When Should You Question the Quality of Your Water?
Review a few simple steps…
Notice changes in:
- Taste, odor or appearance
- The results of a water test
- Water quality report
- Frequent county-wide alerts to boil water
- Health and safety for children, pregnant women, and the elderly
- Health conditions where water contaminants increase risk in illness
Many opt for refrigerated water or use Brita filters for taste, odor, or appearance issues.
However, for other water quality concerns, a whole-house filtration system is recommended.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Check your local water supply composition using reliable sources like https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ to understand its contaminants
- Choose which contaminants most put your family at risk and set your budget accordingly
From there you determine what kind of filtration system in which to invest.
Oh, the world of water filtration…
The choices of specific filters, the variety of systems, and the brands available are overwhelming. We’re here to break it down with a good, better, best approach, offering simplified options based on:
- Filtration effectiveness
- Features
- Budget considerations.
This framework helps homeowners navigate the multitude of choices with confidence, ensuring they find the most suitable water filtration solution tailored to their needs and preferences.
Read on for product-based water filtration options.
The Good-Carbon filtration with a Five-micron sediment + salt-free cartridge.
Defined as a basic system where the carbon filter removes/reduces Chlorine, Chloramine, Haloacetic Acids, PFOA, PFAS, PFOS, Herbicides, and Pesticides. It also reduces odor and improves taste. The cartridge removes larger particles like sand, silt, and dirt, as well as reducing scale and build-up.
This kind of system produces softer skin and healthier hair and cleans your food more thoroughly.
The Carbon removes the harsh chemicals. The Cartridge benefits your water pressure as it stops the build-up in your pipes and prolongs the life of your appliances.
The Better- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), High Activity Carbon (HAC), Ag Plus filter, High-Density Filter, Ion Water Conditioner.
This option provides a higher level of quality and protection:
- The GAC removes Chlorine, chloramines, gases, dyes, fuels, heavy metals, man-made pollutants, disinfectants, pesticides, TTHM, sodium hypochlorite, undesirable odors, undesirable taste, and volatile organic contaminants.
- The HAC is another shield that reduces chlorine and produces a clean and fresh taste with no odors or foul tastes. It also filters wide ranges of pH levels.
- The Ag Plus filter reduces suspended matter down to the 5 micron or less range, resulting in reduced water turbidity which is the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended particles.
- The High-Density Filter filters down to the 10-20 micron range. This means that this filter removes particles from the water that are as small as 10-20 micrometers, one millionth of a meter.
- Ion Water Conditioner utilizes advanced technology, employing multi-reversing polarity permanent magnetic fields to modify the molecular structure of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions, both positively and negatively charged. This process effectively prevents the minerals responsible for hard water and limescale buildup from adhering to pipes and appliances by keeping them suspended in the water. Additionally, the conditioned water aids in averting corrosion caused by scale buildup and gradually dissolves existing scale deposits over time.
The benefits of this water include:
- Improved hydration. This water is going to deliver more benefits to your body including better digestion, circulation, and kidney function.
- The lack of contaminants will lead to better gastrointestinal health, respiratory health and any long-term health issues that contaminants can aggravate.
- The alleviation of harsh chemicals can give relief to those with dry skin, irritation and itching as well as long-term health issues. You can expect softer and smoother skin and healthier hair.
- The prevention of limescale and hard water deposits by the water conditioning system can protect plumbing fixtures, appliances, and water-using equipment from damage. This can reduce maintenance costs, extend the lifespan of household appliances, and ensure efficient operation over time.
- The water itself is going to be very clear and have a refreshing taste.
The Best- Whole Home Fluoride Filtration + Water Softener and SMART Filter
Pre-filtration:
Water flows through a 20” sediment cartridge that removes sediment, silt, sand, and dirt.
Post-filtration:
Water flows through a 20″ solid carbon cartridge for removing volatile organic carbon compounds (VOC’s), & any remaining insecticides, pesticides and industrial solvents.
Fluoride Removal Water Filter:
Water flows through a unique tank filled with special activated charcoal. This charcoal is designed to grab onto and catch fluoride, lead, and arsenic in the water. It does this by sticking to these metals and reacting with them chemically. Unlike some other methods, it doesn’t need to exchange ions. It stays the same size and shape and works well even if the water is acidic or basic. As a bonus, it also removes lead and arsenic from the water
SMART Water Filter (optional):
Water passes through a mix of two types of coconut-shell filters (including one that’s catalytic), two types of Redox Alloys, and an anion exchange resin. This mix is great fpr getting rid of heavy metals, chlorine, chloramine, pesticides, herbicides, medicines, and other yucky stuff like petroleum leftovers. We also add ceramic and tourmaline balls to make the water even better and keep its pH level balanced.
Water Softener (optional):
Water flows through an ion exchange resin and brine water conditioner. Sometimes, the stuff we use to clean water can make it harder. When water is hard, it has minerals like calcium and magnesium in it. You might notice stains on your sinks, tubs, and clothes, and your soap might not lather up as much. It can even leave your skin feeling a bit filmy. These are all signs that your water needs to be softened. Hard water can also cause problems inside your pipes and water heaters. Limescale, a hard, crusty buildup, can block pipes and make water heaters less efficient. This can make heating your water more expensive. Limescale can also mess up your washing machine. Softening your water can make your appliances last longer and keep your pipes clear. It can also help things like solar heaters and air conditioners work better and last longer.
The benefits one could expect from the water this filtration system produces are:
Improved Water Quality:
The filtration system removes various contaminants, such as sediment, VOCs, pesticides, and heavy metals, ensuring that the water is cleaner and safer to drink. This may lead to noticeable improvements in the taste, odor, and clarity of the water, encouraging increased water consumption and hydration.
Reduced Health Risks:
By removing harmful substances like fluoride, lead, arsenic, and chlorine from the water, the filtration system reduces the risk of exposure to toxins that can negatively affect health. This may lead to a lower incidence of waterborne illnesses, digestive issues, and respiratory problems associated with contaminated water.
Skin and Hair Benefits:
Cleaner, purified water can have positive effects on skin and hair health. Individuals may observe softer, smoother skin and shinier, more manageable hair, as well as reduced irritation and dryness, thanks to the removal of chlorine and other chemicals.
Protection Against Hard Water Effects:
The optional water softener component prevents the buildup of limescale in plumbing fixtures, appliances, and water-using equipment. This can lead to fewer stains on sinks, tubs, and clothes, as well as reduced soap scum buildup in showers and sinks. Additionally, softening the water may help maintain the efficiency and longevity of household appliances, such as washing machines and water heaters.
Overall Well-being:
Access to clean, purified water is essential for overall health and well-being. By providing safe and high-quality drinking water, the filtration system contributes to improved health outcomes, increased energy levels, and enhanced overall quality of life for individuals and families.
Other factors that might affect installation price
System Type and Complexity:
The type and complexity of the filtration system play a significant role in determining installation costs. Basic systems with standard filtration components may be relatively straightforward to install. More advanced systems with multiple stages, additional components (such as UV sterilizers or water softeners), or specialized technologies (such as reverse osmosis) may require more time and expertise, resulting in higher installation costs.
System Capacity and Flow Rate:
The size and capacity of the filtration system needed to accommodate the household’s water usage can impact installation costs. Larger systems capable of handling higher flow rates or serving multiple points of use may require more extensive plumbing modifications or upgrades, leading to increased installation expenses.
Water Source and Quality:
The source and quality of the water supply can influence installation costs. For example, suppose the water source is from a private well or requires additional pre-treatment due to high levels of sediment, contaminants, or hardness. In that case, the installation process may be more complex and costly compared to connecting to a municipal water supply with better water quality.
Location and Accessibility:
The location and accessibility of the installation site can affect installation costs. Factors such as the distance from the main water line, ease of access to plumbing connections, and any required modifications to existing plumbing infrastructure can impact the time and labor required for installation, thereby influencing overall costs.
Additional Services and Features:
Additional services or features requested by the homeowner, such as professional water testing, custom plumbing configurations, specialized fittings or fixtures, or optional add-ons like leak detection systems or water monitoring devices, can contribute to higher installation expenses.
Ready to ensure your home has the cleanest and safest water possible? Look no further than My Georgia Plumber!
Water is the cornerstone of health in your household, affecting everything from showering to cooking to drinking. If you’re noticing changes in taste, smell, or appearance, or have concerns about water quality due to health conditions or local alerts, it’s time for a solution.
We offer a range of filtration systems tailored to your needs, from basic carbon filters to advanced whole-home setups. Our experts will assess your water quality, discuss your goals, and work within your budget to find the perfect fit for your home.
Don’t let worries about water quality linger. Contact My Georgia Plumber today for realistic solutions to safeguard your family’s health and well-being! 770-268-3639