Tests, Purifier Can Improve Water

QUESTION: I am concerned about the quality of our drinking water for my family. What types of water tests should I have done and is it very expensive to operate an in-house water filter/purifier?

ANSWER: It is a good idea to have your drinking water tested just to be sure it is safe. Although most local water supplies are safe, harmful contaminants can enter the water supply from inside your house. For example, lead from your plumbing can leach into your water. Also, the chlorine in water can react with other contaminants to produce cancer-causing compounds.

There are reputable water-testing laboratories around the country that can do reliable, inexpensive testing of your water. You generally write to them and request a test kit. You fill a container with a sample of your water and mail it back. Within a couple of weeks you receive the test report on the quality of your water.

The three basic types of in-house water-purifier systems are activated carbon, reverse-osmosis, and distillers. Each type is particularly effective at removing specific contaminants. Depending on the results of your water test, you can determine which type of system to buy.

Activated-carbon filters use specially treated carbon material that has been heated to develop a fine honeycomb pattern. As the water passes through it, the impurities adhere to the carbon. The only operating cost is the periodic replacement of the carbon element.

These are most effective at removing organic compounds, such as pesticides, solvents, chloroform, etc. They can also improve the water’s taste by removing other chemicals that cause off-flavors and smells. They are not very effective for heavy metal contaminants.

A reverse-osmosis system forces the water through an extremely fine sieve material to filter out impurities. It is best at removing inorganic contaminates such as dissolved salts, ferrous iron and heavy metals. They often have a final carbon filter element too.

The major operating cost for a reverse-osmosis system is the water consumption. Roughly 5 to 10 gallons of water are wasted for each gallon of purified water produced.

A countertop electric distiller is very effective at removing heavy metals and other inorganic contaminants. It usually has a final carbon filter element. Since the water is boiled in the distiller, some microorganisms are also killed. At an electric rate of 8 cents per kilowatt-hour, about 25 cents of electricity is used to produce one gallon of purified water.

You can write to me at the address below for Utility Bills Update No. 067 showing a chart of 25 common water contaminants and which type of purifier is most effective for removing each, and a list of manufacturers, addresses and telephone numbers of water purifier systems. Please include $1 and a self- addressed stamped business-size envelope.

Insulation Should Not Cover Lighting Fixture

Q: I plan to add some fiberglass batt insulation to my attic floor. There are some recessed lighting fixtures that extend up in the attic. Since fiberglass does not burn, can I put it over the light fixture?

A: Although fiberglass insulation can withstand high temperatures, your recessed lighting fixture probably can not. The potential problem is the lighting fixture overheating, not the insulation material. You should make sure that the insulation stops at least three inches (or whatever your local codes require) from the recessed fixture in the attic floor.

Water Distiller

Countertop electric distiller effectively removes heavy metals and other contaminants. About 25-cents worth of electricity is used to produce one gallon of purified water.