No one REALLY wants to break out the tools and replace the filter housing on their home water filtration system… but sometimes life makes us do things we don’t want. For that reason, we have opted to list some common water filter housings that hopefully you will never, ever have to purchase.

Pentek 150015 3/4″ Slim Line Red High Temp Housing
Pentek 150015

Your Cost: $89.00
Regular Price: $119.41

“The Pentek, Ametek, US Filter 150015 3/4″ Slim Line Red High Temp Housing features a durable glass-reinforced nylon construction and 3/4″ NPT connections. This Filter housing is good for a variety of applications as it can withstand up to 160 degree tempatures. The Pentek 150015 Features: 3/4″ NPT 12 1/8″ x 5 1/8″ housing 40-160 Degree Temp Range Max Pressure 125 psi up to 20 GPM Flow Rates depending on filter used replaces the Black High Tempature housing with 3/4″ NPTClick here to view the 150015 Product Specifications. Cartridges sold separately. Please see links below to view compatible filters for this housing. PD-5-934PD-10-934PD-25-934CBC-10The Mounting Bracket For this Housing is Part Number 151011″

Pentek 150239 10″ Big Blue HFPP 1.5″ Housing
Pentek 150239

Your Cost: $44.95
Regular Price: $53.90

“The Pentek, Ametek, US Filter 10″ Big Blue HFPP 1.5″ Housing is a heavy duty filter housing with pressure release valve. The 150239 is made of durable PolyPropelene, features 1.5″ threaded ports, and can be used for a variety of residential and commercial applications. The 150239, 1.5″ #10BB Filter Housing Specifications: Connections: 1.5″ NPT Dimensions: 135/8″ x 7 1/4″ Max Temp: 100 F Max Pressure: 100 psi ANSI/NSF Certified for Material Requirements Flow Rate: 20 GPM @ 1psi (based on filter)Filters Sold Separately. Please see links below for compatible filters for this housing. Carbon FiltersSediment Filters View the Full Product Specifications for 150239″

Pentek 150467 20″ Big Blue HFPP 3/4″ Housing
Pentek 150467

Your Cost: $71.99
Regular Price: $77.61

“The Pentek 150467 20″ Big Blue HFPP 3/4″ Filter Housing features 3/4 inch NPT and pressure release button. The 150467 is ideal for residential, commercial, and industrial filtration where high-flow rates are required. Made of durable Polypropylene.The 150467, 3/4″ #20BB Filter Housing Specs: Connections: 3/4″ NPT Dimensions: 23 3/8″ x 7 1/4″ Max Temp: 100 F Max Pressure: 90 psi ANSI/NSF Certified for Material Requirements Flow Rate: 15 GPM @ 2psi (based on filter)Filters Sold Separately. Please see links below for compatible filters for this housing. Carbon FiltersSediment Filters View the Product Specifications for 3/4″ #20BB”

Pentek 150574 Standard Black/Blue 3/4″ Housing
Pentek 150574

Your Cost: $31.65
Regular Price: $39.00

“The Pentek 150574 Standard Black/Blue 3/4″ Filter Housing features 3/4″ NPT and a mounting bracket built right into the cap for easy installation! Also comes with pressure release. #103G Standard Black/Blue 3/4″ IB MM w/pr. Pentek 150574, #10 3G Standard Housing Specs: Connections: 3/4″ NPT Dimensions: 13 1/4″ x 5 3/4″ Max Temp: 125 F Max Pressure: 125 psi NSF Tested Certified Flow Rate: 10 GPM @ 1 psi (based on filter) Pressure Release Accomodates Catridges From 2 1/4″ to 3 1/8″ Diameter Intregal Bracket Mount (cap contains predrilled tapped holes for mounting differiencal pressure gauges)Mounting Bracket MC-1A can be used with this housing. Filter Cartridges sold separately. Please see links below for compatible filters for this housing. Carbon FiltersSediment Filters View the Full Specifications 150574 Housing”

Pentek 158002 Blue/Black 3/8″ Filter Housing
Pentek 158002

Your Cost: $12.99
Regular Price: $15.13

“The Pentek 158002 is a Filter Housing featuring 3/8″ FPT and pressure release button. The 158002 takes 5″ filters and is perfect for filtration in your RV or Camper. This filter can also be used in a variety of other applications. The 158002, #5 Opaque Filter Housing Specs: Dimensions: 7″ x 4 3/8″ Connections: 3/8″ FPT Max Temp: 125 F Max Pressure: 125 psi ANSI/NSF Certified for Material Requirements Flow Rate: 3 GPM @ 2 psi (based on filter)Filter Cartridges sold separately. Please see links below for compatible filters for this housing. CBC-5EPM-5CC2GAC-5R30-478View The Full Product Specifications for 158002″

Pentek 158110 Clear Filter Housing 3/8″ FPT
Pentek 158110

Your Cost: $17.99
Regular Price: $22.26

“The Pentek 158110 is a Clear Filter Housing featuring 3/8″ FPT and pressure release button. The 158110 takes 5″ filters and is perfect for filtration in your RV or Camper. This filter can also be used in a variety of other applications. The 158110, 3/8″ #5 Clear Filter Housing Specs: Dimensions: 7 3/8″ x 4 5/8″ Connections: 3/8″ FPT Max Temp: 125 F Max Pressure: 125 psi Flow Rate: 3 GPM @ 2 psi (based on filter) Pressure Relief ButtonFilter Cartridges sold separately. Please see links below for compatible filters for this housing. CBC-5EPM-5CC2GAC-5R30-478View the Full Product Specifications 158110″

Pentek 158133 Clear Filter Housing 1/4″ FPT
Pentek 158133

Your Cost: $18.00
Regular Price: $19.55

“The Pentek 158133 is a Clear Filter Housing featuring 1/4″ FPT. The 158133 takes 5″ filters and is perfect for filtration in your RV or Camper. This filter can also be used in a variety of other applications. No pressure release. The 158133, #5 Clear Filter Housing Specs: Dimensions: 7 3/8″ x 4 5/8″ Connections: 1/4″ FPT Max Temp: 125 F Max Pressure: 125 psi Flow Rate: 3 gpm @ 2 psi (based on filter)Filter Cartridges sold separately. Please see links below for compatible filters for this housing. CBC-5EPM-5CC2GAC-5R30-478View the Full Product Specification on 158133″

Pentek 158138 Blue/Black 1/4″ Filter Housing
Pentek 158138

Your Cost: $12.15
Regular Price: $14.46

“The Pentek 158138 is a Filter Housing featuring 1/4″ FPT. The 158138 takes 5″ filters and is perfect for filtration in your RV or Camper. This filter can also be used in a variety of other applications. No pressure release. The 158138, #5 SLOpaque Housing: Connections: 1/4″ FPT Dimensions: 7″ x 4 3/8″ Max Temp: 125 F Max Pressure: 125 psi Flow Rate: 3 GPM @ 2 psi (based on filter)Filter Cartridges sold separately. Please see links below for compatible filters for this housing. CBC-5EPM-5CC2GAC-5R30-478View the Full Product Specification for 158138″

Tags: Water Testing, water testing blog

Lisa wrote in on behalf of her son who wishes to perform water testing on the water in the creek near their home for a science project:

My son is doing a science project on the water in the creek by our house. He wants to measure the runoff contaminants after a rain storm and then measure again a few weeks later to see the change and what was washed into the creek. What test kits should he buy and where should he get it.

thank you.

WaterSafe manufactures a science project test kit which may prove useful for your son’s project. The WaterSafe Science Project Kit includes tests for Lead, Bacteria, Pesticides, Nitrates, Chlorine, Hardness and pH. It comes with enough testing materials to test a total of four separate bodies of water or the same body of water on four separate occasions.

The kit also comes in a larger size which includes ten sets of tests for the parameters mentioned above. See Science Project Kit 10-Pack for additional details.

Testing for Chemical Pollutants and Contaminants

As a general rule, you will not find a test kit that can test for chemical pollutants because testing for such items typically requires the use of advanced laboratory techniques and/or equipment.

This does not mean, however, that you cannot test for other, more natural forms of pollution. The USEPA forbids the dumping excessive amounts of iron, copper, chromium, arsenic, mercury, cyanide, etc. into the environment… and at-home test kits DO exist for those compounds.

Tags: Water Testing, water testing blog

Now that you have gone and done something very wise, like installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home, you may find yourself asking, “Hmmm… How do I TEST a carbon monoxide detector?”

So glad you asked!

Now you COULD get up on a ladder and exhale cigarette smoke into the thing to see if it goes off, but we really think that sounds like a BAD IDEA. So does running a hose from the tailpipe of an automobile into the house and closing all the doors and windows… and waiting to see if the alarm goes off before you pass out.

Instead, you can do the smart thing and pick up CO Check: CO Alarm Test Gas in Aerosol Can. Much, much safer than the aforementioned methods and does not require the use of cigarettes or gasoline engines!

Simply aim the nozzle in the direction of the detector, press the aerosol dispenser, and let the CO get at your detector. See instructions on can for specific testing procedures, though, before you begin your testing.

Tags: Carbon Monoxide, carbon monoxide detector, carbon monoxide in a can

People with homes on city water systems, also called municipal water systems, typically do not have to worry about the quality of their drinking water, though using a drinking water test kit from time to time to make sure does make sense — just in case. Therefore one of the most common complaints heard from these folks all deal with the taste and/or smell of the drinking water coming out of their faucets.

City water systems typically use free chlorine or chloramines to disinfect the water prior to distribution and as we all know, chlorine has a distinct smell and taste associated with it. Point-of-use water filters such as faucet filters can help get rid of, or at the very least reduce, unpleasant chlorine tastes and smells in drinking water.

Need to test for chlorine? Take a look at Chlorine-Test-Kit.Com. If you have interest in drinking water faucet filters, check out the selection below:

Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System, 35212
Brita 6025835212

Your Cost: $34.99
Regular Price: $39.99

The Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System 35212 has been discontinued by the manufacturer and will no longer be available. The Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System easily installs onto your kitchen faucet and provides maintenance-free filtration! Once it’s done you simply throw it away. System lasts up to 1 year (with no filter change) and filters up to 300 gallons. Features filter indicator light so you know when the status of your filter changes. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 tested approved for the reduction of: -Lead -Mercury -Cysts (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) -AsbestosNSF/ANSI Standard 42 tested approved for the reduction of: -Chlorine taste odor -Particulates (Class 1)

Brita Disposable Bathroom Faucet Filtration System
Brita 6025835213

Your Cost: $22.99
Regular Price: $24.99

“The Brita Disposable Bathroom Faucet Filtration System turns your bathroom tap water into healthy, great tasting water. The Drinking Fountain Feature eliminates the need for cups–and kids love it! The compact design of the Brita Disposable Bathroom Faucet System will not obstruct your sink and it’s disposable! System lasts up to 12 months or 50 gallons of water when 2 cups (16 oz) of filtered water are used per day. Once it’s done, simply throw it away. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 tested approved for the reduction of: -Lead -Mercury -Cysts (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) -Asbestos -Benzene -Methoxychlor -Toxaphene -Atrazine -CarbofuranNSF/ANSI Standard 42 tested approved for the reduction of: -Chlorine taste odor -Particulates (Class 1) ”

Brita AquaView Faucet Filtration System
Brita AquaView

Your Cost: $37.40
Regular Price: $52.59

“Model # 42645The Brita AquaView Faucet Filtration System allows you to actually see your filter changing color over time–so you know it’s working! The Brita AquaView also features a unique “out of the way” design that saves you sink space and filter indicator light that tells you exactly when you need to change your filter. The Brita AquaView filters are NSF / ANSI Standard 42 certified for reduction of Chlorine, Taste Odor as well as Particulates (Class 1). The Brita AquaView filter is NSF / ANSI Standard 53 tested and certified for the reduction of lead, cysts, asbestos, and turbidity. The AquaView also allows 3 different spray options for your convenience: Brita Filtered, Spray, and Stream. Package includes one filter and one system. No Tools required for installation and the Brita AquaView system installs on all standard size faucets.Quick and Easy Filter Replacement. ”

Brita AquaView Faucet Filter System (Bonus Filter)
Brita AquaView Bonus

Your Cost: $39.40
Regular Price: $65.00

“The Brita AquaView On Tap Faucet Filtration System allows you to actually see your filter changing color over time–so you know it’s working! The Brita AquaView also features a unique “out of the way” design that saves you sink space and filter indicator light that tells you exactly when you need to change your filter. The Brita AquaView filters Chlorine Taste Odor as well as Particulates (Class 1). NSF/ANSI tested and certified the AquaView reduces lead, cysts, asbestos, and turbidity. The AquaView also allows 3 different spray options for your convenience: Britia Filtered, Spray, and Stream. Package includes two filters and one system. ”

Brita AquaView Replacement Filter Cartridge
Brita AquaView Replacement

Your Cost: $19.95
Regular Price: $29.95

“The Brita AquaView Replacement Filter cartridge is the replacement filter for the Brita AquaView On Tap Filter model 42645, AVFF-100. Instructions included. Filter lasts for approximately 100 gallons or 4 months depending on water quality. Tested and certified by the NSF/ANSI this filter reduces: lead, cysts, particulate (class 1), and taste odor. Part number 42647. ”

OmniFilter F1 Series A Water Faucet Filter
OmniFilter F1

Your Cost: $15.99
Regular Price: $16.99

“The OmniFilter F1 Water Faucet Filter reduces rust, sediment, and chlorine taste odor from your water. This faucet water filter installs easily onto your faucet and provides great tasting water with just the turn of a knob. The OmniFilters F1 Series A includes the filter unit, filter cartridge FRC1, and adaptor kit. The FRC1 cartridge should be replaced ever 3 months or 200 gallons. The Omni Filter F1 specifications are as follows:Flow Rate – .75 gpm Micron rating – 50 Filter change indicator dial Capacity 200 gallons Reduces Chlorine / Rust / Sediment / Dirt The replacement cartridges for the OmniFilter F1 are the FRC1 and the FRC1-D. ”

F-2C WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System
Waterpik F-2C

Your Cost: $16.99
Regular Price: $18.99

“The F-2C WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System is an affordable convienent way to remove chlorine, bad taste and odor from your drinking water. Installs in less than 4 minutes! NSF Tested and Certified. The F-2C Systems features : Quick Installation — Less than 4 minutesEconomical Cost — Great Tasting Water at a Fraction of the Cost of Bottled WaterConvenient Selector — Let’s you switch between filtered and unfiltered water easilyStep by Step InstructionsNSF/ANSI Standard 42 Tested and Approved for Chlorine Taste and Odor ReductionThe Waterpik F2C Faucet Filter System takes replacement cartridge R2C2 or R2C4. Cartridge should be replaced every 3 months for optimum performance. ”

F-5 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System
WaterPik F5

Your Cost: $19.99
Regular Price: $24.99

“Model F-5 (White) and Model F-5C (Chrome)The F-5 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System reduces Chlorine, Lead, Bad Taste, Odor, and Cysts. The F-5 Faucet Filter System comes with the R-5 filter cartridge and installs in less than 4 minutes.Reduces lead, cysts, chlorine, bad taste and odor Three-month, 200 gallon capacity. Choose between filtered and unfiltered water to extend filter life. System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of Chlorine (Class II), Taste and Odor. System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 53 for the reduction of Cysts and Lead Includes a replaceable filter cartridge, R-5. Easy installation in less than 4 minutes. No tools required White finish and white cover. This F-5 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard 42 for the reduction of 97% of Chlorine Taste and Odor This F-5 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard53 for the reduction of 99% of Cysts 99% + of Lead ”

F-6 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System
WaterPik F6

Your Cost: $13.99
Regular Price: $19.99

“Model F-6 (White with Clear Cover)The F-6 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System is an affordable and convenient way to purify your water from your faucet. The F-6 Faucet Filter System comes with the R-2C filter cartridge.Reduces chlorine, bad taste and odor. Three-month, 200 gallon capacity. Choose between filtered and unfiltered water to extend filter life. System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of Chlorine (Class II), Taste and Odor. Includes a replaceable filter cartridge, R-2C. White finish and clear cover. This F-6 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard 42 for the reduction of 92% of Chlorine Taste and Odor ”

F-7 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System
WaterPik F7

Your Cost: $23.95
Regular Price: $34.95

“THE WATERPIK F7 HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED BY THE MANUFACTURER. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WATERPIK F8, WHICH REMOVES MORE CONTAMINANTS AND HAS RECENTLY BEEN REDUCED IN PRICE. Model F-7 (White)The F-7 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System is an affordable and convenient way to purify your water from your faucet. It installs in a few minutes and has an electronic filter indicator to notify you when it is time to change the filter.One of the most advanced electronic faucet filters available System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of Chlorine (Class I), Taste and Odor, Particulate (Class I). System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 53 for the reduction of Cysts, Lead, Lindane and Asbestos. Three-month, 200 gallon capacity. Choose between filtered and unfiltered water to extend filter life. Green, yellow and red monitor light indicates when to change filter. Includes a replaceable, easy to install, high performance carbon block filter, the R-7. White finish and white cover. This F-7 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard 42 for the reduction of 97.2% of Chlorine Taste and Odor 99.55% of Particulates Class IThis F-7 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard53 for the reduction of 99.98% of Cysts 99% + of Lead 97.5% of Lindane 99.98% of Asbestos ”

Looking for more types of water filters? Take a look at the Water Filters Detailed List over on WaterTestBlog.Com

Tags: Water Testing, water testing blog

Over the weekend we received word that National Safety Products decide to offer Pool Check 3 Way Test Strips at a really low price — but only for a limited time. Normally selling for $7.49 for a bottle of 50 test strips, right now you can pick up a bottle of 50 for just $4.99.

For those who don’t feel like doing the math, the sale price of $4.99 means you will save $2.50… which is a 33% savings!

Rapid Testing Procedure

When it comes to testing pool water, no one wants to spend any more time than absolutely necessary so the fact that it takes less than 30 seconds to use Pool Check 3 Way Test Strips makes them an excellent choice.

Checks Critical Pool Water Parameters

Considered the breed-n-butter test strip by many pool industry professionals, the Pool Check 3 Way Test Strips test for the following critical pool water parameters: free chlorine, pH and total alkalinity. One can also use this product to measure bromine levels in swimming pools if needed.

Detection Levels

• Free Chlorine: 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 ppm
• Bromine: 0, 1, 2, 6, 10, 20, 40 ppm
• Total Alkalinity: 0, 40, 80, 120, 180, 240, 360 ppm
• pH: 6.0, 6.4, 6.8, 7.2, 7.6, 8.2, 9.0

Need to test more parameters than that? Take a look at the Pool Check 6 Way Test Strips!

On Another Note

OK, so a lot of the fast food places have started boasting about having the best and most delicious $5 meals you can get for… 5 bucks. While the Pool Check 3 Way Test Strips won’t fill you up or stop hunger pains in your belly, they will help you keep your pool water, safe, clean and perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

A fat-filled, calorie bomb combo meal can’t do anything except… make your batching suit fit a little tighter. LOL.

Tags: pool and spa, pool water testing blog

We read a LOT of articles dealing with issues that affect the quality of drinking water so it REALLY pleases us to learn that the USEPA plans to make changes to its policies that will allow it to examine more suspected drinking water contaminants faster. Additionally, it sounds as though the changes will allow for faster implementation of public policy when deemed necessary.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Monday that it would overhaul drinking water regulations so that officials could police dozens of contaminants simultaneously and tighten rules on the chemicals used by industries.

The new policies, which are still being drawn up, will probably force some local water systems to use more effective cleaning technologies, but may raise water rates. ( source )

Somebody’s Got to Pay…

Unfortunately, when it comes to cleaning up our drinking water, safer water will most likely require municipalities to invest in more sophisticated water treatment equipment. This may not go over very well with public water systems that still may not have paid off the water treatment equipment upgrades they had to install when the USEPA lowered the MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) for dissolved arsenic in drinking water from 50ppb to 10ppb a few years ago.

No matter how you slice it, the money for the upgrades will have to come from someplace. Either the customers will take the hit in the form of higher water bills or the Federal Government will have to give some municipalities grants for the upgrades — which means US taxpayers will wind up footing the bill.

Don’t We Already Have Laws on the Books?

Some folks believe we already have enough laws on the books to regulate the types of chemicals and compounds the companies may dump into the environment and feel that stricter enforcement of the existing laws will do more good than creating new laws.

That would work except for one small detail: Many of the current laws apply only to specific chemicals and not to classes or families of chemicals.

Do not fret, though, because the EPA has announced that it has plans to create better, more effective rules governing water quality contaminants AND increase enforcement of its regulations.

In some instances, laws are sufficient, but they have been ignored: More than 20 percent of the nation’s water treatment systems have violated key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act over the last five years, according to an analysis of federal data by The New York Times. And the other major water law — the Clean Water Act — has been violated more than half a million times, though few polluters were ever punished.

To correct such lapses, the E.P.A. intends to reform agency policies that essentially require regulators to examine pollutants one at a time. Those adjustments will allow government scientists to evaluate large groups of similar contaminants at the same time and to issue new rules that apply to dozens of chemicals.

…

The agency previously announced it was developing plans to crack down on polluters and force water systems to abide by cleanliness laws. ( source )

In the End…

The USEPA, like any other government body, has limitations as to what it can and cannot do to protect the quality of drinking water in the United States. Budget concerns, staffing issues, and the political agendas of persons inside and outside of the organization all play a part in the organization’s actions.

While all of us at Water Testing Blog applaud the efforts of the EPA to keep tabs the ever-growing number of pollutants entering the environment, we believe that at the end of the day responsibility for the quality of our drinking water falls on our shoulders — and that we must test our own water regularly… just in case.

If you have a home water filter system that requires a 2.5″ diameter 20″ Big Blue Sediment Filter, then the following list will definitely come in handy. Below you will find replacement Aqua-Pure and Pentek 20″ x 2.5″ replacement sediment filters for big blue filter housings made by companies like Pentek, Ametek, US Filter and others.

Aqua-Pure AP110-2C Whole House Water Filters
Aqua-Pure AP110-2C

Your Cost: $20.00
Regular Price: $26.79

“The Aqua-Pure AP110-2C whole house filter cartridge filters dirt and rust from your water. The AP110-2C fits whole house systems that require a 20″ long by 2 1/2″ diameter. It is not for use in AquaPure housings. This AP110-2C filter is for use in all 20″ filter housings not including Aquapure housings. Use AP110-2 for Aquapure housings.The AP110-2C specifications: Water Filter Cartridge is 20 inches in length 5 Micron Rating 16 gpm Flow Rate The AP110-2C is 20″ long two which is .5″ longer than the AP110-2. ”

Pentek P1-20 Spun Polypropylene Filter
Pentek P1-20

Your Cost: $8.15
Regular Price: $8.54

“The Ametek, Pentek, US Filter P1-20 Whole House Filter Cartridge removes extra fine sand, dirt, silt, rust, and scale particles from your household water. The P120 is made of spun bonded-polypropylene that is designed for purity and chemical compatibility and will resist chemical and bacterial attack. This filter is excellent for residential and commercial applications where sediment removal is necessary. The Ametek, Culligan, Pentek, Pentair P1-20 filter is used in the following filter systems:Ametek, US Filter, Pentek 150544 as well as all other 20″ Blue and 20″ Clear Housings (Not Big Blue)The American Plumber P1-20 Specifications:1 Micron Rating Reduces extra fine sand, rust, dirt, silt, scale particles Dimensions: 2 3/8″ x 20″ Flow Rate: 10 GPM @ 0.6 psi Temp Range: 40 – 125 F NSF Certified for Material RequirementsThe P1-20 needs to be changed every 2 to 6 months and can be used for whole house filter systems. Filter Life based on water quality and usage. Ideal for use with well water. P1-20 Product ManualPrice is for 1 filter. ”

Ametek, Pentek P25-20 20″ X 2 3/8″ Water Filter
Pentek P25-20

Your Cost: $7.10
Regular Price: $7.53

“The Ametek, Culligan, Pentek, US Filter P25-20, American Plumber W25P-20 20 Inch Whole House Filter Cartridge removes sand, dirt, silt, rust, and scale particles from your household water. The P25-20 is made of spun bonded-polypropylene that is designed for purity and chemical compatibility and will resist chemical and bacterial attack. The P25-20 is also known as part number P25-20 by Culligan, Ametek, Pentek, Kleen Plus, Plymouth Products, Pentair, Bruner, and US Filter. Part number 155226 Pentek, American Plumber. The Ametek, Culligan, Pentek, Pentair P25-20 filter is used in the following filter systems.Ametek, Culligan, Pentek, US Filter, and Plymouth 20″ Standard size whole house filter systemsThe P25-20 Water filter is a replacement for the following parts as well:Ametek, Culligan, Kleen-Plus, US Filter – P25-20 American Plumber – W25P-20ThePentek, Ametek P25-20Specifications:25 Micron Rating reduces sand, rust, dirt, silt, scale particles 2 3/8″ diameter x 20″ long cartridge 16,000 gallon filter capacity Temp Range: 40 -145 F Flow Rate: 10 GPM @ 0.2 psiThe P25-20 needs to be changed every 4 months and is ideal for use with well water. View the Full P25-20 Product reference.”

Pentek PD-5-20 Polydepth Filter Cartridge, 20″
Pentek PD-5-20

Your Cost: $8.25
Regular Price: $9.16

“The Pentek The Pentek PD-5-20 Polydepth Filter Cartridge is made with thermally bonded polypropylene fibers to ensure high effeciency, durability, and strength. Due to its design, the PD-5-20 is also able to offer a consistant flow rate, minimal fiber release, and superior chemical resistance. Part number 155756-43.The PD-5-20 Specifications: 5 micron rating Flow Rate: 5 GPM @ &lt 2psi Dimensions: 20″ x 2 1/2″ Temp Range: 40 – 175 F Reduces sand, rust, dirt, and sediment particlesFilter life is based on water quality and usage. Filter needs to be replaced when a significant decrease inpressure occurs. View Full Product Manual”

Liquatec SDF-25-2005 20″ Sediment Filter
Liquatec SDF-25-2005

Your Cost: $4.70
Regular Price: $4.70

“The Liquatec SDF-25-2005 is a 5 Micron Polypropylene Sediment filter used to remove dirt, rust, sand, sediment and silt from your water. The SDF252005 is economically priced and comparable to the Pentek P5-20. This filter is NSF/ANSI tested for material requirements only. The SDF-25-2005 Specifications: Micron Rating : 5 Dimensions: 2 1/2″ x 20″ Flow Rate: up to 10 GPM Removes: Sand, Dirt, Rust, Sediment, SiltThe SDF-25-2005 will fit Pentek, Ametek, US Filter, American Plumber, Culligan and other brands of filter housings that require a standard size 2.5″ x 20″ Cartridge. This filter should be changed every 6 months depending on water quality and usage. Product Specificatons”

Liquatec SDF-25-2020 20″Sediment Filter
Liquatec SDF-25-2020

Your Cost: $4.70
Regular Price: $4.70

“The Liquatec SDF-25-2020 is a20 Micron Polypropylene Sediment filter used to remove dirt, rust, sand, sediment and silt from your water. The SDF252020 is economically priced and comparable to the Pentek P25-20. This filter is NSF/ANSI tested for material requirements only. The SDF-25-2020 Specifications: Micron Rating : 20 Dimensions: 2 1/2″ x 20″ Flow Rate: up to 10 GPM Removes: Sand, Dirt, Rust, Sediment, SiltThe SDF-25-2020 will fit Pentek, Ametek, US Filter, American Plumber, Culligan and other brands of filter housings that require a standard size 2.5″ x 20″ Cartridge. This filter should be changed every 6 months depending on water quality and usage. Product Specifications”

Pentek S1-20 Pleated Cellulose Filter Cartridge
Pentek S1-20

Your Cost: $8.30
Regular Price: $9.65

“The Pentek, Ametek S1-20 Pleated Cellulose Filter Cartridge is a general purpose sediment filter designed to reduce sand, dirt, sediment, silt, rust, and scale particles from your water. Part Number 155303-43. The pleated cellulose construction allows for maximum dirt-holding capacity, while the extended length allows for higher flow rates. This product is recommended for use with chlorinated water supplies only. The Pentek, Ametek S1-20 Specifications: Micron Rate: 20 Dimensions: 2 5/8″ x 20″ Temp Range: 40 -145 F Flow Rate: 0.8 psi @ 10 GPM Surface Area: 1110 sq. in. The S1-20 should be change every 6 months based on water quality and usage. This filter fits Pentek, Culligan, Ametek, Bruner, Kleen Plus and other brands of housings that require standard 20″ filters (not Big Blue). **Please note that Pentek has recently change the design of this filter. There is no longer any nylon netting encasing the filter. ”

Liquatec SDF-25-2001 Sediment
Liquatec SDF-25-2001

Your Cost: $4.70
Regular Price: $4.70

“The Liquatec SDF-25-2001 is a 1 Micron Polypropylene Sediment filter used to extra fine remove dirt, rust, sand, sediment and silt from your water. The SDF252001 is economically priced and comparable to the Pentek P1-20. This filter is NSF/ANSI tested for material requirements only. The SDF-25-2001 Specifications: Micron Rating : 1 Dimensions: 2 1/2″ x 20″ Flow Rate: 0.6 psi drop @ 10 GPM Removes: Extra Fine Sand, Dirt, Rust, Sediment, SiltThe SDF-25-2001 will fit Pentek, Ametek, US Filter, American Plumber, Culligan and other brands of filter housings that require a standard size 2.5″ x 20″ Cartridge. This filter should be changed every 3 to 6 months depending on water quality and usage. Product Manual”

Looking for more types of replacement water filters? Take a look at the Water Filters Detailed List over on WaterTestBlog.Com

The recent weather which battered the Northeast and did large amounts of damage to areas not accustomed to such severe weather has also created another problem: potentially contaminated drinking water.

When flood waters containing all sorts of debris and disease-causing bacteria pass over the top of a well, often referred to as a well head, it can sometimes make its way down into the well… rendering any water coming out of that well potentially unsafe for human consumption.

For that reason, health and government officials in New Jersey have issued a public statement warning residents whose wells may have gotten contaminated by flood water not to use their well water without first disinfecting it or having the water from their wells tested for bacteria.

Atlantic County residents serviced by well water who live in areas affected by flooding from the March 12-15 storm should be aware that their water supply may have been compromised.

The Atlantic County Division of Public Health recommends that these residents use bottled water for cooking and drinking or disinfect their water prior to consumption, especially if flood waters rose above the well head. Impacted homeowners should continue to disinfect their well water until their well is tested for the presence of bacteria. Testing can be arranged through the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5971 or by a private certified environmental laboratory. ( source )

Although Water Testing Blog believes strongly in residents performing periodic testing on their own wells, we believe MORE that testing for bacteria or other harmful drinking water contaminants after an event such a flood should take place at a certified drinking water laboratory.

We typically suggest National Testing Laboratories as a good choice for a certified drinking water testing lab. Usually after a flood, though, flood-affected residents can arrange for quick, affordable, certified well water testing through their local Board of Health.

At-home drinking water test kits definitely have their place in this world, but one should never use them to give the final word on the safety of water coming out of a well after a natural disaster.

For more information on safety matters to consider after a flood, the Atlantic County Government has posted a series of informative brochures that you may find useful:

• How to Protect Your Home and Family from the Hazards of Contaminated Water
• Instructions for Disinfecting Water
• Precautions When Returning to Your Home
• After a Hurricane or Flood; Cleanup of Flood Water
• Food and Water Safety after a Natural Disaster or Power Outage
• Septic Systems – What to Do after the Flood
• Floods: Sanitation and Hygiene
• Protect Yourself from Animal and Insect-Related Hazards After a Natural Disaster
• Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems
• Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water
• Returning to Your Flooded Home
• Water Quality and Health Considerations

Groundwater can become contaminated in a many different ways… which means you WELL WATER can get contaminated just as easily. As an example, a natural event such as flooding from the thawing of snow and ice in Spring often carries water contaminated with bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, etc. into places it ought not go.

Local officials in Upstate New York know all too well the potential dangers presented by Springtime runoff and have issued a statement to residents not currently connected to a city (municipal) water system: We Suggest You Test Your Well Water.

They have also taken steps to make free coliform bacteria and nitrate testing to available.

BATAVIA — In the wake of well water contamination reports in the town of Batavia north of the city, the town is encouraging any property owners in the town who do not have public water to contact the Genesee County Health Department and request a one-time sampling of their well, the town said in a news release.

It is the town’s experience that wells within its boundaries are highly susceptible to contamination during the spring thaw, news release said. The town is working with the county Health Department to determine the extent of well contamination and “considers this an extremely serious issue that demands immediate action,” said the release that is also posted on the town’s Web site..

The Health Department has notified the town of water well contamination in the area of State Street Road, Batavia-Elba Townline Road, Route 98 and Bank Street Road, the release said. But the sampling recommendation is for the entire town.

The Health Department will collect a sample and plot the location of the well with a Global Positioning System survey device, the release said.

Property owners may request a test for coliform bacteria and nitrates. The samplings will be funded by the town and results of the tests will be available at the Town Hall, it said. Any property owners interested in public water are encouraged to notify the town in writing, either with an informal petition, by individual letter, or e-mail. In areas of concentrated interest, the town will begin the process of seeking grant funding to extend public water to those areas, the release said.

People who suspect well contamination can refer to information from the Health Department that can be found on the town’s Web site, www.townofbatavia. com, at the Town Hall or at the Health Department, it said.

Those with questions or seeking further information can contact town Engineer Steve Mountain at (585) 343-1729, Ext. 220. The county Health Department can be reached at (585) 344-2580. ( source )

It makes us very happy to see local officials not only taking an interest in the quality of the water in their community, but also taking pro-active steps to help residents learn about possible issues that could affect well water in the community and providing free tools to test for possible well water contamination.

Water Testing Blog hopes more communities will follow in the footsteps of Batavia, NY when it comes to keeping citizens apprised of possible threats to their water supply and making testing available when threats may exist.