September 10, 2007

Water Filters

 Water filtration devices come in many different shapes and sizes. There are carafes
(pitchers), units that attach directly to the faucet or sit on the counter next to the
sink, systems that install inside or behind a refrigerator or those that attach to the
plumbing under the sink. No matter where the filtration system installs, there’s a
good chance that it uses a filter media that will need to be replaced on a regular
basis.
Why Do Filters Need to be Changed?
Many filtration systems today use carbon, charcoal, or a blend of filter medias to
help reduce impurities. These systems generally reduce contaminants in one of two
ways. First, some contaminants are filtered mechanically, meaning they are
physically large enough to be trapped in the pores of the filter. Other contaminants
adhere to the surface of the filter media. Eventually, the surface area of the filter
media becomes filled and no more contaminants can be adsorbed. Or, the pores of
the filter become so clogged with debris that water is unable to move through the
filter effectively.
While the latter is easy to spot, since the flow rate of the water being produced by
the system slows dramatically, it’s not as easy to tell when the surface area of the
filter media has become full and needs to be changed.
How Often Do I Need to Change My filter?
Manufacturers of home filtration systems frequently establish “service cycles” for
their products. The service cycle may be an estimate of the number of months that
a cartridge will last in the average home or for a specific number of gallons. While it
isn’t possible to certify that a filter cartridge will be effective against particulate
matter (i.e. sediment) for a specific time frame, it is possible to verify if a filter
cartridge reduces chemicals, lead, and many other impurities for the number of
gallons promised by the manufacturer.
Failure to change the filter cartridge at the end of the manufacturer’s designated
service cycle could result in your family drinking water that is no longer being
adequately filtered and treated.
Choosing the Right Replacement Cartridge
Filter cartridges are not necessarily universal. While a non-certified cartridge may
look similar in size and even appear to fit inside the housing of your water treatment
system, even the smallest size difference could allow water to go around the
cartridge rather than through it. In addition, non-certified filter cartridges may not
be of the same quality as the manufacturer’s suggested replacement, which could
result in the loss of contaminant reduction capabilities or the cartridge possibly
introducing impurities into the water supply if it doesn’t meet minimum material
safety standards.
Since water filtration systems are tested for material safety and performance using a
specific cartridge inside a specific housing, it’s important to always use the correct
replacement cartridge recommended by the manufacturer of your system. By using
the right cartridge, you will ensure you are helping to protect the health and safety
of your family.

Bottled Water

Bottled water products are normally categorized according to the source of the
water and the method(s) used by the bottler to treat it. Bottled water products are
generally required to undergo disinfection. Bottlers who obtain water from a source
that has not previously been disinfected, such as a spring or well, will usually use
ozone or ultraviolet technologies to disinfect the water, as these processes do not
normally leave a residual taste or odor in the water. Bottled water companies can
also purchase their source water from an approved potable water source, such as a
municipal water supply.
Some bottling companies choose to further treat their products, using treatment
processes such as filtration, reverse osmosis, or distillation. Although federal laws
do not require the bottler to list any naturally occurring compounds on the product
label, such as sulfates or sodium, any ingredients added to the water must be
stated on the label. Any naturally occurring or added ingredients cannot exceed
the maximum levels permitted by the applicable federal or state regulations.
The Food and Drug Administration has established “Standards of Identity” for
bottled water sold in the U.S. Here are some of the more common identities:
Artesian Water - This is water that originates from a confined aquifer that has been
tapped and in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the
aquifer.
Fluoridated - This type of water contains fluoride added within the limitations
established in the FDA Code of Federal Regulations. This category includes water
classified as “For Infants” or “Nursery.”
Ground Water - This type of water is from an underground source that is under a
pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.
Mineral Water - Mineral water contains at least 250 parts per million total dissolved
solids (TDS). It comes from a source tapped at one or more bore holes or spring,
and originates from a geologically and physically protected underground water
source. No minerals may be added to this water.
Purified Water - This type of water has been produced by distillation, deionization,
reverse osmosis, or other suitable processes. Purified water may also be referred to
as “demineralized water.” It meets the definition of “purified water” in the United
States Pharmacopoeia.
Spring Water - This type of water comes from an underground formation from
which water flows naturally to the Earth’s surface.
Sterile Water - This type of water meets the requirements under “sterility tests” in
the United States Pharmacopoeia.
Well Water - Well water is taken from a hole tapping, etc. This hole may be bored,
drilled, or otherwise constructed in the ground.

Your Body needs...

You body needs water to function properly
  Your body has a basic need for water. The majority of the cells in your body are comprised of water. Water makes up the largest part of your blood and lymph systems, carrying food and oxygen to cells, as well as removing wastes. It even acts as an internal shock absorber, cushioning your organs as you move. Water also cools your body when it’s hot - and keeps it warm when it gets cold. Water helps to control your blood pressure, and it keeps your eyes, nasal passages, mouth, and throat moist - as well as making your skin soft. Quite simply, your body needs and demands water to function and operate.

Water makes you feel healthy and comfortable
To keep your body functioning properly, and to maintain your health and feeling of well-being and comfort, your body requires a certain amount of water on a daily basis. By drinking the volume of water your body needs every day, you also significantly improve the ability of vitamins, nutrients, and even some medications to work effectively in your body. Drinking the right amount of water also reduces feelings of hunger and helps you to burn more calories on a daily basis. Health experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water every day. That means a 150-lb. person needs to consume approximately ten 8-oz. glasses of water every day.

  The importance of the quality of the water you drink
While drinking enough water is essential to your general well-being, drinking water that’s free from impurities and waterborne microorganisms is also vital to achieving a better, healthier lifestyle. To ensure that the water you and your family are drinking is fresh, clear, clean, and pure - without the contaminants or impurities - you need the purification quality of the eSpring Water Purifier.

The eSpring Water Purifier: the first of its kind
Most common water filters, usually found in pitcher and faucet-mounted systems, feature a single pressed-carbon filter that merely treats water as it passes through it. The eSpring Water Purifier is the first in-home system designed with a patented dual-technology cartridge. This dual function cartridge combines ultraviolet light with a proprietary carbon-block filter to effectively remove more than 140 contaminants - from lead and mercury to VOCs, pesticides, and disinfectant by-products. The eSpring Water Purifier was the first water purification system to be tested and certified by NSF International to meet NSF/ANSI Standards 42,53, and 55B.
eSpring Water Filter

Water is Critical

We all know water is essential to live. But most of us are not aware of the crucial role water plays in virtually every organ and function of our bodies. Water does more than sustain life. It can actually improve our health, our fitness, and even our appearance. You’ll learn more about the importance of drinking water as you read through this section.
Try an eSpring Water filter.

Drinking Water Can...

Improve your overall health and well-being.

Because water is important in so many body functions, getting enough water is key in achieving optimal health.

  • Water helps maintain blood volume, which maintains your energy
  • Proper hydration improves your concentration and reaction time, especially during exercise
  • Water increases the number of calories you burn during regular daily activities
  • Water can help prevent the stomach distress concentrated medicines can cause
  • Water helps rid the body of excess sodium that can cause fluid retention

Help protect against a variety of ailments.

Studies show there may be links between high water consumption and a reduced risk of:

  • colds
  • constipation
  • urinary tract infections
  • kidney stones
  • bladder cancer

May improve your appearance.

Water reaches the skin last; if your body does not get enough water, your skin will feel the effects more than any other organ. Water can help hydrate the skin, leaving it:

  • smoother
  • softer
  • more supple
  • more wrinkle-free

May help you lose weight.

People often mistake thirst for hunger pangs, so we tend to eat snacks, when in reality, our bodies just need something to drink. Drinking water can also help you feel full, lessening your desire to eat.


Studies also show that drinking enough water may:

  • Give you more energy during exercise
  • Increase the calories you burn during exercise
  • Help your body reduce fat deposits

A variety of sources was used for this data including the Center for Disease Control, the Water Quality Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Dietetic Association, and the American Heart Association. (USA)

How Much Water

How much water you should drink depends on several things: the size of your body, how physically active you are, and even the climate – because your body works hard to keep you warm or cool.


As a general guideline, the average person should drink between 1.5 and 2.5 litres (about 1.5 – 2.5 quarts) every day to replace the bodily fluids normally lost throughout the day. Our Water Intake Calculator can tell you more about how much water you should drink based on your exercise habits and your current weight.


Do not get dehydrated.

Dehydration occurs when your body has less water than it needs, and it is a very serious condition. When your body is just 1% below normal, you feel extremely thirsty; when you are 5% below normal, you will have a mild fever, and if you are 10% low on water, you will turn blue and be unable to walk!


Water is the best way to keep hydrated.

Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and colas actually dehydrate the body, using more water to process than they provide; alcoholic beverages do the same. Drinking purified water is the best way to stay hydrated!


A variety of sources was used for this data, including the Center for Disease Control, the Water Quality Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Dietetic Association, and the American Heart Association. (USA)