Water?

Admittedly, I have read just a few posts here. But it got me thinking. Even with all the junk in our water, the only thing that will kill you faster than drinking it is not drinking it.

There are many types of water filters that do many different things and filter many different things. Just putting in a water filter or because someone filters their water does not mean anything if you do not know what filters they use and what substances they may be filtering out. What specific type of filter is in use and exactly what does it do? And what method of purification is used – filters do not purify.

Most people think that in Mexico the only concern is drinking the water and immediately getting sick – sometimes known as Moctezuma’s Revenge (or Montezuma). There are also long term considerations when thinking about the water we drink – whether in Mexico or anywhere else in the world – including the US. Water can contain lots of things that are found naturally in the environment and that build up in our bodies over time that can cause serious harm – arsenic – lead – mercury among the “heavy metals”.

There are standards. There are specific things that can make you sick that can be filtered out. There is no way to know if the water you are getting in any kind of bottle or garafon or tap or wherever is safe to drink unless you carry test equipment around with you.

There is a great deal to be learned about water and I certainly do not claim to know much of anything. I buy filters that say they get rid of stuff. I installed an Ultra Violet System. I have a 10 micron sediment filter where we connect to the tap or spigot when we hookup. I have a 5 micron filter mounted inside our RV to filter all water entering the RV. I have a 0.5 micron coconut shell carbon filter for taste and odor under our sink. Only our drinking water goes through the UV and Carbon.

I make no recommendations or claims – I know nothing. Here is the tip of the iceberg of research about water…………

Arsenic in Private Well Water
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/drinking/arsenic-in-private-well-water-faqs.html

http://www.cleanwaterstore.com


https://www.filtersfast.com/

https://www.filtersfast.com/P-Hydronix-SMCB-2510-Water-Filter.asp


http://www.nsf.org/services/by-industry/water-wastewater/residential-water-treatment/residential-drinking-water-treatment-standards . . . . . National Sanitation Foundation


While no federal regulations exist for residential water treatment devices, several voluntary national standards establish minimum requirements for the safety and performance of products used to treat home drinking water. These standards are generally divided according to the product’s technology.

NSF/ANSI 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units - Health Effects
NSF/ANSI 53 establishes the minimum requirements for the certification of POU/POE filtration systems designed to reduce specific health-related contaminants, such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, lead, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether), that may be present in public or private drinking water.

http://www.wqpmag.com/not-all-filters-are-created-or-tested-equal . . . . Water Quality Association Magazine

The commonly tested chemical reduction claims for products seeking certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 are: heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury and selenium), inorganics (fluoride and nitrate plus nitrite) and volatile organic chemicals (chloroform surrogate as well as individual organic chemicals).

NSF/ANSI 42: Drinking Water Treatment Units - Aesthetic Effects
NSF/ANSI 42 establishes the minimum requirements for the certification of POU/POE filtration systems designed to reduce specific aesthetic or non-health-related contaminants (chlorine, taste, odor and particulates) that may be present in public or private drinking water.

NSF/ANSI 401: Emerging Compounds/Incidental Contaminants
NSF/ANSI 401 addresses the ability of a water treatment device to remove up to 15 individual contaminants (listed below), which have been identified in published studies as occurring in drinking water. While not a public health issue, the contaminants covered in NSF/ANSI 401 have been detected in drinking water supplies at trace levels and can affect some consumers’ perception of drinking water quality. (NSF/ANSI 401 also applies to reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment.)
Prescription Drugs
Meprobamate: a compound found in anti-anxiety drugs.
Phenytoin: an anti-epileptic drug.
Atenolol: a beta blocker drug.
Carbamazepine: an anti-convulsant and mood-stabilizing drug.
Trimethoprim: an antibiotic medication.
Estrone: a prescription birth control drug.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Ibuprofen: an over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication.
Naproxen: an over-the-counter pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication.
Herbicides and Pesticides
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide): a pesticide and common active ingredient in insect repellents.
Metolachlor: an organic compound that is widely used as an herbicide.
Linuron: an herbicide often used in the control of grasses and weeds.
Chemical Compounds
TCEP (Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate): a chemical compound used as a flame retardant, plasticizer and viscosity regulator in various types of polymers including polyurethanes, polyester resins and polyacrylates.
TCPP (Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate): a chemical compound used as a flame retardant.
BPA (Bisphenol A): a chemical compound used as a plasticizer.
Nonyl phenol: a collection of compounds often used as a precursor to commercial detergents.

NSF/ANSI 55: Ultraviolet Microbiological Water Treatment Systems
NSF/ANSI 55 establishes the minimum requirements for the certification of point-of-use/point-of-entry (POU/POE) ultraviolet (UV) systems and includes two optional classifications:
Class A systems (40 mJ/cm2) are designed to disinfect and/or remove microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, from contaminated water to a safe level. Class A systems may claim to disinfect water that may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, viruses, Cryptosporidium or Giardia.


Reverse Osmosis (RO)
NSF/ANSI 58: Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems
NSF/ANSI 58 establishes the minimum requirements for the certification of point-of-use (POU) reverse osmosis systems designed to reduce contaminants that may be present in public or private drinking water.

The scope of NSF/ANSI 58 includes material safety, structural integrity, total dissolved solids (TDS) reduction and other optional contaminant reduction claims. The most common optional claims addressed by NSF/ANSI 58 include cyst reduction, hexavalent and trivalent chromium reduction, arsenic reduction, nitrate/nitrite reduction, and cadmium and lead reduction.


http://www.discountfilters.com/blog/nsf-ansi-certification/

Water filters with a Standard 42 (aesthetic effects) certification are designed to minimize non-health related contaminants such as chlorine, taste and odor, and particulates. These filters sorted by classes of performance. For all other claims, there is only a pass or fail.

For taste & odor, the classes represent chlorine reduction efficiency:
Class I, a minimum of 75% chlorine reduction.
Class II, 50% reduction.
Class III, 25%.

For mechanical filtration, the classes represent particle size ranges that are removed with a minimum 85% efficiency:
Class I, ½ -1 micron.
Class II, 1-5 microns.
Class III, 5-15 microns.
Class IV, 15-30 microns.
Class V, 30-50 microns.
Class VI, 50+ microns.

It’s important to note a Class I or Class II rating does not imply cyst reduction. In order for a water filter to qualify for cyst reduction, it must have a 99.95 percent minimum filtration efficiency for 3-4 micron test dust particles, 3.000 micron micro-spheres, or live cryptosporidium oocysts.

Water filters with a Standard 53 (health effects) certification are meant to reduce health-related contaminants that may be present in public or private drinking water. Filters that meet the Standard 53 requirements are able to minimize exposure to microbiological, chemical or particulate contaminants that might be hazardous to your health. These types of filters are typically best suited for individuals who have well water.

Some filters fall under the scope of both above mentioned standards since they meet aesthetic and health related claims.

https://www.filtersfast.com/P-Pentek-FloPlus-10-Carbon-Block-Water-Filter.asp

Pentek FloPlus-10 Filter - 10" Carbon Block Filter
This Pentek FloPlus-10 is a 10 inch carbon block water filter replacement for use in many water filter systems, especially under sink water filter systems, reverse osmosis systems, and more. The Pentek FloPlus10 is a standard diameter filter (2 1/2" diameter) that maintains a relatively high flow rate despite its very low 0.5 micron rating. The Pentek FloPlus-10 is made specifically for applications where a low pressure drop combined with comprehensive depth filtration is needed. Able to withstand a maximum temperature of up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the FloPlus-10 can also be used in high temperature applications.

This advanced Pentek water filter replacement cartridge is specifically made to reduce the bad taste and odor of chlorine and other chemicals in water. It is a dual purpose water filter cartridge in that it also removes and reduces sediment, dirt, rust, sand, silt, limescale, and other common particulates. Additionally, the Pentek FloPlus10 removes 99.95% of harmful cysts such as cryptosporidium and giardia.

Pentek FLOPLUS-10 Filter Replacement Specifications:

Connection: Drop in
Temp. Range: 40 - 180 F
Initial Pressure Drop: 2 PSID
Micron Rating: 0.5 micron nominal
Filter Media: Modified molded carbon block
Dimensions: 9 3/4" length x 2 7/8" diameter
Gallons Per Minute: About 1-2 GPM flow rate depending on specific filter system
Filter Life: Approx. 6 months or 10,000 gallons depending on usage and local water quality
NOTE: after installation this cartridge should be flushed for about five minutes in order to remove remaining carbon fines
This Pentek FloPlus 10 water filter is also known by Pentek part number 455903-43 / 45590343. This filter has been tested and certified by NSF International to NSF / ANSI Standard 53 for the reduction of cysts.

Pentek P-250A Specifications:
Part Number: P-250A; 155832-44
Micron Rating: 0.5
Dimensions: 9-3/4"x2-1/2"
Meets NSF Standard: 42 and 53
Capacity: 500 Gallons
NSF/ANSI Certified Standard 42 and 53
Includes: 2 filters
Pentek P-250A reduces the following:

Cryptosporidium
Giardia
Cysts
Sediment
Bad taste and odor
Mercury
VOCs
Pesticides
Herbicides
Asbestos


The Hydro Life 310 replacement sediment water filter is so good we can not recommend it highly enough. Here is the deal. When tackling serious water issues in commercial and industrial equipment, 1 filter just isn't enough. You need a pre-filter and at least 1 post-filter. Sediment filters fall under the former and they play a crucial role in the water filtration processes. These filters capture larger debris like sediment and rust. If these pollutants reach your other filters that use KDF or carbon filtration media they can seriously reduce the effectiveness and life of those cartridges. The great news is this spun polypropylene sediment filter is not expensive and really does improve filter longevity and performance.
Hydro Life 310 Specifications:
Part Number: 310
Filter Media: Spun polypropylene
Dimensions: 2"x10"
MERV Rating: 2.5
Inlet/ Outlet Connections: 1/2" FPT
Filter Life: 3,000 gallons; 3~6 months (poor water quality can greatly diminish filter life)
Flow Rate: 10 GPM
Operating Pressure: 20-100 PSI Non-Shock
Operating Temperature: 33-100 F
NSF Test and Certified for Standard: 42 and 53
Usage: Ice machines, steamers, or other equipment


http://www.h2osplashwaterfilters.com/uvlite1ss.html
Ultraviolet Light (Sterilizer) - 1 GPM - Stainless Steel

Not sure if it's still in operation but there was a business in Teacapan that filtered and sold tap water - it was an elaborate setup with lots of equipment - customers could watch the process. I used 5 gallon gas cans (never put gas in them) because they wouldn't tip over like jerry cans do at the first turn.
Hotel ice machines use tap water, and up till a few days ago I trusted the ice they made. We're in Mazatlan currently and both the wife and I have some mild stomach problems. For the time being I'm back to purified ice.
Teacapan was an eye-opener. We had RV'd there a lot back 15 years ago. I didn't see a single RV or a US or Canadian plated vehicle while in Teacapan. The Onac/Color Marino was too far off the road to see but it sounded like they are very slow there as well. It's a shame the RV trade has dropped off so significantly.

Though using plastic bottles is certainly wasteful and an important concern the point of my post was that bottled water or garafon water may say purified but there is no guarantee that it is anything more than tap water. Many places in the US have bad water and lots of bottled water may not be as pure as some seem to think. Testing labs such as Consumer Reports have tested lots of well known brands in the US and found contaminants. The only sure way to protect yourself is with your own filtration and purification system as I have posted about above in this thread. One example I could mention was a test on a well known and widely available brand of bottled water in the US that test high for arsenic. It could take many years of buildup before the human body begins to show signs of being poisoned by this water - it is not always an immediate thing. I trust garafons no more than I trust any other type of bottled water. Research filters and what the different ones can do and then create a filtration system of your own to get rid of contaminants - and a UV system to purify - all for under $200 - and know your water is safe. This applies to anywhere you might travel and drink the water.

I saw the article this morning on MarketWatch. People are funny, they fall for just about every fad in the book.

I hate plastic bottles and refuse to buy bottled water. I go bonkers when I see someone load up a cart of little plastic bottles that will only last them a week.

Recycle all you want but it's still a problem. Most of the so-called recycled plastic ends up in other countries like China and even they don't know what to do with all of it.

They don't want you to have a clean water supply because there's no money to be made. Those places that need a decent water system will never see one now.

Whoever thought that you'd be paying for water in a bottle? In Mexico it's cheaper to buy carbonated water (agua mineral) than to buy bottled water. Makes no sense other than a marketing ploy.

Old topic but I came across another online article about water. Having read a lot about bottled water over many years I have never been a fan. That is why I suggest installing a water purification system in your RV. This can be done for under $200. More can be spent if you want. I have posted about this many times in many topic headings on this forum. There are no guarantees of good water coming out of a tap or a bottle no matter where you go. You can find filters and other purification equipment to guarantee your water is safe.

This article is not specific to Mexico. It mostly talks about US water - both tap and bottled. It also touches on the rest of the world.




Bottled water overtakes soda as America’s No. 1 drink — and you should avoid both

Published: Mar 11, 2017 6:59 a.m. ET

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bottled-water-overtakes-soda-as-americas-no-1-drink-why-you-should-avoid-both-2017-03-10


Some 700,000 Californians may be exposed to contaminated water, according to California’s Water Resources Control Board. And in Toledo, Ohio in 2014, the Ohio National Guard distributed bottled water to residents due to contaminated water there. A federal state of emergency was declared in Flint, Mich. in January 2016 and residents were told to use bottled water for both drinking and bathing due to faulty and old lead pipes.


But what people don’t know: When they buy bottled water, they are often times drinking the same water that comes out of the tap. “The general public thinks bottled water is going to be safer and cleaner than tap water,” says Mae Wu, attorney in the health program at National Resources Defense Council, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. “For the most part, that’s not true.” Some 45% of bottled water brands are sourced from the municipal water supply—the same source as what comes out of the tap, according to Peter Gleick, a scientist and author of “Bottled and Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water.”


Some 45% of bottled water brands are sourced from the municipal water supply—the same source as what comes out of the tap, according to Peter Gleick, a scientist and author of “Bottled and Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water.”


https://www.amazon.com/Bottled-Sold-Story-Behind-Obsession/dp/1610911628


Those within the industry say that doesn’t mean it’s the same as tap water. Chris Hogan, spokesman for the International Bottled Water Association, says purified and spring water must meet Food & Drug Administration quality standards. He says the industry encourages people to just drink water, whether it’s from the tap or not. (Dasani and Aquafina use a public water source, but both companies say the water is filtered for purity using a “state-of-the-art” process.) And, as the industry expands, more bottled waters are available with different flavors, carbonation and vitamins.


Bottled water is not without chemicals, according to studies of European bottled waters carried out in Germany, Switzerland, Italy and France — one published in 2011 and the other in 2013 — by the Goethe University Frankfurt’s Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology. Among the main compounds Wagner found: Endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs, which can act like hormones in the body and have been linked to diabetes, breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. (The International Bottled Water Association said the origin of these EDCs may have been environmental rather than from a packaging material.)

For those of you travelling down Baja and wanting to boondock, and carrying the 20 Liter (5 gallon) jugs, Walmart and Comercial have manual pumps, if buying one purchase the one that has the outlet like a spigot (blue handle), avoid the one that looks as a hose (orange), that one does not last and drips all over.

With the jug and the pump there is no need to lift or tilt the jug, after pumping tilt the pump forward there is always a little water left on the pump head, by tilting forward it drips into the container that you just poured in to and not the floor, save the caps they are handy for resealing the bottles for transporting if you do not exchange the jug but fill it.

navegator

On mainland Mexico we filled our tanks from the local supply, added the coreect doze of plain bleach and had no problems. On Baja, the water in many places tasted so bad that we did buy bottled water for making coffee. (more than a few places in the US that are the same)

Like Tallyho69 we filter; a three stage filter to fill the tank; sediment, charcoal and a .5 micron ceramic filter. The pressure in Mexico is usually so low that we need a pump to fill the tank. We use our "spare" water pump powered from the 7 pin plug at the rear of the coach. We almost always use bottled water for drinking but draw from the tank for everything else including showers and brushing of teeth. We also add a little bleach to the tank when filling. A charcoal filter takes the bleach taste out. We have a separate faucet at the galley sink that goes though an additional charcoal filter. Used for coffee, tea, and the ice maker in the fridge. The dogs get bottled water. Dogs with diarrhorea in the motorhome doesn't bear thinking about! We are seldom afflicted. If at all, mildly for a day or two early in the trip. Be a little careful but don't make a big deal out of it.

Yes MEXICOWANDERER, those screwcap bottles have a narrower neck than the old style. Not a problem except for the fact that one needs a smaller hand pump to cover the neck tightly. Just have both, they're inexpensive devices and a very good design. I also carry more solid plastic caps that fit over the larger neck sizes in such a way one can carry them by the handle, horizonally, without spilling a drop. These are not like the caps that arrive with the bottles from the truck or bottling plant. Makes the screw cap irrelevant.