Every year there are as many as 12 million cases of waterborne gastrointestinal illnesses reported in the US. These illnesses are caused by contaminated drinking water that consists of cysts, bacteria, viruses, or other harmful elements.
Cysts and bacteria in water are highly dangerous as they are microorganisms that are present in the water already or make their way into the water through the pipelines or other sources. These contaminants usually survive in the environment for months as they are self-sufficient. They contaminate the tap or well water and enter our bodies when we drink unfiltered water.
No matter how well-operated water treatment systems are, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that they are not enough to ensure that drinking water is entirely free from all bacteria and viruses. Moreover, even boiling water doesn’t remove cysts and bacteria completely. Water filtration systems are your best bet when it comes to making drinking water pure and safe for your family. Many advanced technology filtration systems have gained popularity recently, promoting contaminant-free drinking water. Before we discuss the best filters available in the market, let’s understand what cysts and bacteria are and how they are harmful for us.
Light-weight, portable, and easily moved around the counter top
Removes 99.9999% of viruses, protozoa, TMHs, drugs and other chemicals
Safe to use, durable and long lasting
The system has been tested countless times to produce brilliant results
The filters are a bit tough to work with
Needs to be broken in properly to ensure filtering correctly
10 times stronger filtration than other leading filters in the market
Fits easily in all fridges
Offers Bluetooth connection to monitor the device and order replacement filters
Quick filtration process means you have ready to consume water in minutes
The pitcher and lids are not dishwasher safe
The capacity is limited to 16 glasses of water
The system can filter up to 600 gallons of water easily!
The faucet is durable, hygienic and meets modern interior requirement
Also removes rust, sediment, silt and other forms of debris
Constructed using an eco friendly and minimal-plastic wastage design
Maintenance is required to check for leaks
The under sink area must be kept clean at all times
Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water
Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it
Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals
Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration
Bulky system requires space
Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
Filters an astounding one million gallon of water and is expected to last a decade
The UV filter protects against viruses and bacteria from festering and growing
Multiple filtration systems provide your whole house with clean water for all needs
Easy to install and easy to function
More expensive than smaller systems but lasts much longer
May need professional assistance depending on current plumbing
Long lasting and durable, this system can pump around 3,000 gallons of water
No cumbersome maintenance required
Filters out heavy chemicals, metals and chlorine compounds with its 4-filtration systems
One of the cheapest water filtration systems for homes and offices
May run into minor leaking issues
Easy installation nuless your fridge is over 20 years old
What are Cysts and Bacteria in Drinking Water?
Cysts and bacteria are microorganisms that cannot be seen, felt, or tasted in water. While many of them are harmless, some types of cysts and bacteria accumulate in the body and lead to severe health conditions. It is not wise to assume that your tap water is free from bacteria and viruses as you cannot rely on a community water system. Cysts and bacteria health effects are numerous, and the best way to avoid unclean water is to consume water directly from a filter that decontaminates and purifies glass water.
Types of Microbial Cysts Found in Drinking Water
Microbial cysts found in drinking water are Giardia and Cryptosporidium that live in cold water and are able to survive for several months. They enter lake and river waters through human or animal feces. Cryptosporidium is a small infectious microorganism that is resistant to disinfection, which means simple chlorination is not to remove it. Giardia is another type of cyst found in drinking water. Both types of cysts highly contaminate the water and may cause health issues.
The Environmental Working Group highlighted that the presence of such cysts in water lead to several short-term stomach diseases, nausea, intestinal distress, or gastrointestinal problems. Even though there are no long-term health effects reported from such cysts, EPA suggests that even a single Giardia outbreak in water requires testing and filtration.
According to research, Giardia is released in bowel movements of an animal or individual who is infected. This human/animal waste can enter the water supply in many different ways, for instance, through sewage overflows, agriculture runoff, etc. Giardia can be found in private well water too, and can make its way to the taps.
When the cyst enters the human body, it develops into the adult protozoan life stage and sticks to the intestine walls. It covers the outlet of the stomach and reproduces more cysts. Studies show that as little as one gram of feces from an infected animal contains up to two million cysts. The incubation period is 3 to 25 days, after which an individual may face some common symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, intestine pain, and other stomach problems. The worst part is that Giardia is contagious.
Types of Bacteria Found in Drinking Water
Bacteria, the free-living, single-cell organisms, are decomposers that break down dead organisms and make them available for reuse. Surface or ground water is most likely to contain bacteria. Bacteria cells are present everywhere on the earth and may contaminate drinking water.
Different types of bacteria are found naturally in water. Surprisingly, up to six harmful bacteria types can fill up your next glass of water. They are as follows:
- Escherichia Coli
- Hepatitis A
- Giardia Lamblia
- Campylobacter Jejuni
- Salmonella
- Legionella Pneumophila
These bacteria types may cause stomach infections with symptoms of fever, pain, cramps, etc. In the long-term, these problems may result in weakness, a weaker immune system, and other side-effects. Legionella Pneumophila is the most dangerous bacteria that can cause the Legionnaires disease. It usually results in hospitalization and even loss of life. A bacterium that has cultivated from human and animal feces is extremely dangerous. If this bacterium is found in water, it indicates that the water has been contaminated by human and animal waste. Such contamination contains pathogens that pose health risks to humans, especially the vulnerable population. Some studies show that there is also a risk of cancer from cysts and bacteria.
How Do You Remove Cysts and Bacteria From Water?
EPA requires community water systems to provide clean and safe drinking water to the public. All public water systems must have chlorinated water to kill the cysts and bacteria that come from the environment.
Many communities put their water systems through the required tests and chlorination, but these processes don’t always make the water 100% bacteria-free. This is because microorganisms can survive chlorination or make their way into the water through pipelines. Since up to 500,000 people die from diarrhea related illnesses every year, according to WHO, homeowners should take the responsibility of drinking clean water in their own hands.
Microbial Testing of Drinking Water
You must always know the type of water that your family is consuming. The first thing to do is to test the water in your taps. A microbial testing lab checks the water for harmful bacteria. This will tell you whether your water is safe to drink or not.
Distillation of Cysts and Bacteria
The method of distillation produces pure water through air-cooled distillers. The process requires a high amount of energy input. The boiling chamber traps the impurities and flushes them out, giving clean, flat tasting water.
Chlorination of Cysts and Bacteria
The method of chlorination is a common and effective way to deal with microbes as it can kill bacteria and active cysts. Adding sufficient chlorine will kill all the microbes, but you will also have to remove all the chlorine before you can consume the water.
UV Light of Cysts and Bacteria
Ultraviolet light method kills microbe cells by damaging the DNA. It ensures clean and safe drinking water. However, the method is costly.
Filtration of Cysts and Bacteria
Water filtration systems with advanced technologies are the best and most effective solution to pure drinking water. These filters come in various shapes and sizes and can be installed with the taps. The water is filtered straight out of the tap and into the glass.
There are different types of water filters to remove cysts and bacteria. Some of them are:
- Reverse Osmosis water filtration system
- Countertop water filter
- Refrigerator water filter
- Under sink water filter
- Well water filter
- Whole house water filter
- Granulated activated carbon filter
Is Bottled Water Cyst and Bacteria Free?
According to a research published by The Telegraph, bottled water contains more bacteria than tap water. Since it is expensive and secured in a bottle, it is commonly mistaken to be pure and free from microorganisms. The truth is that once water is bottled, the plastic container itself rapidly starts producing bacteria in contact with the organic material already present in the water.
Importance of NSF-Certified Water Filters
A filtration system for drinking water ought to be certified by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the US. The NSF ensures that such appliances and systems are safe to use for homeowners and effective in providing clean drinking water. It is important to have NSF-certified cysts and bacteria water filters as they have undergone several tests and meet all quality and health standards. If you are opting for a water filter, you have to ensure that it is the best one. To make your task easier, we have listed the best water filters below.
Recommended Cyst and Bacteria Water Filters
Water filters are essential for your home. No matter which state, city, or town you live in, you can never compromise on the quality of water that your family consumes. Waterborne diseases are on the rise and the only solution is water filtration— as it is a cost-effective and convenient way to keep your family safe. The best part is that there are many water filtration systems in the market today. You can choose the one that would suit you and your family. We have reviewed some of the best products in the market here for your convenience.
Best Counter Top Cyst and Bacteria Water Filter
Crown Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
The Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter is the best countertop filter for cysts and bacteria that you will find. This product is a highly-recommended and is one of the popular choices for consumers. It has a superior-quality filtration system that removes cysts and bacteria from water up to 99.99%. The filtration technology also helps maintain healthy minerals in the water. In addition to cysts and bacteria, it also removes harmful heavy metals and other elements from water.
This gravity-fed filter can be kept on the counter as it doesn’t need to be plugged in. It can be used easily for travel or emergency situations. With this filter, you don’t have to worry about compromising on water quality, anywhere anytime. It is a portable filtration system, so you can carry it with ease.
Pros:
- It can store up to 3.25 gallons of water at a time, which is good enough for 2-4 people a day.
- Even though the water filter is small and handy, it has a good flow rate.
- The purification system is highly powerful as it uses advanced technology to filter and purify water from all sorts of contaminants. It is one of the only few water filtration systems in the market that actively kill pathogenic bacteria and removes Giardia and cryptosporidium.
- The water filter can last up to 6,000 gallons of water before it needs a replacement.
- It is highly durable and long-lasting.
- It is NSF-certified, ensuring safe and pure water.
Cons:
- It is not suitable for large families
- It is only available in a few states
Best Pitcher Cyst and Bacteria Water Filter
Aquasana The Clean Water Machine
The Clean Water Machine is the best pitcher filter for cysts and bacteria. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of getting a water filter installed and maintaining it, then this is the most convenient option for you. This Water Machine is a dispenser that can be placed anywhere around your house. Not only is it easy to use for children, but it is also highly safe. It has a jug-like structure that stores the clean water from the tap and then pours it into your glass. You can get clean and pure drinking water at the touch of a button. It is power-activated, which means you can rely on it.
The best feature of this system is the professional grade filtration technology that kills heavy metals, cysts and organic chemicals.
Pros:
- It has claryum technology, which consists of activated carbon, catalytic carbon, and absolute sub-micron mechanical filtration. This technology is known to remove 10 times more contaminants than other systems, providing you with clean water that still consists of healthy minerals.
- The water is ultra delicious as the filter has the potential to retain the healthy minerals in the water.
- The filtration system is ultra fast. The water purifies instantly at the touch of a button.
- The product is NSF-certified to meet health standards 42, 53, and 401.
- Aquasana provides great customer support services.
Cons:
- The holding capacity is comparatively less than other water filtration systems
- The warranty comes with an additional cost
Best Under Counter Cysts and Bacteria Water Filter
Aquasana 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter
The three-stage under counter water filter is the best under sink filter for cysts and bacteria for your home. It is the best way to ensure that all the water coming in from your tap is clean and pure – whether you need it for drinking, cooking, or washing. As mentioned earlier, boiling the water doesn’t kill bacteria and microorganisms completely. Hence, if you want to ensure clean water for your family in every possible way, this three-stage under counter filter is the best option for you.
The filter comes with the Claryum technology that contains activated carbon, catalytic carbon, ion-exchange, and absolute sub-micron mechanical filtration that cleans and purifies tap water quickly. The water from your main pipeline will be stored into the filter that has a capacity of up to 200 gallons. When you open your tap, the water from the storage goes through the filters and flows from the tap. This filter system removes 15 times more contaminates than other standard solutions and also removes 97% of chlorine.
Pros:
- The filter kills all the bacteria and microorganisms instantly and removes up to 77 different contaminants
- It is eco-friendly as it minimizes plastic waste
- The water is ultra delicious as the minerals are retained
- The filters are easy to replace, and you can do it on your own
- The system is convenient and worth its value.
- It is more durable than other systems.
- The filter comes with Smart technology, which identifies when there is a need for filter replacement. You don’t have to make guesses or keep a track of the filtration system anymore.
- NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 401 + P473s
Cons:
- The filter life is only 6 months
- The installation can be costly
- It requires professional maintenance
- The area under the sink needs extra care to avoid any leaks
Best Reverse Osmosis Cysts and Bacteria Water Filter
Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
The OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis + Claryum is the best Reverse osmosis filter for cysts and bacteria. The reverse osmosis technology has proven to be the best way to clean and purify drinking water in homes and offices. The technology uses UV light to kill bacteria and microorganisms by up to 99%. It is the best way to clear your water from all contaminations.
It works in a three-stage process, where the filter first uses the reverse osmosis technology to filter the heavy metals and elements from the water. Then, the claryum technology reduces contaminants further. Lastly, the remineralization technology adds healthy amounts of potassium and magnesium to give you pH balanced water.
This system comes in different sizes and systems, which can be installed over the counter or under the sink, according to your convenience. The reverse osmosis systems are easy to maintain.
Pros:
- The filter guarantees ultimate purity as it offers filtration, purification, and remineralization
- It is tried and tested by several labs to be 5x better than other reverse osmosis systems.
- It is NSF-certified to standards 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473
- It has an easy filter replacement system that you can do at home
- It gives ultra fast water flow in the taps
- Aquasana offers free shipping in the US
Cons:
- The fittings need to be upgraded every now and then
- Additional parts will come at an additional cost
Best Whole House Cysts and Bacteria Water Filter System
Aquasana Whole House Filter System
The 1,000,000 Gallon Rhino is the best whole house filter for cysts and bacteria. This water filtration is a one-time installation in your home to purify and filter contaminants from all the water that comes in your taps. This water filter is a huge investment for those who don’t want to have water worries often. Furthermore, it also gives cyst and bacteria-free water in showers for bathing and prevents any harmful side-effects. Certain bacteria are harmful when exposed to the skin or inhaled into the lungs.
Pros:
- It offers a long-term solution to water contamination problems as it can last up to 10 years
- The filter can purify water up to 1,000,000 gallons
- It gives you a cleaner, healthier, and more convenient system for your home
- The advanced technology filtration system kills bacteria and microorganisms
- The innovative technology filters reduce build-up in your house plumbing system
- Reduces body exposure to harmful cysts and bacteria, resulting in healthier skin and hair
- It is NSF-certified
Cons:
- It is highly costly
- You require a professional plumber to install the system
- Any clogging or replacement will require additional costs
- Maintenance and repair costs are high
Best Inline Refrigerator Cysts and Bacteria Water Filter
Culligan IC-EZ-4 EZ-Change Inline Icemaker and Refrigerator Filtration System
The CulliganRefrigerator Filtration System is the best refrigerator filter for cysts and bacteria in the market. The water filter is installed in your refrigerator as a cold water filter and icemaker. This technology offers filter cartridges that kill bacteria and cysts before giving you filtered and purified water. The best part is that it gives you cold water right in your glass. It can filter up to 500 gallons of water. The filter lasts for up to 6 months. This smart technology can be fitted into your refrigerator easily.
Pros:
- It is convenient as you get cold water and ice
- It has a twist-on and twist-off filter mechanism that you can change on your own
- It is portable and easy to fix
- The replacement cartridges are available with the product
- NSF-certified
Cons:
- Slow water flow
- Cartridge only lasts for a few months
Conclusion on Cysts and Bacteria Water Filters
Contaminated water is harmful, and as discussed above, it can lead to many health problems. Take the matter of contaminated water in your own hands and pick the best water filter to ensure clean and pure drinking water.
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