Why Water Needs to be Filtered

There are many, many water borne contaminants, viruses, bacteria and amoeba that still make it through today's purportedly high-tech water source processing.

These include:

Chlorine:

Used to kill life forms in the water, chlorine is a recognized carcinogen.

We are now entering into a period of increased water shortages. As reservoirs lower, water suppliers add more chlorine. This is because the number of micro-organisms in a reservoir do not decrease as water levels drop. They simply become more concentrated. Dosage will be lifted above recommended maximums due to the necessity of containing disease through micro-organism increases. During our last local drought, I could even smell chlorine gas from outside taps.

Chlorine in drinking water has been linked to increased incidence of bladder and rectal cancers by Harvard University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Chlorine is also linked to body protein damage. It causes dry skin and hair, and burns the eyes. If you suffer from asthma, sinus problems, allergies, skin rashes or emphysema chlorine in your water may well exacerbate your condition.

Chlorine kills bugs, but it also reacts with the organic matter in water, creating potentially toxic new substances. One such substance, trihalomethane, is far more carcinogenic than chlorine itself.

The US EPA labels Mutagen X

...another chlorine byproduct and seen as the 'single largest contributor' to the ability of municipal water to cause genetic mutations.

Chloramines

In excess of EPA's standard can cause stomach discomfort or anemia.

Chlorine Dioxide

Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of accepted standards may experience nervous system effects.  Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing chlorine dioxide in excess of the standard.  Some people may also experience anemia.

Fluoride

Most USA water supplies now add fluoride. USA's EPA has set an enforceable drinking water standard for fluoride of 4 mg/L (some people who drink water containing fluoride

in excess of this level over many years could get bone disease, including pain and tenderness of the bones). EPA has also set a secondary fluoride standard of 2 mg/L to protect against dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis, in its moderate or severe forms, results in a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth. This problem occurs only in developing teeth, before they erupt from the gums. Children under nine should not drink water that has more than 2 mg/L of fluoride.

Microbes

Coliform bacteria are common in the environment and are generally not harmful. However, the presence of these bacteria in drinking water is usually a result of a problem with the treatment system or the pipes which distribute water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with germs that can cause disease. Faecal Coliform and E-Coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.

Turbidity

This has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

Micro-organisms

These include germs, amoeba, parasites, cysts and viruses. In my experience chlorine does not fully eliminate these organisms. During our recent local drought, even though chlorine levels were drastically increased, local health practitioners reported a rash of parasitical infection.

Filtration level

Is important for exclusion of parasites. Although nothing higher than one micron will exclude Cryptosporidium and Guardia, it requires a filtration of less than 0.1 micron to exclude viruses. Few people realize that flu viruses are carried on birds that migrate from Asia. These birds settle in our reservoirs, and outbreaks follow...

Cryptosporidium  

This is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes cryptosporidiosis, a mild gastrointestinal disease. However, the disease can be severe or fatal for people with severely weakened immune systems. EPA and CDC have prepared advice for those with severely compromised immune systems who are concerned about Cryptosporidium.

Guardia Lambdia

Is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).

Inorganic Contaminants

These include Antimony, Asbestos, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Cyanide, Mercury, Nitrates, Nitrites, Selenium, Thallium.

Lead

Typically leaches into water from plumbing in older buildings. In the US, Lead pipes and plumbing fittings have been banned since August 1998. Children and pregnant women are most susceptible to lead health risks.

Synthetic Organic Contaminants,

including pesticides & herbicides:

1.      2,4-D

2.      2,4,5-TP (Silvex)

3.      Acrylamide

4.      Alachlor

5.      Atrazine 

6.      Benzoapyrene

7.      Carbofuran

8.      Chlordane

9.      Dalapon

10.  Di 2-ethylhexyl adipate

11.  Di 2-ethylhexyl phthalate Dibromochloropropane

12.  Dinoseb

13.  Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)

14.  Diquat

15.  Endothall

16.  Endrin

17.  Epichlorohydrin

18.  Ethylene dibromide

19.  Glyphosate

20.  Heptachlor

21.  Heptachlor epoxide Hexachlorobenzene 

22.  Hexachlorocyclopent

23.  Lindane

24.  Methoxychlor 

25.  Oxamyl [Vydate]

26.  PCBs [Polychlorinated biphenyls] 

27.  Pentachlorophenol 

28.  Picloram 

29.  Simazine

30.  Toxaphene  

Disinfection Byproducts

Disinfection byproducts form when disinfectants added to drinking water to kill germs react with naturally-occurring organic matter in water. These may include:

Trihalomethanes.

Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of EPA standard over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Haloacetic Acids.

Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of EPA standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Bromate.

Some people who drink water containing bromate in excess of EPA standard over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Chlorite..

Some infants and young children who drink water containing chlorite in excess of EPA's standard could experience nervous system effects.  Similar effects may occur in fetuses of pregnant women who drink water containing chlorite in excess of EPA's standard.  Some people may experience anemia.

Volatile Organic Compounds

May combine with other contaminants to form new toxic substances. These include:

1.      Benzene

2.      Carbon Tetrachloride

3.      Chlorobenzene 

4.      o-Dichlorobenzene

5.      p-Dichlorobenzene 

6.      1,1-Dichloroethylene

7.      cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene trans-1,2-Dicholoroethylene

8.      Dichloromethane

9.      1,2-Dichloroethane

10.  1,2-Dichloropropane

11.  Ethylbenzene

12.  Styrene

13.  Tetrachloroethylene 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

14.  1,1,1,-Trichloroethane 

15.  1,1,2-Trichloroethane

16.  Trichloroethylene 

17.  Toluene

18.  Vinyl Chloride

19.  Xylenes 

20.   

MTBE

Is a fuel additive, commonly used in the United States to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone levels caused by auto emissions. Due to its widespread use, reports of MTBE detections in the nation's ground and surface water supplies are increasing. The Office of Water and other EPA offices are working with a panel of leading experts to focus on issues posed by the continued use of MTBE and other oxygenates in gasoline. EPA is currently studying the implications of setting a drinking water standard for MTBE.

Copper

Very few water systems can remove lead. Lead may be a problem in older homes where lead solder was used to join copper pipes. If the water supply is acidic, it will eat away at the lead - and copper - overnight, so that your first water in the morning may hold high levels of both minerals. for this reason it is always a good practice to run the tap for a minute or so before using the filter first thing in the morning.

Hormones, Drugs and More.

As our society gains in ways to create new substances, we are seeing more and more synthetic substances turn up in our water supply. These include xenoestrogens, hormones, pain killers, tranquillizers, and almost every other drug imaginable including Prozac and Viagra. This is happening now, and has increased alarmingly as we become more drug-dependent. Drugs enter through water recycling, garbage disposals interfering with water tables, and just thoughtless dumping by individuals.

Although some water filter sellers talk about it, they do not actually know whether these compounds will be filtered out. We can only make the best choice of system within our means.

"Purification" Chemicals

In order to 'purify' drinking water up to 50 different chemical compounds are used. These include; Lime (Calcium Hydroxide) Chlorine Compressed Liquefied Gas, Sodium Fluoride, Aluminum Sulphate Solution, Soda Ash Solution, Sodium Hydroxide (dissolvable solid), Aluminum Sulphate, Polymer 1190, Polymer 1115, Polymer 1160X, Sodium Hypochlorite solution, and Sodium Silicofluoride

Acid Water

Often found in rainwater tanks, especially tin and fiberglass/plastic. Also caused by using reverse osmosis units and distillers. Some areas in the USA also have acid water supplies even though the Water Safety Guidelines recommend neutral or above, mainly to prevent copper and lead from being eroded into the water supply. Drinking acid water increases acidity in the body, already at record levels due to modern lifestyle, diet and pollution.

WHICH To Choose...

WATER FILTRATION ~UP UNTIL NOW

We receive our water from the sky.
It falls to earth and percolates through the earth, into streams, whirling, tumbling, absorbing light photons, energy and the minerals essential for healthy life. When it is drunk, the minerals and energy it offers are absorbed and converted to energy, and it  passes back into the earth and the sea - where it evaporates to continue this perfect natural cycle. The intricate perfection of the snowflake is testament to water's structural integrity as it falls, pure and new, from the sky.

Natural water is a rarity today due to industrial contamination, woodland loss and the need for centralized water storages.

Water must be capable of absorption if it is to benefit us. Water in its natural form can be seen on a previous page. Compare this to the microscope picture of polluted, processed and piped municipal water. This is the meaning of live and dead water.

Today Filtration is just the first step.

Restorative technology has taken giant steps in the last thirty years but it is only recently that it has reached USA shores. Here at AMPAC USA, we love investigating, testing and learning about the new technologies.

There is not one answer for all water problems.

THE BASICS: LESSON 101

1. The simple yet effective Carbon Filter.

These systems are easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and cover the basic functions of filtration. Water filter charcoal medium carbon is derived from coconut husk . This absorbs impurities as the water passes through. This form of filter comprises possibly 95% of those in use domestically. They are simple to install, relatively economical, and depending on micron level, will filter out the most deadly of contaminants, Cryptosporidium and Guardia.

An average charcoal filter will last a family 6-9 months. Some charcoal filters are enhanced by the use of activated nano-silver, which provides extra antibacterial protection, killing around 650 known types of organisms. Minerals in solution can still permeate a charcoal filter. These minerals are essential to health.

In situations where sediment is a problem it is worthwhile to add a second separate in-line sediment prefilter. Otherwise the more expensive charcoal filter will become clogged up long before its normal lifespan.

Charcoal filters come in various forms

a. Carbon Block is a solidified form of honeycombed carbon. It is the best form of filter but flow rate is significantly slower than with  loose charcoal.

b. Activated Silver Impregnated Charcoal. Sometimes called Chlorgon, this adds chloramine exclusion and bacteria killing ability to the basic carbon.

c. Micron Rating.

Anything 1 micron rating or below will inhibit Cryptosporidium and Guardia as the cysts are larger than this in size. Viruses cannot be inhibited by a filter with a micron rating of more than 0.01 microns.

Carbon filters cannot change the pH balance of the water. If you have acidic water, you will still have acidic water, as the minerals causing the acidity will be dissolved and therefore will pass through the carbon filter.

Carbon filters may be susceptible to mould attack if left unused over extended periods. It is important to realize that a filter gathers the 'garbage' in your tap water, and the organic component of this garbage is quite capable of rotting. Add a little summer humidity to the already damp internals of a carbon filter and you may have a mould attack. Taste will always be the deciding factor, and if the taste of the water suddenly changes after an extended period of non-use, such as your annual vacation, change the filter.

Note also that carbon filters reduce in efficiency the longer they are in use. For this reason regular filter replacement is essential

2. Water Distillers

. People believed that the purest water had the least chance of allowing harmful organisms to enter the body, and distillation certainly rids water of all impurities. However in recent years there has been growing awareness of distilled water's effects on the balance of minerals in the body, plus the acidic result that a typical distiller creates.
People now realize that dissolved minerals in the water are more natural than pure water, and serve an important function in supporting the body's immune system and metabolism.

3. Ceramic Filters

Ceramic water filters come as a cartridge that fits a normal benchtop filter. At the core of the ceramic filter element is Diatomaceous Earth, a fossil substance, made up of tiny silicon shells left by trillions of microscopic, one celled algae called diatoms that have inhabited the waters of the earth for the last 150 million years.

Some ceramic filters incorporate nano-silver impregnated into a porous ceramic outer shell that can trap bacteria down to as low as .22 of a micron in particle size [1/100,000 of an inch].

Laboratories consider a filtering medium with an effective pore size of .01 micron to .45 micron to be bacteriologically sterile and .45 micron to 1.0 micron to be bacteriologically safe. Regrowth of bacteria that becomes trapped either on the outside of the element or in the ceramic's pores is controlled by the silver which, on contact with water, releases small quantities of positively charged metals ions.

 These ions are taken into the enzyme system of the bacteria's cell and thereby neutralize it. The flow rate of the ceramic filter can be renewed by brushing its outer surface under running water. As the top layer of ceramic and contaminants are brushed off and flushed away, a new layer becomes available.

Flow rate of this form of filter is slow

4. Reverse Osmosis Systems

Originally developed to process water in submarines, the reverse osmosis process basically draws water through an extremely fine membrane. The membrane act like an extremely fine filter to create drinkable water from salty (or otherwise contaminated) water. The contaminated water is put on one side of the membrane and pressure is applied to stop, and then reverse, the osmotic process. It generally takes a lot of pressure and is fairly slow, but it works. The result is extremely finely filtered water.

However, as already mentioned, water without minerals can be a health problem. Dr. Zoltan Rona has authored an excellent paper on 'Pure Water' recommending in no uncertain terms against its continued consumption. According to the U.S. EPA, "Distilled water (which is identical to RO water ~Ed), being essentially mineral-free, is very aggressive, in that it tends to dissolve substances with which it is in contact. Notably, carbon dioxide from the air is rapidly absorbed,

making the water  acidic and even more aggressive. Many metals are dissolved by distilled water." Dr Rona adds; "Longevity is associated with the regular consumption of hard water (high in minerals). Disease and early death is more likely to be seen with the long term drinking of distilled water." As Reverse Osmosis produced water is identical in nature to distilled water we can make the same assumptions.

5. Ultra Violet Radiation Systems

UV systems use high frequency light to irradiate water through a glass element. Water passing the element is exposed to the light, which kills all living organisms.
UV systems are very common in Third world hotels etc where the possibility of serious disease occurring from local water consumption is high, especially from faecal matter in the water.

Although an excellent sterilizing system, it is impossible to know whether the system is always working without a laboratory analysis of the output water. For this reason the more sophisticated systems incorporate an hour counter so a new element can be replaced at a safe interval.

6. THE NEW TECHNOLOGY: A Quantum Leap

In the last forty years there have been amazing advances in water filtration technology. This has come in part from the work of Russian scientists on ionized water, but also from the research of Viktor Schauberger, an Austrian inventor who recognizes that water was far more than something to wash garbage out of our body and quench thirst. His work found that water indeed has a memory, and that this memory can be restored. The systems you will now see all go at least some way to fulfilling the dreams of these inspired pioneers.

Let's begin with Magnetic Systems.

Fundamentally, this involves passing the water over or through a magnetic field. This has the effect of re-arrangement of atoms, or ions in the water. However without the fundamental 'splitting' of water ions that occurs in a Water Ionizer (H2O into OH- and HO) lasting change is not possible, even though many claims are made by the various manufacturers.

Magnetic De-scalers

Magnetic units do not filter or change pH. Some magnetic systems are used as de-scalers for pipes in hard water areas, for which they may work well.

Single Flow Magnetics Plus filter:

When water flows through a magnetic field (whether it is electrically induced or induced using magnetic media such as Magnetite), it experiences a polarization of minerals and a change in the ionization of these minerals. The result can be softer water, 'smaller' water molecules that may give far greater hydration, and a limited form of negative ionization of the water, imparting some antioxidant effect.

Although single flow systems certainly work to some degree, the fact that they do not split the water into magnetically opposite streams (acid and alkaline) means that they will reform within a short period and therefore must be consumed immediately.

Energetics

These are systems that use no power, but rely on the technology pioneered by Austrian Viktor Schauberger. Basically, they reconfigure incoming water by passing it through a vortex system that softens and re-energizes the water. They do not, in most cases, filter the water. They are usually attached to the house water inlet pipe so they can service the whole house.

7. Bottled water

The bottled water craze is so big that Coca-Cola and Pepsi predict that within a short time, water will create more revenue for them than their less healthy products. By 2007 the market will be twice the size. Yet is it really worth almost double petrol?

The USA loves bottled water. We spend billions per annum on something supposed to be "pure", or drawn from "springs", and we fall for the pics of sparkling streams and idyllic waterfalls as we rush for the checkout.

How does it compare with free tap water? 

The Weekend Australian commissioned a report  by the University of Technology, Sydney. The report stated that "the best-selling bottled water, Mount Franklin, was no cleaner than the cheapest brand".

Yet "premium" bottled water such as Mount Franklin sells in supermarkets for about 209,000% times more than tap water.

Dr. Grant Hose, research fellow in ecotoxicology at UTS, who oversaw the analysis, said the results showed that the notion that bottled water was somehow more "pure" than tap water was incorrect.
"Tap water is as healthy for you as bottled water - it's no different," Dr Hose said.

The analysis tested three tap water samples and three bottled waters for bacterial contamination, impurities that affect taste such as dissolved solids, and other factors It also screened the samples for the minerals calcium, magnesium, sodium (a measure of salt), fluoride and nitrate.

Neither tap nor bottled water samples had detectable bacterial contamination, and all were well within guideline limits for the other substances.

Thank you for investigating and observing AMPAC USA Tech Pages #1