When researching home water filtration systems, you may encounter a variety of terms and acronyms that can be confusing or intimidating. However, understanding this jargon is crucial to making an informed decision when choosing a water filtration system for your home. This article aims to demystify common terms used in the industry.
Grasping Performance Metrics
When comparing options, understanding the performance metrics associated with water filtration systems is essential. The following terms will help you make sense of these metrics:
Micron Rating: The micron rating of a filter refers to its ability to remove particles of a certain size, measured in microns. A lower micron rating indicates a filter that can remove smaller particles, providing finer filtration.
Gallons Per Minute (GPM): GPM measures a system’s flow rate or the amount of water it can filter per minute. A higher GPM typically indicates a system supporting a higher water demand without compromising water pressure.
Navigating Certification Standards
Third-party organizations, such as NSF International and the Water Quality Association (WQA), provide certification and testing services to ensure water filtration systems meet specific safety and performance standards. Familiarize yourself with the following terms:
NSF Standards: NSF standard is consensus-based standards developed by NSF International. These standards cover various water treatment and filtration products, ensuring their safety and performance.
WQA Gold Seal: The WQA Gold Seal is a certification awarded by the Water Quality Association to products that have been tested and meet rigorous industry standards for safety and performance.
Unraveling Additional Filter Media
Some home water filtration systems utilize additional filter media to enhance their effectiveness. Below are a few of these media types:
KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) Media: KDF media is a mixture of copper and zinc granules used to remove contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals, and bacteria by creating a redox reaction. This media type can enhance the performance of activated carbon filters and prolong their lifespan.
Ceramic Filters: Ceramic filters are made from porous, natural materials, and their small pore size can effectively remove bacteria, cysts, and sediment. These filters can be cleaned and reused, making them a sustainable option for certain applications.
Grasping Filter Maintenance Terms
Understanding filter maintenance terms will help keep your water filtration system functioning optimally. Here are some crucial words to understand:
Backwashing: Backwashing is used in some filtration systems to clean and maintain the filter media. It involves reversing the water flow through the filter to flush out accumulated particles and contaminants.
Filter Change Indicator: A filter change indicator is a feature in some water filtration systems that notifies you when it’s time to replace the filter cartridge. This can be an electronic alert, or even an app notification.
The Bottom Line
By familiarizing yourself with the terminology associated with water filtration systems, you can better understand the various technologies, components, and maintenance requirements involved. This knowledge will empower you to make an informed decision when selecting and maintaining a home water filtration system, ultimately ensuring you have access to clean and safe drinking water for years.
