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Drinking Water Filter Systems

Our unique line of point-of-use drinking water filtration systems are designed  to produce water of the highest quality and all of our systems are certified by independent third parties, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) as well as the California Department of Health Services. The combination of our advanced features and certified system contaminant removal assures you of healthy water quality and cost effective operation. Review our extensive information on Water Quality in our Education Center for more details on water quality issues. Our Glossary of water quality terms may also be helpful as you review this product category.

We offer two types of water treatment systems

Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon is a highly porous form of carbon primarily derived from coal, wood and coconut shells for water treatment. It is produced by first heating the substance at low temperatures in an environment without oxygen to remove the volatile components (carbonization) and then the carbon is "activated" by additional high temperature heating in a controlled environment of oxygen and steam. The activation process opens up the carbon structure creating incredible porosity and a large and highly active surface area. One pound of activated carbon has the surface area equal to 125 acres.

The activated carbon filter works by adsorption and physical screening of contaminants.  The carbon adsorbs contaminants by collecting organic molecules and other substances on it's porous surface. There are primarily two types of carbon filters used with activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems; granulated activated carbon (GAC) and carbon block. Carbon block filters consist of activated carbon particles fused into a uniform block with enhanced adsorptive capacity and efficiency. GAC filters contain loose granules and are less dense than carbon block filters. Solid carbon block filters can be effective at micro-filtration when designed with a small pore size. Specially designed solid block filters are available and are effective at reducing specific contaminants such as the heavy metals, lead and mercury. 

 

Reverse Osmosis

Osmosis is the process of two fluids with unequal concentrations of a substance trying to reach equilibrium through diffusion across a semi-permeable membrane. Whenever a membrane between two fluid compartments is permeable to water (allowed to pass through), but not to other substances, the membrane is called Semi-Permeable. A Reverse Osmosis water system reverses the normal osmosis process by forcing water with a higher concentration of contaminants through the semi-permeable membrane to produce a lower concentration of a contaminant in the filtered water. 

Reverse osmosis membranes work at the molecular level and are very effective at removing many contaminants (see Microfiltration Chart). Our reverse osmosis system combines the benefits of activated carbon block filtration with reverse osmosis technology to produce the highest quality water. First, water is fed through a sediment filter to remove large particles. Next, the water travels to a carbon block filter to remove chlorine and other contaminants. The following stage is the reverse osmosis membrane where the water passes through to a storage tank. When the faucet is opened, the water travels from the storage tank through a final full size carbon block filter (sometimes called a polishing filter) to produce pure, clean and healthy water.

Our reverse osmosis systems feature a TFC membrane. There are two types of commonly used reverse osmosis membranes. Cellulose Tri-Acetate (CTA) and Thin Film Composite. Our systems use the superior performing TFC membrane because it has a higher water production rate, a higher tolerance to acidity and alkalinity, it works better over a wider range of water temperatures and most importantly, TFC membranes reject a higher percentage of water contaminants. We also use a full size carbon block filter for the final stage unlike other systems that use a small inline GAC filter.

 

We utilize an Air Gap Faucet with our reverse osmosis systems which is a requirement of most plumbing codes. In a reverse osmosis system, the semi-permeable membrane must be rinsed of the contaminants it removes from the incoming water.  This rinsed water goes down a length of tubing connected to your drain line under your sink. An air gap faucet prevents the possibility of contaminated water in your sink drain line from backing-up and entering the drinking water filter system. 

 

When selecting your reverse osmosis system, choose a filtered water production rate that approximates your family's usage. Reverse osmosis systems are most efficient when they are sized according to your needs. The average person uses 2 gallons of water for drinking and cooking per day. Monitor your usage and select the size system that best matches your clean water demand. Remember to use fresh, clean and healthy water for ice cubes, appliances (such as humidifiers and coffee pots) and all your cooking and drinking needs.

 

When comparing the filtered water production of reverse osmosis systems, some companies incorrectly list their "system production" by the output of the reverse osmosis membrane. Other companies list output by the complete system performance. We have provided both the membrane production rating and the system production rating for comparison purposes.  

 

Healthgoods Water Filter Systems feature:

Water Monitors - Many of our systems monitor the incoming water and either measure the amount of usage or monitor the water quality. Filter cartridges have a recommended service life based on the amount of water that flows through it and need replacement when their service life has expired or they no longer are effective in contaminant removal. A system monitor helps you to determine the proper time for filter cartridge replacement. A water monitor takes the guesswork out of determining when filter cartridges need replacement, therefore you only replace cartridges when needed. This results in continuous healthy water quality and cost-effective operation. 

Tested and Certified Systems - Our systems have been tested and certified to meet established National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standards and/or California Department of Health Services Certification for contaminant removal. The National Sanitation Federation was founded in 1944 and is known for the development of standards, product testing and certification services for protecting public health, safety and the environment. NSF certification programs are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and NSF certification means that a credible, objective independent third party has tested and verified that the certified product complies with specific standards. For a drinking water treatment system to obtain NSF certification, it must meet five basic requirements:

1. Contaminant reduction claims are true.
2. The system does not add anything harmful to the water.
3. The system is structurally sound.
4. The advertising, literature and labeling are not misleading.
5. The materials and manufacturing process used do not change.

Solid Carbon Block Filters - Solid block cartridges will not channel, fluidize or bypass due to the extreme uniformity of their activated carbon core. This means your water will have continuous and consistent contact with the adsorptive carbon media. 

When comparing water filter systems you need to consider the following:

• Certified Systems - Is the entire system tested and certified by an independent third party to remove or reduce the specified water contaminants?

• Initial Cost - What is the cost of the installed system?

• Filter Replacement Costs - What are the costs to replace the filter cartridges?

• Filter Life - How often will you have to replace the filter cartridge and how many gallons will it filter before the recommended replacement?

• Operating Costs - Divide the cost of the replacement filter by the recommended service life (in gallons of water filtered). This is the operating cost per gallon for filtered water.

• Performance Data - Will the system remove the contaminants you are most concerned about and are there any performance tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of the filter system at removing those specific contaminants? If the system is reverse osmosis, will it produce enough water for your family?

• Water Monitor - Does the system monitor the amount of water processed or the quality of the water so you only replace filter cartridges when necessary for cost effective and safe operation?

• Component Quality - There are many ways to configure water treatment systems with the various necessary components such as filter cartridges, faucets, connectors, valves and housings. These components will determine the dependability, performance and lasting water quality of the water treatment system.

Note: Do not use these water filter systems with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the unit. Contaminants, or other substances removed or reduced by these water treatment devices are not necessarily in your water. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected waters that may contain filterable cysts. 

Counter Top Systems

Under-Sink Systems