Clean, contaminant-free drinking water is vital for good health. As consumer awareness grows regarding potential pollutants in tap water, many have turned to water filters for purification. Now, a new category of products – water structuring devices – claims to go beyond filtration to make water cleaner and potentially healthier. But how do these new devices compare to tried-and-true water filtration systems?
How Traditional Water Filters Work
Standard water filtration systems use physical, chemical and biological processes to remove contaminants from water. Methods include:
• Activated carbon block filters – adsorb chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals
• Reverse osmosis – forces water through the membrane to remove salts, metals, bacteria
• Ion exchange resins – swap out unwanted minerals for more desirable ones
• Submicron mechanical filtration – traps protozoa, bacteria and particulate matter
Top-rated filters certified by NSF International must demonstrate 90% or more contaminant removal efficiencies.
Water Structuring Devices: A New Approach
Water structuring devices use magnets, crystals, ceramics or other media to rearrange water molecule clusters into smaller, hexagonal structures. Proponents claim this:
• Hydrates cells more efficiently
• It allows better mineral absorption
• Has detoxification effects
However, the science behind these claims remains preliminary and controversial.
Key Differences Between the Technologies
The main differences come down to:
• Focus – Water filters purify by removing contaminants. Water structuring devices aim to restructure molecules.
• Credible Research – Water filtration technology is scientifically proven and certified. Credible research on the health impacts of water structuring still needs to be improved.
• Cost – Whole house water filtration systems range from $500-$2,500. Water structuring devices are often pricier.
For most homeowners, a quality filtration system certified to remove contaminants may provide the best assurance of purified water for the price. Those intrigued by water structuring can consider an additional device, but filtration should remain the first line of defense.
As science continues to emerge on water structuring technology, having both systems may provide the ideal blend of contaminant removal and enhanced molecular structure. But for now, proven filtration remains the gold standard for clean, healthy drinking water. For more information, please visit Belifewater.
