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WATER YOU CAN TRUST
By Warren Clark, Houston Region Marketing Manager of BMC West Building Materials and a Director of the GHBA Remodelers Council
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A persistent distrust of tap water has created a booming industry for alternative sources of drinking water, and produced a flood of questions for the consumer seeking the finest quality water. As bottled water is expensive, bulky to store, and sometimes of questionable quality, many consumers are now seeking out undercounter filtration systems, the water filtration units which treat tap water right at its point-of-use in the home.
EPA Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for safe drinking water in the United States. These standards are generally numerical limits on amounts or concentrations, called an action level, of specific contaminants. For example, the federal action level for the presence of lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion. Although water leaving treatment plants usually meets this EPA standard, water dispensed at the tap can contain increased levels of lead, contaminated as a result of the corrosion of plumbing materials.
In addition to the issue of post-treatment contamination, there are many potentially harmful contaminants that go unregulated, such as MTBE, or methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether. Once used as a gasoline additive in the United States to reduce levels of carbon monoxide and ozone caused by auto emissions, MTBE has been recognized by the EPA as a possible human carcinogen. It has been known to contaminate ground and surface water through leaking underground storage tanks and pipelines, and spills.
Bottled Water Woes
To avoid drinking possibly contaminated tap water, millions of consumers have turned to bottled water as a source of what they believe to be clean, healthy drinking water. In the United States alone, bottled water sales reach $15 billion annually. But, according to environmental think tank the Earth Policy Institute, bottled water is not guaranteed to be any healthier than tap water. In fact, roughly 40 percent of bottled water begins as tap water, anyway. This is, in part, what led the Food and Drug Administration to impose more stringent labeling requirements on bottled water in 1995.
Additionally, bottled water can cost more per gallon than milk, wine and gasoline.
Home Filtration Solutions
With uncertainties (and the expense) surrounding bottled water, it’s not surprising that more and more consumers are turning to point-of-use filtration systems for drinking water they can trust. In 2005, the growing home filtration category represented a $2.6 billion industry.
As the trend in undercounter water filtration has gained traction with homeowners, manufacturers have responded with a wealth of filtration options and accessories, including instant hot and chilled water dispensers, carbonators, and stylish accessory faucets, all designed to work together in an integrated system. With so many choices available, a basic knowledge of the technology, filtration market, and fit with a household’s requirements are essential for selecting the best solution.
Undercounter filtration systems enjoy distinct advantages over many other types of point-of-use filters, such as faucet-mounted, refrigerator, and countertop filters. Undersink systems generally remove higher percentages of more contaminants, have larger storage tanks and a higher filtering capacity than other filters. In addition they are easy to maintain, installed out of sight under the sink or virtually any countertop, and the water they filter costs pennies per gallon.
When choosing an undercounter filtration system, be sure to investigate each brand’s track record and commercial clientele. Look for products that are commercial grade to ensure that you receive the same excellent quality, performance and expertise that restaurants, coffee shops and beverage companies rely on.
The quality of unfiltered tap water and bottled water is fated to perpetual debate, and the cost of bottled water can be higher than that of gasoline. For a convenient source of clean, healthy water, invest in an undercounter home water filtration system. It might be the most important home improvement you can make.
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