Water Filter Cartridges Online
Today, the choice of water filter cartridges is nearly as varied as the choice of water filter systems themselves. Replacement water filter cartridges play a most important role in any water filtration system. It therefore makes sense to have a good understanding of the different options available. The choices you make will have an impact on the quality of the water you drink.
In this blog, we will explore the most popular types of water filter cartridge options and discuss their differences and relative effectiveness. We will also recommend where to find these products online from a known and trusted Australian brand.
Click here for the best deals on water filter cartridges
The main types of water filter cartridges
No matter what kind of water filtration system you are looking for, the water filter cartridge is a key consideration.
Carbon Water Filters
Carbon plays an important role in water filtration, as it has done for hundreds of years. There are essentially two main types of carbon filters found in modern day water filter systems.
They are, powdered block and granulated carbon filters.
Both types of carbon filters are “activated” meaning that they are positively charged so as to attract negatively charged water based contaminants.
Powdered block carbon filters are generally the more effective of the two because of the greater surface area of carbon that comes in contact with water and its contaminants.
The slower the water moves through the activated carbon, the longer the contaminants are exposed to the filtration process. This unfortunately impacts on the flow rate of the filtered water coming through the tap.
Carbon based filter cartridges are very effective at removing chlorine, sediment and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are not as effective at removing minerals, salts and other inorganic substances . Their key method of attack is chemical absorption.
Polypropylene Spun Filters
Polypropylene spun filters are a popular choice as part of a complete water filter system, as they work nicely with carbon filters as a supplement rather than replacement. They are made from food grade polypropylene, which means that they are extremely clean and safe.
These water filter cartridges are made of thousands of interlocked, thermally bonded fibres. They use no wetting agents, solvents or binders. The bonding ensures fibre stability meaning that they are not likely to adjust to changes in water pressure or flow. The advantage of this is that contaminants are less likely to be
released back into the water stream, post filtration.
Polypropylene spun filters tend to last longer than basic string wound cartridges and they are highly efficient at removing cryptosporidium cysts. Cryptosporidium cysts are the means by which the cryptosporidium parasite is transmitted. This parasite if consumed, lives in the small intestines of animals and humans and causes acute intestinal infection, the main symptom being .
Symptoms can be far more severe or even life threatening for people with lowered immune systems such as AIDS patients.
Bioceramic Water Amplification Filters
Modern water filter systems can also include the option of a bioceramic water amplification (BCWA) filter.
Although technically not a water filter, BCWA uses ceramic materials that may include infrared ceramic balls, calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C, to add health promoting qualities to the water.
An “electrification” process tranforms or restructures the purified water into a highly alkaline, hydrogenated and potent form of antioxident, protecting against harmful free radicals.
The increased hydrogen levels in BCWA water not only promote a vastly improved level of hydration but also increase the rate of absorption of important nutrients and minerals.
Our bodies also benefit greatly from the higher levels of alkalinity associated with BCWA water. Humans are alkaline creatures and our diets and environment create unhealthy levels of acidity in our bodies. Click the video below that helps explain the amazing effects of bioceramic water “amplification”, also known as “conditioning”.
Bioceramic Water Amplification Filter Explained
When selecting water filter cartridges, it is also important to consider these additional questions;
What is life of the water filter cartridge?
The life of the water filter cartridge will depend in its size and how much the water filter is used. Cartridge life is usually expressed in months or water volume eg 150 litres. Water filter jug and bottles usually require more regular replacement (every 2-3 months) whereas an under sink water filter is usually replaced every 6 – 12 months. Counter top water filter models usually last somewhere in between.
Is the water filter cartridge easy to replace or do I need a plumber?
This question applies more to under sink models. Fortunately today, most modern water filter cartridges are easy to replace and good brands are easy to find at major retailers as well as online.
Some brands lock you into the expense of a certified plumber which is fine for some folks, so just be aware.
Is there a common measurement level used to assess filtration levels?
Yes there is and it is referred to as micron level. Micron level refers to the degree to which impuities are removed by the filtration process. They usually vary from 0.5 – 10.0 in most water filters.
Good carbon block filters for example will usually have a micron level of 0.5, meaning 99.5% of sediment is removed.
Finally, we hope you have found this blog post useful and informative. If you are seeking a trusted Australian brand that offers the very latest in water filter cartridges and water filter systems, we recommend Aquaport water filters and Aquaport water filter cartridges.
Great deals on Aquaport water filters are now available online if you click the link below.