14 Jan Choosing a Water Filter: What You Need to Know

Water filters are designed to give you cleaner, healthier water that’s free of nasty contaminants. From harsh chemicals (chlorine, fluoride) to dangerous microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, pathogens), there are so many nasties lurking in the drinking water we use daily, that investing in some sort of water purification simply makes good sense. Of course, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before choosing a water filter; with so many options out there, this might seem like a daunting task at first. But when you know what to look for, it’s simple!

Depending on the size of your household, the water quality in your area, your own individual health concerns and of course your budget, you’ll have a specific idea of what you want from your water filter. Here’s a handy break-down of the most common types of filters, and the different types of technology they use:

The Type of Product

Whether you’re looking for a simple, individual water filter for when you’re on the move, or a more extensive water filtration solution for your whole household, there’s a filter system out there to suit your needs:

• Personal water bottle filters: A reusable drinking bottle with a built-in filter. Great for individual use and perfect for all the times you’re away from home (work, gym, hiking etc).
• Pitcher (pour-through) filters: A water jug or pitcher with a built-in filter, typically housed in a removable lid. A cool filtration solution for your family kitchen or office.
• Counter-top filters: Fit neatly onto your kitchen counter; some are free-standing while others are connected to the kitchen sink tap via a small hose. Filtered water is dispensed from a spout.
• Shower filters: These systems to attach to residential shower head supply pipes and are designed to reduce chlorine levels in shower water.
• Faucet-mount filter systems: These filters are attached on top of a standard tap, and a diverter sends the water through the filter tap whenever it is opened.
• Plumbed-in filter systems: These require professional installation, into the actual water pipes of the property (inline installation). The system filters all water passing through the pipe and is typically only suitable for cold-water pipes.

The Type of Filtration Technology

There are various physical and chemical methods that a filter system can use to purify your water. Some also use a combination of these (eg a carbon filter and ultraviolet filter in the same system), for added efficacy.

• Carbon filtration: Carbon filters trap and absorb contaminants, including sediment and harsh chemicals like chlorine.
• Ultraviolet filtration: These systems use UV light to disinfect the water by removing bacteria and pathogens.
• Distillation: Also called steam filtration. These systems heat water until it reaches boiling point, and then collect the water vapour as it condenses. This process removes many of the contaminants in the water.
• Reverse osmosis: As the name implies, these systems reverse the natural flow of the water, so that it passes through a semi-permeable membrane that changes it from a more concentrated solution to a more diluted one. (Note: RO systems usually form only part of a more extended filter system, with pre- and post-filtration processes.)
• Ceramic filtration: Ceramic water filters block any contaminant larger than pore-size; that means they’re particularly good for bacteria and microbes.

Water Filters at Faithful to Nature

Once you’re done deciding which product best suits your needs, you’ll find there’s no better place to buy your water filter than at your favourite online organic store! We have an option to suit households (and budgets) of all sizes:

Waterwise Counter-Top Filters

Showerwise Shower Filter

BIBO Water Bar

Bobble Water Bottles

Bobble Water Jugs

Stefani Water Purifier

• Waterwise: Stand-alone counter-top filters that use distillation (steam filtration) and carbon filtration. Easily portable, great for camping and travelling. (Read more about our Waterwise range here.)
• Showerwise: A shower filter designed to eliminate up to 95% of chlorine from your shower water; plus iron, lead, mercury and hydrogen sulphide.
• BIBO Water Bar: Connects to your home’s main water-supply; uses multi-stage carbon filters and a UV filter to remove nasties of all sorts.
• Bobble bottle: A BPA-free drinking bottle with built-in carbon filter that removes sediment, odours & chlorine from ordinary tap water.
• Bobble jug: A BPA-free pitcher with a built-in carbon filter that removes sediment, odours & chlorine from municipal tap water.
• Stefani Water Purifier: Uses a ceramic filter and an activated carbon filter to remove bacteria, suspended solids, chemicals, tastes and odours.