Filters Fast - Water and Air Filter Experts

What are total dissolved solids and where do they originate?
Dissolved solids found in water are any substances other than the pure hydrogen and oxygen elements that compose the water. These dissolved solids include minerals, salts, metals, organic waste and suspended solids such as wood pulp. The amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) present in the water can cause water to be unsafe to drink. The source of these contaminants are mostly from agricultural runoff, surface runoff or are due to the natural weathering of rocks and soils. The average TDS level of tap water is between 170-400 parts per million (ppm). TDS levels between 300-500 ppm are considered high and may contain harmful contaminants that may be hazardous if consumed.

How can you tell what level of TDS is in your water?
We offer a variety of meters that are used to measure the level of TDS in your tap water and your filtered water. These meters can be helpful in determining when will be the most accurate time to replace your filters if a filtration system is installed. Most reverse osmosis membranes have a lifespan of 2-5 years. Because this is such a vague filter lifespan, it is difficult to actually judge when it should be changed. Using a TDS meter, you can calculate the rejection rate of the reverse osmosis membrane and determine exactly when the replacement filters and the membrane should be replaced. The consumer can be reassured through the TDS meter that the filters are being replaced as soon as they are at capacity.

What is the rejection rate?
The rejection rate is calculated when the TDS level of the filtered water processed through the RO system (RO product water) is measured and is subtracted from the TDS level of the unfiltered tap water that bypasses the RO system (pre-RO feed water). That result is then divided by the pre-RO feed water and then is multiplied by 100. For example, if the TDS level of the filtered water is 25 ppm and the TDS level of the unfiltered water is 350 ppm, this is what the equation would look like:

350ppm - 25ppm = 325ppm

325ppm / 350ppm = 0.92

0.92 x 100 = 92% Rejection rate

What TDS meters do we offer?
The CT-1 meter has an L.E.D. light that indicates when the filter should be changed. When it turns red the filter has met its capacity and should be changed. This unit includes 2 AA batteries. The DM-1 is an inline filter that measure the feed water and the product water on the same unit and it has 1/4" quick-connect inlets. The hand held TDS meters that we offer are the TDS-3 and the TDS-4. The TDS-3 has a built-in digital thermometer and a carrying case with a belt clip. The TDS-4 or the Pocket Size TDS meter is the smallest TDS meter on the market and has a 3-year limited warranty.

Posted by at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Depending on your travel destination, you may be exposed to a number of different diseases. Exposure depends on the presence of infectious agents in the area. The risk of becoming infected will vary according to the purpose of the trip, the standards in accommodation, hygiene and sanitation, as well as the behavior of you, the traveler. Some diseases can be prevented by vaccination, but there are some that have no known vaccine.

The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes 80% of all travel diseases to contaminated drinking water. When traveling to many countries, precautions should be taken to avoid sickness from small organisms in food and water. Many countries still fertilize with human waste, making it very important to take steps so that you don’t become sick.

Food and water-borne diseases are often transmitted by consumption of contaminated food or water. The risk of infection is reduced by taking hygienic precautions with all food, drink, and drinking water that is consumed. Some proper precautions are as follows:

• Tap water and ice cubes should be avoided where water quality is uncertain.
• Bottled water may even be questionable, and should be avoided if it arrives open or unsealed, as it may be filled from a local water source. Only drink bottled water if it is industrially bottled, or sealed.
• Fruits that don’t have a peel, raw vegetables, and salads should be washed with disinfected water.
• Brush you teeth with germ-free water. Don’t forget, if you need to take any medication, make sure the water you are using is germ-free, as well. Gastrointestinal upset may affect the effectiveness of your medication.

There are also a number of proactive steps that you, the traveler, can take to protect yourself. In the past 5-10 years, a number of water filtration products have come onto the market for travelers. These products are often small, compact, and provide the necessary filtration you would need when traveling abroad.

Perhaps the most popular brand on the market is Katadyn. Katadyn produces a number of products for every type of situation. Whether you are on an expedition, an overnight backpacking trip, or simply need a personal water bottle, Katadyn has the products that you will need. All Katadyn products will remove bacteria, cysts, viruses, and sediment from your drinking water, making it safe to consume and use. You can find these products at our online store, FiltersFast.com, under Katadyn.

Essentially, the best thing you can do when traveling abroad, is to be aware of your surroundings and to take proactive steps to protect yourself. Before you leave, be sure to have a plan for water, food, and anything else you require for survival. Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure! So have fun and be safe!!

Posted by at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)