Countertop Filter Systems

Q. How do these type of filters work?
A. These systems connect to your kitchen faucet, via a small easy-to-install diverter valve. When you want filtered water you push a button on the diverter valve and tap water is diverted through the filter, producing filtered water.

Q. Why are there several types? Don't you have just one that is the best?
A. This is a good question. We have two types of countertop filters, carbon block filters that remove chlorine, lead, and chemicals, but leave the minerals in, and reverse osmosis systems that remove minerals and salts in addition to chlorine and chemicals..

Q. Which is the best type of drinking water filter for my water?
A. This depends on the quality of the source water. Generally, if the water to be filtered is municipally-treated city water low in minerals, then the carbon block filtration systems are the best type. If the water is very high in minerals, then a reverse osmosis system or distiller that removes minerals, salts and chemicals may be desired.

Q. I see you have two brands of carbon block countertops, which is better?
A.The Clean Source is a very good countertop, and is certified to remove chlorine, lead, and tastes and odors, and has a plastic housing. The Doulton HCP countertop system is certified to remove chlorine, lead, organic compounds, giardia cysts, and tastes and odors and is a better unit. However, most city waters do not contain giardia cysts or appreciable levels of organic chemicals. The Seagull is quite a bit more expensive, but is desired by many of our clients who want to be sure to get the most finely filtered water. The stainless steel housing is guaranteed for ten years.

Q. Will the carbon block filters remove hardness minerals or cut down on scale buildup, white-spotting in coffee pots, etc.?
A. No. The systems remove sediment and oxidized iron particles, which may cause some spotting, but the minerals remain the same. If scaling or spotting is a problem, a reverse osmosis system, or distiler should be used. Water contains "Total Dissolved Solids", ("TDS"); these salts are not removed by these carbon block filters.

Q. How do I know what it is in my water?
A. If you are on city water, your local water utility must meet very strict Federal and State standards for purity. Almost all municipally treated water is chlorinated, and this can affect taste and create odors in the water. Carbon Block Filter Systems will remove these tastes and odors. If you are on a private well or spring, you should have your water tested, and you also may want to contact our technical staff for help in selecting the best filter system for your water chemistry.


Q. Does the total dissolved solids ("TDS') affect the taste of water?
A. Yes. If your water has a moderate to high total dissolved solids content, then merely filtering the water of chlorine will improve taste, but many people will say the water still tastes "heavy" or "minerally" compared to purified water. Taste is very subjective, and the ability to taste varies widely from person to person. The higher the TDS level, particularly when it reaches over 500 PPM (the USEPA recommended aesthetic guideline) the more people will want to purify the water by using reverse osmosis or distillation, or by purchasing bottled water. However, in areas where the TDS is low, carbon filtering the water can make it taste great, without the need for further filtration.

Q. Will these systems remove lead?
A. Yes, the carbon block filters we use are certified for lead removal.

Q. Will these systems remove parasites or cysts?
A. Yes. The Seagull IV carbon block system is certified for cyst removal.

Q. How do the reverse osmosis countertop systems work?
A. With reverse osmosis, the water is filtered so fine as to remove the minerals and salts, thereby purifying the water. Pure water is separated from the salty water and stored in the reservoir that sits on the counter. The salts are rejected down the drain of the kitchen sink. The unit attaches to the main sink via a hose to the end of the faucet, and allows use of the main faucet, or one can press the diverter valve and make purified water into the reservoir. In addition to the omosis membrane, it also has a five micron filter, and two carbon filters for excellent removal rates.