by the gunk build-up in the distiller’s tank that’s left behind in the evaporation process. This will be a clear indicator of just how impure your tap water is, as supplied by your water company.
Berkey water filter systems are a popular favourite when it comes to purifying water in the home. Used by millions of people all over the world, Berkey filters remove 99.9% of harmful chemicals and address 200+ contaminants in drinking water. They remove chlorine, viruses, harmful pathogenic bacteria, PCBs, heavy metals, parasites, hazardous chemical contaminants, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and all other impurities. Essential minerals, like magnesium and calcium, are not filtered out. They can work either as a plumbed in system or as a stand alone. Berkeys stand at around 60cm high.
GRAVITY FILTER Phoenix Gravity 6, 8 or 12 Litre Gravity Fed Stainless Steel Drinking Water Filter and Purifier with 2 Phoenix Carbon Water Filter Cartridges, Stainless Steel Tap from £160.00.
The filters in this portable, gravity-activated purification system are made using coconut-shell-activated carbon from India, which form a porous block. This innovative design enables the filters to effectively absorb most chemical contaminants like chlorine, lead, pesticides and select pharmaceuticals from water. The outcome is crisp, great-tasting, naturally-filtered water.
The steel tank is topped up manually, so it’s portable and can be used in the home, camping, barbecues – just about anywhere. Six, eight or 12 litres of water are filtered over about an hour and there’s no need for charging or connection to a power supply.
Instant, chilled, great tasting water at the touch of a button. Choose from eight dispensing options between 200ml (one cup) and 1 litre. The tank is manually-filled, so there’s no need for plumbing. Water is chilled and the 5-step filtration technology filters the water to reduce chlorine and limescale by up to 80%. It also reduces impurities, such as herbicides, pesticides, lead, heavy metals and microplastics. Filters last 30 days or 100 litres.
ZeroWater 2.4 LITRES WATER FILTER JUG COMBO with 3x Advanced 5 Stage Filter, 0 TDS, NSF certified, Reduces Fluoride, Chlorine, Lead and Chromium, Water Quality Meter included. £65.
This is a superior water filter jug, hence the price. This 2.4L round 5-stage water filtration jug is both aesthetically pleasing, space saving and, (unlike cheaper jug filters) actually works. The 5-stage filtration process removes 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS) – inorganic and organic pesticides, heavy metals, minerals, salts and ions. The set includes a jug, 3 ZeroWater ion exchange filters and a free TDS meter.
Frizzlife UNDER SINK WATER FILTER SYSTEM – High Capacity Direct Connect Under Counter Drinking Water Filtration System-0.5 Micron Quick Change Removes 99.99% Lead, Chlorine, Bad Taste and Odour £85.
The Frizzlife MK99 Water Filtration System includes a two stage compound filter, which has a unique technology that removes 99.99% of contaminants while leaving in all essential minerals. It reduces lead, heavy metals, chlorine, chromium 6, mercury, rust, Volatile Organic Compounds, carcinogens and other contaminants. The filter is installed under the sink and needs to be plumbed in by a professional. Cartridges need changing every two years and this is easily done by the householder.
WATERDROP PERSONAL WATER FILTER STRAW with Gravity Water Bag, Portable Camping Filtration System, Drinking Water Purifier for Emergency Hiking Travel Backpacking £36.
It looks like a hospital drip, but this little device comes in handy when you don’t have access to fresh drinking water. Good for the great outdoors – hiking, camping, domestic and international travel. Have one in your hotel room, or at the beach and keep one for emergency preparedness if the grid goes down. You can put ANY water in and have 99% of any harmful substances removed through the filtration process. The high-grade coconut shell activated carbon fibre within the filter improves taste and removes odour.
Filter Straws are the perfect aid for emergency situations. Good for camping, festivals, outdoor activities and when the grid goes down. Drink water from any source through this compact filter straw which removes 99% of impurities.
This 2-in-1 straw Filter bottle has been designed for dual use. It’s possible to sip ‘dirty’ water in the bottle via the straw and get pure water. Alternatively, the filter can be removed from bottle body and can be used as a straw. The activated carbon capsules reduce chlorine, bad odour and taste, organic chemical matter and remove 99.99% bacteria and parasites, such as E. coli, giardia, cryptosporidium, etc. Good to keep in your car for emergencies or take camping and experiences in the great outdoors.
Minerals to add to water distillers
Distilled water must be remineralised after it’s been produced. It’s a good idea to add minerals to filtered water too.
Ancient Purity Fulvic Acid Minerals 50ml (4 Months’ Supply) MLG-50 Trace Minerals/Amino Acids/Detox £35 (other brands are available for less).
Purest Himalayan Shilajit Resin – Gold Grade 100% Pure Shilajit with Fulvic Acid & 85+ Trace Minerals Complex for Energy and Immune Support, 30 Grams (2 Months’ Supply) £38.
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