I have a confession. I get annoyed with some people in the water filtration industry who think that in order to sell a water filter they have to make outlandish claims and scare people with their stories of bacteria and other dangerous contaminants in their water.

Water chemistry is complex. Unfortunately we do not always have the time to research the industry to ensure we buy the best unit to provide the quality of water we want.

The explosion in the water treatment area has certainly created some opportunists who see both the internet and direct selling, as a quick means to make money, with very little knowledge and support. Some of these opportunists market Asian housings and parts, which are questionable as to their quality. The end result can be burst housings and flooded homes.

Alternatively, direct sellers and telemarketers have such high commissions their prices are exorbitant. They have to get the sale then and there to ensure their customer does not have time to research other makes and have a better idea on a fair price.

As Managing Director of Aeon Water Filters, we were one of the first major retailers in the 90's to sell water filters and over the past 15 years have sold in excess 180,000 water filters throughout Australia.

Part of my job was to educate both consumers and Aeon Distributors in all aspects of water chemistry, water treatment procedures by water authorities and water filters.

My research into water treatment was extensive and from what I learned has fuelled my passion to continue in the industry, providing both information as well as the most cost effective water filters.

Because of my knowledge in this industry I know that safe drinking water is a necessity.

I speak to people everyday that have chemical intolerances, successive bouts of Giardia infestation that are debilitating their lives. Water filters are a `must have' appliance if we want to live healthy lives . More importantly, as a parent, a necessity to ensure our children grow up healthy, with at least one of our food sources, free of dangerous chemicals.

Personally, before I was introduced to water filters, I had tried to drink my mandatory 8 - 10 glasses of water a day, however tap water just gave me indigestion. What I didn't know was that it was the chlorine that I was reacting to.

Chlorine is a known carcinogenic…
Link between long term exposure to chlorinated drinking water and bladder and bowel cancer … Australian Journal of Public Health

Now, I happily drink 2 - 3 glasses of filtered water at a time, knowing that it is one of the best health drinks I can drink because the body can utilize it immediately without having to filter as with juices and tea and coffee.

The fact is the quality of our drinking water is only going to get worse. Why? Because there is no new water on this earth. The same amount of water that was available back in the 1800's is all we have, despite the enormous increase in population. Water authorities have no choice but to add more and more chemicals to disinfect our water and make it fit to drink.

A cocktail of chemicals in the kitchen tap - Up to 50 substances can be legally added to the witches' brew in the supply network .. Water Crisis - Julian Cribb - The Australian

The following information, learned from over 18 years in the water filtration industry, will ensure you get

SPECIAL INCLUSION - ALKALINE WATER
This new direction in the water industry is causing some confusion as you have electronic ionizers, with one company , even taking ads out to attack Alkaline Water. We would hope that all advertisers would honestly advertise their products and allow the consumer to make their own judgement without the need to criticise.

Alkaline water has its critics and supporters. There has been 2 strong players in the ionization field, as distinct from the alkaline area. Alkaway utilising electrolisis to produce alkaline water and Wellness with their enhancement water concept utilising different mineral rocks without emphasis on alkalinity. Both products have a place in the marketplace, however they are quite different.

The disadvantages of both these are they are complete units and if firstly, consumers already have a filter, then this has to be discarded. They are expensive, around $800 - $1000 with $100 ongoing yearly costs. They also limit the quality of incoming water in that water is only filtered for chemicals, so if you require pure water, eliminating fluoride in particular, where do you go.
IMPORTANT - Electrolysis will not work with pure water, therefore if you have reverse osmosis, the fact there are no minerals to cause the electrolysis action, you will not get alkaline water. MORE INFO

Aeon has always prided itself on being aware of new additions within the water industry so approx 4 years began investigating the alkaline interest, particularly what WAS NOT BEING MADE AVAILABLE in the market. i also believe that good water should not be so expensive and was determined to offer a more competitive product that did the job.

After reading much on Alkaline water, more specially being an arthritic sufferer and wanting to lessen any acidity in my system, I investigated the possibly of providing a naturally enhanced, alkaline water filter that could be added to different systems, thus eliminating the need to discard existing systems, more imporantly one that could be used with all water quality, including reverse osmosis. The goal was to provide a cartridge that mineralised, particularly for reverse osmosis systems, structured, oxygenated and alkalined using natural ore ... replicating mountain spring water. THIS WE DID more info

FIRST MISTAKE - Being Sold Cheap Units.

Water filtration extends from the simple filter jug through to reverse osmosis. As often happens, the cheapest is not necessarily the best, simply because it will not do the job, or what you save in the initial outlay, you make up for in ongoing maintenance costs.

Some salespeople will sell you anything just to get a sale!. One example of just how far they will go?

When a customer simply could not afford even their cheapest counter top, the salesman sold them a shower filter and recommended when they needed drinking water, to fill up a glass from their shower.

For the technical YOU … The fact is Shower Filters, because they have to filter large quantities of hot water, incorporate a medium called KDF, which rather than removes Chlorine, converts it to a chloride and can have a taste. . It also no ability to remove Giardia or other dangerous chemical contaminants. Definitely not my recommendation for drinking water.

GRAVITY FED FILTER JUGS AND CERAMIC URNS provide some contaminant removal, however with cartridges replaceable every 1 - 2 months, inconvenient and expensive ongoing costs. Filtered water is also sitting in the base of the container, open to bacteria in the air.

SECOND MISTAKE - Being Oversold.
Some consumers are sold expensive water treatment systems than can be an overkill, when all they want is safe, clean water. The choice you make should be based on your needs, rather than what the sales person decides to sell you.

You can also pay almost double for virtually the same product i.e. $300 - $550 . This does not always reflect quality, but rather exorbitant profit margins.

Some sales people use a variety of reasons why their product is dramatically more expensive some of these include - American manufacturer, removal of bacteria, etc. (this is covered in more detail later).

The fact is the domestic market falls into three main categories and options are straightforward..

WHAT UNIT IS BEST FOR YOUR NEEDS …. Portable or Undersink Units

The Counter Top is portable,, because you can simply unscrew it from your tap and take it with you … ideal if you are in a rental situation.

If in your own home, the undersink system allows for no cluttering on the bench top, because you draw your water from an attractive chrome faucet installed on your sink top. Everything else is out of sight under the bench

For couples or singles, a single undersink system is adequate and minimises costs.

For larger families, or if water supply has sediment from old pipes, then a twin system ensures this sediment is removed prior to the more important removal of chemicals.

Making it easy for young children …the separate water faucet of the installed units allows little hands to push the black lever up or down to get delicious water, whereas the counter top requires the water to be turned on and the button to be pulled out before water is available.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PAY?
Counter Top - Value $120 - $160 - You can pay up to $280 for virtually the same product. Variation in price should relate to the quality of the cartridge. Carbon only should be used in a single housing unit and the lower the micron rating the better quality. To obtain best prices try to purchase direct from a manufacturer or agent.

Undersink Units complete with installation kit - installation not included. - Single $200 - $250 Twin System $220 - $280

Reverse Osmosis - $380 - $450 Portable 3 stage with connections
$700 - $800 Undersink 3 Stage with all fittings

THIRD MISTAKE - Being confused by misleading claims .
Water filters are relatively simple in their construction and effectiveness is directly related to the quality of the cartridges and membranes used. Unfortunately retail prices can vary considerably, even doubling in price for the same item. Some salespeople to justify these high prices, create concerns that do not necessarily have only basis.

1. YOU NEED TO REMOVE DANGEROUS BACTERIA. Bacteria should only be of concern if you are on tank water, or cannot smell chlorine in your water because you are at the end of the water line. If you can smell chlorine, it is there to gobble up any bacteria that could be present in your pipes.

Any bacteria that could be present, i.e. in the spout, is no more dangerous than in your coffee cup.
It is recommended to run your unit for a few seconds in the morning, before drawing water, to flush any stale water.

2. YOUR UNIT COULD BLOW UP IF YOU DON'T BUY OURS. Ensure your chosen unit meets Australian Standards specifications, which are 125psi for Counter Tops and approx. 600 psi for Under sink Units.

All undersink units should come complete with Australian Standards Approved fittings, including Pressure Limiting Valve. It is not recommended to install any unit without this protection.

While water pressure within Australia is nowhere near the 600-psi, this is to protect your unit against hammering or spiking, which occurs when pressure fluctuates within an area.

Also, it would be very rare for a Counter Top to blow up, as the only time this unit is under pressure is when the water is turned on. Should your pressure be extremely high, then you would find the hose would blow off, before any damage is done to the unit.

FOURTH MISTAKE - Paying High Ongoing Maintenance Cost... do it yourself and save huge $$$
Some retailers inflate the price of their product with bells and whistles. Whilst these are important, you can save $$$$'s by being aware of what you can do yourself.

1. We have been in business for 10 years and you will always be able to get cartridges to suit.

Longevity in the water filtration industry is certainly a major factor as it guarantees warranty backup and provides expertise which you should access to ensure you get the right product for your needs. However, by ensuring you purchase a unit with generic cartridges, means you can shop around for the best price in cartridges.
25 cms high x 7 cms diameter is the most common cartridge and available in all micron ratings.

Whatever your choice, Ceramic, KDF, Resin are all available in this length. Think twice about sealed bayonet type cartridges, where the housing and cartridge are one and must be thrown away and replaced. These can be difficult to locate and expensive.

2. FREE SERVICE …You could very well be paying a premium on cartridges to cover the cost of servicing. Firstly you have to make sure you are home at the appointed time when the serviceman is due to call…. Then you have his time travelling to your home, dismantling and reassembling your unit… this all costs money. Keep your ongoing maintenance cost to a minimum….. Service the unit yourself.

A Do-it-Yourself Booklet is available with the 4 steps to simple servicing of your water filter. Together with the plastic circular spanner which fits around the housing and locates on the ribs makes undoing the housing simple, handy household products to sterilise the unit and how to ensure your water is crystal clear…. it is easy, convenient and cost effective.

One of the most expensive units to service is the reverse osmosis, because of the membrane component and can cost up to $200. Membranes should last 3 - 4 years, however they do need regular flushing to remove built up impurities.

Aeon has designed and installed a special ball valve in all Purestream Reverse Osmosis Units, which allows you to simply flush your membrane when required.

You do not have to remove the membrane, simply turn the lever on the ball valve, flush the membrane, return lever to its original position and your membrane will maintain its 99% removal of contaminants all the time.

3. REMINDER SERVICE …. Very important as we tend to lose track of when our cartridges are due. This can be overcome by making a note on your cupboard door, pest control operators do this for you.

An even more pleasant experience is having your water filter supplier send you a friendly email reminder advising you when your cartridges are due for replacement, correct part numbers for your particular unit, with a convenient link to the appropriate order form to make the experience quick and hassle free.