Select filters for water purification. How to choose a good water filter

The quality of tap water has long ceased to be considered sufficient for consumption without additional purification. The specific taste and smell of untreated water can spoil the prepared dish, and drinking it is completely unpleasant. For this reason, many people install a water filter under the sink in the kitchen of their house or apartment; which one is better and what characteristics are important when choosing – we’ll look at it in this article.

Why is it needed? The operating principle of various models. Which flow-through water filter is best? Table with characteristics of the most popular models.

Which water filter to buy for washing: the best domestic manufacturers

There is a lot of debate about whether it is worth giving preference to domestic manufacturers, or is it better to purchase a foreign model from a famous brand? It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally, but it is important to understand that most of our companies operate in accordance with international standards and are in no way inferior in the quality of their products to other manufacturers.

Water filter Barrier

Barrier is one of the most popular brands you can find on the market today. Together with Aquaphor, it occupies a leading position. It appeared in 1993 and belongs to the domestic company “METTEM Technologies”. Being a fairly large-scale enterprise, Barrier owns four factories, fully equipped with high-quality German equipment. In addition, they have their own research center.

Both reverse osmosis and standard flow filters come off their conveyors, most of which have three degrees of purification. A special feature of their models is the presence of a special one-piece lid, which ensures no leaks. The filter capacity is up to 2 liters of water per minute. Replacing cartridges in water filters for Barrier sinks is done simply, within a few seconds.

Household filters for drinking water purification Aquaphor

The main competitor of Barrier filters and an equally popular manufacturer of water filters is Aquaphor. The company first announced itself on the market in 1992 and today has two large factories, one of which is located in St. Petersburg.

Among the brand's products you can find both main and reverse osmosis systems. But filter jugs for water purification are especially popular. You can buy them for several hundred rubles, and yet the level of cleaning they offer is more than high.

In addition, the company’s specialists presented their own development: the Aqualen sorbent. Its thin carbon fibers are capable of providing a particularly high level of purification of water passing through it.

Filters for water purification New water

Buying New Water filters is also very simple. Despite the fact that the company is slightly younger than the previous two and was founded in 1996, already in 2006 it received membership in the world Water Quality Association, which specializes in water quality. The company's product range includes both reverse osmosis and flow-through cleaning devices, as well as a variety of types of replaceable cartridges.

Water filters for sink Geyser

Geyser is one of the oldest, and therefore respected, companies on the water purification filter market. Having existed since 1986, it has managed to offer its customers a huge variety of scientific developments, which are now used in filters of its own production. During this period, the company was officially issued more than 20 patents.

Among the developments of this company, which have been recognized throughout the world, one can highlight a microporous ion-exchange polymer. It was he who provided the company with global popularity and allowed it to take a position in the world market. However, users are often much more interested in the fact that the cartridges are easily replaced with Aquaphor cartridges, which greatly simplifies the procedure for replacing them.

Reverse osmosis water filters Atoll

Buying an Atoll water filter means getting American quality at a very reasonable price. The thing is that the components are produced in the United States, while the assembly is carried out in Russia. All products are certified according to the international NSF standard, and therefore are recognized as one of the best.

Depending on the purpose, four different filter models are available to solve a particular problem. All devices have three stages of cleaning.

Rating of water filters for flow-through sinks: 5 best models

In order for you to choose the most suitable model, we will consider the five most popular options that were recognized by users as the best. The table will allow you to compare the characteristics, and a detailed description of the advantages and disadvantages will allow you to form your own opinion about each model:

Name/ characteristic	EXPERT FERRUm (Barrier)	EXPERT HARD (Barrier)	CRYSTAL N (Aquaphor)	EXPERT M410 (New water)	CRYSTAL QUADRO (Aquaphor)
Number of cleaning stages	3	3	3	5	5
Filtration of mechanical impurities	+	+	+	+	+
Carbon filtration	+	+	+	+	-
Ion exchange	+	+	+	+	-
Mechanical filter porosity (µm)	5	5	0,8	5	0,1
Iron removal function	+	+	-	-	-
Water softening	-	-	+	+	-
Cleaning from chlorine	+	+	+	+	-
Resource of one filtration module (l)	10000	10000	6000	n/a	n/a

EXPERT Ferrum (Barrier): the best filter for purifying water with high iron content

The advantages of this model include the following indicators:

• the filter provides high-quality water purification from impurities such as iron, chlorine, etc.;
• the cost of the device is more than moderate;
• installation of the filter is extremely simple;
• the filter does not affect the overall water pressure in the pipes;
• It’s very simple to buy a cartridge for the EXPERT Ferrum water filter, as well as replace it yourself;
• The filter is small in size and has a nice design.

But according to reviews, the Barrier EXPERT Ferrum water filter has the following disadvantages:

• copes quite poorly with increased hardness and practically does not soften water;
• replacement cartridges have a high cost, which, with constant use of the filter, significantly affects the budget;
• Long-term use of the filter leads to the appearance of a specific taste characteristic of coal.

Helpful advice! If any foreign taste or odor appears in the water, first drain at least 5 liters of water. If the situation does not improve, then the problem is in the filter itself and it needs to be replaced.

From the above information, we can conclude that this model is an excellent choice if your goal is to purify water from iron impurities, which often cause rust stains in the sink and bathtub. Moreover, drinking such water is not only unhealthy, but also tasteless, since the taste of iron is pronounced. Here's what the reviews say:

“An analysis of our water showed that the iron level is very high, but the hardness is fine. Therefore, this filter was ideal for us. Moreover, it is very inexpensive, and the cartridges are very easy to change.”

Evgeny Astakhov, Ekaterinburg

The filter is simply not designed to reduce water hardness; however, at its low price, the EXPERT Ferrum Barrier water filter fully performs its main function of iron removal. The system is located under the sink, and replaceable cartridges are changed in one motion.

EXPERT Hard (Barrier): membrane filter for water purification

The positive aspects of using this filter can be formulated in several simple points:

• Thanks to this purification, the water becomes much tastier, cleaner and more transparent, the smell characteristic of chlorine impurities completely disappears, and scale does not appear in the kettle even after a long time;
• the filter design is designed in such a way that thin flasks easily fit even into very limited space under the sink and at the same time look very aesthetically pleasing;
• the filter does an excellent job of softening water;
• the service life of the cartridges for these filters is at least six months, and replacement is done in one motion;
• the filter is capable of processing more than one liter of liquid per minute;
• Such a device is not too expensive and is very easy to install.

But EXPERT Hard also has disadvantages, which are best known in advance:

• the device is quite heavy and therefore it is best to place it on the floor or the bottom of a kitchen cabinet;
• The basic configuration of the filter includes a special ball valve, which, as users note, is not very convenient to use. This is primarily due to the fact that there is no nut for it that would allow it to be unscrewed if necessary;
• Another difficulty that often arises during the installation process is the mismatch of the adapter in relation to some mixers;
• immediately after installing the filter, the water from the tap will flow cloudy, so the first at least 10 liters must be simply drained into the sewer;
• the cartridge responsible for softening is not very effective over a long period of time if the tap water is very hard.

To summarize, we can say that this flow filter can inexpensively solve the main problems associated with purifying water from free chlorine and softening. It is not intended for very harsh operating conditions, but as a simple household option it copes with its tasks perfectly.

Water filters for sinks Aquaphor Crystal N

This filter from the Aquaphor company is especially popular among users, and there are a number of reasons for this:

• it has a very convenient design, and all the materials used for its manufacture are highly durable;
• the manufacturer indicates that cartridges need to be changed every year and a half, which is a considerable service life for elements of this type;
• copes well with the function of softening tap water;
• has a positive effect on water characteristics such as smell and taste.

Disadvantages of using the Aquaphor Crystal N filter:

• The cartridge responsible for softening the water does not have a very long resource. On average, it is enough to process 200-250 liters of water, although this largely depends on the degree of its initial hardness;
• The softening module can be restored by washing it regularly. However, performing this procedure every 2 months is quite tedious, and replacing the cartridge with a new one is expensive.

Helpful advice! If you're daunted by the prospect of constantly worrying about the need to maintain replaceable modules, you might want to look into cartridge-less water filters.

Perhaps the only drawback of this filter is the need to regenerate the softening module. Otherwise, the device copes with all functions perfectly, providing clean and tasty water, purified of all unnecessary things. The device itself looks beautiful and is inexpensive.

Expert M410 (New Water): a good choice of water filter for washing

This device has a number of unique advantages that make it indispensable in certain operating conditions:

• The filter width does not exceed 10 cm, which allows it to be used even in very limited space under the sink. But even if there is enough free space, this option allows you to save space in order to use it to place other necessary items;
• High-quality plastic is used for manufacturing, and the manufacturer pays special attention to the reliability of connections;
• The faucet for the drinking water filter that comes with the kit looks very nice. It will be a worthy decoration for any kitchen;

• for a very reasonable price you get a complete set of parts necessary for installing and operating the filter;
• the filter does an excellent job of eliminating free chlorine, which makes the water much tastier and clearer;
• As many as five degrees of purification are used, one of which is ultrafiltration;
• The water filtration speed is quite sufficient for everyday use, and replacing cartridges is very quick and easy.

This model does not have any serious drawbacks, however, users noted that the replacement cartridges for this model cannot boast of a low price, and the water softening element often requires maintenance after just a month of regular use.

This compact and beautiful model includes as many as five degrees of purification, including ultrafiltration. This undoubtedly makes the filter one of the best candidates to buy. Of course, too hard water can become an obstacle to the comfortable use of the device, but otherwise it copes well with its tasks.

Crystal Quadro (Aquaphor): the best filter for water sinks with the ability to select modules

There are several advantages of this filter:

• you can select modules for your filter individually, which allows you to independently determine the most suitable configurations that can solve current problems associated with the presence of foreign impurities in water;
• cartridges can be replaced directly with the flask body, which greatly simplifies the replacement procedure;
• The device is compact in size.

The disadvantages of this device include a number of the following characteristics:

• the presence of a fourth cleaning stage significantly increases the price of the device, while it is not always necessary and justified;
• due to the design features, it is necessary to replace not only the cartridge, but also the flask, which also increases the cost of replacement elements;
• Like most flow filters, scale appears on this model after just two months of use.

Generally speaking, this is a compact filter that will allow you to select the modules yourself, thus ensuring the most effective cleaning. However, this model can hardly be called economical, which is worth considering before purchasing it.

Reverse osmosis systems: which filter is better for water purification

Another popular method of water purification is osmosis. Filters for this purpose have a special design and differ significantly from flow-through filters. Let's consider several popular models from different manufacturers: their main characteristics in the form of a comparative table, as well as advantages and disadvantages:

Name/ Characteristic	Geyser PRESTIGE 2	Atoll A-550 STD	EXPERT OSMOS MO510 (New water)	PROFI Osmo 100 (Barrier)
Reverse osmosis function	+	+	+	+
Number of cleaning stages	2	5	3	5
Mechanical filtration	+	+	+	+
Ion exchange	-	+	+	-
Carbon filtration	_	+	+	+
Availability of storage capacity	-	+ (8 l)	+ (3.25 l)	+ (8 l)
Maximum capacity (l/m)	0,3	n/a	0,13	from 0.2
Availability of filter module included	+	+	+	+
Standard module resource (l)	3500	n/a	n/a	5000
Minimum permissible water temperature at the filter inlet, °C	4	5	5	5
Maximum permissible water temperature at the filter inlet, °C	40	40	35	35
Minimum required pressure for full operation of the filter (atm)	1,5	2,8	2	3
Maximum permissible inlet pressure (atm)	8	6	8	7
Pore ​​size (µm)	0,0001	n/a	5	1
Additional mineralization	-	-	-	-
Deferrization	+	+	+	+
Oxygen enrichment	-	+	-	-
Water softening	+	+	+	+
Chlorine removal	+	+	+	+
A pump that allows you to increase the pressure in the system	+	-	-	-

Filter Prestige 2 (Geyser): ideal price-quality ratio

When deciding which is the best water filter for your home, you should definitely pay attention to this model. After all, it gained its popularity for a reason, but thanks to a number of advantages:

• among models of this type, Prestige 2 boasts a very high water filtration rate;
• removes unpleasant odor and taste, making water suitable for drinking and cooking;
• the model has moderate dimensions;
• the cost of replacement elements is low, and replacement is simple;
• The life of the cartridges is so long that some users note their proper operation for 2-3 years;
• Installing such a filter yourself is more than simple.

Disadvantages of Prestige 2:

• Most likely, you will have to buy a faucet for a drinking water filter separately, since the one that comes as standard cannot boast of an exquisite design or beauty;
• purchasing replacement cartridges is often difficult, since they are not always available;
• the connection point with the ball valve must be additionally sealed using tow, adhesive tape, etc. to avoid leakage.

Helpful advice! Keep in mind that such models consume water for drainage, which can lead to serious financial costs if you have a water meter installed in your apartment or house.

The main difficulty that arises with this filter model is installation and maintenance. Otherwise, the filter is very popular due to its long service life, as well as high-quality water purification for quite modest funds. Here are some reviews you can find on the Internet:

“Before making the purchase, I spent almost a month researching which filter for hard water is better. I probably read and looked at all the information that could be found on this topic. I settled on Prestige 2 because of the high quality of their cartridges and fairly long service life. I’ve been using it for almost a year and so far I’m happy with everything.”

Vitaly Semenov, Nizhny Novgorod

Atoll A-550 STD: particularly high performance filter

Advantages of the A-550 STD (Atoll):

• The manufacturer took care of ease of installation by making all the hoses in different colors. This greatly simplifies the task and allows you not to confuse which should be connected where;
• the use of components manufactured and tested in accordance with international quality standards ensures the highest quality of water purification;
• The plastic from which the filter is made is of very high quality;
• despite its compactness, the filter has extremely high performance;
• The basic filter package includes not only a stylish and elegant tap for clean water, but also a special silicone lubricant and FUM tape.

Disadvantages of using the Atoll A-550 STD filter:

• despite the fact that installing the filter is quite simple, the abundance of connections still does not have a very positive effect on the strength of the system;
• The kit does not include spare retaining rings;
• Such a filter is not cheap and it can only really be repaid if the daily consumption is more than 20 liters per day;
• Users also note that the key, made of plastic, which is designed to unscrew the flasks, breaks very easily.

If you are not concerned about the cost of the device or you are simply ready to spend serious money on high-quality water purification, this model can be called an ideal option. All components are imported and boast high quality. The filter itself is characterized by high performance, and therefore is suitable for an apartment or house where a large family lives.

Barrier PROFI Osmo 100, household filter for drinking water purification: reviews and characteristics

First of all, this simple model is famous for its low cost and the presence of as many as 5 stages of cleaning. But besides this, the following points stand out:

• all flasks can be disassembled, which allows for significant savings in the future;
• after cleaning, foreign odors and taste disappear;
• cartridges have a long resource and do not require frequent replacement;

Reverse osmosis filter Barrier Profi Osmo Boot

Among the shortcomings most discussed by users on forums and thematic portals are:

• The quality of the parts leaves much to be desired. This applies both to the plastic itself and to such little things as the lack of a special latch, which should ensure a reliable connection of the elements;
• the four-way valve emits a specific hum when the storage tank is empty;
• it is necessary to constantly monitor the pressure level so that the filtration system works properly;
• water consumption during the filtration process is very high;
• This model can hardly be called compact. Most likely it will take up all the free space under the sink.

In short, this is practically the cheapest version of a five-stage water purification filter that you can find. In this regard, one has to face a number of difficulties, such as increased water consumption and the need to control pressure. However, this model is quite inexpensive. Here's what those who purchased this filter say on the forums:

“The main thing that attracted me to this under-sink water filter was the price. Initially, I didn’t plan to spend much on this, and therefore such a cheap option suited me quite well. In general, it’s a very economical thing: I installed it myself and everything is fine. Fortunately, I don’t have a water meter.”

Nikolay Tyumentsev, Ufa



“Everything is fine with the filter, except that it is very sensitive to pressure. I had to spend time and solve this problem once, but now everything works great and there are no problems.”

Konstantin Pritulny, Volgograd

Expert Osmos MO510 (New Water): compact and convenient water filter

Buying a membrane filter for water purification of this quality means paying due attention not only to the quality of the water itself, but also to the design of the device. Here are some of its benefits:

• the membranes used are made in Japan and meet all quality requirements;
• both the filter and the faucet included in the kit boast an original design and ease of use;
• the filter is easy to install yourself, but at the same time you can always get qualified help by using the support service on the company’s official website;
• the membrane, like the cartridges themselves, are easy to maintain and replace.



Disadvantages of using this filter:

• the fairly high cost of both the model itself and individual components, in particular cartridges;
• filtered particles tend to clog the membrane, which negatively affects the water supply pressure;
• Unfortunately, leak tests are not provided for these water filters for washing, which leads to the risk of encountering a leak immediately after installation.

This model is quite suitable for water purification, provided that the content of mechanical impurities is not too high. However, it is better to entrust the installation of this particular filter to a professional.



Devices without replaceable cartridges: main-line water purification filters

Water filters without replaceable cartridges occupy a special place in the modern market of water purification devices. One of the most prominent representatives of this category is the titanium water filter Titanof. Reviews about it unanimously indicate both ease of use and high quality cleaning. The efficiency of using a titanium filter is several times higher than the installation of a coarse water filter, as well as most membrane models. Here's what users say about this device:

“We have been using the Brita water pitcher filter for quite some time. Buying a cartridge seems to be not too expensive, and not too difficult, but in reality, you very soon get tired of thinking and remembering about it. Therefore, when choosing a filter for the sink, we chose a titanium one primarily because it does not have replaceable cartridges. And the quality of water purification is at the highest level.”

Miroslav Velikhodov, Ryazan

The titanium filter provides high-quality water purification from free chlorine, iron, aluminum, metal salts, as well as nitrates and other unsafe chemical compounds. At the same time, the filter does not affect the mineral composition of water.



Helpful advice! If you are just deciding where to buy a water purification filter, then it is best to place an order on the manufacturer’s official website. This way, you can at least be sure that you purchased an original product, and if there is a problem, you can contact the manufacturer directly.

Installing a water filter under the sink yourself

Having finally decided on a suitable model and purchased it, all you have to do is install the filter in place and start using it. The easiest way is to invite a master to do this, whose qualifications will allow him to do this with the highest quality possible. However, often the considerable price of household filters for drinking water purification pushes people to save on installation.

Installing a filter for water purification can be done independently. But in this case, it is necessary to take into account both the basic rules for installing such devices and the manufacturer’s individual recommendations.



Let's consider the general procedure for installing a filter for water purification under the sink:

1. First of all, remove from under the sink anything that could get in the way or get wet during operation. Prepare a cloth, bowl or bucket.
2. Turn off the water and relieve pressure in the system by opening any of the taps.
3. Unscrew the water supply hose in the place where the transition from the common line to the mixer is located.
4. Be sure to measure the current pressure on the line and, if the indicator does not match, take the necessary measures: if the pressure is too high, a reducer is installed, and if the pressure is too low, a special pump is installed.
5. According to the instructions provided by the filter manufacturer, secure all components. At the same time, do not forget about small but important details, such as gaskets and rubber bands, since they are the ones who ensure the tightness of the system.
6. Take care of the high-quality connection of the drinking water faucet with the filter. Inspect all joints in advance and make sure they are strong.
7. Before checking, place a bowl under the sink and place a rag around it in case there is a leak somewhere. Allow the water to drain down the drain for at least 10 minutes. If everything is in order during this time, you can return everything previously removed to the sink.

Helpful advice! In order to increase the service life of the rubber parts of the filter and prevent them from drying out, pre-lubricate them with Vaseline or silicone.

When you decide to take care of the quality of the water you use for drinking and cooking, you will definitely be faced with a difficult choice. But after carefully reading the reviews of under-sink water filters, operating features, as well as the main characteristics, you will certainly understand which filter you need to buy for under-sink water purification.

The World Health Organization notes that most human illnesses are caused by poor quality drinking water. And that even a “respectable” looking liquid can contain a lot of harmful components in its composition. Experts recommend that everyone who values ​​their own health and the health of their loved ones purchase water filters - we will now tell you how to choose them.

Methods for purifying water from a well or water supply

To purify water from harmful substances, it is necessary to pass it through a special medium - this is the principle of filtration technology. Depending on the type of medium used, the properties of the liquid also change. Different filters use their own work resources. To ensure the acceptable content of impurities in the liquid, they must be changed before the resource is completely exhausted.

Mechanical

Mechanical water purification is preliminary

Mechanical filtration is carried out to remove insoluble mineral and organic impurities from water. A positive quality of this process is the ability to use it at normal temperatures without adding chemicals. Typically, such purification is a preliminary method; in rare cases, it is a final method of water treatment.

Sorption

Overall dimensions are a significant disadvantage of sorption purification systems

Sorptive purification of liquids involves the use of porous materials that bind contaminants and retain them. Carbon filler is often used. It is effectively used in the presence of inorganic and organic substances, as well as chlorine compounds, in water.

The main disadvantage of sorption filters is the very large dimensions of these devices. Fillers are placed in them in several layers to ensure the most complete removal of hazardous substances.

Carbon filters require proper care. Only professional service guarantees high-quality and effective filtration. Since bacteria can live in the pores of the charcoal, use hot water to rinse it.

Ion exchange purification

Such systems are expensive

However, ion exchange purification alone will not be enough, since such filtration:

• does not remove heavy metals, minerals and pesticides;
• Ozone, unlike chlorine, which has a similar effect, disintegrates very quickly and there is no residual cleaning effect.

Also, ozonating water is not cheap, so it is not a good idea to use ion exchange purification at home.

Membrane

The membrane system provides a high degree of water purification

With membrane filtration, high purification is ensured due to the precise division into elements of impurities present in the liquid. The main advantage of using membranes is that impurities will not remain there; they are removed due to the drainage system.

However, this method of water purification also has one caveat: during the treatment process, the accumulation of impurities occurs extremely close to the membrane itself. This phenomenon is called concentration polarization, which can affect the filtration results and reduce the properties of the membrane.

Electrochemical

When using this method, an electric current is passed through water.

In electrochemical water purification, an electric current is passed through it, as a result of which the impurities contained in the liquid usually break down into non-toxic substances.

The main advantages of this method are the small size of the complex, ease of operation, no need to use reagents, and effective bactericidal cleaning. However, there are certain disadvantages, namely, low productivity and high energy consumption.

UV disinfection

UF disinfection is an environmentally friendly cleaning method

UV disinfection is considered universal because it destroys all types of pollutants. The environmental friendliness of the cleaning method, its low cost and the absence of the need for expensive maintenance are also noted. After filtration, the structure of the water does not change, and all useful elements are retained.

Which cartridges to choose

The choice of cartridge will depend on the filter used and the exact result you want to achieve.

For jugs, there are cartridges with several types of cleaning; in flow-through and main-line types, each type of cartridge is designed for a specific type of cleaning; there are also those with complex cleaning.

Depending on the type, the cartridge can perform one of the functions listed above.

When choosing, consider a few simple rules:

• mechanical cleaning with a filtration fineness of 1 or 5 microns is required;
• on the riser, water must pass through mechanical deep cleaning of 10 or 100 microns;
• if you want to get rid of iron, choose a cartridge containing components designed for this;
• for softening, it is better to take cartridges with ion exchange resin;
• To improve the taste of water and clean it of chemical impurities, pay attention to carbon cartridges.

Selection of system depending on water contamination

The efficiency of using the cleaning system and the quality of liquid filtration depend on the specificity of the existing contamination. Before deciding on a water filter, you need to carry out a comprehensive check for impurities. Only after this will it become clear where to choose.

Problem	Which filter to use
Corrosive neutral acid water	Ion exchange filter and reverse osmosis system
High hardness water
Insoluble particles, sand, etc.	Mechanical filtration
There is a fishy or woody smell	Sorption and UV disinfector
Chlorine smell
Hydrogen sulfide smell
Chemical odor from detergents	Sorption filter
Smell of oil	Reverse osmosis filtration
The water is cloudy and smells of methane
Phenolic odor
Salty water	Ion exchange filter
High acidity	Sorption filter

Additional options to keep in mind when choosing a filter

Now you should familiarize yourself with the additional parameters that you need to pay attention to when you move on to choosing a filter for water purification.

There are several other factors to consider when choosing a filtration system.

Filtration of cold and hot water

Most purification devices are designed to filter cold water. The maximum permissible temperature in this case should not exceed 400C. For this reason, if you want to purify hot water, then you need to look for filters with a high temperature limit.

Performance and resources of the filter module

Filter performance refers to its ability to pass and purify a certain volume of water per minute. This indicator is minimal for reverse osmosis systems, since it will take a long time for the liquid to pass through the filter membrane. So when choosing a filter, you need to decide how often it will be used and how much water will need to be purified per day.

Almost every one has a filter module designed to purify a specific volume of water. Once its resource is exhausted, it will no longer be able to provide adequate water quality and will have to be replaced.

Availability of consumables

You need to pay attention to the cost of filter modules - cartridges, since in most filters they quickly exhaust their working life, which means you will have to pay a lot.

Any cartridges have their own working life

Manufacturer selection

It is no secret that both domestic and foreign companies are engaged in the production of filtration units. Some have been realizing themselves in this area for decades, while others are just setting out on this path, without placing the main emphasis in their activities on water treatment systems.

If you just can’t decide which is better, we recommend that you abandon the stereotypes that “everything foreign is better, higher quality, more reliable,” and choose products from experienced companies with a name and positive reviews. By the way, there are enough of these on the Russian market. It is enough to look at the rating of water filters to understand that “our” companies know how to make high-quality, durable units.

It is better to choose products whose manufacturers have been working in this market for a long time and have proven themselves well. Each of them has its own developments for different cleaning systems.

Price

If the price of the desired model is very different from the average market value, then you need to think about where this product comes from. If this product was purchased from an official supplier, but the price is very different from prices in other stores, then it is 100% fake.

Availability of certificate

If you doubt the quality of the product, you can ask the seller for a quality certificate. Moreover, this document must be original, and not an ordinary photocopy.

Which water purification filter to choose for an apartment or house

These units may differ in technical characteristics and design. Therefore, when deciding which filter to choose for your house, apartment or cottage, it is very important to clearly define your needs and objectively match them with real possibilities.

The effectiveness of the filter depends on which filter is chosen in each particular case. Modern manufacturers are ready to offer many models of different cleaning equipment and filters.

Pre-filters

Pre-filters purify water from solid impurities

Pre-filters are used to purify water from solid impurities that significantly worsen its taste and can harm household appliances. When choosing a specific model, consider the amount of water consumed.

Mud filters

Mud filters are used for mechanical water purification. When passing through a special mesh, it leaves solid impurities on it. Mud collectors can be used for preliminary cleaning of both cold and even hot water up to 150°C.

Jug

Jug filters are the most affordable water purification device

These are the most primitive devices; the resource of their cartridges is very small (usually up to three hundred liters). Their main purpose is to rid water of chlorine and unpleasant odors, and partly of hardness. The jugs are mobile and compact; They can be successfully used both at home and on the road. With them, clean water is always at hand. The frequency of cartridge replacement is once a month. The maximum degree of purification is 20 microns.

Advantages:

• does not require connection to a water supply system;
• extremely easy to use, does not require human supervision.

Flaws:

• in them the degree of purification is an order of magnitude lower than in those “integrated” into the water supply;
• small volumes of purified water.

The amount of liquid purified at one time cannot exceed the volume of the jug itself - usually one or two liters. That is, if cooking requires three liters of water, the jug will have to be filled twice one way or another. And this is not always convenient.

A pitcher filter is the best option for those who have a fairly limited budget or, due to the small size of the kitchen, cannot allocate space under the sink for a stationary system.

Water purifiers for faucets

The filter attachment has a compact size and an affordable price

These are small-sized devices that fit directly onto the tap. Their advantages are their low price and the ability to take them with you on trips.

Disadvantages - small volume of sorbent and low productivity - up to half a liter per minute (if manufacturers' advertising slogans say that it can be done faster, do not believe it). And here, containers for storing purified liquid are also needed.

Dispensers

Dispenser filters are designed for water purification

Dispensers are used to carry out post-purification of drinking water at home. They are easy to use since there is no need to connect this filter to the water supply.

The filter removes unpleasant taste and odor from water. Replaceable cartridges can remove solid suspensions, many organic and inorganic impurities and soften water.

Flow-through for washing

The cartridge is located next to the tap and is connected using a flexible hose

Such water purifiers are not placed on the faucet itself, but placed nearby. Such installations are attached to the tap using a flexible hose.

Their main advantages are sufficient productivity (higher than that of a faucet attachment) - up to one and a half liters per minute. Plus, there is no need for separate containers for purified water.

But such a filter takes up precious space on the sink. True, if he is beautiful, this item can be excluded from the list of shortcomings. Well, you should remember that it requires connection and disconnection after water purification.

Flow-through water filters for sinks

This filter has many advantages, but unfortunately, the price is high.

A stationary filter under the sink is built into the water supply. The unit itself is located under the sink, and a separate tap is connected to it - exclusively for purified water. The frequency of changing cartridges is once every six months. The maximum degree of purification is 0.05-1 microns.

Advantages:

• high degree of water purification;
• sufficient performance;
• great resource;
• the presence of a separate tap for purified liquid;
• Ease of use;
• the required volume of purified water is always available;
• location under the sink - no clutter in the work space.

There is only one drawback - the high price.

Stationary filters are chosen by those users who understand the value and importance of highly purified water and are ready to invest in their health.

Softeners

The disadvantage of the system is that it does not remove bacteria and metals.

Water is softened by reducing the amount of salts, usually chlorides and sulfates. To do this, replaceable filters with a cation exchange resin that adsorb salts are used, instead saturating the water with hydrogen and sodium ions. The downside is that softeners do not remove bacteria and metals.

Home reverse osmosis systems

Thanks to reverse osmosis systems, it has become possible to obtain water at home that is not inferior in quality to bottled water.

These are perhaps the best water purifiers available today. They allow you to remove not only excess water hardness, excess iron and chlorine, but also all kinds of bacteria and viruses.

The key filter component of such systems is the reverse osmosis membrane. Its pores are significantly smaller than the size of most known viruses, therefore your body will be protected as reliably as possible.

The main advantages of reverse osmosis systems over other purification plants:

• highest degree of purification;
• low cost of purified water;
• constant supply of liquid (ten liters).

The configuration of such installations looks like this:

• pre-cleaning cartridge system;
• reverse osmosis membrane;
• special post-cleaning filter.

These units, if desired, can be equipped with a structurer and a mineralizer - this will make the water rich in useful minerals, capable of improving digestion and blood circulation.

The maximum degree of purification of such systems is 0.0001 microns. The frequency of replacing the reverse osmosis membrane is once every three years. The frequency of replacing post-cleaning cartridges is once a year.

Reverse osmosis systems are chosen by people who want to constantly consume highly purified water without overpaying for it (bottled products).

Trunk

Main filters are installed in the water supply

Filters of this type are mounted directly into the water supply. They are designed to purify water from mechanical formations and chemical compounds. By type they are divided into coarse and fine cleaning systems, as well as for water softening.

The most suitable apartments or houses of medium size are units capable of flowing from 20 to 50 liters per minute. But in some cases, the calculation of the required power is individual and depends on the maximum amount of water consumption. In addition, it must be taken into account that the pressure in the water supply system must correspond to 0.1 - 0.5 bar.

The service life depends on the intensity of use and can even be unlimited with proper operation, with the only condition that the cleaning cells need to be washed.

Advantages:

• Thanks to comprehensive purification from bacteria and technical impurities, the taste of water improves;
• the service life of water pipes and household appliances will significantly increase;
• it is small in size, easy to use, and you can replace the filter components yourself;
• Another advantage of these units is the low price of replacement cartridges.

There may be one drawback - the installation process. If you have not installed and connected the water supply, then most likely you will need the help of a specialist. But this is not such a serious minus.

Fibos type main filters with flushing system

Unlike mud filters and mesh filters, Fibos filters provide fine water purification. Their filter element is made in the form of a cylinder with ultra-fine microwire wound turn to turn. The distance between adjacent turns in the winding does not exceed 1 micron. This allows you to retain not only dirt particles, but also 99% of bacteria that form a biofilm on these particles. To prevent the Fibos filter element from becoming dirty, the microwire is covered with a thin layer of glass insulation, which prevents particles in the water from sticking to the microwire.

Microwire is a unique technology developed back in the USSR for defense and space purposes; the only mass production of it in the world is in Russia.

Fibos filters have direct flushing through the outlet tap into any suitable container or into the sewage system. An additional device allows you to automate the washing process.

The performance of the Fibos filter line has wide limits. Practically without reducing the pressure in the water supply system, the filters purify 5 liters of water per minute when used in the kitchen under the sink, 16 l/min when cleaning in an apartment or country house, 50 l/min in cottages, 83 l/min in cottages and swimming pools , up to 1000 l/min in production.

Since Fibos does fine water purification, if necessary, inexpensive cartridge filters can be installed after it to soften water, reduce iron content, and remove chlorine. In this case, the service life of the cartridges is significantly increased.

Fibos filters cost from 7,990 rubles with a service life of more than 10 years. The filters operate in both cold and hot water supply systems up to +95°C.

Fibos fine filter – the leader among mainline filters

Postfilters

Such filters improve the taste of water

Post-filters are used in reverse osmosis systems to eliminate unpleasant odors and improve the taste of water. The active element here is activated carbon. These systems also use mineralizer filters. They are necessary to restore the natural mineralogical composition of water, which is disrupted after the liquid passes through the membrane.

Video: review of cleaning filters

General requirements for water purification systems for a house or apartment

Since the filter is constantly in contact with drinking water, it must be made of environmentally friendly, safe materials that do not emit any chemicals or a characteristic odor. Just smell the plastic parts and you will understand whether the product is in front of you or not.

For high-quality operation of the water purification system, all cartridges must be replaced in a timely manner.

For a stationary system connected to a water supply system, strong, durable housing materials are very important. Modern high-quality water purifiers are made of glass-filled plastic - it is much better than conventional one.

The choice of a water filter should be entirely based on the principles of common sense - you should not naively assume that a jug-type unit will serve you for ten years. But if you are single and accustomed to an active lifestyle, this (or a faucet attachment) will suit you best. For a large family, it is almost impossible to overestimate the convenience and importance of a stationary device.

Any of the cartridges used in the cleaning system has its own resource, which, if exhausted, should be replaced. It is usually expressed in the volume of liters of liquid treated or the time of use, but taking into account the average water consumption per day. Filters used for mechanical cleaning must sometimes be cleaned of accumulated dirt. If you do not follow the operating rules, then the system will pollute the water instead of cleaning it.

Sink filters use replaceable modules through which water is filtered sequentially. The cleaning method is determined by the “filling” of the modules and the technical design of the model:

• . Water is forced through the membrane cartridge using pressure from the water supply network. Water with impurities cannot pass through the membrane and is drained through the outlet drain tube.
• Use activated coconut charcoal. It, like a sponge, absorbs harmful impurities from the water flow: chlorine and organochlorines. At the same time, like a sieve, it retains rust, silt, sand and other particles. This filter is suitable for removing major contaminants from drinking water.
• The Aquaphor company offers another type of filter for washing: . DWM are models based on reverse osmosis technology for convenient home use. They take up 2 times less space than classic reverse osmosis systems and can operate at low pressure: 2 atm is enough (“classic” requires 3.5 atm).

If you are selecting a filter based on pollutant type, please note:

• Any good sink filter can handle the main water pollutants. For specific impurities, the installation of special systems may be necessary.
• Not all contaminants can be identified by the sight, taste, or smell of water. To be sure that you are solving exactly the problem, it is better to first have your water tested.

A filter under the sink is one of the most useful devices for the kitchen. It not only purifies water from all kinds of impurities and harmful substances, but also simplifies the process of its preparation. Through an additional faucet, which is installed in the kitchen sink, you can get clean water instantly, without wasting time and money on buying bottled water or pouring water into a filter jug ​​each time.

You can see many different systems on sale, but not all of them cope with the task of high-quality water purification. To choose a really good filter, we recommend that you read our rating.

The best inexpensive water filters for washing: budget up to 5,000 rubles.

Inexpensive filters for washing cost an average of 1,500 – 5,000 rubles. You can rarely find membrane filtration, softening and mineralization in them, and the number of purification stages does not exceed three. At the same time, most models are quite capable of ridding water of heavy metals, chlorine, phenol, benzene and other chemical additives.

3 Aquaphor Crystal Eco

Three stages of water purification. Ion exchange and ultrafiltration
Country Russia
Average price: 4,950 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Aquaphor Crystal Eco is one of the most popular budget under-sink filter systems. It is equipped with three stages of water purification, ion exchange, carbon and ultrafiltration. The latter allows you to remove organic matter, impurities and bacteria from the water. There is no storage tank in this model, since the maximum filter capacity is 2.5 liters per minute.

The resource of a standard filter module is designed for 8000 liters. Most users, when reviewing this filter, cite such advantages as low price, ease of installation, cheap cartridges and compactness of the system.

There are significantly fewer negative reviews compared to the “Aquaphor Crystal” model (without the “eco” prefix). The number of complaints about the quality of the water softener has decreased. Much less scale began to form. However, for people with kidney disease, it is better to purchase more expensive models that can cope with hard water.

2 Barrier EXPERT Hard

The most capacious cartridge. Best price
Country Russia
Average price: RUB 3,183.
Rating (2019): 4.6

"Barrier EXPERT Hard" is one of the best-selling filter systems in recent years. Among the best budget filters for sinks presented in the review, “Barrier EXPERT Hard” stands out because it has the most resource-intensive filter module. Thus, the cartridge of the Geyser Prestige 2 filter presented above is enough for 3500 liters, while the Barrier EXPERT Hard cartridge can be used for at least 10,000 liters.

Other advantages of this filter include the presence of a water softening filter. This will get rid of scale in the kettle. True, there are complaints that this filter quickly becomes clogged and after a couple of months the scale appears again. There is an explanation for this - in areas with very hard water, the filter will, for obvious reasons, clog much faster. You just need to change the cartridge on time.

Review from user Eduard:

If you take this filter, then immediately buy a 12mm drill, otherwise you will go to the store again to make a hole in the countertop. Everything else is included in the kit, only the screws for attaching to the chipboard are a bit short. Overall, I like the filter; it collects a little more than a liter of water in a minute. This, by the way, confuses whether the filtering is going too fast. Maybe this affects the quality?

1 Geyser Prestige 2

The best ratio of price and quality
Country Russia
Average price: 4,990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The domestic “Geyser” occupies the leading position in the category of budget filters. The company supplying water treatment systems to the market was founded back in 1986 and today has a dealer network covering 120 cities in Russia. There are even European offices in Riga, Prague and Belgrade.

The Geyser Prestige 2 filter system is considered one of the best in quality in the budget price segment. With an average price of only 5,000 rubles. The device has a reverse osmosis membrane for water purification, which dramatically improves the quality of filtration. Not many budget systems can boast of having a membrane.

Also in Geyser Prestige 2 there are stages of water purification from dissolved iron (deferrization) and purification from soluble hardness salts (softening).

Video review

Speaking about the advantages of this system, almost all users note the high quality of water purification, compactness, ease of installation and, of course, reasonable price.

The disadvantages of this model include its rather weak performance - only 0.3 liters of clean water per minute. For the needs of a small family of 2-3 people, this may be enough, but for larger families you will have to buy an additional storage tank (it is not included in the kit) where purified water will be stored.

The best filters for washing: budget up to 10,000 rubles.

More expensive and efficient models are presented in this category. Increased cost, as a rule, affects not only the degree of water purification, but also the quality of materials and workmanship.

4 Siberia-Tseo Aquarius-BKP

High performance, use of zeolite
Country Russia
Average price: 9,060 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Compact (42x38x14 cm), but very powerful filter with three stages of cleaning. The maximum productivity of the device is 3 l/minute. The package includes a filter module designed for 6000 liters. There is a separate tap. The quality of water after it passes through the filter improves significantly - it is cleared of free chlorine and mineralized.

In reviews, users note that when using this water, scale does not form in the kettle. Among the advantages compared to other filters in the same price category is the use of zeolite. The first flask is transparent - you can use it to assess the degree of contamination. In one of the reviews, the user says that he took water for analysis before and after passing through the filter - the quality of the liquid at the outlet turned out to be excellent.

3 AQUAPRO AP-600P

Largest storage capacity
Country: Taiwan
Average price: RUB 9,931.
Rating (2019): 4.7

A high-quality, effective filter model with five stages of cleaning. Features include reverse osmosis, iron removal, free chlorine removal, and water softening. The package includes a 10-liter storage tank, a separate tap, a pressure booster pump, and a filter module. Replacement cartridges are inexpensive.

In reviews, users note the excellent quality of water purification and its pleasant taste after passing through the filter. They like the possibility of additionally installing a mineralizer and using filters from any manufacturer - they have a standard size. During operation, the device does not make noise, does not leak, filters need to be changed no more than once every six months. The only downside is the higher cost compared to similar models, but the difference in price is compensated by inexpensive cartridges.

2 ECOSOFT MO 5-50

High quality materials and components
Country Ukraine
Average price: 7,169 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Popular and high-quality model with five cleaning stages. It is installed under the sink and does not take up much space - the dimensions of the product are 35x45x15 cm. The device includes a 9-liter storage tank, a filter module, and a separate tap. Productivity is 0.13 l/minute. With the help of a filter, even the worst tap water becomes drinkable without boiling. It is deferrized, cleaned of free chlorine, foreign mechanical and dissolved impurities, and softened. The principle of charcoal cleaning is applied.

In reviews, users note the high quality of materials and components, the reliability of the filter, and the good quality of water after purification. Even after a long time of use, you do not have to deal with leaks. Many people like that they can install the filter themselves without resorting to the services of specialists. The only disadvantage noted is the high cost of the cartridges, but in terms of bottled water it is still cheaper.

1 New Water Econic Osmos O300

Compact size, easy installation and maintenance
Country Russia
Average price: 7,690 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

First place in the mid-price category ranking goes to the Novaya Voda filter Econic Osmos O300. This is a fairly popular model, about which it is not possible to find a single negative review - all users are completely satisfied with the operation of the device. After purification, the water becomes softer, acquires a pleasant taste, and can be drunk without boiling. The filter is easy to install, reliable, and of high quality. Compact dimensions (23.5x29x22 cm) allow you to install the device under a sink of any size.

This under-sink filter is suitable for both apartments and private houses, for purifying the hardest water. Eliminates all common pollutants - mechanical impurities, dissolved impurities (heavy metals, phenols, bacteria, viruses, hardness salts). The kit includes a filter module, a separate tap, and a 3.25-liter storage tank. The maximum filter capacity is 0.7 l/minute. Among the additional advantages, users note the quick-release membrane and ease of maintenance. If necessary, you can easily add a mineralizer or post-filter with shungite.

The best under-sink filter systems with reverse osmosis (membrane)

Membrane filtration is considered to be of higher quality, since the output is water of almost ideal purity. The pores of the osmotic membrane are very small and retain most contaminants, iron, oil products, etc. It is important to note that the membrane is very dense and good pressure is required for water to pass through it. If the pressure in the water supply system is low, the filtration rate will be extremely low. In such cases, it is recommended to pay attention to models with a built-in pump to increase pressure.

3 GEYSER PRESTIGE P

Built-in booster pump
Country Russia
Average price: 11,900 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

It is recommended to buy this filter system for washing if you have poor water pressure in your apartment/house. "Geyser Prestige P" is one of the few models that is equipped with a pump to increase water pressure. This will allow the filtration process to start even in places with extremely low pressure (reverse osmosis requires at least 2 atmospheres for operation, otherwise the system will not work).

Otherwise, Geyser Prestige P has everything that its competitors have: 5 stages of purification, iron removal, softening, reverse osmosis, storage capacity of 12 liters. It’s a pity, of course, that there is no water mineralizer, since for about the same money the competitor Atoll A-550m STD has a mineralization function.

Among the positive reviews, users note the high quality of filtration, inexpensive and very affordable cartridges (except for the membrane for 2000 rubles) and moderate consumption for drainage (0.3 liters per 1 liter of clean water).

2 AQUAPHOR OSMO 50

Best price. 5 stages of cleaning
Country Russia
Average price: 7,490 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Aquaphor OSMO 50 is one of the most affordable reverse osmosis filter systems in terms of price. In addition to the membrane, there are 5 stages of water purification, a storage tank of 10 liters and functions for softening and purification of dissolved iron. In principle, this is enough to obtain high-quality water, as evidenced by user reviews. The water tastes better, scale and odors disappear.

There is, however, a significant disadvantage that is typical for many models with reverse osmosis - a high secondary flow of water into the drainage. For one liter of clean water, at least 6 liters go into the drainage. If you consume 300 liters of water in a month, then at least 1800 liters (almost two cubic meters) will go down the drain. For owners of houses with private sewerage, such pleasure will cost a pretty penny.

Also, do not forget about the cost of replacing filter elements. Depending on the intensity of use, replacing Aquaphor OSMO 50 filters may cost 1500 – 5500 rubles. in year.

1 ATOLL A-550M STD

Mineralization function. Price quality
Country Russia
Average price: 11,400 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The ATOLL A-550M STD model was included in the rating of the best filter systems with reverse osmosis. This is the most expensive filter system presented in the review. But the price, as they say, is justified. Atoll A-550m STD is equipped with two very useful elements: a mineralizer and an oxygen enrichment function. What's the use of this? As was described at the beginning of the article, the membrane makes the water crystal clear, removing both harmful and beneficial substances (minerals) for the human body. The water turns out almost like distilled water, which is not good. So, in Atoll A-550m STD, after all the cleaning procedures (and there are 5 stages), the water is additionally enriched with useful mineral elements. And the water becomes much healthier than after conventional purification with reverse osmosis (membrane).

Other useful functions of the Atoll A-550m include a device for deferrizing water (removing dissolved iron) - it will be useful for residents of areas with very hard water. The filter system is also equipped with a very capacious storage tank of 12 liters, which will be more than enough to provide clean water to a family of 2 to 6 people.

As for the reviews, for the most part they are only positive. Users praise the Atoll A-550m primarily for its very high-quality filtration - the water really tastes better. Some of the not-so-pleasant aspects include the rather expensive cartridges. They last a long time, but after 2-3 years (depending on the intensity of use) you will have to pay almost as much for the cartridges as the entire system costs. Atoll A-550m STD - the best value for money!

How to choose a filter system for washing?

Before choosing a specific purification system, it is a good idea to have information about the chemical composition of the water that flows from the tap. This will allow you to choose the filter that will purify the water most effectively. So, if you have very hard water in your apartment, you will have to buy a more expensive filter with a membrane (reverse osmosis). Treatment of very hard water is mandatory if there are people in the family with kidney disease. For less hard water, a budget ion exchange filter may be sufficient.

You can find out the chemical composition of water in different ways. For example, ask your local Vodokanal or conduct your own “mini laboratory test”. Water hardness can be determined using a special test strip, and chlorine content can be determined using starch iodine paper (available at aquarium stores).

When purchasing a filter for a sink, in addition to the price, you need to look at two important components: cleaning methods and the presence of a water softener. Each sink system may have several methods of water purification, and their quantity and quality directly depend on the cost of the entire system.

Membrane filtration

For example, in budget filters up to 3000 rubles. As a rule, there is no membrane filtration. Membrane filtration (ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis) serves to ideally purify water from viruses and bacteria. Only very thin particles of water (up to 0.0005 microns) pass through the membrane, and all other impurities and bacteria are retained. The output is very pure water, almost like distilled water. But the membrane has a significant disadvantage - useful minerals are filtered along with bacteria. Therefore, such water will neither harm nor benefit. Purchasing a filter system with a membrane and a built-in mineralizer will help solve this problem. Thus, water completely purified from metal ions will be re-enriched with minerals.

Ion exchange

To purify hard water from heavy metal ions, budget filtration systems use only ion exchange. It is not possible to purify water as efficiently as reverse osmosis does, but it is still better than nothing.

Carbon filtration

Carbon filtration is a very useful feature that is present in most filter models. Coal serves to absorb chlorine, phenol, benzene, toluene, petroleum products and pesticides. It removes everything that is added to the water for disinfection. Even budget under-sink systems have carbon filtration, but some models may not have it.

Water softening

Water softening is an extremely useful function of a filter system. With its help, you can reduce the content of calcium and magnesium ions in water, which stimulate the formation of scale in a kettle, dishwasher and washing machine. This will not only save the housewife from unnecessary hassle with descaling, but will also significantly extend the life of kitchen appliances.

Do we often think about the question of what kind of water we use at home for drinking or cooking? Alas, we have to admit that not everyone has yet fully understood the need for its purification and filtration. But this is by no means an idle question: the quality of water from autonomous sources or from the city network very often lies outside the limits of acceptable sanitary standards. Simple boiling or settling can help only partly, and is unable to cope with the overwhelming number of factors of pollution or even infection.

It is gratifying that the number of supporters of a reasonable attitude towards health, their own and those around them, is still constantly growing. Direct evidence of this is the expanding popularity and demand for household water purification devices. Filter manufacturers are constantly working to improve their products and expand their product range. But the variety on sale can easily confuse a buyer who is purchasing such products for the first time and is not too knowledgeable about how to choose a water filter.

Where does the choice begin?

This publication will not contain a detailed story about water polluting factors, technologies for purifying it from certain substances, or the operating principles of various filtering devices.

How are coarse and fine filters designed and how do they work?

It is very important to know this, but it is not worth repeating. A separate large article on our portal is devoted to the issue of the design and functioning of various types.

Therefore, today the emphasis will be placed mainly on consumer problems - what to choose for a person to provide clean water to his home. Let us also take out of the brackets complex powerful water treatment stations assembled from several column-type filters - their selection, configuration and installation should only be carried out by specialists. Let's consider the problem in the context of purchasing a ready-made filter or filtration complex in a specialized store, designed for the needs of one average family.

Any task should always begin with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve in the end. When purchasing essentially any thing or product, a person usually already has an idea of ​​what functions or qualities he hopes to get for his money spent. The water purification filter is no exception in this matter. You need to confidently imagine what properties it should have.

A simplified approach like “just purify the water” is, of course, complete amateurism. Along with obvious signs of pollution (which also need to be dealt with skillfully), water may contain substances or microorganisms that are completely invisible to sight, smell or taste and pose a threat to human health.

You should not trust your superficial feelings, much less the advice of your neighbors. Subjective opinions can lie in a wide range - from “we have been drinking this kind of water all our lives” to some far-fetched “horrors”, which more likely belong to the category of “urban legends”. And, in addition, the quality of water from neighboring nearby sources, or even in neighboring urban buildings, can vary significantly.

As a result, you can fall into one of two extremes:

• Purchasing a filter that does not have the required cleaning functions will simply be a waste of money.
• Taking advantage of the obvious ignorance of the consumer, store sellers will try to impose an expensive filter system for which there is absolutely no need. In the end, this is also lost money.

The optimal solution is to submit a water sample from a source or water supply for laboratory analysis. This, of course, also costs money, but such expenses will be justified.

The best decision is to conduct a laboratory test of water from your source.

Carrying out the analysis immediately solves a lot of questions:

• You can immediately assess the fundamental suitability of an autonomous source for use in food needs.
• The analysis results will help you choose the right filter system. Repeated analysis, after installing the filter, will give a clear picture of its effectiveness.
• Regular testing will allow you to track the dynamics of changes in the biochemical composition of water - an extremely important measure for autonomous, especially newly equipped sources.
• Having a laboratory test report in hand can become a document on the basis of which it will be possible to make claims against city utilities.

By the way, many thoughtful people, when purchasing a new home, immediately require the presentation of a document on the quality of drinking water.

To carry out the analysis, you need to decide on a laboratory. You should not resort to the services of laboratories working at water supply organizations (they can easily underestimate pollution indicators), and at companies involved in the installation of filtering and purification systems (there, of course, there may be another extreme). It is best to choose an independent organization that has the appropriate government certification.

Laboratory tests are divided into two types - chemical and microbiological. For autonomous, especially surface sources, both are mandatory. For tap water, which, in theory, should have already gone through the stage of disinfection, they are often limited to only a chemical test, although a microbiology test will also never be superfluous.

It is most reasonable to agree in advance with laboratory workers about the time of delivery of the collected water samples, since there are certain restrictions on their shelf life (2 ÷ 3 hours).

Water intake also requires compliance with certain rules:

For chemical analysis, 1.5 liters are required.

• The optimal solution is a clean plastic bottle, but only for drinking still water. It is prohibited to use containers for sweet drinks or beer.
• The tap is opened and the water is given at least 15 minutes to flow freely. (If the source has not been used for a long time, it will take even 2 hours).
• The bottle and cap are thoroughly washed with the same water that will be analyzed. No detergents are used.
• Then the pressure is made minimal, so that when pouring into the bottle, aeration is not created - the appearance of bubbles. Excess oxygen can greatly distort the overall picture.
• The container is filled completely, overflowing, in such a way that there is no air left under the tightly screwed cap.

For biological analysis, the requirements are completely different.

• The required volume is about 0.5 liters. The container must be absolutely sterile - if, for example, a glass jar is used, then both it and its lid are thoroughly steamed. Many laboratories accept samples for microbiology exclusively in their own sterile disposable containers, which are given to the customer.
• To collect water, you must wear sterile medical gloves.

For the “purity of the experiment”, taking a water sample for biological analysis is carried out wearing sterile gloves

• Even before opening the tap, the cut of the spout is either burned with fire, or carefully treated with medical alcohol - it is necessary to completely prevent microorganisms from entering the sample from the outside.
• The tap opens and water runs under maximum pressure for at least 10 minutes.
• After this, the sterilized container (cold) is filled to the top and immediately sealed.

Typically, the execution time for an order for high-quality laboratory testing of water is about 5 ÷ 7 days. By the way, if they promise to do it literally in a day or two, this should alert you. It happens that not entirely conscientious companies conduct a superficial rapid test, which is then passed off as an in-depth study.

As a result, the customer must receive a protocol certified in accordance with the established procedure, which has the force of a legal document.

As a rule, this is a table in which, for clarity, the maximum permissible standards for water established by SanPiN and the actual indicators obtained are indicated.

Having such a document in hand and highlighting the positions that require adjustment, it will be possible to select filters for the appropriate focus of action.

The laboratory research protocol will help determine the “strategy” for water treatment, and can also be of assistance in filing claims against utility services.

Is it possible to limit ourselves to conducting independent rapid tests, kits for which can be purchased in stores?

Experts have a unanimous opinion on this matter - such analysis is not a full-fledged alternative to laboratory analysis. Of course, it will show the presence of a problem, but it will not be able to determine the exact quantitative and component indicators of pollution, that is, the data for a high-quality selection of the filter system will be clearly insufficient.

And one more parameter that should be determined in advance is the required filter performance. Since the article discusses devices for drinking water purification and for cooking, we can proceed from the average norm of 3 liters per day per person. Of course, the filter should not operate at the limit of its capabilities, that is, it is advisable to increase this rate, say, by half.

Thus, if, for example, five people live in a house (apartment), then it is easy to determine that approximately 30 liters of purified water per day will be required. Accordingly, the purchased device must cope with such a load.

Now let's move on to considering various models of household

The simplest option: filter - jug

Filter jug ​​device

For those who do not want to spend a significant amount on purchasing a filter, do not need large volumes of purified water, or do not want to deal with any installation or connecting the system to the water supply, we can advise you to get a “light option” - a jug. Of course, such a solution is only possible if the quality of the incoming water allows it.

The simplest and most inexpensive, but far from the most effective solution is to purchase a jug filter

Although externally, filter jugs can vary greatly in shape and color design. The basic design is always the same and is not very complicated.

Essentially, these are two containers separated by a partition and communicating only through a filter cartridge.

The jug body (item 1) is used to collect purified water. It is always made of transparent food-grade polymer; a volume scale is often placed on its walls for ease of use. The capacity of the jug may vary - usually there are a number of models on sale with a volume of filtered water ranging from 1.3 to 4 liters. The choice for this parameter depends on the family’s need for drinking water.

The upper container (item 2) is an insert into the housing. It is also made from impact-resistant food-grade plastic, but usually has a darker tone (the color may vary depending on the design idea). This compartment is designed to receive water to be filtered, and its capacity is usually about half the usable volume of the jug.

At the bottom of the insert, where it forms a kind of funnel, there is a socket into which the filter cartridge is tightly inserted and fixed (item 3). The purpose, that is, the functionality of the cartridge can be different - this is selected based on the existing “clinical picture” of the state of the water.

It is important to know that the locking or threaded connection between the cartridge and the upper container may vary significantly from one manufacturer to another. Apparently, this is a method of encouraging the purchase of only branded components.

There is a spout in the upper part of the body for convenient directed drainage of filtered water (item 4). The design is such that even with a strong tilt of the jug, water from the upper and lower compartments does not have the opportunity to accidentally mix.

The collection of water for filtration is carried out with the lid folded back (pos. 5), which can be equipped with a convenient lock (pos. 6), or through the intake hatch, which also necessarily has its own lid to prevent accidental entry of dust or debris inside.

The filter jug ​​always has a comfortable handle (item 7). A “reminder” can be placed on top of the lid or on the handle - a mechanical calendar that will prompt the owner about the timing of changing the filter cartridge. There are also expensive models that have an electronic display. Moreover, when selling some branded models, it is practiced to register customers who will subsequently receive Internet or SMS messages about the need to replace them.

The operation scheme is obvious - water poured into the upper container independently, without any influence, only due to gravity, passes through the filling of the cartridge, receives the required cleaning and accumulates in the jug. As water is consumed for drinking or kitchen needs, new portions are added to the receiving container.

Cartridges used

It is the cartridge that is the most important element of such a filter, so special attention should be focused on its selection.

The shape of the cartridge and its locking part can be different, and there is almost no question of interchangeability, unless, of course, this is specified by the manufacturer.

But cartridges for one filter model can have different purposes:

• Replacement elements for water of standard quality are sold - they help cope with possible unpleasant odors, normalize taste, remove heavy metal ions, chlorine impurities, organic compounds, etc. The usual sorption material for them is granular activated carbon.
• There are cartridges with a pronounced softening effect - they additionally contain a certain amount of ion exchange resins.
• You can also choose a cartridge for a source with a high iron content - they use reagent-free technology for iron removal and filtration.
• For sources whose water does not undergo disinfection, there are special elements with a bactericidal effect.
• Cassettes are produced, the refilling of which involves a healing fluoridation effect on the water.

Most companies use silver in one form or another in cartridge fillers - this prevents the development of bacterial colonies inside them. And besides, each manufacturer tries to surprise the consumer with its own original developments.

Typically, at the inlet and outlet of their cartridge there is a mesh or membrane that performs the function of mechanical filtration. In addition, the replacement elements usually have a special throttle device that equalizes the speed of water passing through the filler, regardless of the level of filling of the upper section of the jug.

Advantages and disadvantages. Options for selecting filter jugs.

The following can be said about the positive qualities of filter jugs:

• Their operation is the simplest, which anyone can handle.
• There are simply no installation operations other than connecting the cartridge. Ideal for work, dorms or rental housing.
• The jug can be easily taken with you as needed, for example, when going on vacation.
• Low cost, affordable for any family.

There are also significant disadvantages of such filtering:

• Cleaning occurs only in certain portions. For example, to fill a five-liter kettle, you will have to fill the filter twice.
• The cleaning speed is low, rarely reaching the threshold of 400 ml/minute, and more often – even much less.
• Frequent (about once every month and a half) cartridge replacement is required. the period may be even shorter.
• Quite high operating costs in terms of the volume of filtered water, if you look at it in perspective. So, after just one and a half to two years, the total costs can equal or even exceed the costs of a truly powerful and high-quality multi-stage filtration installation.

When choosing a filter jug, you should be careful, as the market is replete with cheap counterfeits.

Under no circumstances should they buy them in random places - there are specialized stores for this. It is best to choose models from well-known brands.

Carefully inspect and literally sniff the body. The polymer should not emit any odors. Food grade plastic must have the appropriate pictographic markings shown in the figure.

This sign indicates that food grade plastic was used to make the jug.

You should immediately evaluate the possibility of purchasing original replacement cartridges with the required functionality, in accordance with the quality of the water source, and their affordability.

It is necessary to choose a jug based on volume wisely. Remember - such a filter is not a “decanter” at all, but only serves to purify water. The capacity of the vessel should correspond to real needs with a small margin. It is not recommended to store filtered water for more than a day. This means that you will have to simply drain the excess, wasting the resource of the replacement cartridge.

Typically, a one and a half liter jug ​​is enough for a single person or a couple. It is fashionable to think about purchasing a filter with maximum capacity, about 4 liters, only if it will be used in a large family.

Cartridges purchased must be in original sealed packaging. Their expiration date must be checked.

The convenience of the jug and its external design are certainly important criteria, but they should still be assessed last.

To complete the section on jug filters, here is a short overview of popular models from well-known manufacturers and some cartridges for them.

Model, brief description	Illustration	Capacity (jug/funnel) or cartridge resource (liters)	approximate cost
MANUFACTURER - "BARRIER"
Barrier-Style jug, compact layout, mechanical resource indicator		2.5 / 1.0	490 rub.
Jug "Barrier Grand NEO Ruby", volume scale, mechanical resource indicator		3.7/2.0	550 rub.
Cartridge “Barrier – 7 iron” for standard and water purification and deferrization		350	250 rub.
Cartridge "Barter-ultra" for filtration and bactericidal treatment of water		200	400 rub.
MANUFACTURER – “AQUAPHOR”
Aquaphor Line jug of classic design, compact size		3.2 / 1.4	350 rub.
Jug "Aquaphor Prestige", mechanical indicator		3.0 / 1.35	540 rub.
Cartridge B100-15, universal action		170	155 rub.
Cartridge B100-6, softening		300	320 rub.
MANUFACTURER - "GEYSER"
Jug "Geyser Matisse-Chrome", graphite or deep blue color, plastic with increased heat resistance		4.0 / 1.5	840 rub.
Jug “Geyser Dolphin” - stylish model, 5 shades to choose from		3.0 / 1.4	380 rub.
Cartridge "Geyser 502", universal, with a softening effect		300	210 rub.
Cartridge "Geyser 301", universal type		300	170 rub.
MANUFACTURER - "ВRITA"
Jug "Elemaris XL", with electronic cartridge resource indicator		3.5 / 1.5	1450 rub.
Marella XL jug, electronic display		2.2 / 1.2	790 rub.
"Brita Classic" is a universal cartridge. Suitable for some models of Aquaphor jugs		150	290
"Brita Maxtra" - cartridge with four stages of water purification		150	360 rub.

Video: review of Barrier brand filter jugs

Filters in the form of a faucet attachment

Another type of filters that can be classified as the simplest water purification systems.

As the name implies, these devices are simply put on the faucet spout head. Water is filtered using a flow method, due to pressure in the pipes. This allows the use of carefully compacted sorbent backfill in such filters, in contrast to jug cartridges, that is, to improve the quality of water purification.

The advantages of such tabletop filter attachments are increased resource and productivity. The device does not clutter up the space directly above the sink.

However, there are also many shortcomings. The design is quite voluminous and will take up a lot of useful space near the sink to which it is “attached”. When using a coupling connection, the inconvenience is the same as with a compact nozzle - the need to connect and disconnect it with each set of filtered water. If a connection with a diverter is used, then the tube extending from it may cause interference.

Drawing water from such a filter requires care - careless activation will result in liquid spilling on the table surface. The possibility of accidental release of hot water into the filter remains fully intact.

Model	Short description	Illustration	average price
"Aquaphor Modern"	The body is spindle-shaped, the spout is located on the side. Dimensions 273 × 117 mm. Filtration rate – up to 1.2 l/min. The resource of the replaceable cartridge B200 is up to 4000 liters. Mechanical calendar - reminder.		770 rub.
"Barrier Optima"	Original design, microprocessor control over the residual life of the filter module. Swivel spout. Cartridge resource – up to 1500 liters. Filtration rate – up to 1 l/min.		1200 rub.
"Rodnik-3M"	Model for wall mounting. Dimensions 315×120 mm. Weight when not filled with water is 1 kg. The resource of the replaceable module is 3600 liters. Filtration rate – up to 2 l/min.		790 rub.
"Geyser 1 UZH EURO"	A modern model with a wide selection of filter modules of various functionality with the possibility of regeneration. The module resource is up to 25,000 liters, including without regeneration - up to 7,000 liters. Filtration rate – up to 1.5 l/min.		1500 rub.

Filter systems with installation under the sink

Universal installations for filtration and fine water purification, which are usually located under the kitchen sink, are becoming increasingly popular among users.

The most rational solution is to hide the filter system under the kitchen sink

Structurally, such systems usually represent a series of cartridge-type filters, each with its own cartridge of a certain type of action. (The design of such filters is described in detail in the article linked above). Water along the path from the water supply to the point of analysis sequentially passes through all the modules, which ensures comprehensive cleaning of the highest class.

All filters, as a rule, are assembled on one console with a system of channels or tubes for transferring water from one module to another. There are models with a case design, in which the entire system is covered with a casing.

The arrangement of filter flasks is most often linear. In some multi-stage systems, an arrangement in two rows or two tiers is possible, with vertical and horizontal placement of modules.

The number of modules, that is, cleaning stages: from the minimum - one, to four, and sometimes even five. This determines the highest “flexibility” of the system - the installation dimensions of replaceable cartridges, as a rule, are kept the same from one manufacturer, which allows you to accurately select the general characteristics of the entire complex depending on the results of laboratory water testing.

Such complexes are very convenient to use. When installing them, the water supply is immediately connected to the water supply, and a separate tap is installed at the sink, connected to the last stage of filtration. At any time, you can substitute a container, open the tap and draw the required amount of purified water. Moreover, the diameter of the connecting tubes, connecting channels and the parameters of the external tap provide optimal pressure for high-quality filtration - there is no risk of exceeding it. In addition, the possibility of accidentally letting hot water into the filter modules is completely eliminated.

The disadvantages of such complexes can only be considered a certain complexity of the initial installation, although for the owner who is familiar with basic plumbing techniques, no special problems should arise. And the relatively high cost of such complexes can hardly be considered a disadvantage - the high quality of cleaning is worth such costs, and the considerable resource of replaceable modules ensures a quick payback for the filtering unit.

The choice of such filter systems has its own characteristics.

• Since the installation is supposed to be hidden under the sink, issues of external design, as a rule, are not among the priorities. It is much more important that the dimensions of the complex correspond to the actual dimensions of the space allocated for its installation.
• Since the system most often involves multi-stage cleaning, you should focus not on the persuasion of the sales consultant, but on the available results of laboratory research. It is important to determine priorities in advance in order to choose the right modular content of the kit.
• Some complexes have expanded functionality - after the first stage of mechanical cleaning there is a branch to a regular mixer or to a dishwasher, heater, etc.
• When assessing the performance of the complex as a whole, you should focus on the readings of the “slowest” cartridge. Typically, at the outlet of the faucet, a flow rate of about 1.5 ÷ 2 liters per minute is provided - a completely acceptable characteristic.
• Filter modules may also differ in the size of their resource. The owner will have to monitor this on his own, since it may be necessary to change cartridges sometimes not at once, but “in stages.” Some modules can be periodically regenerated.

Of course, you should check the completeness of the delivery. Usually the system is supplied with everything necessary for its complete installation - a hanging or floor-standing console, flasks, a set of cartridges (you can often choose it at your discretion), a tee for inserting into the water supply with a pressure regulator, connecting pipes, a faucet for installation on a sink, a key for “packaging” of flasks with cartridges. Sometimes the kit includes additional accessories - all this is indicated in the product passport.

Model	Short description	Illustration	average price
"Aquaphor Solo Crystal"	The simplest single-stage sorption purification system. Dimensions 260x340x90 mm. Capacity up to 2.5 l/min.		2500 rub.
"Aquaphor B510-08"	Replacement module for deep water purification. Resource – 4000 l or 6 months. operation		350 – 400 rub.
Atoll A-211Eg (D-21s STD)	Two-stage system with mechanical and sorption filtration and hard water softening. Dimensions 355x365x145. Productivity – up to 3.8 l/min.		7300 rub.
Atoll A-211E + Atoll A-211E g	An additional set of cartridges designed for 2 years of operation with replacement every 6 months		4000 rub
"Barrier Expert Complex"	Three-stage purification system - mechanical filtration, sorption purification, softening and deferrization of water. Dimensions 368×267×95 mm. Productivity – up to 2 l/min.		3700 rub.
"Expert Complex"	Set of cartridges. Resource 10,000 liters or 1 year of operation		1400 rub.
"Aquaphor Crystal ECO N"	A system with four stages of purification, including disinfection, softening, iron removal, mineralization and water conditioning. Dimensions 377x342x92 mm. Productivity – up to 2.5 l/min.		4800 rub.
"Aquaphor" K3, KN, K7 and K7V	A set of four replaceable cartridges with an increased resource - 8000 l or 18 months. operation		2200 rub.

Video: advantages of the Aquaphor-Trio water filter

Fibos type flow line filters

Another type of filter in which water is purified by passing through a filter element under the influence of pressure in the water supply system or pressure created by a pump if the water source is autonomous. These filters are built directly into the main line, that is, into the pipe through which water is supplied to the tap. This is convenient, since the procedure for initially connecting the filter is one-time and, as a rule, is performed by a specialist plumber. But anyone with basic plumbing skills can easily handle it.

The advantage of main filters is that clean water flows from the tap, which can be used for any purpose. In addition, you can install one filter for several water supply points (kitchen, bathroom, toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.).

Let's look at how these filters work using the Fibos filters as an example.

• Unpurified water enters the outer filter flask.
• It passes under pressure through a filter element - a fabric wound with an ultra-thin microwire. The distance between the turns of the microwire is 1 micron.
• Contaminants remain in the outer part of the flask.
• Clean water from the filter element is supplied to the tap and household appliances.
• Contaminants are removed from the outer part of the flask simply by opening the drain valve.

The microwire is the main thing in the filter. What is it and how does it filter?

Currently, the only mass production of microwire in the world is located in Russia. Its production technology was effectively developed back in the USSR. The main areas of use of microwires are the military and space industries.

A microwire is an ultra-thin metal thread that is covered with glass insulation. Its thickness is no more than 25 microns, which is 40 times less than a millimeter.

In the filter element, the microwire is wound with a distance between turns of 1 micron. Only water passes through it, and contaminants remain in the outer filter flask, then they are removed when the drain tap is opened at the bottom of the Fibos filter. The glass coating of the microwire is necessary so that contaminants do not stick to the filter element and are easily washed off when washed.

If you look at a photo of the Fibos filter element under a microscope, you can see a metal core and a glass shell covering it. If you look closely, you can see the gap between the turns is about 1 micron.

In addition to fine purification of water from mechanical impurities, Fibos filters provide protection against bacteria. Bacteria attach to mechanical particles, forming a thin biofilm on them. Thanks to its ultra-fine filtration, the Fibos filter completely retains them.

If necessary, to soften water, remove chlorine, or reduce the iron content in water, an inexpensive cartridge filter with the appropriate properties can be installed after the Fibos-type main filter. Cartridges last much longer and are replaced less often, since the Fibos filter does the preliminary fine cleaning.

In terms of performance, there is a line of Fibos filters from 5 l/min for the kitchen, 16.5 l/min for an apartment or cottage, 50 l/min for a cottage, 83 l/min for a cottage, swimming pool to industrial samples of 1000 l/min .

Fibos filters operate at water pressures from 0.5 to 16 bar. They are supplied with a pressure gauge showing the pressure in the system.

Another plus of these filters: they practically do not reduce the pressure in your water supply system.

For ease of use, Fibos filters are equipped with devices for automatic washing.

The filters are compact, with a height from 146 mm to 183 mm without a pressure gauge and a flush tap.

Model	Description	average price
	Convenient small filter for the sink. Produces 5 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 3/4" or 1/2" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	6,990 rub.
	Compact filter for a cottage or apartment. Produces 16.5 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 3/4" or 1/2" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	RUB 8,990
	An excellent filter for a country house or cottage. Produces 50 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to 1" or 3/4" line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	RUB 13,990
	The filter is ideal for cottages and swimming pools. Produces 83 liters of water per minute. Filtration fineness 1.0 microns. Connection to a 1.25 inch or 1 inch line (with adapter). Water temperature up to +95°C.	RUB 23,990

Filters with reverse osmosis system

The highest rates of water purification from any impurities, chemical or bacteriological contaminants are shown by filter units in which, in addition to conventional purification, a stage operating on the principle of reverse osmosis is used.

For “apologists” of crystal clear water - installations with a purification system based on the principle of reverse osmosis

To begin with, what is reverse osmosis?

If a vessel is divided by a membrane with microscopic pores, and then liquid with different concentrations of impurities is poured into these sections, the system will not be in equilibrium. Liquid from a compartment with a lower concentration will spontaneously tend to the opposite one, thus equalizing the overall concentration. This phenomenon is called forward osmosis.

But if an external force is applied to the volume of a more concentrated liquid—increasing its pressure—then the flow through the membrane will begin to occur in the opposite direction. And what goes into the neighboring section will depend only on the size of the membrane cells.

This is exactly how reverse osmosis filter units work.

Schematically - what is the reverse osmosis process?

Water enters the filter module under pressure (arrow No. 1). The module itself is divided into two parts by a membrane (red arrow), the microholes of which are only about 0.3 nm in size, so that they allow water molecules to pass through. Thus, small-sized water molecules penetrate into the second half, from where filtered water flows to points of accumulation or consumption (arrow No. 3). Increasingly larger molecules, not to mention mechanical suspensions, bacteria and even most viruses are reliably retained on the membrane and removed along with the concentrated solution into the drainage (arrow No. 2). A common occurrence is the proportion of ⅓ of the total volume - purified water and ⅔ - discharged concentrate.

In principle, such a scheme is capable of independently purifying water of any degree of contamination. However, in order not to “overload” the membrane and to prevent its pores from becoming overgrown, several stages of pre-filtration are provided. In addition, some molecules (for example, free chlorine, which is constantly present in tap water) are smaller in size than water molecules, and must be disposed of in advance. Therefore, pre-filtration includes not only mechanical, but also sorption purification.

The output is water, which in its characteristics approaches distilled water. From the point of view of cleanliness, this is excellent, but from the point of view of consumer qualities, not very good. Such demineralized water is devoid of even the slightest taste and smell, is of little use for drinking, and dishes prepared from it will not be the most delicious. Moreover, many doctors agree that water of this degree of purification can even be harmful to the human body.

To eliminate this drawback, additional modules are usually installed after reverse osmosis for household purposes. Usually this is a mineralizer that enriches water with mineral salts necessary for humans. A carbon post-filter and a biothermal module can also be installed, which normalizes the bio-composition of water. And if special sterilization is required, then an ultraviolet lamp can be used to complete the cycle.

The cost of such installations is quite high, so it is necessary to immediately determine how much there is a need for it. In addition, a number of other important criteria are taken into account when choosing.

• The reverse osmosis process requires a minimum pressure of about 2.8 bar. Water supply systems do not always meet these indicators. This means that you will either need to install a pump that increases the pressure in the system, or you will need to purchase a complex equipped with a built-in pump. That is, there will also be a need to organize power supply.
• The question of the performance of the filtering unit is very “how much”. Here it is important to find a “golden mean” so that the need for clean water is met and unnecessary surpluses are not created. We should not forget that in order to get a liter of purified water, about two liters will have to be drained into the sewer. That is, it would be extremely unwise to use such water for economic purposes.

Even the smallest installations are capable of producing up to 100 liters per day - this is more than enough for any family. So it’s hardly worth chasing high performance, especially since this affects the cost of the installation itself.

• You should decide which installation will be more convenient to use - storage or flow. In flow-through systems, filtration occurs only when the water tap is open - more efficient membranes are installed. In another option, the system has its own storage tank - the filtration process occurs only when necessary - when the total volume of accumulated purified water decreases to a certain level. It is very convenient - the owners always have a supply of clean water. The disadvantage is the considerable dimensions of the assembled installation. But the price of such complexes is much lower.

The most expensive module, naturally, is the reverse osmosis module, but its resource is quite long - the membrane usually withstands up to three years of operation. The remaining replaceable cartridges are changed more often as the resources contained in them are exhausted. Typically, pre-filters last up to six months, and a post-cleaning carbon cartridge lasts up to a year. After its depletion, the water may “signal” with a bitter taste.

Model	Short description	Illustration	average price
"Aquaphor OSMO 100 PN version 6"	Three-stage pre-cleaning, mineralizer and post-filter. Storage tank 10 l. Built-in pump. Productivity 15.6 l/hour.		14,000 rub.
"Geyser Prestige PM"	Six stages of preliminary and post. cleaning. Storage tank 12 liters. Productivity – 12 l/hour. Two tap positions - for clean and mineralized water.		14100 rub.
"Barrier Profi Osmo 100 boost"	Five-stage cleaning, built-in pump. Storage tank 8 l. High productivity – up to 20 l/hour.		11000 rub.
"Atoll A-560E SailBoat"	An original monoblock design that simplifies installation of the system in the space under the sink. Dimensions 410 × 420 × 240 mm. 5 stages of cleaning. Built-in 8 liter membrane tank. Productivity – up to 6 l/hour.		20,000 rub.

Video: household filtration unit with reverse osmosis system "Aquaphor - Morion"