Water Filtration

[CDNPatriot]

Got my results back for the levels of lead in my tap water. Results were very bad.

I called Toronto Public Health and they said to use a filtration system but would not recommend one. Was advised to look for a N53 NSF rating. I mentioned I had a Brita Pitcher system with that rating but they said that it was useless and to go on the NSF website for other products. Went to the website and good luck reading through the mumbo jumbo to find a recommendation.

Anyone with a similar situation that can share a product or service that will help me with this lead problem?

http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/...07-19-07vm.htm

Filters in water pitchers do not reduce lead to safe levels
Print


Hamilton, ON- July 19, 2007-The City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services advises residents that recent changes to testing protocols for pitcher-type water filters have shown that these products are unable to consistently reduce lead to safe levels. Ontario’s current standard is 10 micrograms of lead per litre of water.


NSF International, the organization responsible for certifying the effectiveness of most water treatment devices sold in North America, has adopted an improved testing protocol for certifying the removal of lead from drinking water. As of July 15, no manufacturer could prove their pitcher-type water filters had met the improved standard. As a result, NSF has withdrawn its certification for lead removal for these types of filters.


Hamilton’s Water and Wastewater Division has confirmed that lead is not an issue in the city’s water distribution system, however, there are some localized lead issues in some older Hamilton homes that have lead water services or lead solder within the internal plumbing system of the home.


“Public Health Services wants to ensure Hamiltonians have up to date information,” says Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health. “We are aware that a number of residents living in older homes may be using pitcher-type filters as a part of their household lead reduction strategy. If the household includes pregnant women or children under six we are now recommending the use of bottled water or an approved tap or in-line filter for drinking, preparation of formula, and preparation of concentrated/dry powder juices.”


Public Health Services recommends that residents who purchase a household water treatment device check that the device is NSF certified, and that the product is certified for lead removal.


Uncertified devices cannot legally carry the NSF certification Standard #53 for lead reduction. However there will be a lag period as devices manufactured up to July 15 will remain on store shelves.


Residents are urged to visit the NSF website at: www.nsf.org/certified/dwtu or call them toll free at 1-800 673 6275 to make sure the product is listed and meets the manufacturer’s claims.



-30-


Media contact:

Dr. Elizabeth Richardson
Medical Officer of Health
905-546-2424 ext. 3501

[jjtsl]

Have you considered the Lotus Water Treatment System?

http://www.tersano.com/Products/lws.php

You should be able to find it in Canadian Tire as well as Costco online.

[Chr1s]

IF your primary concern is Lead, then a carbon based filtering system will not solve your problem.

Take a look at some charts of water purification methods and find what will work for you and your family.

Personally, I use water distillation for my drinking water. (See this post)

[golden]

Use Reverse Osmosis system. Mine came with a test pen to test the dissolved particle in PPM. Tap water at about 150-200ppm, reverse osmosis yield 5ppm. At least that was my own result.

[sonic]

I know this is an old thread but thought id post here...rather than start a new one.

I am also in Hamilton & am having more water sample taken on monday. The company called & said our water was high in minerals & was VERY hard. (i cant rmember the exact phrase)

Im just wondering what they will suggest?

we plan on moving in a few yrs...so new pipes is NOT an option.

[jonnyb]

I know this is an old thread but thought id post here...rather than start a new one.

I am also in Hamilton & am having more water sample taken on monday. The company called & said our water was high in minerals & was VERY hard. (i cant rmember the exact phrase)

Im just wondering what they will suggest?

we plan on moving in a few yrs...so new pipes is NOT an option.

There most likely going to try and install a water softener plus reverse osmosis system. If said company represents Rainsoft then your in for a treat. They'll try to sell you a system for 5 grand plus when you can install a better product for less than 2.

[l69norm]

....we plan on moving in a few yrs...so new pipes is NOT an option.

If you are planning to move in a few years, then I wouldn't do much unless it's causing you a big problem right now.

[Pete_Coach]

I know this is an old thread but thought id post here...rather than start a new one.

I am also in Hamilton & am having more water sample taken on monday. The company called & said our water was high in minerals & was VERY hard. (i cant rmember the exact phrase)

Im just wondering what they will suggest?

we plan on moving in a few yrs...so new pipes is NOT an option.

Just curious, "The company called & said our water was high in minerals & was VERY hard" sounds like a telemarketing call? I get a prickly feeling down my back on this one.
Are they going to do this for free? I suspect you are letting a snake oil salesman in your door. Wait for the high pressure sales pitch.
If you go ahead, do not believe what they tell you, if you are concerned, get a second opinion. I even think the city or province will test your water for free, without any product to sell.
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/water/tapwater/index.php

[sonic]

Thanks!
I called them & cancelled the appointment.

[Owbist]

Thanks!
I called them & cancelled the appointment.

Good plan Sadly all companies offering any kind of testing seem to have a vested interest in the result thus making the result suspect from the get go. The city of Hamilton should be able to give you readings for your area.

As an aside I always run my cold kitchen tap first thing in the mornings for a few seconds to remove any lead that may have come from the taps themselves.