This 2008 NebGuide explores household water quality and treatment options and can help consumers select a treatment system suited to a particular situation

Dvorak, Bruce I.

Niemeyer, Shirley

Skipton, Sharon

English

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - LincolnDigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - LincolnHistorical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension2008EC08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What YouNeed to Know When Selecting Water TreatmentEquipmentSharon SkiptonUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln, sskipton1@unl.eduBruce I. DvorakUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln, bdvorak1@unl.eduShirley NiemeyerUniversity of Nebraska--Lincoln, sniemeyer2@unl.eduFollow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhistPart of the Curriculum and Instruction CommonsThis Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted forinclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University ofNebraska - Lincoln.Skipton, Sharon; Dvorak, Bruce I.; and Niemeyer, Shirley, "EC08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need to Know WhenSelecting Water Treatment Equipment" (2008). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 4345.http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/4345?????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????G1488(Revised September 2008) Drinking Water Treatment:What You Need to Know When Selecting Water Treatment EquipmentSharon O. Skipton, Extension Water Quality Educator Bruce I. Dvorak, Extension Environmental Engineering SpecialistShirley M. Niemeyer, Extension SpecialistThis guide explores household water quality and treatment options and can help consumers select a treat-ment system suited to a particular situation. Homeowners are increasingly aware of and concerned about contaminants in their water supply that may affect health, cause taste and odor problems, or create staining and main-tenance problems. In response, the water treatment industry focuses on improving the aesthetic quality of household water and on treating contaminants that may pose a health hazard. People who use water from a public or municipal supply can be assured the water meets federal and state guidelines and is tested regularly. This does not mean the water is free of contaminants. It means any contaminants present are below the level allowed by regulations and believed to be safe. If con-taminants exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), suppliers must notify consumers, the water must be treated to correct the problem, and/or another source of drinkable water must be provided. Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), available from local water utilities, inform consumers about the source of the water, contaminants present, the potential health effects of those contaminants, and treatment methods used by the utility. Those who get water from a private source are not bound by such regulations and are responsible for the quality of their water supply, including protection, testing, maintenance, and treatment. Water Tests Necessary to Evaluate the Need for TreatmentBefore initiating treatment, it is essential to know the contaminants, their quantities and the reasons for removing them. Public or municipal water supplies are tested regularly for nearly 100 contaminants. Users of public water supplies can contact their provider for water testing information, in-cluding contaminants present and their concentration. Users of private water supplies will need to initiate appropriate water testing. There is no single test to determine the drinking water safety. Many contaminants can present a health risk if present in sufficient concentrations. These include biological contaminants such as bacteria or viruses; inorganic chemi-cals such as lead, nitrate or sulfate; and organic chemicals such as insecticides, herbicides, fuel, and solvents. Other contaminants, while not a health risk, can make water less desirable for domestic use. These are referred to as nuisance contaminants and include calcium, magnesium, iron, manga-nese, and hydrogen sulfide. It would be very costly — and in most cases unnecessary — to test private water supplies for the nearly 100 contaminants for which public water supplies are required to test. Users of private drinking water wells must decide which contaminants to have their water tested for and must order tests accordingly. A water testing laboratory will only test for the specific contaminants for which analysis has been requested. Reports will indicate if the contaminant is present in the water and at what concentration. Information will not be provided on contaminants for which analysis was not specifically requested. Knowledge of which contaminants may be present in the water should guide the testing since it is not economically feasible to test for all possible contaminants. The consumer must decide whether a contaminant is of concern and pursue appropriate tests. For private water supplies, an annual test for bacteria and nitrate is the minimum advised. Consider-ation also should be given to potential contaminants used in the vicinity of the supply or others suspected to be present in the water. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure can provide advice on which tests might be indicated in a given situation. Refer to Extension Circular, Drinking Water Treatment: An Overview (EC703) for a discussion of possible water quality problems and appropriate treatment methods. Further information can be obtained from the appropriate NebGuide in the Drinking Water Treatment series. Refer to Drinking Water: Testing for Quality (G907) for testing information and Drinking Water: Approved Water Testing Laboratories in Nebraska (G1614) for information on laboratories in Nebraska that do water testing. Contact the specific laboratory to determine the tests it is certified to perform. NebGuides are available online at water.unl.edu or can be obtained from your local or state extension office. What should treatment equipment remove from water? No system will remove everything or solve every water quality problem. Each treatment system has limitations. In addition, it is not generally feasible or even necessary to try to remove everything. Triple distilled or deionized water, which is about as pure as is commonly possible, tends to be corrosive to metal pipes and containers, and has a flat, flavor-less taste. The characteristics of people in the household (e.g., age, health, size) and the contaminant (i.e., whether it poses a health risk or is just a nuisance) should guide decisions on which contaminants to strive to remove or reduce. Knowledge of which contaminants are targeted will help determine the most efficient system to use. In some cases, a combination of treatment devices may provide the best removal.Does this water problem require whole house or single-tap treatment?Devices classified as Point-of-Entry (POE) treat water as it enters the household so all water used is treated. Devices classified as Point-of-Use (POU) treat water at the point it is used, such as at a single tap, and therefore treat a smaller volume of water. Most nuisance problems such as iron, man-ganese, hardness, or odor suggest whole-house POE treat-ments. Some contaminants such as bacteria and some organic compounds require POE treatment to prevent consumption and to prevent exposure during bathing or other water uses. Other contaminants that may affect health, such as nitrate, are only a concern if consumed, so POU equipment that treats drinking and cooking water is an option.Is a second opinion on treatment procedures and equipment necessary? It is advisable to get a second opinion on appropriate water treatment equipment. Check with at least two dealers to compare recommendations on treatments, appropriate equipment, costs, warranties, and service.What about ratings and certification of manufacturers and equipment? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not test nor approve drinking water treatment devices. An EPA registration number may appear on certain types of equip-ment. This does not indicate EPA approval of the system. Registration is required of products containing active, controlled ingredients. An EPA registration means that the device has been registered and the ingredient added to the system meets regulations. An example of this is when silver, an active, controlled ingredient, is used in activated carbon filtration systems. Some third party organizations, such as Consumer Reports, provide independent analysis of drinking water treatment equipment. The NSF (formerly known as the National Sanita-tion Foundation) is a third-party non-profit organization that has established standards affecting drinking water treatment equipment and tests equipment that is voluntarily submitted by the manufacturer. Manufacturers pay thousands of dollars for this testing, the exact amount depending on the type of equipment tested. Products that meet NSF standards are en-titled to display the NSF certification mark on the product or in literature. NSF then continues to monitor the manufacture and performance of the device and retests if changes are made or problems arise. Current NSF listings of manufacturers and devices can be obtained by contacting:NSFP.O. Box 130140789 N. Dixboro RoadAnn Arbor, MI 48113-0140Web site: www.nsf.orgThe Water Quality Association (WQA) is the trade organization of the water treatment industry. The WQA pro-gram uses the same NSF standards and provides equivalent American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited product certifications. WQA certified products carry the Water Quality Association Gold Seal. WQA encourages its members to abide by the WQA Code of Ethics. Compliance with the code and membership are both voluntary. A directory of validated product models and companies can be obtained by contacting:WQA4151 Naperville RoadLisle, IL 60532Web site: www.wqa.orgWhen comparing brands of equipment and evaluating claims or test results, be sure that the device has been tested for the specific contaminant targeted in the water, over the expected life of the system, with an adequate volume of water, and under household conditions (tap water, actual flow rates and water pressures). Typical pressures from a well are around 40 pounds per square inch (psi) and flow rates are typically 5 to 30 gallons per minute. Ask sales representatives which standards the product meets and for test results showing removal of the specific contaminant(s) you want to remove.What other considerations are there regarding the manufacturer or dealer? A reputable company will be able to provide service, repair, or replacement parts. A company that expects to be around will not mind a customer taking time to decide on proper treatment equipment and will avoid the high-pressure tactics of “today’s special.” Also, consider manufacturers who are willing to provide retesting of equipment at no extra cost after several months of operation. What about sales scams or misleading promotions? Many dealers offer free drinking water testing. Unfor-tunately, some unscrupulous dealers may use the test as an opportunity to frighten or pressure consumers into purchasing unnecessary equipment. These tests are generally for nuisance contaminants such as hardness, pH, iron, manganese, sulfur or total dissolved solids. Occasionally a dealer may test for nitrate. More complicated tests such as for pesticides or vola-tile organic chemicals are rarely provided. It is important to remember that no single test can determine if water is safe. The free tests may be adequate for selecting equipment to deal with nuisance problems, but they cannot provide all informa-tion necessary to tell if the water is safe to drink. Even in the case of nuisance problems it is advisable to get an independent second test from a certified laboratory for verification. Sometimes salespeople conduct demonstrations they may refer to as “tests.” These typically cause precipitates to form in the water or cause color changes. Though they may be dramatic, they are generally meaningless in telling how much of a contaminant is present. Such demonstrations are not adequate to make purchase decisions and confirmation by an independent source should be obtained.The consumer also should be aware that many states do not allow false or exaggerated claims in advertising water treatment equipment, or the use of graphic representations such as a skull and crossbones over a glass of water. Another inappropriate advertising technique is to un-derstate the maintenance requirements of the equipment and costs of supplies. Most water treatment devices require maintenance such as replacing filters, adding chemicals, or backwashing. Ignoring these can make the equipment seem less costly and easier to use than it is. Others may try to sell maintenance contracts for equipment when the consumer can easily do routine maintenance. These scenarios can be avoided by using common sense, getting all claims and promises in writing, and realizing that if it sounds too good to be true, there is a strong possibility it is not true. Problems with misrepresentations or fraudulent claims can be addressed to:Federal Trade Commission600 and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20580Phone: (202) 326-2222or toNebraska State Attorney General2115 State CapitolLincoln, NE 68509Phone: (402) 471-2682What is involved in operation and maintenance of the treatment equipment? Most water treatment equipment requires maintenance and service to operate properly. Many systems require periodic removal and cleaning or replacing components, such as filters. A consumer must evaluate how much of the maintenance requirements he or she is willing to undertake. This maintenance is especially important if the device is to be used to remove a health hazard. Improper maintenance can damage the equipment and allow contaminants in drink-ing water. Once the equipment is installed and operating, the consumer should have a means of determining if the targeted contaminant is being removed. It is important to plan to retest the water periodically after the equipment is in use to see if the equipment is operating effectively. Sometimes testing or monitoring equipment can be obtained for that purpose. Is renting a system a viable option? There are some situations when purchasing equipment is not the best option. If the problem is caused by a spill near the water supply or other situation where only short-term treat-ment is necessary, renting equipment may be a viable option. Renting is a good way to become familiar with equipment and its operating costs and maintenance requirements. Be certain to ask who is responsible for maintenance, whether rental fees apply toward purchase, and the length of rental agreement. What about using bottled water? Again, there are some situations when purchasing equip-ment is not the best option. Bottled water may be a preferable option if a temporary source of safe water is needed. It offers the advantages of having no equipment to buy, operate, and maintain, and no lengthy time commitment. It is important to realize that bottled water is not neces-sarily safer than tap water. Bottled water quality is subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, while public tap water is regulated by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. These standards are not always the same. Also, a large portion of bottled water is simply public tap water that has been processed and packaged. For further information on bottled water, refer to NebGuide, Drinking Water: Bottled or Tap? (G1448).Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policiesof the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.© 2003-2008, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension.  All rights reserved.What is the expected life of the equipment and what does the warranty cover? Before purchase, consumers should understand the warranty on the treatment system and what components are covered or excluded. If the household water has contaminants that may shorten the life of the system, does the warranty still apply? Are there certain conditions that must be met in order for the warranty to apply? Will the system provide enough water for the daily needs of the household? Estimated daily household needs for drinking water is one-half gallon per person per day. Cooking needs are generally one to three gallons per day per household. An estimate of total daily water needs including bathing or showering, laundry, and toilets is 60 to 80 gallons per person per day. Once an estimate of daily household water needs is determined, it can be compared with the capacity of the treatment system.Key Factors For Selecting Water Treatment Equipment • Correctly identify the problem to be addressed using appropriate tests. • Determine whether whole-house (POE) or single-tap (POU) treatment is needed. • Determine which type of treatment will effectively remove or reduce the problem contaminant(s). • Select a reputable dealer and obtain second opinions. Check with others who have used the equipment. • Check if the equipment has been certified or validated for the targeted contaminants by a third-party organiza-tion (NSF or WQA). • Determine whether the system has adequate capacity to meet household water needs at household pressure and flow rates. • Consider all costs involved, including purchase price, installation, operating costs, maintenance costs, and re-testing costs. • Understand maintenance requirements and decide if you are capable of performing routine maintenance operations. • Understand how to determine if the equipment is func-tioning properly and targeted contaminants are being removed. • Determine the expected life of the equipment and its components, and understand the warranty. AcknowledgmentThe authors wish to acknowledge the contribution of former UNL extension engineer Jodi Kocher, who collaborated with them in the previous version of this NebGuide.This publication has been peer reviewed.UNL Extension publications are available online at http://extension.unl.edu/publications.Index: Water ManagementDrinking Water2003, Revised September 2008

EC08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need to Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment

UNL | Libraries

University of Nebraska - Lincoln
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-
Lincoln Extension Extension
2008
EC08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You
Need to Know When Selecting Water Treatment
Equipment
Sharon Skipton
University of Nebraska–Lincoln, sskipton1@unl.edu
Bruce I. Dvorak
University of Nebraska–Lincoln, bdvorak1@unl.edu
Shirley Niemeyer
University of Nebraska--Lincoln, sniemeyer2@unl.edu
Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist
Part of the Curriculum and Instruction Commons
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for
inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of
Nebraska - Lincoln.
Skipton, Sharon; Dvorak, Bruce I.; and Niemeyer, Shirley, "EC08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need to Know When
Selecting Water Treatment Equipment" (2008). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 4345.
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/4345
??
???????????????????
? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
G1488
(Revised September 2008)
 
Drinking Water Treatment:
What You Need to Know When Selecting 
Water Treatment Equipment
Sharon O. Skipton, Extension Water Quality Educator 
Bruce I. Dvorak, Extension Environmental Engineering Specialist
Shirley M. Niemeyer, Extension Specialist
This guide explores household water quality and 
treatment options and can help consumers select a treat-
ment system suited to a particular situation.
 
Homeowners are increasingly aware of and concerned 
about contaminants in their water supply that may affect health, 
cause taste and odor problems, or create staining and main-
tenance problems. In response, the water treatment industry 
focuses on improving the aesthetic quality of household water 
and on treating contaminants that may pose a health hazard. 
People who use water from a public or municipal supply 
can be assured the water meets federal and state guidelines 
and is tested regularly. This does not mean the water is free of 
contaminants. It means any contaminants present are below the 
level allowed by regulations and believed to be safe. If con-
taminants exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), 
suppliers must notify consumers, the water must be treated to 
correct the problem, and/or another source of drinkable water 
must be provided. Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), 
available from local water utilities, inform consumers about 
the source of the water, contaminants present, the potential 
health effects of those contaminants, and treatment methods 
used by the utility. Those who get water from a private source 
are not bound by such regulations and are responsible for the 
quality of their water supply, including protection, testing, 
maintenance, and treatment. 
Water Tests Necessary to Evaluate the Need 
for Treatment
Before initiating treatment, it is essential to know the 
contaminants, their quantities and the reasons for removing 
them. Public or municipal water supplies are tested regularly 
for nearly 100 contaminants. Users of public water supplies 
can contact their provider for water testing information, in-
cluding contaminants present and their concentration. Users of 
private water supplies will need to initiate appropriate water 
testing. There is no single test to determine the drinking 
water safety. Many contaminants can present a health risk if 
present in sufficient concentrations. These include biological 
contaminants such as bacteria or viruses; inorganic chemi-
cals such as lead, nitrate or sulfate; and organic chemicals 
such as insecticides, herbicides, fuel, and solvents. Other 
contaminants, while not a health risk, can make water less 
desirable for domestic use. These are referred to as nuisance 
contaminants and include calcium, magnesium, iron, manga-
nese, and hydrogen sulfide. It would be very costly — and in 
most cases unnecessary — to test private water supplies for 
the nearly 100 contaminants for which public water supplies 
are required to test. 
Users of private drinking water wells must decide 
which contaminants to have their water tested for and 
must order tests accordingly. A water testing laboratory will 
only test for the specific contaminants for which analysis has 
been requested. Reports will indicate if the contaminant is 
present in the water and at what concentration. Information 
will not be provided on contaminants for which analysis was 
not specifically requested. 
Knowledge of which contaminants may be present in the 
water should guide the testing since it is not economically 
feasible to test for all possible contaminants. The consumer 
must decide whether a contaminant is of concern and pursue 
appropriate tests. For private water supplies, an annual test 
for bacteria and nitrate is the minimum advised. Consider-
ation also should be given to potential contaminants used in 
the vicinity of the supply or others suspected to be present 
in the water. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension 
and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 
Regulation and Licensure can provide advice on which tests 
might be indicated in a given situation. Refer to Extension 
Circular, Drinking Water Treatment: An Overview (EC703) for 
a discussion of possible water quality problems and appropriate 
treatment methods. Further information can be obtained from 
the appropriate NebGuide in the Drinking Water Treatment 
series. Refer to Drinking Water: Testing for Quality (G907) 
for testing information and Drinking Water: Approved Water 
Testing Laboratories in Nebraska (G1614) for information 
on laboratories in Nebraska that do water testing. Contact 
the specific laboratory to determine the tests it is certified to 
perform. NebGuides are available online at water.unl.edu or 
can be obtained from your local or state extension office. 
What should treatment equipment remove from water? 
No system will remove everything or solve every water 
quality problem. Each treatment system has limitations. In 
addition, it is not generally feasible or even necessary to try 
to remove everything. Triple distilled or deionized water, 
which is about as pure as is commonly possible, tends to be 
corrosive to metal pipes and containers, and has a flat, flavor-
less taste. The characteristics of people in the household (e.g., 
age, health, size) and the contaminant (i.e., whether it poses 
a health risk or is just a nuisance) should guide decisions on 
which contaminants to strive to remove or reduce. Knowledge 
of which contaminants are targeted will help determine the 
most efficient system to use. In some cases, a combination of 
treatment devices may provide the best removal.
Does this water problem require whole house or single-
tap treatment?
Devices classified as Point-of-Entry (POE) treat water as 
it enters the household so all water used is treated. Devices 
classified as Point-of-Use (POU) treat water at the point it 
is used, such as at a single tap, and therefore treat a smaller 
volume of water. Most nuisance problems such as iron, man-
ganese, hardness, or odor suggest whole-house POE treat-
ments. Some contaminants such as bacteria and some organic 
compounds require POE treatment to prevent consumption 
and to prevent exposure during bathing or other water uses. 
Other contaminants that may affect health, such as nitrate, are 
only a concern if consumed, so POU equipment that treats 
drinking and cooking water is an option.
Is a second opinion on treatment procedures and 
equipment necessary? 
It is advisable to get a second opinion on appropriate 
water treatment equipment. Check with at least two dealers 
to compare recommendations on treatments, appropriate 
equipment, costs, warranties, and service.
What about ratings and certification of manufacturers 
and equipment? 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not 
test nor approve drinking water treatment devices. An EPA 
registration number may appear on certain types of equip-
ment. This does not indicate EPA approval of the system. 
Registration is required of products containing active, 
controlled ingredients. An EPA registration means that the 
device has been registered and the ingredient added to the 
system meets regulations. An example of this is when silver, 
an active, controlled ingredient, is used in activated carbon 
filtration systems. 
Some third party organizations, such as Consumer Reports, 
provide independent analysis of drinking water treatment 
equipment. The NSF (formerly known as the National Sanita-
tion Foundation) is a third-party non-profit organization that 
has established standards affecting drinking water treatment 
equipment and tests equipment that is voluntarily submitted 
by the manufacturer. Manufacturers pay thousands of dollars 
for this testing, the exact amount depending on the type of 
equipment tested. Products that meet NSF standards are en-
titled to display the NSF certification mark on the product or 
in literature. NSF then continues to monitor the manufacture 
and performance of the device and retests if changes are made 
or problems arise. Current NSF listings of manufacturers and 
devices can be obtained by contacting:
NSF
P.O. Box 130140
789 N. Dixboro Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140
Web site: www.nsf.org
The Water Quality Association (WQA) is the trade 
organization of the water treatment industry. The WQA pro-
gram uses the same NSF standards and provides equivalent 
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited 
product certifications. WQA certified products carry the 
Water Quality Association Gold Seal. WQA encourages its 
members to abide by the WQA Code of Ethics. Compliance 
with the code and membership are both voluntary. A directory 
of validated product models and companies can be obtained 
by contacting:
WQA
4151 Naperville Road
Lisle, IL 60532
Web site: www.wqa.org
When comparing brands of equipment and evaluating 
claims or test results, be sure that the device has been tested 
for the specific contaminant targeted in the water, over the 
expected life of the system, with an adequate volume of water, 
and under household conditions (tap water, actual flow rates and 
water pressures). Typical pressures from a well are around 40 
pounds per square inch (psi) and flow rates are typically 5 to 30 
gallons per minute. Ask sales representatives which standards 
the product meets and for test results showing removal of the 
specific contaminant(s) you want to remove.
What other considerations are there regarding the 
manufacturer or dealer? 
A reputable company will be able to provide service, 
repair, or replacement parts. A company that expects to be 
around will not mind a customer taking time to decide on 
proper treatment equipment and will avoid the high-pressure 
tactics of “today’s special.” Also, consider manufacturers who 
are willing to provide retesting of equipment at no extra cost 
after several months of operation. 
What about sales scams or misleading promotions? 
Many dealers offer free drinking water testing. Unfor-
tunately, some unscrupulous dealers may use the test as an 
opportunity to frighten or pressure consumers into purchasing 
unnecessary equipment. These tests are generally for nuisance 
contaminants such as hardness, pH, iron, manganese, sulfur 
or total dissolved solids. Occasionally a dealer may test for 
nitrate. More complicated tests such as for pesticides or vola-
tile organic chemicals are rarely provided. It is important to 
remember that no single test can determine if water is safe. 
The free tests may be adequate for selecting equipment to deal 
with nuisance problems, but they cannot provide all informa-
tion necessary to tell if the water is safe to drink. Even in the 
case of nuisance problems it is advisable to get an independent 
second test from a certified laboratory for verification. 
Sometimes salespeople conduct demonstrations they 
may refer to as “tests.” These typically cause precipitates to 
form in the water or cause color changes. Though they may 
be dramatic, they are generally meaningless in telling how 
much of a contaminant is present. Such demonstrations are 
not adequate to make purchase decisions and confirmation by 
an independent source should be obtained.
The consumer also should be aware that many states do 
not allow false or exaggerated claims in advertising water 
treatment equipment, or the use of graphic representations 
such as a skull and crossbones over a glass of water. 
Another inappropriate advertising technique is to un-
derstate the maintenance requirements of the equipment 
and costs of supplies. Most water treatment devices require 
maintenance such as replacing filters, adding chemicals, or 
backwashing. Ignoring these can make the equipment seem 
less costly and easier to use than it is. Others may try to sell 
maintenance contracts for equipment when the consumer can 
easily do routine maintenance. 
These scenarios can be avoided by using common sense, 
getting all claims and promises in writing, and realizing that 
if it sounds too good to be true, there is a strong possibility it 
is not true. Problems with misrepresentations or fraudulent 
claims can be addressed to:
Federal Trade Commission
600 and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580
Phone: (202) 326-2222
or to
Nebraska State Attorney General
2115 State Capitol
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-2682
What is involved in operation and maintenance of the 
treatment equipment? 
Most water treatment equipment requires maintenance 
and service to operate properly. Many systems require 
periodic removal and cleaning or replacing components, 
such as filters. A consumer must evaluate how much of the 
maintenance requirements he or she is willing to undertake. 
This maintenance is especially important if the device is to 
be used to remove a health hazard. Improper maintenance 
can damage the equipment and allow contaminants in drink-
ing water. Once the equipment is installed and operating, the 
consumer should have a means of determining if the targeted 
contaminant is being removed. It is important to plan to retest 
the water periodically after the equipment is in use to see if 
the equipment is operating effectively. Sometimes testing or 
monitoring equipment can be obtained for that purpose. 
Is renting a system a viable option? 
There are some situations when purchasing equipment is 
not the best option. If the problem is caused by a spill near the 
water supply or other situation where only short-term treat-
ment is necessary, renting equipment may be a viable option. 
Renting is a good way to become familiar with equipment and 
its operating costs and maintenance requirements. Be certain 
to ask who is responsible for maintenance, whether rental fees 
apply toward purchase, and the length of rental agreement. 
What about using bottled water? 
Again, there are some situations when purchasing equip-
ment is not the best option. Bottled water may be a preferable 
option if a temporary source of safe water is needed. It offers 
the advantages of having no equipment to buy, operate, and 
maintain, and no lengthy time commitment. 
It is important to realize that bottled water is not neces-
sarily safer than tap water. Bottled water quality is subject 
to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, while 
public tap water is regulated by Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) standards. These standards are not always the 
same. Also, a large portion of bottled water is simply public 
tap water that has been processed and packaged. For further 
information on bottled water, refer to NebGuide, Drinking 
Water: Bottled or Tap? (G1448).
Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln 
cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension educational programs abide with the nondiscrimination policies
of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
© 2003-2008, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension.  All rights reserved.
What is the expected life of the equipment and what 
does the warranty cover? 
Before purchase, consumers should understand the 
warranty on the treatment system and what components are 
covered or excluded. If the household water has contaminants 
that may shorten the life of the system, does the warranty still 
apply? Are there certain conditions that must be met in order 
for the warranty to apply? 
Will the system provide enough water for the daily 
needs of the household? 
Estimated daily household needs for drinking water is 
one-half gallon per person per day. Cooking needs are generally 
one to three gallons per day per household. An estimate of total 
daily water needs including bathing or showering, laundry, 
and toilets is 60 to 80 gallons per person per day. Once an 
estimate of daily household water needs is determined, it can 
be compared with the capacity of the treatment system.
Key Factors For Selecting Water Treatment Equipment 
• Correctly identify the problem to be addressed using 
appropriate tests. 
• Determine whether whole-house (POE) or single-tap 
(POU) treatment is needed. 
• Determine which type of treatment will effectively 
remove or reduce the problem contaminant(s). 
• Select a reputable dealer and obtain second opinions. 
Check with others who have used the equipment. 
• Check if the equipment has been certified or validated 
for the targeted contaminants by a third-party organiza-
tion (NSF or WQA). 
• Determine whether the system has adequate capacity 
to meet household water needs at household pressure 
and flow rates. 
• Consider all costs involved, including purchase price, 
installation, operating costs, maintenance costs, and 
re-testing costs. 
• Understand maintenance requirements and decide if 
you are capable of performing routine maintenance 
operations. 
• Understand how to determine if the equipment is func-
tioning properly and targeted contaminants are being 
removed. 
• Determine the expected life of the equipment and its 
components, and understand the warranty. 
Acknowledgment
The authors wish to acknowledge the contribution of 
former UNL extension engineer Jodi Kocher, who collaborated 
with them in the previous version of this NebGuide.
This publication has been peer reviewed.
UNL Extension publications are available online 
at http://extension.unl.edu/publications.
Index: Water Management
Drinking Water
2003, Revised September 2008


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EC08-1488 Drinking Water Treatment: What You Need to Know When Selecting Water Treatment Equipment

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