Questions to Ask When Purchasing Water

Here are questions the consumer should ask a water treatment professional to determine the system needed; background information follows many of the questions. These questions should be used as guidelines. The extent to which the manufacturer or distributor is willing to provide answers can assist the consumer in making an informed choice.

What exactly does the analysis of the water (by the treatment professional) indicate? Are health hazards indicated? Should additional tests be made? Many water treatment companies include in their services free in-home testing of the water, but not all contaminants can be detected this way. For example, organics, which have been associated with serious health problems, must be analyzed in a laboratory with sophisticated equipment. The consumer must be wary of home analysis claiming to determine more than basic water quality constituents (pH, iron, and sulphur).
How long has the company been in business, and are there referrals you can contact?
Have the product and the manufacturer been rated by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or other third party organization? Was product tested for the contaminant(s) in question over the advertised life of the treatment device (with more than one gallon of water), under normal household conditions (tap water, actual flow rates, and pressures)? The NSF, whose function is similar to Underwriter's Laboratory, sets performance standards for water treatment devices. Because companies can make unsubstantiated statements regarding product effectiveness, the consumer must evaluate test results of the device to determine if claims are realistic.
Does the water quality problem require the whole-house treatment or will a single-tap device be adequate? Less than 1 percent of tap water is used for drinking and cooking. Some contaminants are as hazardous when inhaled or absorbed through the skin as when swallowed. Treatment of all water used in the household may be required. Reverse osmosis and distillation units are connected to a single tap. Activated carbon devices can be installed on a single tap or where water enters the house. The device selected depends on the type of contaminant in question.
Will the unit produce enough treated water daily to accommodate household use? If a filter or membrane is involved, how often will it need to be changed? How does the consumer know when to change filters? The consumer must be certain enough treated water will be produced for everyday use. The maximum flow rate should be sufficient for the peak home-use rate. Activated carbon units, reverse osmosis units and iron filters need routine maintenance. You should be fully informed of maintenance requirements.
What is the total cost to buy and maintain the device? Will the company selling the device also install and service it? Is there a fee for labor? Can the consumer perform maintenance tasks or must a professional be involved? Will the unit substantially increase electrical use in the home? The consumer must watch for hidden costs, e.g., separate installation fees, monthly maintenance fees or equipment rental fees. Additionally, the disposal of waste materials (reject water, spent cartridges from activated carbon units, and used filters) can add to the cost of water treatment and should be figured into the purchase price.
Is there an alarm or indicator light on the device to alert the consumer to a malfunction? Does the manufacturer include in the purchase price a retesting of the water after a month or two? Many units have back-up systems or shut-off functions to prevent consumption of untreated water. Testing the water a month after the device is installed assures you the unit is accomplishing the intended treatment.
What is the expected lifetime of the product? What is the length of the warranty period, and what does the warranty cover? The warranty may cover only certain parts of a device, so you should be aware of the warranty conditions.

Source: University of Georgia
Prepared by: Dale Dorman, Extension Housing Specialist
http://www.engr.uga.edu/service/extension/publications/c819-10c.html