Helpful Guide on Water Filters NZ

Municipal Water Filtration Guide

Why should we filter town/mains supply water to our homes in NZ?

Filtering town or mains supply water in New Zealand, despite the generally high standards of water quality, can still be beneficial for several reasons:

Improved Taste and Odor: Even if the water is safe, it can have an unpleasant taste or odor due to chlorine used in the disinfection process or naturally occurring minerals. Filtering can remove these substances, improving the overall taste and smell of the water.
Removal of Contaminants: While New Zealand's water supply is usually well-regulated, contaminants can still occasionally be present. These can include:

Heavy Metals: Lead, copper, and other metals from plumbing.
Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that might not be completely eliminated by the municipal treatment process.
Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals that might be present in trace amounts.

Protection Against Infrastructure Issues: Sometimes, the water supply infrastructure can be old or have issues such as pipe corrosion or leaks, which can introduce contaminants into the water supply. Filtering can help mitigate these risks.
Hard Water Treatment: Some areas have hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. This can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Water softeners or filters designed to handle hard water can extend the life of plumbing and appliances.
Health Concerns: For individuals with compromised immune systems or specific health conditions, filtering water can provide an additional layer of protection against potential contaminants.
Peace of Mind: Using a home water filtration system can provide reassurance that the water being consumed is as clean and safe as possible, especially for families with young children or elderly members.

While New Zealand generally has high-quality drinking water, these additional precautions can help address specific local concerns, personal preferences, and potential issues with aging infrastructure.

Recommendations:

For most households, a combination of these systems can provide optimal filtration:

Whole House Filtration System: Install a sediment filter followed by an activated carbon filter at the point of entry to remove large particles, chlorine, and improve taste and odor throughout the house.
Point-of-Use Systems: For drinking and cooking water, consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration, ensuring removal of both chemical and biological contaminants.

The best filtration system for providing safe water in your home will depend on the specific contaminants you want to remove and your personal needs. Here are some of the most effective and commonly used filtration systems:

Activated Carbon Filters

Unveiling the Benefits of Carbon Activated Filters

Activated carbon filters boast a unique ability to trap and absorb contaminants like chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals. Their chemical reactivity and odor-enhancing properties make them indispensable for those seeking clean, refreshing water.

Cons:

May not effectively remove all microorganisms, nitrates, or dissolved minerals.

Enhanced Contaminant Removal

KDF Media: KDF filters use a high-purity copper-zinc alloy that removes contaminants through oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions. This media is particularly effective at:

Removing chlorine and chloramine.
Reducing heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.
Inhibiting the growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi within the filter.

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): GAC is known for its ability to adsorb a wide range of organic compounds, including:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Pesticides and herbicides.
Disinfection byproducts.
Improving taste and odor by removing substances that cause unpleasant flavors and smells.

Improved Water Taste and Odor

The combination of KDF and GAC effectively removes chlorine, chloramines, and other compounds that can cause bad taste and odor in water. This results in fresher, cleaner-tasting water.

Bacteriostatic Properties

KDF Media: The redox reaction in KDF media inhibits the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and algae, within the filter. This helps prevent biofouling and prolongs the life of the filter cartridge.
Activated Carbon: While GAC can provide a medium for bacterial growth, the inclusion of KDF media helps mitigate this risk by creating an inhospitable environment for microbial proliferation.

Extended Filter Life

Reduced Fouling: The bacteriostatic properties of KDF media reduce the risk of bacterial buildup, which can clog filters and reduce their efficiency.
Adsorption Capacity: The combination of KDF and GAC enhances the overall capacity for contaminant removal, potentially extending the filter's usable life compared to using GAC alone.

Versatility

KDF GAC filters can be used in a variety of applications, including:

Point-of-entry systems (whole house filtration).
Point-of-use systems (under-sink or countertop filters).
Pre-treatment for reverse osmosis systems.
Shower filters to reduce exposure to chlorine and other chemicals.

Environmental and Health Benefits

Chemical Reduction: By effectively removing chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants, KDF GAC filters help reduce potential health risks associated with these substances.
Reduced Plastic Waste: Using a long-lasting filter cartridge reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to less plastic waste compared to disposable filter options.

Which Carbon Filter Should I Choose?

Consider Carbon Block Filters If:

You need high-efficiency removal of a wide range of contaminants, including very fine particulates.
You prioritize water taste and odor improvement.
Consistent filtration performance is important to you, and you can manage with potentially lower flow rates and more frequent filter changes if needed.

Consider KDF GAC Filters If:

You need to remove heavy metals and want to prevent microbial growth within the filter.
You require higher flow rates and have a higher sediment load in your water, which might clog a carbon block filter more quickly.
You are looking for a versatile filter that can be used in different settings, including whole-house systems.

Multistage Water Filtration For the Whole House

Install a multistage twin or triple stage system to gain all the benefits. By combining these systems, you can ensure that your home's water supply is safe, clean, and pleasant to use.

Whole House Filtration System: Install a sediment filter followed by an activated carbon filter at the point of entry to remove large particles, chlorine, and improve taste and odor throughout the house.

NZ Pump and Water filters offer ready to install systems - Click Here

Rain, Well, River or Stream Water Filtration Guide

When it comes to filtering water from natural sources like rain, wells, rivers, or streams, the filtration needs and challenges can vary significantly. Each source has unique characteristics and potential contaminants. Here is a guide to effectively filter water from these sources:

Characteristics:

Generally clean but can pick up contaminants from the collection surface (e.g., roof).
May contain dust, pollen, bird droppings, and chemical pollutants.

Filtration Steps:

Pre-filtration:

First-Flush Diverter: Diverts the initial flow of rainwater, which may contain the highest concentration of contaminants from the collection surface.

Coarse Sediment Filter:

Removes large debris, leaves, and particles.

Fine Filtration:

Polyspun Filter: Depending on the micron rating this filter removes finer particles, bacteria, and protozoa (1micron)

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter: Removes organic compounds, chlorine (if used for disinfection), and improves taste and odor.We suggest or Pentair radial flow filter
Disinfection:UV Purifier: Kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Well & Bore Water Filtration

Well Water can be quite hard and cointain other elements ( a water test will ensure prior to choosing the filtration is highly recomended. The following additonal filtration may be required to that stated above for rain water.

Softening:

Water Softener: Removes hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Iron and Manganese Removal:

Oxidizing Filter or Iron Filter: Specialized media to remove iron and manganese.

Summary of Filtration Methods:

Sediment Filtration:

Essential for all water sources to remove large particles.

Activated Carbon Filtration:

Improves taste and odor, removes organic compounds, chlorine, and some metals.

Reverse Osmosis (RO):

Ideal for comprehensive filtration, especially for well and river water.

UV Purification:

Critical for biological safety across all water sources.

Water Softening:

Necessary for well water with high hardness levels.

By tailoring your filtration system to the specific characteristics and contaminants of each water source, you can ensure the highest quality and safety of the water used in your home.

Ensuring Filter Replacement: The Key to Longevity

Regular filter replacement is the cornerstone of maintaining clean, safe water. Guidelines suggest replacing sediment filters every 6 months and activated carbon filters every 6 months months to a year. Consistent maintenance guarantees optimal filtration performance and peace of mind.

For those committed to clean, safe water, our comprehensive water filtration solutions offer peace of mind and unparalleled quality. Contact us today to learn more and embark on your journey towards pristine water purity.

Is Bigger Better? What are the benefits?

A 20-inch tall filter system is generally superior to a 10-inch tall filter system in terms of capacity, lifespan, flow rate, and efficiency, making it a better choice for larger households, whole-house filtration systems, and high-demand applications. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term benefits and cost savings make it a worthwhile investment for comprehensive and reliable water filtration

Comparison Summary

Feature	10-Inch Filter	20-Inch Filter
Capacity	Lower, more frequent replacements	Higher, less frequent replacements
Flow Rate	Lower, may struggle with high-demand use	Higher, suitable for larger households
Lifespan	Shorter, more maintenance required	Longer, less maintenance required
Surface Area	Smaller, captures fewer contaminants	Larger, captures more contaminants
Pressure Drop	Higher pressure drop, potential flow issues	Lower pressure drop, maintains better flow
Best Use	Smaller households, point-of-use systems	Larger households, whole-house/commercial
Cost Efficiency	Lower initial cost, higher long-term expense	Higher initial cost, lower long-term expense

Best Water Filter System for Drinking Water?

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Key Features:

Filtration Process: Multi-stage filtration including a sediment filter, carbon filters, and a semi-permeable RO membrane.
Contaminants Removed: Up to 99% of contaminants including dissolved salts (TDS), heavy metals (lead, arsenic), fluoride, chlorine, pesticides, bacteria, and viruses.
Best For: Comprehensive purification, especially in areas with high contamination or for those who want the highest quality drinking water.

Summary

For Comprehensive Filtration: Reverse Osmosis Systems offer the highest level of contaminant removal.
For Emergency or Non-Electric Use: Gravity-Fed Filters provide reliable filtration without the need for electricity.
For Improving Taste and Odor: Activated Carbon Filters are effective and affordable.
For Microbiological Safety: UV Purifiers ensure water is free from harmful microorganisms.
For Under-Sink Convenience: Under-Sink Filters provide a balance of filtration and convenience without the complexity of RO systems.