Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The majority of Akwesasronon have water piped into their homes. There are just a few areas that get their water from a well. If your water tastes a little different, is smelly or has contaminants such as lead, you can buy a filter for less than it costs to buy bottled water.

There are five (5) main types of water filters: carafe/dispensers, faucet-mount, countertop, under-sink, and reverse osmosis.

Read on to see which style and model best fills your needs. These machines have been tested and came out the best in their style and model.

1. Clear OCWS100ASW: this is considered one of the best for filtering small amount. This carafe style excels at removing lead, organic compounds, and by products from public waste systems.

The hose attaches to the faucet and quickly filters water. It does have an indicator to let you know when to change the filter.

There is a down-side: it can’t be used if you have a spray faucet. Price $15.00 (can purchase at amazon.com.)

2. Cuisinart Clean Water WCH-1500: this is the other “one of the best” for filtering small amounts. This filter machine is a cross between a carafe and a countertop system. This style does dispense cold, room temperature and heated water. The downside is that this is not the best for improving the taste. Price $149.00 (Best Buy, Home Depot, Macy & Sears)

3. Shaklee Bestwater MTS20000 # 823000: this countertop model works like models that cost hundreds more. It does improve the taste of water. This filter is one of the two best filtering for large amounts. It does take up countertop space and it cannot be used with most pull-down or spray faucets. Price $260.00 (Shaklee.com)

4. American Plumber WLCS-10000: the best of the two best filters for large amounts is the American Plumber. This is an undersink filter unit that offers top-notch filtration and clog resistance. It does have an indicator light that lights up when it’s time to change the filter. It does filter slower than #3 and professional installation is recommended. Price $ 215.00 (filter replacements will cost $40.00) Purchase at local plumbing stores.

5. Whirlpool WHER25: this is a reverse osmosis filter style that filters a wide variety of contaminants without clogging. It does not require professional service and it does cost hundreds less than others of this style. The big treat- it improves the taste of the water.

It is slow at filtering water and like other reverse osmosis systems it wastes 3 to 5 gallons of water for every gallon it filters. Price $146.00 ($84.00 for replacement filters) Purchase at Lowes.

Some tips: Never leave a carafe of water on the counter. The water can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Place the carafe in your refrigerator. Want warm water? Pour a glass and let it stand.

Most whole-house filter systems are not designed to catch lead and other contaminants. They do filter sediment, rust and chlorine.

The water system programs of both sides can check your water.

The CHK’s will check your well water for contaminants.

As there are very few homes with wells when it comes to hard water issues- there are less households that have such problems

Hard water busters do not include filter systems. You need hard water busters such as sodium ion exchange systems, potassium chloride ion change systems or magnetic softeners.

Good luck in your collecting of research and your purchase. Remember to call your local community programs for information and help. The program staff will be glad to help you. Remember also the two environment programs that may have answers for you.

Have a good week!