Cysts
A Cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue; a cyst can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material. Common water-borne microbiological cysts are Cryptosporidium or Giardia cysts.
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes cryptosporidiosis, a mild gastrointestinal disease. However, the disease can be severe or fatal for people with severely weakened immune systems.
GIARDIA
Giardia lamblia is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps). Giardia outbreaks can occur in communities where water supplies become contaminated with raw sewage. It can be contracted by drinking water from lakes or streams where water-dwelling animals such as beavers and muskrats, or where domestic animals such as sheep, have caused contamination.
Methods to Remove Cysts and Some Drugs
Three excellent methods for removing cysts and pharmaceutical drugs from drinking water is to super chlorinate the water, boil the water for one minute or use a one micron absolute acid wash coconut shell carbon filter. Some "1 micron" and most "nominal 1 micron" filters will not work against Cryptosporidium.
The absolute 1 micron filter will more consistently remove Cryptosporidium than a nominal filter. Some nominal 1 micron filters will allow 20% to 30% of 1 micron particles (like Cryptosporidium) to pass through the carbon pores. The pore size of filter media is identified by the diameter of the particle that it can be expected to retain with a defined, high degree of efficiency. Pore sizes are usually stated in micrometer or microns for short (m), which equals one millionth of a meter. Pore size ratings refer to the size of a specific particle or organism retained by the filter media to a specific degree of efficiency. Ratings can be stated as either nominal or absolute pore size.
Absolute - An absolute pore size rating specifies the pore size at which a challenge organism of a particular size will be retained with 99.9% efficiency under strictly defined test conditions. Among the conditions that must be specified are: test organism (or particle size), challenge pressure, concentration and detection method used to identify the contaminant. Absolute micro-filters are used for critical applications such as sterilizing and final filtration.
Nominal - A nominal pore size rating describes the ability of the filter media to retain the majority of particulate at (60 - 98%) the rated pore size. Process conditions such as operating pressure, concentration of contaminant, etc., have a significant effect on the retention efficiency of the filters.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A 1 micron absolute coconut shell carbon filter will remove 99.9% of most organisms found in water, except some smaller bacteria and all viruses, which are smaller than 1 micron.
NOTE about 1-Micron Filters
Flow capability usually drops off as the micron rating gets smaller, especially if the water has a lot of sediment, which well water often has. A sediment prefilter can solve the problem and extend the life of a 1 micron carbon filter. Unless you are sure that cysts or pharmaceutical drugs are a problem, you might be happier with a Cuzn 5-micron countertop or under-counter water filter.
CuZn Refillable 1-micron Countertop Water Filter Specifications
- Capacity: Up to 8,000 gallons per cartridge, depending on water quality.
- Contents: 1 micron absolute acid wash coconut shell carbon and Copper-Zinc media.
Countertop Swivel Spout Style
Swivel Spout models allows taller glasses and pots to be placed under it to catch the water. The water diverter is attached to the end of the sink faucet, and has a button that is engaged to divert the water through the filter and out the water filter spout.
Countertop Double Diverter Model
Double Diverter model has a twin-hose set-up so that water enters the filter from the kitchen faucet, goes through the filter, and then returns to the kitchen faucet where it is released. The water diverter is attached to the end of the sink faucet, and has a button that is engaged to divert the water through the filter and back out the sink faucet. The advantage of the double diverter model is that the filter body can be set back away from the sink. The double diverter model comes standard with a 36" length hose (a 72" length hose is available on request).
Under-counter Style
Under-counter model is maintenance free and installs in about 15 minutes, hooking up to the cold water supply underneath the sink - when you turn on the third faucet it's all CuZn pure! All double and triple under-counter models include a 3rd faucet and saddle valve for easy installation.
CuZn Countertop and Under-Counter Water Filter Specifications
- Capacity: Standard cartridge lasts up to 8,000 gallons for 1-micron and 5-micron countertop models and up to 10,000 for the under-counter model. Water capacity is always dependent on water quality.
- Flow Rate: 1 gpm under-counter; ¾ gpm countertop.
- Options: Available with double diverter or swivel spout
- Size: Dimensions: 11.75" tall x 9" diameter 4.5" deep for countertop; 13.5" tall x 6" deep x 11" wide for under-counter.
- Warranty: 5 years pro-rated on housing, 1 year on cartridge
What's So Special About CuZn Water Systems?
Read more about CuZn's patented KDF FilterFoam and Acid Washed Coconut Shell Carbon Media
How CuZn Water Filtration Media Works
CuZn Water Filters are made in the U.S.A. and are Duty FREE to Canada.