A filter under the sink is one of the most useful devices for the kitchen. It not only purifies water from all kinds of impurities and harmful substances, but also simplifies the process of its preparation. Through an additional tap, which is mounted in kitchen sink, you can get clean water instantly without wasting time and money on buying bottled water or pouring water into a filter jug ​​every time.

You can see many different systems on sale, but not all of them cope with the task of high-quality water purification. To choose a really good filter, we recommend that you read our rating.

The best inexpensive water filters for washing: budget up to 5,000 rubles.

Inexpensive filters for washing cost an average of 1,500 – 5,000 rubles. You can rarely find membrane filtration, softening and mineralization in them, and the number of purification stages does not exceed three. At the same time, most models are quite capable of ridding water of heavy metals, chlorine, phenol, benzene and other chemical additives.

3 Aquaphor Crystal Eco

Three stages of water purification. Ion exchange and ultrafiltration
Country Russia
Average price: 4,950 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Aquaphor Crystal Eco is one of the most popular budget under-sink filter systems. It is equipped with three stages of water purification, ion exchange, carbon and ultrafiltration. The latter allows you to remove organic matter, impurities and bacteria from the water. There is no storage tank in this model, since the maximum filter capacity is 2.5 liters per minute.

The resource of a standard filter module is designed for 8000 liters. Most users, speaking about this filter, name such advantages as low price, ease of installation, cheap cartridges and compact system.

There are significantly fewer negative reviews compared to the “Aquaphor Crystal” model (without the “eco” prefix). The number of complaints about the quality of the water softener has decreased. Much less scale began to form. However, for people with kidney disease, it is better to purchase more expensive models that can cope with hard water.

2 Barrier EXPERT Hard

The most capacious cartridge. Best price
Country Russia
Average price: RUB 3,183.
Rating (2019): 4.6

"Barrier EXPERT Hard" is one of the best-selling filter systems in recent years. Among the best budget filters for sinks presented in the review, “Barrier EXPERT Hard” stands out because it has the most resource-intensive filter module. Thus, the cartridge of the Geyser Prestige 2 filter presented above is enough for 3500 liters, while the Barrier EXPERT Hard cartridge can be used for at least 10,000 liters.

Other advantages of this filter include the presence of a water softening filter. This will get rid of scale in the kettle. True, there are complaints that this filter quickly becomes clogged and after a couple of months the scale appears again. There is an explanation for this - in areas with very hard water, the filter will, for obvious reasons, clog much faster. You just need to change the cartridge on time.

Review from user Eduard:

If you take this filter, then immediately buy a 12mm drill, otherwise you will go to the store again to make a hole in the countertop. Everything else is included in the kit, only the screws for attaching to the chipboard are a bit short. Overall, I like the filter; it collects a little more than a liter of water in a minute. This, by the way, confuses whether the filtering is going too fast. Maybe this affects the quality?

1 Geyser Prestige 2

The best ratio of price and quality
Country Russia
Average price: 4,990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The domestic “Geyser” occupies the leading position in the category of budget filters. The company supplying water treatment systems to the market was founded back in 1986 and today has a dealer network covering 120 cities in Russia. There are even European offices in Riga, Prague and Belgrade.

The Geyser Prestige 2 filter system is considered one of the best in quality in the budget price segment. With an average price of only 5,000 rubles. The device has a reverse osmosis membrane for water purification, which dramatically improves the quality of filtration. Not many budget systems can boast of having a membrane.

Also in Geyser Prestige 2 there are stages of water purification from dissolved iron (deferrization) and purification from soluble hardness salts (softening).

Video review

Speaking about the advantages of this system, almost all users note high quality water purification, compactness, ease of installation and, of course, reasonable price.

The disadvantages of this model include its rather weak performance - only 0.3 liters of clean water per minute. For the needs of a small family of 2-3 people, this may be enough, but for larger families you will have to buy an additional storage tank (it is not included in the kit) where purified water will be stored.

The best filters for washing: budget up to 10,000 rubles.

More expensive and efficient models are presented in this category. Increased cost, as a rule, affects not only the degree of water purification, but also the quality of materials and workmanship.

4 Siberia-Tseo Aquarius-BKP

High performance, use of zeolite
Country Russia
Average price: 9,060 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Compact (42x38x14 cm), but very powerful filter with three stages of cleaning. The maximum productivity of the device is 3 l/minute. The package includes a filter module designed for 6000 liters. There is a separate tap. The quality of water after it passes through the filter improves significantly - it is cleared of free chlorine and mineralized.

In reviews, users note that when using this water, scale does not form in the kettle. Among the advantages compared to other filters in the same price category is the use of zeolite. The first flask is transparent - you can use it to assess the degree of contamination. In one of the reviews, the user says that he took water for analysis before and after passing through the filter - the quality of the liquid at the outlet turned out to be excellent.

3 AQUAPRO AP-600P

Largest storage capacity
Country: Taiwan
Average price: RUB 9,931.
Rating (2019): 4.7

A high-quality, effective filter model with five stages of cleaning. Features include reverse osmosis, iron removal, free chlorine removal, and water softening. The package includes a 10-liter storage tank, a separate tap, a pressure booster pump, and a filter module. Replacement cartridges are inexpensive.

In reviews, users note the excellent quality of water purification and its pleasant taste after passing through the filter. They like the possibility of additionally installing a mineralizer, using filters from any manufacturer - they have standard size. During operation, the device does not make noise, does not leak, filters need to be changed no more than once every six months. The only downside is the higher cost compared to similar models, but the difference in price is compensated by inexpensive cartridges.

2 ECOSOFT MO 5-50

High quality materials and components
Country Ukraine
Average price: 7,169 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Popular and high-quality model with five cleaning stages. It is installed under the sink and does not take up much space - the dimensions of the product are 35x45x15 cm. The device includes a 9-liter storage tank, a filter module, and a separate tap. Productivity is 0.13 l/minute. With the help of a filter, even the worst tap water becomes drinkable without boiling. It is deferrized, cleaned of free chlorine, foreign mechanical and dissolved impurities, and softened. The principle of charcoal cleaning is applied.

In reviews, users note the high quality of materials and components, the reliability of the filter, good quality water after cleaning. Even after a long time of use, you do not have to deal with leaks. Many people like that they can install the filter themselves without resorting to the services of specialists. The only disadvantage noted is the high cost of the cartridges, but in terms of bottled water it is still cheaper.

1 New Water Econic Osmos O300

Compact size, easy installation and maintenance
Country Russia
Average price: 7,690 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

First place in the mid-price category ranking goes to the Novaya Voda filter Econic Osmos O300. This is a fairly popular model, about which it is not possible to find a single negative review - all users are completely satisfied with the operation of the device. After purification, the water becomes softer, acquires a pleasant taste, and can be drunk without boiling. The filter is easy to install, reliable, and of high quality. Compact dimensions (23.5x29x22 cm) allow you to install the device under a sink of any size.

This under-sink filter is suitable for both apartments and private houses, for purifying the hardest water. Eliminates all common pollutants - mechanical impurities, dissolved impurities (heavy metals, phenols, bacteria, viruses, hardness salts). The kit includes a filter module, a separate tap, and a 3.25-liter storage tank. The maximum filter capacity is 0.7 l/minute. Among the additional advantages, users note the quick-release membrane and ease of maintenance. If necessary, you can easily add a mineralizer or post-filter with shungite.

The best under-sink filter systems with reverse osmosis (membrane)

Membrane filtration is considered to be of higher quality, since the output is water of almost ideal purity. The pores of the osmotic membrane are very small and retain most contaminants, iron, oil products, etc. It is important to note that the membrane is very dense and good pressure is required for water to pass through it. If the pressure in the water supply system is low, the filtration rate will be extremely low. In such cases, it is recommended to pay attention to models with a built-in pump to increase pressure.

3 GEYSER PRESTIGE P

Built-in booster pump
Country Russia
Average price: 11,900 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

It is recommended to buy this filter system for washing if you have poor water pressure in your apartment/house. "Geyser Prestige P" is one of the few models that is equipped with a pump to increase water pressure. This will allow the filtration process to start even in places with extremely low pressure (reverse osmosis requires at least 2 atmospheres for operation, otherwise the system will not work).

Otherwise, Geyser Prestige P has everything that its competitors have: 5 stages of purification, iron removal, softening, reverse osmosis, storage capacity of 12 liters. It’s a pity, of course, that there is no water mineralizer, since for about the same money the competitor Atoll A-550m STD has a mineralization function.

Among the positive reviews, users note the high quality of filtration, inexpensive and very affordable cartridges (except for the membrane for 2000 rubles) and moderate consumption for drainage (0.3 liters per 1 liter of clean water).

2 AQUAPHOR OSMO 50

Best price. 5 stages of cleaning
Country Russia
Average price: 7,490 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Aquaphor OSMO 50 is one of the most affordable reverse osmosis filter systems in terms of price. In addition to the membrane, there are 5 stages of water purification, a storage tank of 10 liters and functions for softening and purification of dissolved iron. In principle, this is enough to get quality water, as evidenced by user reviews. The water tastes better, scale and odors disappear.

There is, however, a significant disadvantage that is typical for many models with reverse osmosis - a high secondary flow of water into the drainage. For one liter of clean water, at least 6 liters go into the drainage. If you consume 300 liters of water in a month, then at least 1800 liters (almost two cubic meters) will go down the drain. For owners of houses with private sewerage, such pleasure will cost a pretty penny.

Also, do not forget about the cost of replacing filter elements. Depending on the intensity of use, replacing Aquaphor OSMO 50 filters may cost 1500 – 5500 rubles. in year.

1 ATOLL A-550M STD

Mineralization function. Price quality
Country Russia
Average price: 11,400 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The ATOLL A-550M STD model was included in the rating of the best filter systems with reverse osmosis. This is the most expensive filter system presented in the review. But the price, as they say, is justified. Atoll A-550m STD is equipped with two very useful elements: a mineralizer and an oxygen enrichment function. What's the use of this? As was described at the beginning of the article, the membrane makes the water crystal clear, removing both harmful and beneficial substances (minerals) for the human body. The water turns out almost like distilled water, which is not good. So, in Atoll A-550m STD, after all the cleaning procedures (and there are 5 stages), the water is additionally enriched with useful mineral elements. And the water becomes much healthier than after conventional purification with reverse osmosis (membrane).

Other useful functions of the Atoll A-550m include a device for deferrizing water (removing dissolved iron) - it will be useful for residents of areas with very hard water. The filter system is also equipped with a very capacious storage tank of 12 liters, which will be more than enough to provide clean water to a family of 2 to 6 people.

As for the reviews, for the most part they are only positive. Users praise the Atoll A-550m primarily for its very high-quality filtration - the water really tastes better. Some of the not-so-pleasant aspects include the rather expensive cartridges. They last a long time, but after 2-3 years (depending on the intensity of use) you will have to pay almost as much for the cartridges as the entire system costs. Atoll A-550m STD - the best value for money!

How to choose a filter system for washing?

Before choosing specific system When cleaning, it’s a good idea to have information about the chemical composition of the water that flows from the tap. This will allow you to choose the filter that will purify the water most effectively. So, if you have very hard water in your apartment, you will have to buy a more expensive filter with a membrane (reverse osmosis). Treatment of very hard water is mandatory if there are people in the family with kidney disease. For less hard water, a budget ion exchange filter may be sufficient.

You can find out the chemical composition of water different ways. For example, ask your local Vodokanal or conduct your own “mini laboratory test”. Water hardness can be determined using a special test strip, and chlorine content can be determined using starch iodine paper (available at aquarium stores).

When purchasing a filter for a sink, in addition to the price, you need to look at two important components: cleaning methods and the presence of a water softener. Each sink system may have several methods of water purification, and their quantity and quality directly depend on the cost of the entire system.

Membrane filtration

For example, in budget filters up to 3000 rubles. As a rule, there is no membrane filtration. Membrane filtration (ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis) serves to ideally purify water from viruses and bacteria. Only very thin particles of water (up to 0.0005 microns) pass through the membrane, and all other impurities and bacteria are retained. The output is very pure water, almost like distilled. But the membrane has a significant disadvantage - useful minerals are filtered along with bacteria. Therefore, such water will neither harm nor benefit. Purchasing a filter system with a membrane and a built-in mineralizer will help solve this problem. Thus, water completely purified from metal ions will be re-enriched with minerals.

Ion exchange

To purify hard water from heavy metal ions in budget filtration systems, only ion exchange. It is not possible to purify water as efficiently as reverse osmosis does, but it is still better than nothing.

Carbon filtration

Carbon filtration is a very useful feature that is present in most filter models. Coal serves to absorb chlorine, phenol, benzene, toluene, petroleum products and pesticides. It removes everything that is added to the water for disinfection. Even budget under-sink systems have carbon filtration, but some models may not have it.

Water softening

Water softening is an extremely useful function of a filter system. With its help, you can reduce the content of calcium and magnesium ions in water, which stimulate the formation of scale in a kettle, dishwasher and washing machine. This will not only save the housewife from unnecessary hassle with descaling, but will also significantly extend the life of kitchen appliances.

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 9 minutes

The purity of the water entering the apartment determines the quality of our life. Hearing about environmental changes and the deterioration of drinking water, many people think about what this life-giving moisture actually brings and how to protect themselves and their loved ones. The right decision is to purchase a water filter with multi-stage cleaning, which will get rid of dirt, chlorine, scale in the kettle and put up a reliable barrier against heavy metal ions, pesticides and pathogenic bacteria. A rating of 10 models of water filters for washing will help you choose the option that is suitable in terms of price and quality.

The results of studies and tests of bottled drinking water conducted by Roskontrol showed that it often does not meet standards and sometimes does not differ from tap water, which means that the use of household purifiers becomes especially relevant.

Filters for washing: types

Among all cleaning devices, they are expensive and relatively difficult to install; they require free space under the sink and regular replacement of cartridges. But, as professionals in this field note, it makes sense to spend once on a stationary filter in order to get an uninterrupted source of clean water in the house with a convenient separate tap.

Let's find out what features a filter for washing has and how to choose among the variety on the market.

The main difference is the principle of water purification. Such installations are divided into 2 main types.

Flow system with stacked cartridge modules

Such devices have a multi-stage design and consist of 2, 3, 4 or 5 modules through which water passes sequentially. The cartridges located in them perform various functions:

• retain mechanical contaminants (sand, rust from pipes);
• eliminate chlorine and unpleasant odors;
• remove excess metal salts;
• soften too hard water.

Advantages of flow filters:

• low cost;
• clean water comes straight from the tap;
• the ability to regulate the functionality of the system by selecting filter cartridges suitable for a particular case.

The disadvantages include the following:

• as the cartridges are used, their lifespan is exhausted and the quality of cleaning gradually decreases;
• Each cartridge module removes a specific contaminant and does not clean 100% of all possible harmful impurities.

Attention! A multi-stage installation requires good pressure in the water supply.

Reverse osmosis system

Such a device also performs multi-stage cleaning, the main difference is final processing occurs with the help of an osmotic membrane, which removes all harmful impurities at the molecular level. At the outlet, the filter unit produces the purest, oxygen-enriched water, discharging filtered dirt into the sewer through a drainage tube.

Advantages:

• the most effective purification from all possible impurities;
• The quality of cleaning is constant, always at the highest level and does not depend on the exhaustion of the cartridge resource.

Features that can be considered disadvantages:

• Low rate of obtaining purified water, due to which such filters are equipped with additional tanks with a volume of 8 to 12 liters. This will require more space under the sink.
• Almost all salts are removed from the water along with harmful substances, so you need to select models with mineralizers that saturate the outlet liquid with useful microelements.
• To clean with a reverse osmosis membrane, you need high pressure in the pipes, so some models are equipped with a built-in pump (pump), which automatically turns on if the pressure is below the required level, and fully carries out the cleaning cycle. Naturally, they cost the consumer more, especially foreign products.

Price – from 2,328 rubles.

This is the most popular model in the Aquaphor line of budget devices. Equipped with three stages of purification, including carbon filtration and ion exchange. The installation is capable of purifying water from harmful impurities and performing microfiltration of particles up to 0.1 microns in size.

Productivity – 2 liters per minute.

The resource of the filter module is 6000 l.

• low price;
• compactness and efficiency;
• a separate faucet is included in the kit;
• easy installation;
• replacement of the filter module with the housing is carried out quickly and without interference;
• When the quality of cleaning decreases, the water softening filter is regenerated according to the instructions.

• short filter life, scale appears in an electric kettle quite quickly with very hard water;
• Some users do not like the taste of purified water.

Price – from 5,360 rub.

• has the highest degree of water purification;
• easy to maintain;
• will fit in the narrowest niche, the size of the prefilter block is 360x190x160 mm, plus a tank size (height/diameter) of 370x240 mm.
• The optimal ratio of the cost of a liter of clean water is that if you consume 10 liters of clean water daily for two years, the filter will pay for itself in a year and a half and the cost of 1 liter of clean water will be about 2 rubles.

Why purify water at all?

Municipal water supply (vodokanal) purifies water as follows. Water is taken from a reservoir or well, and then a coagulant is added to it - a substance that collects small particles of impurities into large flakes. Then mechanical filtration is carried out, which removes these flakes from the water. Next comes bactericidal treatment - chlorination.

The resulting water meets sanitary standards. This means that it is not toxic and does not pose a health hazard in the short term. That is, MPC (maximum permissible concentrations) of harmful substances in such water are NOT exceeded. Yes, substances CAN be there, but in quantities allowed by the standard. To be completely clear: you can drink this water without the risk of dying immediately after drinking. But such water may contain chlorine residues, pesticides and other organic matter. After passing through the pipes, the water collects colloidal iron, rust and heavy metal ions. All this can be part of both ferrous and non-ferrous alloys from which pipes, taps, fittings and other plumbing fixtures are made. It won’t do any harm right away, but in the long term, drinking such water will definitely affect your health. Therefore, water purification is an important and necessary matter. Especially if there are children in the house (my wife and I are planning to have one soon).

Practice

To find out how filters from different manufacturers differ from each other, and which filter cleans how, my colleague and I conducted a small “investigative” experiment. You can repeat it even at home with the filter that you have at home. True, you will have to spend a little money on buying reagents - there are sites that sell equipment and materials for chemistry lessons, you will find everything there. In this regard, I was lucky with my work - I was able to come to an agreement with the laboratory and get the reagents there.

Which jug is better?

I used pitcher filters all those years that I roamed around rented apartments. To be honest, I’ve never really seen the difference between filter jugs of different brands and didn’t even think that there was one in principle: they all cost the same, plus or minus, and look the same, plus or minus. I always chose based on the price tag, volume and color of the cap. Therefore, you will have high hopes for the test different results did not have.

For the experiment, we chose the three most popular filters, judging by reviews on the Internet: “Aquaphor Provence” with an A5 module (cartridge price - 240 rubles), “Barrier” with a “Standard 4” module (cartridge price 210 rubles) and “Brita Marella "with the Maxtr Universal module (cartridge price 350 rubles).

Everything is fair: completely new filters were tested. For each, just in case, a spare cartridge was purchased.

Before testing, we washed the cartridge of each jug with about a liter of water - according to the instructions, this is the only way they can provide full cleaning power, otherwise the experiment will not be indicative.

The first step was to check how the jugs cope with pesticides, toxins and other organic matter. The question is important, because, as mentioned above, the water utility does not remove most organic pollutants from water.

The presence of pesticides, toxins, organics and organochlorines in water cannot be determined with the naked eye or taste. Therefore, in our experiment, their role was played by the dye “Methylene blue”, which even at a small concentration (10-50 μg/l) colors the water a radical blue color. In GOST 4453-74, this dye is used to determine the sorption capacity of activated carbon, that is, the ability of coal to bind organic substances contained in water. It is important for us that methylene blue, firstly, is similar in chemical structure to pesticides and toxins, and secondly, even in low concentrations it is clearly visible without any instruments.

The dye is sold in pet stores - it is used to disinfect aquariums, and costs less than 50 rubles per bottle. If you want to test your home filter the same way we did, here's the easiest and cheapest way.

So, we dissolved the contents of the vial (50 ml) in 6 liters of water and obtained a solution with a concentration of approximately 50 mg/l. The resulting dark blue liquid was passed through filters. The results were assessed visually as follows: if the water is completely transparent, the filter copes well with organic pollutants. If the outlet water is blue or light blue, then such a filter would also pass pesticides. The darker the blue, the lower the cleaning percentage.

You can judge for yourself from the photo: cleaning is close to 100% - only with Aquaphor. He was the only one who gave out visually clear water. The percentage is 80-85% for Barrier and Brita, which, by the way, is more expensive than the other participants combined.

Next, we washed the jugs with water to remove the “blue” and immediately began testing the effectiveness of the same cartridges in the fight against rusty water. For clarity, we used a suspension of iron (III) hydroxide at a concentration of 100 mg/l (for iron). The resulting solution has more than three hundred times the maximum permissible concentration of iron in water.

In this experiment, “Brita” stood out: the water passed through the filter one and a half times faster than through “Aquaphor” and “Barrier”. For an ordinary user, such a high “cleaning” speed is a big plus. Just typed it in and you can already drink it. But, as it became clear from the experiment, fast does not always mean good!

The results were also assessed visually. Based on the results of the rust test, Aquaphor again became the “winner” - it produced completely clear water at the output, that is, it filtered out almost 100% of the suspended matter. “Barrier” took second place (~85%), and the worst performer in removing rust from the water was the most expensive participant in our experiments, “Brita” (~80%).

These results are visible even without any concentration measurements - the water just looks completely different. Such different results for filters that were (seemingly) similar in design and operating principle surprised us. As I said, initially I used to think that they all work the same. To find out the reason for such strong differences in the efficiency of water purification, we decided to open the cartridges and study the sorbent. Maybe Aquaphor has more of it or has a fundamentally different composition?

We cut the cartridges used in the test and examined the contents. The inner world of “Barrier” and “Brita” turned out to be identical. Black granules are activated carbon, gray granules are ion exchange resin. "Brita" has smaller granules - hence the high speed and low quality of mechanical filtration. Despite the fact that the filter is the most expensive, it contains the least amount of sorbent.

Against the background of Barrier and Brita scattered in a shapeless heap, the sorbent from the Aquaphor cartridge remains invigorating. The carbon and resin granules in this filter retain their shape Easter cake, and the granules are two times smaller in size than those of “Brita” and “Barrier”.

These granules hold thin yellow fibers together as a single composite. It’s somewhat similar to soil in a potted plant - if you’ve ever replanted flowers, you’ve seen how a tangle of fine roots holds the soil.

The fibers, as it turned out, are a special material called Aqualen-2. The manufacturer’s website says that this is a unique proprietary development of the Aquaphor Research Institute - a special fiber that (hereinafter quoted from the website) “selectively absorbs heavy metal ions and allows silver ions to be retained in the sorbent in an active ionic form, and also retains sorbent granules, preventing the formation of channels through which water passes without purification.”

The diagram above (also taken from the Aquaphor website) shows how the sorbent works in different filters. In conventional cartridges, where activated carbon and resin are packed in a jumbled mess, water forms channels between the granules and passes through them very quickly with little or no cleaning. Aqualen-2 combats the “channel effect” and allows the use of a smaller sorbent. The “root system” in the Aquaphor cartridge distributes water over a larger area, so that the sorbent has time to retain more pollutants. The clear water in the jug is a direct confirmation of this.

The photo of the disassembled cartridge shows that the blue dye solution did not pass even a third of the sorbent block, while the Barrier and Brita sorbents were colored entirely, and at the same time some of the methylene blue was passed into the container for purified water.

Why don't other manufacturers even try to do something similar, but use old technology pouring sorbent into a shapeless heap? In search of additions to the experiment, I again scoured the Internet. Brita jugs have an interesting design and very beautiful creative advertising. It was not possible to find any clear information regarding the content of the filters. Coal and ion exchange resin are classics that have not changed for more than 30 years. “Barrier” clearly shows the cartridge in cross-section, but the experiment shows that questions also remain about the effectiveness of such a design. Aquaphor does not skimp and invests in development. We didn’t even expect to discover that a Russian manufacturer had its own research institute and investments in know-how worth millions of dollars.

Why, apart from Aquaphor, few people bother with the development of technology - one can only guess. Firstly, it is difficult and expensive. Secondly, it is also a thankless task. With more or less normal tap water, the presence of contaminants in it cannot be seen with the naked eye - solutions of most toxins and pesticides are actually colorless, and not blue, like the dye in our experiment. Rust in such strong concentrations only occurs during accidents or in “morning dumps.” None of the ordinary filter buyers will conduct stress tests like ours. That is normal person, like my mother, will never know about the existence of any differences in the quality of cleaning between Brita and Aquaphor. But in the store on the shelf, all the filters are generally the same, and people choose by price, volume and color of the cap. So why should manufacturers spend money on development - is it logical?
However, enough lyricism - let's continue comparing filters.

In general, stationary filters, although more expensive, are better (at least for Russian realities). Readers who have their own home or have fairly accommodating landlords are definitely advised to spend money and install a stationary filter, rather than relying on a jug to make do. But which sink filter should you choose?

You are unlikely to be able to compare stationary filters at home: firstly, buying several different filters is expensive, and secondly, installing them is also quite difficult.

In order not to waste time installing filters under the sink, we built a clever “simulation” of a water supply system right in the laboratory. An electric pump pumps water with a pressure of about 3.5 atmospheres from a large container of untreated water to two filters at once. Water that has been purified in filters is collected in two smaller glass containers.

The participants in the new comparison were two filters that claim to remove 100% of bacteria from water. In the case of microbiological contamination, half measures are unacceptable: either the filter removes 100% of all bacteria, or it is 100% INeffective. The thing is that, unlike pesticides, toxins, rust, hardness salts and other pollutants, living organisms reproduce. So even if the filter leaves 0.01% bacteria in the water, after some time this insignificant amount of microorganisms will multiply to a volume of 100%.

So, filters with a “bactericidal” function: in the left corner of the ring there was an “Aquaphor Crystal Eco” with a K7B cartridge (4,950 rubles), in the right corner of the ring there was a “Geyser” with an “Aragon-2” cartridge (4,790 rubles).

…………………. THE FURTHER TEXT WAS CHANGED AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE POST …………………

I was forced to change the original text of my post at the request of an employee of the Geyser company.

The comparison yielded extremely interesting results and conclusions, and collected many comments, questions and clarifications in a personal message (thanks for your interest!).
But two weeks later, a representative of the Geyser brand came to me in a personal message and accused me of bias and unfair conclusions. And after some discussions, they demanded that I remove the description of the test results of their filter from my post, threatening to apply legal pressure otherwise and force the removal of the entire post. In general, the situation turned out to be ugly.

In a personal message, I asked the representative a simple question:
How does the Geyser with the Aragon cartridge filter water from bacteria and viruses?

A) by mechanical filtration method (it simply does not physically allow bacteria to pass through)? If so, why in my test did particles 1 micron in size (the same size as bacteria) pass through the filter?
b) or still by chemical filtration? If so, what substance actively kills bacteria and viruses? After all, let’s look at point a) particles 1 micron in size still leak through the filter - our test clearly showed this.

Unfortunately, after a long, several-day personal correspondence, I never received answers to these questions from the Geyser representative.

But, in any case, I am removing the results of our testing of the Geyser filter with the Aragon cartridge from the post - I don’t want to provoke a conflict.

However, I consider it necessary to note that the test results seemed to me (and a large number of readers) worthy of interest. And therefore I will continue to understand the issue further. And I’ll think about how to convey unbiased information about the real effectiveness of Geyser filters to interested consumers.

In the meantime, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the second part of the results of our test - the results of the Aquaphor filter.

…………………. END OF MODIFIED FRAGMENT OF ORIGINAL POST …………………

We did not dare to dilute dangerous biological contamination, so we decided to use a suspension of hematite, a mineral whose particles are comparable in size to the size of bacteria (approximately 1 micron), as a testing system. A hematite suspension at a concentration of 0.5 g per liter has a rich carrot color - if the filters do not cut off the particles, we will immediately see it - the water will be yellow.

"Aquaphor" with a K7B cartridge gave clear, clean water. The hematite particles remained in the filter - the same fate would have awaited the bacteria.

The Aquaphor IVF test report is included in the device instructions. According to the protocol, by using a hollow fiber membrane, the filter cuts off 100% of bacteria. The manufacturer's website indicates that the membrane retains the smallest particles ranging in size from 0.1 microns.

conclusions

During our tests, the Aquaphor filters turned out to be the most effective and interesting to study. Quite unexpectedly for us, the domestic manufacturer significantly outperformed its rivals in terms of water purification quality: in all tests, its filters produced clean, transparent water. As far as we understand the topic, the effect was achieved through the company’s own developments. For example, the patented Aqualen-2 fiber made the sorbent of the filter jug ​​an order of magnitude more effective and extended its service life.

The famous European brand “Brita” was truly disappointed: it turned out that in the case of filters of this brand, the overpayment is solely for their European origin and a well-promoted name. The Germans even managed to save on cartridge filler, which is why their jug ​​showed the weakest results.
I ended up installing Aquaphor Crystal ECO in my kitchen. And I took Aquaphor Provence to my parents’ dacha. Instead of Brita, which they had before...

Do we often think about the question of what kind of water we use at home for drinking or cooking? Alas, we have to admit that not everyone has yet fully understood the need for its purification and filtration. But this is by no means an idle question: the quality of water from autonomous sources or from the city network very often lies outside the limits of acceptable sanitary standards. Simple boiling or settling can help only partly, and is unable to cope with the overwhelming number of factors of pollution or even infection.

It is gratifying that the number of supporters of a reasonable attitude towards health, their own and those around them, is still constantly growing. Direct evidence of this is the expanding popularity and demand for household water purification devices. Filter manufacturers are constantly working to improve their products and expand their product range. But the variety on sale can easily confuse a buyer who is purchasing such products for the first time and is not too knowledgeable about how to choose a water filter.

Where does the choice begin?

This publication will not contain a detailed story about water polluting factors, technologies for purifying it from certain substances, or the operating principles of various filtering devices.

How are coarse and fine filters designed and how do they work?

It is very important to know this, but it is not worth repeating. A separate large article on our portal is devoted to the issue of the design and functioning of various types.

Therefore, today the emphasis will be placed mainly on consumer problems - what to choose for a person to provide clean water to his home. Let us also take out of the brackets complex powerful water treatment stations assembled from several column-type filters - their selection, configuration and installation should only be carried out by specialists. Let's consider the problem in the context of purchasing a ready-made filter or filtration complex in a specialized store, designed for the needs of one average family.

Any task should always begin with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve in the end. When purchasing essentially any thing or product, a person usually already has an idea of ​​what functions or qualities he hopes to get for his money spent. The water purification filter is no exception in this matter. You need to confidently imagine what properties it should have.

A simplified approach like “just purify the water” is, of course, complete amateurism. Along with clear signs contaminants (which also need to be dealt with skillfully), water may contain substances or microorganisms that are completely invisible to sight, smell or taste and pose a threat to human health.

You should not trust your superficial feelings, much less the advice of your neighbors. Subjective opinions can lie in a wide range - from “we have been drinking this kind of water all our lives” to some far-fetched “horrors”, which more likely belong to the category of “urban legends”. And, in addition, the quality of water from neighboring nearby sources, or even in neighboring urban buildings, can vary significantly.

As a result, you can fall into one of two extremes:

• Purchasing a filter that does not have the required cleaning functions will simply be a waste of money.
• Taking advantage of the obvious ignorance of the consumer, store sellers will try to impose an expensive filter system for which there is absolutely no need. In the end, this is also lost money.

The optimal solution is to submit a water sample from a source or water supply for laboratory analysis. This, of course, also costs money, but such expenses will be justified.

The best decision is to conduct a laboratory test of water from your source.

Carrying out the analysis immediately solves a lot of questions:

• You can immediately assess the fundamental suitability of an autonomous source for use in food needs.
• The analysis results will help you choose the right filter system. Repeated analysis, after installing the filter, will give a clear picture of its effectiveness.
• Regular testing will allow you to track the dynamics of changes in the biochemical composition of water - an extremely important measure for autonomous, especially newly equipped sources.
• Having a laboratory test report in hand can become a document on the basis of which it will be possible to make claims against city utilities.

By the way, many thoughtful people, when purchasing a new home, immediately require the presentation of a document on the quality of drinking water.

To carry out the analysis, you need to decide on a laboratory. You should not resort to the services of laboratories working at water supply organizations (they can easily underestimate pollution indicators), and at companies involved in the installation of filtering and purification systems (there, of course, there may be another extreme). It is best to choose an independent organization that has the appropriate government certification.

Laboratory tests are divided into two types - chemical and microbiological. For autonomous, especially surface sources, both are mandatory. For tap water, which, in theory, should have already gone through the stage of disinfection, they are often limited to only a chemical test, although a microbiology test will also never be superfluous.

It is most reasonable to agree in advance with laboratory workers about the time of delivery of the collected water samples, since there are certain restrictions on their shelf life (2 ÷ 3 hours).

Water intake also requires compliance with certain rules:

For chemical analysis, 1.5 liters are required.

• The optimal solution is clean plastic bottle, but only from drinking non-carbonated water. It is prohibited to use containers for sweet drinks or beer.
• The tap is opened and the water is given at least 15 minutes to flow freely. (If the source has not been used for a long time, it will take even 2 hours).
• The bottle and cap are thoroughly washed with the same water that will be analyzed. None detergents not used.
• Then the pressure is made minimal, so that when pouring into the bottle, aeration is not created - the appearance of bubbles. Excess oxygen can greatly distort the overall picture.
• The container is filled completely, overflowing, in such a way that there is no air left under the tightly screwed cap.

For biological analysis, the requirements are completely different.

• The required volume is about 0.5 liters. The container must be absolutely sterile - if used, for example, glass jar, then both it and the lid to it are thoroughly steamed. Many laboratories accept samples for microbiology exclusively in their own sterile disposable containers, which are given to the customer.
• To collect water, you must wear sterile medical gloves.

For the “purity of the experiment”, taking a water sample for biological analysis is carried out wearing sterile gloves

• Even before opening the tap, the cut of the spout is either burned with fire, or carefully treated with medical alcohol - it is necessary to completely prevent microorganisms from entering the sample from the outside.
• The tap opens and water runs under maximum pressure for at least 10 minutes.
• After this, the sterilized container (cold) is filled to the top and immediately sealed.

Typically, the execution time for an order for high-quality laboratory testing of water is about 5 ÷ 7 days. By the way, if they promise to do it literally in a day or two, this should alert you. It happens that not entirely conscientious companies conduct a superficial rapid test, which is then passed off as an in-depth study.

As a result, the customer must receive a protocol certified in accordance with the established procedure, which has the force of a legal document.

As a rule, this is a table in which, for clarity, the maximum acceptable standards for water, established by SanPiN, and actually obtained indicators.

Having such a document in hand and highlighting the positions that require adjustment, it will be possible to select filters for the appropriate focus of action.

The laboratory research protocol will help determine the “strategy” for water treatment, and can also be of assistance in filing claims against utility services.

Is it possible to limit ourselves to conducting independent rapid tests, kits for which can be purchased in stores?

Experts have a unanimous opinion on this matter - such analysis is not a full-fledged alternative to laboratory analysis. Of course, it will show the presence of a problem, but it will not be able to determine the exact quantitative and component indicators of pollution, that is, the data for a high-quality selection of the filter system will be clearly insufficient.

And one more parameter that should be determined in advance is the required filter performance. Since the article discusses devices for drinking water purification and for cooking, we can proceed from the average norm of 3 liters per day per person. Of course, the filter should not operate at the limit of its capabilities, that is, it is advisable to increase this rate, say, by half.

Thus, if, for example, five people live in a house (apartment), then it is easy to determine that approximately 30 liters of purified water per day will be required. Accordingly, the purchased device must cope with such a load.

Now let's move on to considering various models of household

The simplest option: filter - jug

Filter jug ​​device

For those who do not want to spend a significant amount on purchasing a filter, do not need large volumes of purified water, or do not want to deal with any installation or connecting the system to the water supply, we can advise you to get a “light option” - a jug. Of course, such a solution is only possible if the quality of the incoming water allows it.

The simplest and most inexpensive, but far from the most effective solution is to purchase a jug filter

Although externally, filter jugs can vary greatly in shape and color design. The basic design is always the same and is not very complicated.

Essentially, these are two containers separated by a partition and communicating only through a filter cartridge.

The jug body (item 1) is used to collect purified water. It is always made of transparent food-grade polymer; a volume scale is often placed on its walls for ease of use. The capacity of the jug may vary - usually there are a number of models on sale with a volume of filtered water ranging from 1.3 to 4 liters. The choice for this parameter depends on the family’s need for drinking water.

The upper container (item 2) is an insert into the housing. It is also made from impact-resistant food-grade plastic, but usually has a darker tone (the color may vary depending on design idea). This compartment is designed to receive water to be filtered, and its capacity is usually about half the usable volume of the jug.

At the bottom of the insert, where it forms a kind of funnel, there is a socket into which the filter cartridge is tightly inserted and fixed (item 3). Purpose, that is functionality cartridges can be different - this is selected based on the existing “clinical picture” of the state of the water.

It is important to know that the locking or threaded connection between the cartridge and the upper container may vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. Apparently, this is a method of encouraging the purchase of only branded components.

There is a spout in the upper part of the body for convenient directed drainage of filtered water (item 4). The design is such that even with a strong tilt of the jug, water from the upper and lower compartments does not have the opportunity to accidentally mix.

The collection of water for filtration is carried out with the lid folded back (pos. 5), which can be equipped with a convenient lock (pos. 6), or through the intake hatch, which also necessarily has its own lid to prevent accidental entry of dust or debris inside.

The filter jug ​​always has a comfortable handle (item 7). A “reminder” can be placed on top of the lid or on the handle - a mechanical calendar that will prompt the owner about the timing of changing the filter cartridge. There are also expensive models that have an electronic display. Moreover, when selling some branded models, it is practiced to register customers who will subsequently receive Internet or SMS messages about the need to replace them.

The operation scheme is obvious - water poured into the upper container independently, without any influence, only due to gravity, passes through the filling of the cartridge, receives the required cleaning and accumulates in the jug. As water is consumed for drinking or kitchen needs, new portions are added to the receiving container.

Cartridges used

It is the cartridge that is the most important element of such a filter, so special attention should be focused on its selection.

The shape of the cartridge and its locking part can be different, and there is almost no question of interchangeability, unless, of course, this is specified by the manufacturer.

But cartridges for one filter model can have different purposes:

• Replacement elements for water of standard quality are sold - they help cope with possible unpleasant odors, normalize taste, remove heavy metal ions, chlorine impurities, organic compounds, etc. The usual sorption material for them is granular activated carbon.
• There are cartridges with a pronounced softening effect - they additionally contain a certain amount of ion exchange resins.
• You can also choose a cartridge for a source with a high iron content - they use reagent-free technology for iron removal and filtration.
• For sources whose water does not undergo disinfection, there are special elements with a bactericidal effect.
• Cassettes are produced, the refilling of which involves a healing fluoridation effect on the water.

Most companies use silver in one form or another in cartridge fillers - this prevents the development of bacterial colonies inside them. And besides, each manufacturer tries to surprise the consumer with its own original developments.

Typically, at the inlet and outlet of their cartridge there is a mesh or membrane that performs the function of mechanical filtration. In addition, the replacement elements usually have a special throttle device that equalizes the speed of water passing through the filler, regardless of the level of filling of the upper section of the jug.

Advantages and disadvantages. Options for selecting filter jugs.

About positive traits filter jugs we can say the following:

• Their operation is the simplest, which anyone can handle.
• There are simply no installation operations other than connecting the cartridge. Ideal for work, dorms or rental housing.
• The jug can be easily taken with you as needed, for example, when going on vacation.
• Low cost, affordable for any family.

There are also significant disadvantages of such filtering:

• Cleaning occurs only in certain portions. For example, to fill a five-liter kettle, you will have to fill the filter twice.
• The cleaning speed is low, rarely reaching the threshold of 400 ml/minute, and more often – even much less.
• Frequent (about once every month and a half) cartridge replacement is required. the period may be even shorter.
• Quite high operating costs in terms of the volume of filtered water, if you look at it in perspective. So, after just one and a half to two years, the total costs can equal or even exceed the costs of a truly powerful and high-quality multi-stage filtration installation.

When choosing a filter jug, you should be careful, as the market is replete with cheap counterfeits.

Under no circumstances should they buy them in random places - there are specialized stores for this. It is best to choose models from well-known brands.

Carefully inspect and literally sniff the body. The polymer should not emit any odors. Food grade plastic must have the appropriate pictographic marking shown in the figure.

This sign indicates that food grade plastic was used to make the jug.

You should immediately evaluate the possibility of purchasing original replacement cartridges with the required functionality, in accordance with the quality of the water source, and their affordability.

It is necessary to choose a jug based on volume wisely. Remember - such a filter is not a “decanter” at all, but only serves to purify water. The capacity of the vessel should correspond to real needs with a small margin. It is not recommended to store filtered water for more than a day. This means that you will have to simply drain the excess, wasting the resource of the replacement cartridge.

Typically, a one and a half liter jug ​​is enough for a single person or a couple. It is fashionable to think about purchasing a filter with maximum capacity, about 4 liters, only if it will be used in a large family.

Cartridges purchased must be in original sealed packaging. Their expiration date must be checked.

The convenience of the jug and its external design are certainly important criteria, they should still be evaluated last.

To complete the section on jug filters, here is a short overview of popular models from well-known manufacturers and some cartridges for them.

Model, brief description	Illustration	Capacity (jug/funnel) or cartridge resource (liters)	approximate cost
MANUFACTURER - "BARRIER"
Barrier-Style jug, compact layout, mechanical resource indicator		2.5 / 1.0	490 rub.
Jug "Barrier Grand NEO Ruby", volume scale, mechanical resource indicator		3.7/2.0	550 rub.
Cartridge “Barrier – 7 iron” for standard and water purification and deferrization		350	250 rub.
Cartridge "Barter-ultra" for filtration and bactericidal treatment of water		200	400 rub.
MANUFACTURER – “AQUAPHOR”
Jug "Aquaphor Line" classic design, compact size		3.2 / 1.4	350 rub.
Jug "Aquaphor Prestige", mechanical indicator		3.0 / 1.35	540 rub.
Cartridge B100-15, universal action		170	155 rub.
Cartridge B100-6, softening		300	320 rub.
MANUFACTURER - "GEYSER"
Jug "Geyser Matisse-Chrome", graphite or deep blue color, plastic with increased heat resistance		4.0 / 1.5	840 rub.
Jug "Geyser Dolphin" - stylish model, 5 shades to choose from		3.0 / 1.4	380 rub.
Cartridge "Geyser 502", universal, with a softening effect		300	210 rub.
Cartridge "Geyser 301", universal type		300	170 rub.
MANUFACTURER - "ВRITA"
Jug "Elemaris XL", with electronic cartridge resource indicator		3.5 / 1.5	1450 rub.
Marella XL jug, electronic display		2.2 / 1.2	790 rub.
"Brita Classic" is a universal cartridge. Suitable for some models of Aquaphor jugs		150	290
"Brita Maxtra" - cartridge with four stages of water purification		150	360 rub.

Video: review of Barrier brand filter jugs

Filters in the form of a faucet attachment

Another type of filters that can be classified as the simplest water purification systems.

As the name implies, these devices are simply put on the faucet spout head. Water is filtered using a flow method, due to pressure in the pipes. This allows the use of carefully compacted sorbent backfill in such filters, in contrast to jug cartridges, that is, to improve the quality of water purification.

The advantages of such tabletop filter attachments are increased resource and productivity. The device does not clutter up the space directly above the sink.

However, there are also many shortcomings. The design is quite voluminous and will take up a lot of useful space near the sink to which it is “attached”. When using a coupling connection, the inconvenience is the same as with a compact nozzle - the need to connect and disconnect it with each set of filtered water. If a connection with a diverter is used, then the tube extending from it may cause interference.

Drawing water from such a filter requires care - careless activation will result in liquid spilling on the table surface. The possibility of accidental release of hot water into the filter remains fully intact.

Model	Short description	Illustration	average price
"Aquaphor Modern"	The body is spindle-shaped, the spout is located on the side. Dimensions 273 × 117 mm. Filtration rate – up to 1.2 l/min. The resource of the replaceable cartridge B200 is up to 4000 liters. Mechanical calendar - reminder.		770 rub.
"Barrier Optima"	Original design, microprocessor control over the residual life of the filter module. Swivel spout. Cartridge resource – up to 1500 liters. Filtration rate – up to 1 l/min.		1200 rub.
"Rodnik-3M"	Model for wall mounting. Dimensions 315×120 mm. Weight when not filled with water is 1 kg. The resource of the replaceable module is 3600 liters. Filtration rate – up to 2 l/min.		790 rub.
"Geyser 1 UZH EURO"	A modern model with a wide selection of filter modules of various functionality with the possibility of regeneration. The module resource is up to 25,000 liters, including without regeneration - up to 7,000 liters. Filtration rate – up to 1.5 l/min.		1500 rub.

Filter systems with installation under the sink

Universal installations for filtration and fine water purification, which are usually located under the kitchen sink, are becoming increasingly popular among users.

The most rational solution is to hide the filter system under the kitchen sink

Structurally, such systems usually represent a series of cartridge-type filters, each with its own cartridge of a certain type of action. (The design of such filters is described in detail in the article linked above). Water along the path from the water supply to the point of analysis sequentially passes through all the modules, which ensures comprehensive cleaning of the highest class.

All filters, as a rule, are assembled on one console with a system of channels or tubes for transferring water from one module to another. There are models with a case design, in which the entire system is covered with a casing.

The arrangement of filter flasks is most often linear. In some multi-stage systems, an arrangement in two rows or two tiers is possible, with vertical and horizontal placement of modules.

The number of modules, that is, cleaning stages: from the minimum - one, to four, and sometimes even five. This results in the highest “flexibility” of the system – installation dimensions replaceable cartridges, as a rule, are uniform from one manufacturer, which allows you to accurately select General characteristics the entire complex depending on the results of laboratory water testing.

Such complexes are very convenient to use. When installing them, the water supply is immediately connected to the water supply, and a separate tap is installed at the sink, connected to the last stage of filtration. At any time you can substitute the container, open the tap and draw required quantity purified water. Moreover, the diameter of the connecting tubes, connecting channels and the parameters of the external tap provide optimal pressure for high-quality filtration - there is no risk of exceeding it. In addition, the possibility of accidentally letting hot water into the filter modules is completely eliminated.

The disadvantages of such complexes can only be considered a certain complexity of the initial installation, although for the owner who is familiar with basic plumbing techniques, no special problems should arise. And the relatively high cost of such complexes can hardly be considered a disadvantage - the high quality of cleaning is worth such costs, and the considerable resource of replaceable modules ensures a quick payback for the filtering unit.

The choice of such filter systems has its own characteristics.

• Since the installation is supposed to be hidden under the sink, issues of external design, as a rule, are not among the priorities. It is much more important that the dimensions of the complex correspond to the actual dimensions of the space allocated for its installation.
• Since the system most often involves multi-stage cleaning, you should focus not on the persuasion of the sales consultant, but on the available results of laboratory research. It is important to determine priorities in advance in order to choose the right modular content of the kit.
• Some complexes have expanded functionality - after the first stage mechanical cleaning there is a branch to a regular faucet or to a dishwasher, heater, etc.
• When assessing the performance of the complex as a whole, you should focus on the readings of the “slowest” cartridge. Typically, at the outlet of the faucet, a flow rate of about 1.5 ÷ 2 liters per minute is provided - a completely acceptable characteristic.
• Filter modules may also differ in the size of their resource. The owner will have to monitor this on his own, since it may be necessary to change cartridges sometimes not at once, but “in stages.” Some modules can be periodically regenerated.

Of course, you should check the completeness of the delivery. Usually the system is supplied with everything necessary for its complete installation - a hanging or floor-standing console, flasks, a set of cartridges (you can often choose it at your discretion), a tee for inserting into the water supply with a pressure regulator, connecting pipes, a faucet for installation on a sink, a key for “packaging” of flasks with cartridges. Sometimes the kit includes additional accessories - all this is indicated in the product passport.

Model	Short description	Illustration	average price
"Aquaphor Solo Crystal"	The simplest single-stage sorption purification system. Dimensions 260x340x90 mm. Capacity up to 2.5 l/min.		2500 rub.
"Aquaphor B510-08"	Replacement module for deep water purification. Resource – 4000 l or 6 months. operation		350 – 400 rub.
Atoll A-211Eg (D-21s STD)	Two-stage system with mechanical and sorption filtration and hard water softening. Dimensions 355x365x145. Productivity – up to 3.8 l/min.		7300 rub.
Atoll A-211E + Atoll A-211E g	An additional set of cartridges designed for 2 years of operation with replacement every 6 months		4000 rub
"Barrier Expert Complex"	Three-stage purification system - mechanical filtration, sorption purification, softening and deferrization of water. Dimensions 368×267×95 mm. Productivity – up to 2 l/min.		3700 rub.
"Expert Complex"	Set of cartridges. Resource 10,000 liters or 1 year of operation		1400 rub.
"Aquaphor Crystal ECO N"	A system with four stages of purification, including disinfection, softening, iron removal, mineralization and water conditioning. Dimensions 377x342x92 mm. Productivity – up to 2.5 l/min.		4800 rub.
"Aquaphor" K3, KN, K7 and K7V	A set of four replaceable cartridges with an increased resource - 8000 l or 18 months. operation		2200 rub.

Video: advantages of the Aquaphor-Trio water filter

Fibos type flow line filters

Another type of filter in which water is purified by passing through a filter element under the influence of pressure in the water supply system or pressure created by a pump if the water source is autonomous. These filters are built directly into the main line, that is, into the pipe through which water is supplied to the tap. This is convenient, since the procedure for initially connecting the filter is one-time and, as a rule, is performed by a specialist plumber. But anyone with basic plumbing skills can easily handle it.

The advantage of main filters is that clean water flows from the tap, which can be used for any purpose. In addition, you can install one filter for several water distribution points (kitchen, bathroom, toilet, washing and Dishwasher and so on).

Let's look at how these filters work using the Fibos filters as an example.

• Unpurified water enters the outer filter flask.
• It passes under pressure through a filter element - a fabric wound with an ultra-thin microwire. The distance between the turns of the microwire is 1 micron.
• Contaminants remain in the outer part of the flask.
• Clean water from the filter element is supplied to the tap and household appliances.
• Contaminants are removed from the outer part of the flask simply by opening the drain valve.

The microwire is the main thing in the filter. What is it and how does it filter?

Currently, the only mass production of microwire in the world is located in Russia. Its production technology was effectively developed back in the USSR. The main areas of use of microwires are the military and space industries.

A microwire is an ultra-thin metal thread that is covered with glass insulation. Its thickness is no more than 25 microns, which is 40 times less than a millimeter.

In the filter element, the microwire is wound with a distance between turns of 1 micron. Only water passes through it, and contaminants remain in the outer filter flask, then they are removed when the drain tap is opened at the bottom of the Fibos filter. The glass coating of the microwire is necessary so that contaminants do not stick to the filter element and are easily washed off when washed.

If you look at a photo of the Fibos filter element under a microscope, you can see a metal core and a glass shell covering it. If you look closely, you can see the gap between the turns is about 1 micron.

In addition to fine purification of water from mechanical impurities, Fibos filters provide protection against bacteria. Bacteria attach to mechanical particles, forming a thin biofilm on them. Thanks to its ultra-fine filtration, the Fibos filter completely retains them.

If necessary, to soften water, remove chlorine, or reduce the iron content in water, an inexpensive cartridge filter with the appropriate properties can be installed after the Fibos-type main filter. Cartridges last much longer and are replaced less often, since the Fibos filter does the preliminary fine cleaning.

In terms of performance, there is a line of Fibos filters from 5 l/min for the kitchen, 16.5 l/min for an apartment or cottage, 50 l/min for a cottage, 83 l/min for a cottage, swimming pool to industrial samples of 1000 l/min .

Fibos filters operate at water pressures from 0.5 to 16 bar. They are supplied with a pressure gauge showing the pressure in the system.

Another plus of these filters: they practically do not reduce the pressure in your water supply system.

For ease of use, Fibos filters are equipped with devices for automatic washing.

The filters are compact, with a height from 146 mm to 183 mm without a pressure gauge and a flush tap.

Model	Description	average price
	Convenient small filter for the sink. Produces 5 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 3/4" or 1/2" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	6,990 rub.
	Compact filter for a cottage or apartment. Produces 16.5 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 3/4" or 1/2" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	RUB 8,990
	An excellent filter for a country house or cottage. Produces 50 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 1" or 3/4" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	RUB 13,990
	The filter is ideal for cottages and swimming pools. Produces 83 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to a 1.25 inch or 1 inch line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	RUB 23,990

Filters with reverse osmosis system

The highest rates of water purification from any impurities, chemical or bacteriological contaminants are shown by filter units in which, in addition to conventional purification, a stage operating on the principle of reverse osmosis is used.

For “apologists” of crystal clear water - installations with a purification system based on the principle of reverse osmosis

To begin with, what is reverse osmosis?

If a vessel is divided by a membrane with microscopic pores, and then liquid with different concentrations of impurities is poured into these sections, the system will not be in equilibrium. Liquid from a compartment with a lower concentration will spontaneously tend to the opposite one, thus equalizing the overall concentration. This phenomenon is called forward osmosis.

But if an external influence is applied to the volume of a more concentrated liquid - increasing its pressure, then the flow through the membrane will begin to occur in reverse side. And what goes into the neighboring section will depend only on the size of the membrane cells.

This is exactly how reverse osmosis filter units work.

Schematically - what is the reverse osmosis process?

Water enters the filter module under pressure (arrow No. 1). The module itself is divided into two parts by a membrane (red arrow), the microholes of which are only about 0.3 nm in size, so that they allow water molecules to pass through. Thus, small-sized water molecules penetrate into the second half, from where filtered water flows to points of accumulation or consumption (arrow No. 3). Increasingly larger molecules, not to mention mechanical suspensions, bacteria and even most viruses are reliably retained on the membrane and removed along with the concentrated solution into the drainage (arrow No. 2). A common occurrence is the proportion of ⅓ of the total volume - purified water and ⅔ - discharged concentrate.

In principle, such a scheme is capable of independently purifying water of any degree of contamination. However, in order not to “overload” the membrane and to prevent its pores from becoming overgrown, several stages of pre-filtration are provided. In addition, some molecules (for example, free chlorine, which is constantly present in tap water) are smaller in size than aquatic ones, and must be gotten rid of in advance. Therefore, pre-filtration includes not only mechanical, but also sorption purification.

The output is water, which in its characteristics approaches distilled water. From a cleanliness point of view, this is excellent, but from a consumer qualities- Not good. Such demineralized water is devoid of even the slightest taste and smell, is of little use for drinking, and dishes prepared from it will not be the most delicious. Moreover, many doctors agree that water of this degree of purification can even be harmful to the human body.

To eliminate this drawback, additional modules are usually installed after reverse osmosis for household purposes. Usually this is a mineralizer that enriches water with mineral salts necessary for humans. A carbon post-filter and a biothermal module can also be installed, which normalizes the bio-composition of water. And if special sterilization is required, then an ultraviolet lamp can be used to complete the cycle.

The cost of such installations is quite high, so it is necessary to immediately determine how much there is a need for it. In addition, a number of other important criteria are taken into account when choosing.

• The reverse osmosis process requires a minimum pressure of about 2.8 bar. Water supply systems do not always meet these indicators. This means that you will either need to install a pump that increases the pressure in the system, or you will need to purchase a complex equipped with a built-in pump. That is, there will also be a need to organize power supply.
• The question of the performance of the filtering unit is very “how much”. Here it is important to find a “golden mean” so that the need for clean water is met and unnecessary surpluses are not created. We should not forget that in order to get a liter of purified water, about two liters will have to be drained into the sewer. That is, it would be extremely unwise to use such water for economic purposes.

Even the smallest installations are capable of producing up to 100 liters per day - this is more than enough for any family. So it’s hardly worth chasing high performance, especially since this affects the cost of the installation itself.

• You should decide which installation will be more convenient to use - storage or flow. In flow-through systems, filtration occurs only when the water tap is open - more efficient membranes are installed. In another embodiment, the system has its own storage tank– the filtration process occurs only when necessary – when the total volume of accumulated purified water decreases to a certain level. It is very convenient - the owners always have a supply of clean water. The disadvantage is the considerable dimensions of the assembled installation. But the price of such complexes is much lower.

The most expensive module, naturally, is the reverse osmosis module, but its resource is quite long - the membrane usually withstands up to three years of operation. Rest replaceable cartridges change more often as the resources embedded in them are developed. Typically, pre-filters last up to six months, and a post-cleaning carbon cartridge lasts up to a year. After its depletion, the water may “signal” with a bitter taste.

Model	Short description	Illustration	average price
"Aquaphor OSMO 100 PN version 6"	Three-stage pre-cleaning, mineralizer and post-filter. Storage tank 10 l. Built-in pump. Productivity 15.6 l/hour.		14,000 rub.
"Geyser Prestige PM"	Six stages of preliminary and post. cleaning. Storage tank 12 liters. Productivity – 12 l/hour. Two tap positions - for clean and mineralized water.		14100 rub.
"Barrier Profi Osmo 100 boost"	Five-stage cleaning, built-in pump. Storage tank 8 l. High productivity – up to 20 l/hour.		11000 rub.
"Atoll A-560E SailBoat"	An original monoblock design that simplifies installation of the system in the space under the sink. Dimensions 410 × 420 × 240 mm. 5 stages of cleaning. Built-in 8 liter membrane tank. Productivity – up to 6 l/hour.		20,000 rub.

Video: household filtration unit with reverse osmosis system "Aquaphor - Morion"

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More and more people are faced with the problem Bad quality tap water. And if in cities where there is a central water supply, it is still somehow purified (although not ideally), then in private areas this is not the case. In mountainous areas, with many springs, the situation is better, but in general, water from the water often requires high-quality filtration. Nowadays, many different installations for such cleaning have appeared on store shelves. And in this huge assortment of types, companies and models, it’s easy to get confused. Today we will try to figure out how to choose water filters for a private home and which device is needed in a given situation.

A water filter for the kitchen is a must these days.

It has long become not a luxury, but a necessity. In addition, now a person with any income can purchase such equipment. After all, manufacturers offer both quite expensive models and budget ones, such as filter jugs, which can be bought for 500-700 rubles. Of course, more expensive filters connected to the water supply system provide better cleaning, but there are nuances here too. After all, if you choose the wrong cartridges, the quality of the water will not change.

Important information! Before purchasing a treatment plant, you must call specialists to carry out a water examination. Only she can determine which elements are in excess in the water. It is based on the results of such an examination that a conclusion is made about the need to purchase filter elements with certain properties.

Household filters for water purification can be placed under the sink or on the wall, located directly on the pipe entering the living space, or even stand separately, without installation to the mains. It all depends on the quality of the required filtration and financial opportunities person. It should be understood that purifying water for drinking is very important. The health of everyone living in the house depends on this. This means that the need for filtration should never be underestimated.

What determines the need for a water purification system in private homes?

The main problem of the private sector is that wells, like some wells, make it possible to extract groundwater. And human waste can easily get into them. For example, not far from a well or borehole there is a small garbage dump. It rains and everything that it washes out of the waste ends up in the soil. Water with harmful impurities reaches the first solid layer of earth through the soil and rushes to a well or well. Of course, the soil itself filters it a little, but such natural purification does not last forever. Over time, the soil itself becomes saturated with harmful substances on the way to the water well. As a result, even clean water that passes through it is saturated with pathogenic microorganisms.

Modern home water filtration systems handle these types of problems quite well. At the same time, simultaneously purifying the liquid from excess iron, chlorine and other impurities and even softening too hard. If we talk about filter jugs, which are a budget option, then they can be placed anywhere; they do not require a specific installation location. Of course, such a device will only be enough for one or two people. If there are more residents, then you should consider purchasing a flow-through or storage water filter for your home. This acquisition may well provide a clean drinking water several people.

Even if you are quite satisfied with the quality of water from a well or well, it is not always suitable for dishwashers or washing machines. After all, in any case, although rarely, some particles can get into it. For such cases, water purification in a private house can be carried out using main coarse filters. They cost little, but they only stop fairly large fractions.

About the types of water filters in Vacation home We’ll talk later, but for now we’ll figure out how things are with this in apartments in Russian cities.

Are water purification systems necessary in apartments with centralized water supply?

There is only a clear answer to this question: they are absolutely necessary. With the rapid pace of construction of apartment buildings, as well as the lack of modernization treatment facilities, the quality of tap water nowadays leaves much to be desired. The water in the system requires purification from excess iron, chlorine, limestone, and sometimes even hydrogen sulfide and other quite harmful substances. We should not forget about the old age of communications. After all, rust from pipes also does not add cleanliness. It is for these purposes that coarse and fine filters are installed in apartments.

Water purification systems for an apartment can be just as varied, which means choosing the one necessary in a given case can be quite complicated. In this case, it is necessary to take into account many parameters. Water filters for an apartment, as well as for a private house, can be classified according to various criteria, namely:

• By installation method– storage, main or flow;
• By degree of purification– it can be rough or subtle;
• According to the basic structure– cartridge or disk.

Also, filters for water purification in apartments and private houses are distinguished by the cleaning method, of which there can be a lot. Today we will definitely analyze each of them in detail, but let’s talk about everything in order.

First, let's try to understand the classification of water filtration systems for apartments and private houses.

How water filters work and their classification

First you need to understand how water filters work. Depending on the number of degrees of purification, the water in them passes through elements (there can be from 1 to 5), which retain certain contaminants or saturate it with necessary substances. Most often, during five-stage purification, the water for the last of the elements is practically distilled. On last stage it is saturated with salts and minerals in the quantities necessary for humans.

If we're talking about about jugs, then such a household filter for purifying tap water combines all stages in one cartridge. In this case, it is very important to choose a filter element with exactly the qualities that are required. Otherwise, water will not be purified when passing through the cartridge.

Important information! Filters for purifying water from wells must be equipped with coarse cleaning elements. If such water is poured directly into the same filter jug, then its cartridge will instantly become clogged with larger particles, which will not allow it to perform its functions.

Classification of water filters by installation method

Filters for water purification can be installed on the pipe entering the living space (main) or directly under the sink (flow-through or storage). At its core, a flow filter differs from a storage filter only in the presence of a special reservoir in the latter. Such devices allow you to use purified water for some time even if its supply to the system is stopped.

Now our main task will be to understand what work each of these devices does, what difficulties may arise when installing such equipment, and what you should pay attention to when purchasing.

The nuances of using main filter devices

A main water filter for a private home is considered preliminary. Of course, it purifies water from sand particles, and some models are capable of removing harmful microorganisms, softening water and improving its taste. But it should be understood that such installations will not be able to clean to the same extent as flow-type or storage-type devices.

Important! It is recommended to use main filters for water purification in an apartment together with flow-through filters. In this case, the water quality will be ideal. However, with little contamination, such installations can cope with filtration alone.

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A rather significant advantage of main filters is the presence of a water pressure regulator. You should definitely pay attention to this when choosing and purchasing. The pressure regulator allows you to extend the life of not only faucets, but also household appliances such as a washing machine and dishwasher. The regulator eliminates the danger of water hammer that occurs when the pump is turned on, which is detrimental to household appliances.

The maximum number of degrees of purification for main filters is 3. If a device with one degree is selected, then here we can only talk about removing large particles, such as sand and rust. Such filters require replacing cartridges at least once every six months. In addition, they should be washed periodically, especially if the water is quite dirty and “rusty”.

Features of flow-through and storage water purification devices

The most common location of such filters is under the sink or close to water tap on the wall. It all depends on the availability of the tank and its volume. Until recently, units with five degrees of purification were considered the most effective, but now models with even six have appeared.

Flow filters for water purification in apartments are usually equipped with an additional tap, which is mounted on the sink next to the main one. At the same time, if main filters are installed for both hot and cold water, flow-through filters are often installed only for drinking water purification.

Important information! Not all flow-through water filters for private houses and apartments are capable of operating at normal pressure in the water supply system. Some models require additional pump installation. This is the only way it is sometimes possible to create a water pressure of 2.5-3 atm, necessary for the normal functioning of the cleaning device.

And here’s what netizens say about one of these devices from the Aquaphor brand:

olga655, Russia, Koryazhma: After its installation in 2013, we used water for cooking and drinking, it has been used for a long time, we changed the filter only in 2015 in April. The installation was easy to do on your own; it is advisable to treat the connecting hoses with sealant to avoid leakage. We ordered fast delivery from the company Aquaphor from the website. The customer support team works quickly and efficiently. The only drawback is that the faucet started leaking after six months. Convenient flow-through design. We didn't regret the money spent. We change the filter cartridges every six months, the water is no longer hard, tastes good, and we no longer have to descale the kettle every day. More details on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_3390663.html

Classification of devices by degree of cleaning

Here we can distinguish 2 possible degrees - coarse and fine. Surely the designations of the degrees themselves speak for themselves, but it is still worth considering devices with different cleaning conditions for a more complete understanding of all the nuances of the choice.

Important information! When installing a filter with multi-stage cleaning, you should not think that its first stages, considered coarse, can function for a long time without installing an additional main filtration device or at least settling tanks directly after the emergency valves.

Coarse water filtration devices

Such devices are a fine mesh that can trap particles. These devices can be either washable or non-washable. A special feature of coarse wash filters is that they have a special tap. By attaching a hose to the fitting and opening the valve, you can drain all the dirt contained in it. This makes cleaning the mesh easier. If you pay attention to non-flushing ones, they do not have such a function, which forces you to periodically disassemble the device and clean the mesh. It is these coarse water filters that include sedimentation tanks, which are found in almost every apartment or private house. They are installed directly behind the emergency tap or water flow meter. Such elements are also called cleaning filters process water, which contains many large particles.

Important information! Even if the water in your apartment or private house meets the standards, no one is safe from sand, lime or rust getting into it. And this can have a detrimental effect on household appliances connected to the system. It is for this reason that the installation of coarse filters is necessary.

Fine water purification: how it is achieved

The main task of devices that carry out fine cleaning is disinfection, iron removal and water softening. Some devices may have the functions of aeration, ionization and the addition of necessary salts and minerals.

In fact, fine water purification filters for apartments do a tremendous job. First, various elements gradually purify the water to a distilled state, and then give it necessary properties and taste. Of course, such devices require periodic maintenance and replacement of filter elements, but this is a secondary issue. But at the same time, the quality of water (with the correct selection of cartridges) becomes close to ideal.

Most often, the installation of filters for fine water purification is carried out by specialists, although, with some knowledge in this area, you can install them yourself. You can find information on how to do this in one of our articles.

Important! When purchasing such devices, pay attention to the warranty terms. Some manufacturers terminate warranty service if self-installation. Their requirements contain a clause stating that installation should be carried out only by qualified specialists.

Difference between filters based on their fundamental design

Based on their fundamental design, such filters can be divided into cartridge and disk. We can only say that the latter are used much less frequently, although they are in no way inferior in characteristics to the former. But this only applies to rough cleaning. It is for this reason that such elements are applicable only for trunk type devices. Let's try to understand what fundamental differences these filters and what their operating principle is.

Cartridge filtration systems and how they work

With such systems everything is more or less clear. Water passes through tanks filled with various substances, which first clean it from impurities of one or another composition, and then bring it to the desired state.

Activated carbon is traditionally considered the main element of cartridge fillers. It may be cheaper (birch), or it may have a high cost (shell coal coconut). Various chemicals and minerals can also be added.

If we talk about rough cleaning, then often a winding of the finest metal wire or thicker cotton thread is used as a filter element in the cartridge. Such material is quite capable of trapping particles 20 microns in size. This is enough to filter out the smallest particles of dust, sand or rust.

Cartridge water filters have one drawback - the elements must be replaced after a certain period of time. And if more expensive and high-quality models are chosen, then such a replacement can cost a decent amount. But at the same time, the range of cartridge filters for water purification is quite large compared to disk filters, which we will now also dwell on in more detail.

Features and composition of disk filters

Less common, but not inferior, and in some cases even superior in characteristics to the previous elements. The filter itself is a package containing many polymer disks. On their surfaces there are trapezoid-shaped recesses. Thanks to such design features under water pressure, some semblance of a mesh is formed, which traps small particles.

The peculiarity of this element is that if it becomes clogged, it is enough to rinse the bag under running water, squeezing and unclenching it a little. In this case, all dirt accumulated in the grooves is removed and the filter is ready for use again.

Here are some specifications disc filters for water.

Table 1. Characteristics of disc filters for water

Thus, it becomes clear that all cleaning indicators are identical to the characteristics of cartridge elements. In addition, nowadays the manufacturer offers similar filters with automatic washing, which is quite convenient.

How filters are divided according to cleaning method

Quite a lot of species can be distinguished based on this parameter. This:

• Mechanical cleaning filters;
• Ion exchange devices;
• With reverse osmosis;
• Aeration units;
• Ozonation systems;
• Ultraviolet;
• Coal.

Everyone will have to decide for themselves which cleaning filters are best to purchase, but we will try to help with the choice. And to do this, it is necessary to more fully understand which of the household filters for purifying drinking water is intended for what and what functions it performs. Of course, the purpose of some elements can be understood just by the name, for example, such as hard water filters for a private home. But many varieties are not so simple, so let’s start.

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Filters for mechanical water purification and their purpose

Mechanical cleaning is most often called primary, coarse filtration. All main filters can be classified as this type. Let's try to understand which manufacturers present products from this segment on their shelves. The most popular brands here are “Atoll”, “ New water", Geyser" and "BWT".

Table 2. Popular mechanical water purification filters

Make and model	Photo	Filtration rate, l/min	Maximum pressure, atm	Cost, rub
Geyser 1P 3/4 32009		10	7	9000
Atoll AFR-1/2CB (set of 2 filters)		25	16	10000
BWT Protector Mini 1/2 Н604Р11		27	16	5000
PRIO New Water A082		15	26	6000

As you can see, the price range is quite wide. And this does not necessarily mean lower quality cheaper products. The point here is more about the brand and its recognition. After all, any company initially works for its name, and then, regardless of the quality of its products, the name works for it.

In general, mechanical filters for water purification are selling out very quickly these days. From conversations with the seller of one of the retail outlets specializing in such a product, we were able to find out that most often before the weekly delivery there is already a queue of people wanting to purchase main filters. At the same time, there is not enough such products for the entire week.

Ion exchange filters: how they differ from others

• Ultra-high level of cleaning;
• Removes all bacteria, heavy metals and viruses;
• Removes dissolved gases of residual chlorine, petroleum products, pesticides, phenol, compounds of hazardous metals and other toxic substances;
• Household filters for softening water retain the mineral composition in it after purification;
• Stabilizes the pH level to optimal for humans;
• Helps water charge with negative ions;
• Converts organic salts for easy absorption by the body;
• Provides high filtration speed, up to several liters per minute;
• Durable cartridges and easy to replace;
• Possesses various options for installation;
• Give a chance visual control degree of pollution;
• Provides the ability to install additional degrees of purification.

In essence, ion exchange is water purification by replacing heavy metals with neutral ones. Of course, we won’t go into a full course of chemistry, but consumers consider this method to be quite effective. On average, the cost of such filters is Russian market stopped at around 1500-3000 rubles. However, you can also find premium models at a price of 90,000-100,000 rubles. The main manufacturers are still the same - “Aquaphor”, “Geyser”, “New Water” and “Barrier”.

Reverse osmosis filters for home are the most common type

Such reverse osmosis devices for water purification are installed under or above the sink. The quality of cleaning systems with reverse osmosis reaches 99%. The cost of such devices is distributed as follows.

Table 3. Atoll filters

Make and model	Photo	Productivity, l/min	Number of purification levels	Price, rub
Atoll Patriot A-550		0,09	5	8000
Atoll A-310E/D-30 STD		2	3	5200
Atoll A-211E/D-21 STD		3,8	2	5000
Atoll Premium A-560Ep/A-550 MAXp		0,18	5	22000

Table 4. "Aquaphor"

Aeration system - what is it?

The name itself speaks for itself. Aeration means saturating water with oxygen. Many may ask - how is oxygen saturation related to filtration? The answer is simple. Aeration by itself does not purify water, but with the help of other substances, saturating it with oxygen, it helps improve the quality of the final result. For example, aeration of water from a well improves not only its taste, but also increases the level of oxygen in the blood, which has a positive effect on human health. Surely many people know what an “oxygen cocktail” is. This is precisely the principle applied here.

The use of a water aeration system is indicated for people with heart disease, hypertension and hypotension, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. But, in any case, first you should consult with a specialist.

Ozonation: on what principle does such a system work?

Surely every schoolchild knows that ozone promotes oxidation. That is why water is in some cases purified by ozonation. This means that it is aimed more at deferrization. If there is no excess iron in your water, then such purification is clearly useless. Ozone increases the intensity of iron oxidation, as a result of which the particles begin to be covered with additional processes. Speaking in simple language, they “rust”. Having increased, such particles can no longer pass where simple water seeps freely.

Important information! Ozonation of water is contraindicated for allergy sufferers. Ozone, in addition to its main job, partially remains in the water. As a result, an allergic person, by consuming such water, automatically increases the risk of a reaction.

Whether ozonation is beneficial or harmful - this question should be left to the doctor. But reviews of such devices speak volumes.

Denissasha, Ukraine, Chernivtsi: Ozone, in permissible concentrations, has mass beneficial properties. You can ozonate drinking water, air, treat food, places of cuts, burns and trophic ulcers. Ozonation of water and products is safe, all microflora and microfauna in the water die, even those that survive chlorination, and the remnants of drugs, hormones and other gifts of big chemistry are washed out of the meat during processing. It has been tested that processing homemade village chicken practically does not produce results; chicken meat bought in stores after processing is almost always covered with nasty mucus that needs to be washed off. How, what and how much to process is written in the instructions for the ozonizer. More details on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_167392.html

Ultraviolet radiation and its effect on the body

Here we can say with confidence that such devices fight pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms quite effectively. As an example, we can cite UV lamps, which can be seen in treatment and operating rooms of clinics and hospitals. Like them, ultraviolet water filters completely disinfect liquids. But there are also negative sides. All useful substances contained in the water also die.

Carbon filter and its properties

Coal itself is an absorbent substance. This means that any resins, formaldehydes and other similar substances are retained by them. Today, a carbon water filter is considered the best in terms of purification.

In fact, if you think about it, not a single cartridge can do without such a layer. This suggests that the use of a carbon filter for water purification ensures purification from the most common harmful substances.

Average cost of water filters for private homes

Prices for water filters for private houses and apartments may vary. If you compare the most famous manufacturers, you can understand the average dependence. Reverse osmosis filters are taken as an example.

Brand	Average cost in Russia, rub.
Atoll	19000
Geyser	16000
Aquaphor	11000
New Water	10000

Of course, all prices are given in average terms, but this table can show an approximate concept.

It turns out that buying a water filter for a country house, cottage or apartment is not so difficult. After all, the cost of such equipment is low. And in general, is it worth saving on health?

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