Parasite-Free Drinking Water - How to Be Sure Your Home Water is Safe

How can you be sure your drinking water will not infect you with parasites?

If there is any question about the safety of your tap water, consider installing a home water filtration system. Not every filter excludes parasites. Here's what you need to know:

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

Water filters that have the label "reverse osmosis" will protect you against cysts of parasites such as Cryptosporidium. If a filter is not labeled for reverse osmosis, then look for a 1 micron filter--but be aware there are two types. An "absolute" 1 micron filter captures all particles larger than 1 micron diameter. A "relative" 1 micron filter lets 20 to 30 per cent of particles through. NSF-International does independent testing of water filters to ensure they protect against parasites. Look for the NSF trademark plus the words "cyst removal" on the water filter. You're looking for removal, not reduction.

Here are some product labels that indicate the filtration system will not protect you against parasites in tap water:

Activated carbon Removes chlorine EPA approved (the US EPA does not approve water filters) EPA registered (the EPA does register water filters, but not on the basis of their ability to remove parasites) Water softener Pentiodide resins Ultraviolet (or UV) light Water purifier Effective against parasites (if you see "effective against parasites," it may not be completely effective against parasites) Effective against Giardia

So how do you recognize water filtration systems with maximum usefulness against parasites?

Here's what to look for. You want a filtration unit with at least one of the following:
Reverse osmosis (OK even without the NSF trademark) Absolute pore size 1 micron or smaller (also OK without the NSF trademark) Tested and certified against NSF Standard 53 for cyst removal Tested and certified against NSF Standard 58 for cyst removal

Can't afford a water filter right now?

In North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Europe, well-known bottled waters, soft drinks, and hot coffee, tea, and pasteurized dairy products are reliably safe to drink. Not 100 percent reliably safe are fountain drinks, "spring water," "artesian water," chlorinated water (for more reasons than just parasites), ozonated water, filtered water, UV-treated water, deionized water, or charcoal-activated water.

Spring water and artesian water are among the best options, however. And water you make in a home distiller will be as clean as the container in which it is stored.

More About Alternative Health Methods Here

Parasite-Free Drinking Water - How to Be Sure Your Home Water is Safe

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER