Question:
I'm thinking of buying an Equinox water purification device whichhooks up to my tap. I heard about a T.V. news segment which showedthat many such devices don't actually work. The person selling me theEquinox product showed me a video which tried to separate thisparticular product from other devices in that it used a much moreextensive carbon filter system and 2 other chemical removal systemswhich I can't remember right now. He claims that it is state of theare in that it can remove virtually all organic compounds but keepbeneficial minerals in. There is also a seal on the device saying'Tested and Validated Under Industry Standards - Water QualityAssociation , S-200 '

Does anyone have any info on this product in particular and on thesedevices in general. What does the seal really guarantee? Is there anyindependent source where I could go to determine if this productreally works?

Answer: I have some info that you might find helpful.

1. Find out how large the pores are on the filter. If the filter isallowing "beneficial minerals" to remain in the water ask whether or notit removes heavy minerals.

2. Find out if the filter removes Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)such as herbacides and pesticides.

3. Does the filter remove cryptosporidium and giardia?

4. Ask what the filter is made of. Granulated Activated Carbon is acommon filter, but it may decompose if hot water is used in it, addingto water contamination by the filter particles.

5. Ask how much water the unit will filter.

6. Ask to see water quality performance reports that were actually doneon this brand/model filter.

After all that you should be able to decide whether or not this filteris what you are looking for.