Water Filtration

The following guide lists which filters are best for removing the most common types of contaminants found in drinking water:

Giardia and Cryptosporidium - distillation, reverse osmosis, absolute one micron filters, ultraviolet light and filters certified for cyst removal.

Bacteria and Viruses - distillation, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light and disinfection.

Arsenic - adsorptive media.

Disinfection by-products - point-of-entry adsorptive media systems, distillation, aeration, carbon filtration and reverse osmosis.

Lead - distillation, reverse osmosis and some carbon filters.

Nitrates - distillation, reverse osmosis or ion exchange.

Pesticides - some carbon filters.

Radium -  ion exchange, distillation or reverse osmosis.

Radon - activated carbon filters and aeration.

Before purchasing a water filtration unit, make sure that unit can address your concerns and your needs. If the home water treatment unit isn’t certified by one of these organizations, contact the manufacturer and ask for proof of the manufacturer’s claims.

NSF International ( www.nsf.org )

Underwriters Laboratories ( www.UL.com/water )

Water Quality Association - ( www.wqa.org )

Additional information can also be found on the EPA’s website: www.EPA.gov/safewater

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