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A water filter that attaches to kitchen faucets are quite popular for their ability to filter away heavy metals such as lead, in addition to chlorine, and more. However, one issue remains. Faucet water filters are incapable of filtering out bacteria that tends to grow onto the filter cartridge.Water filters that you attach to your faucet are known to be good for filtering out heavy metals like lead and disinfectants like chlorine. But they’re not designed to filter out bacteria that can grow in the filter itself.
As part of a new study, Nancy Love examines bacteria commonly found growing within activated carbon filters. In this journal, titled Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology, Love determines the parameters of how bacterial growth is supported by water filters, especially in the Ann Arbor area. Alongside her team, Love discovered that the different types of bacteria supported by water filters was increasing, alongside bacterial growth in and of itself.
Love said that the bacteria found flowing from water filter cartridges increased depending on the type of water flowing inwardly. This count had the potential to increase up to a maximum of 100 times. She clarified that, while this doesn't prove the bacteria was harmful, it serves to prove that they were becoming increasingly present. Essentially, bacteria is changing. The methods used to prevent bacteria are not as effective as they used to be.
In turn, though the current bacteria is not dangerous at preset, it opens the door for dangerous pathogens down the road. Healthy people may not suffer from the consumption of harmless bacteria, but individuals with a compromised immune system may suffer. This further highlights the importance of replacing water filter cartridges on a regular basis. The powers that be need to consider taking a closer look at various water filters, in order to compare to other models, and see what causes bacterial growth to occur.
At present, researchers are not currently aware of the level of danger presented by bacterial growth in water filter cartridges. Love and her colleagues currently study the phenomenon in Flint, Michigan, and are currently awaiting informative results. They hope that, by spending time researching various water systems, her team will be more inclined to discover potential risks before they arise. Considering the aging infrastructure throughout the US, especially with changes in population, water may spend more time sitting in old pipes. This is why it is important for scientists to study different water environments, if only to discover the root cause of bacterial growth where it shouldn't be.
Various factors play a role in the situation as a whole, from water sitting in old pipes, to water quality, as well as point-of-use filters, and more. Unfortunately, Love understands the importance of conducting this study in a broad range of environments. Simply studying bacterial growth in one area will not shed light on the problem elsewhere. Regardless, upkeep and regular faucet filter maintenance, especially through routine water filter cartridge replacements, should not be overlooked.
Whether you utilize a water filter, or drink and shower straight from the tap, Love reiterates the importance of flushing the pipes every day. By incorporating this practice into your mourning routine, you are more inclined to clear away the biofilm that may have formed within the pipes of your home or apartment. Biofilm forms after bacteria grows on various surfaces exposed to sitting water (i.e. water pipes). This means, during the time you are sleeping, water is sitting throughout the pipes of your home for 8 hours, or more. By turning on your faucet when you awaken, the first bit of water that comes out has a higher bacterial count than the rest.
A mere 15 to 30 second flush means that the bacteria that built up overnight will simply flush away. If you are using faucet filter, you would need to turn the filter on at this point, before allowing it to run for an additional 10 to 15 seconds. Allow this water to flow down the sink, before drinking any filtered water. Although a water filter has the potential to remove a whole slew of contaminants, many posing a danger to human health, it's not a cure all.
First, you have to understand that bacteria is not all inherently dangerous. Researchers spend time assessing the amount of bacteria that flows out of the other side of a water filter. This count tends to increase up to 100 times or more. While a whole-house filter tends to do more than merely remove chlorine from tap water, in some cases, it can increase the amount of bacteria colonizing your pipes.
Although a water filter of any kind can be extremely beneficial, the CDC wars that it could pose additional dangers for those with compromised immune systems. For example, an individual undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, it could pose new dangers. In the event of a water filter cartridge change, an individual with a compromised immune system should get the help of a friend or family member. Otherwise, they may expose themselves to unnecessary dangers, in an easily avoidable situation. To be on the safe side, individuals of all levels of health, should consider wearing gloves, and washing their hands afterward.
When you consider replacing water filtration cartridges, it may be helpful to imagine the lint tray in your dryer. Over a short amount of time, the tray begins to collect all manner of dirt, fuzz, hair, and more – a water filter is no different. More often than not, we don't consider the solids and contaminants flowing through our taps. The longer a water filter cartridge goes without changing, the more likely a clog is going to occur. Additionally, the filter becomes less effective, completely defeating the purpose of its use. Because each filter is designed differently, especially depending on the type of filter material, it's lifespan will differ. This further highlights the importance of reading and adhering to manufacturers suggestions in regard to maintenance. In the event of being unable to change your refrigerator filter, for example, an overflow will eventually build up and overflow into your water. Avoid the potential of getting sick, by keeping up on regular maintenance with the installation of a new water filter cartridge.