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Ask
for the NSF International Listing for the specific devices you are
evaluating. NSF is an independent, not-for-profit, organization
which tests and certifies drinking water and treatment products.
(You can click on the logo to be taken to their site where you can
research the filter you are interested in purchasing.) Ask for the
Product Performance Data Sheet. Many
states require
that it be provided to all prospective drinking
water treatment device customers.
Filters should meet both NSF Health Effects Standard 53 and the
NSF Aesthetics Standard 42 (with class 1 reduction of Chlorine and
particulate matter).
Ask about the range of
contaminants that the unit can reduce under Standard #53. Most units
certified under Standard #52 are listed for turbidity and cyst reduction
only. The number of units that reduce pesticides, trihalomethanes,
lead and volatile organic chemicals is very small indeed. Be sure
that the contaminants you are concerned about can be removed by
the device you are considering.
Ask if the unit is licensed
by such states as California, Colorado and Wisconsin, which have
some of the toughest certification procedures in the entire U.S.
Finally, ask about the service cycle, stated in gallons of water
treated, of the devices. How often will you need to change the filter
and what will replacement filters cost you?
Does it remove or reduce
Taste, Odors & Chlorine, Lead, Mercury, Trihalomethanes, Chloradane,
1,1 Dichloreothane, PCB, Toxaphene, Volatile Organic Chemicals,
Particulate Matter, Cysts (Giardia; Cryptosporidium; Entamoeba;
Toxoplasma), Asbestos, Turbidity?
Some filters do little
more than remove Chlorine.
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