Question:
I've been thinking of buying a water filter for my home. We have onein the fridge for drinking water, but that thing is so freakingungodly slow, I want a better one. I hate waiting 2-3 minutes to filla 2 quart pitcher to make kool aid.

Anyway. I was on overstock.com today and saw a 3 stage UV water filterfor $150. From what I've seen so far on google, UV water filtersactually sterilize the water, or at least, thats what I've read.

I hate worrying about my top-up water being unsanitary, and if I needto rinse off something I've sanitized, I get a bit paranoid.

So, considering I was gonna buy a water filter anyway, is it worth itto spend a few extra $$$ to get the UV water filter? Does it sterilizethe water to a degree that's good for use in brewing? Anyone know?

Answer: if you can get your hands on a uv filter for $150, you should grab it. ihave seen 2-5 gpm models for ~US$350.

things you need to know about the UV filter-UV radiation will sterilize virtually every known biological contaminantthat may be a health risk. keep in mind that in order for the UV to beeffective, a certain amount of residence time is required and a certainamount of UV energy must be present. so the filter will be rated in GPM andthe lamp must be putting out the required dosage. you must change the lampevery year to keep in working, even if it still glows blue. hook up thelamp at the point of entry, but after any holding tanks, softeners or othertreatments.

now- keep in mind that you probably dont have biologically unsafe water. ifyou do, you should consider treating the source, if it be a shallow wellnext to your septic (!) or farm runoff or something else. that said, a UVfilter is a good idea if you are on well water.

some more info? sure. why not. consider preteating the water with a solidsfilter, either a polyprop spun wound filter or a pleated paper job orsomething similar. removal of solids will prevent the bugs from beinghidden during their residency in the under the UV lamp. this is a goodtime to add a carbon block filter too. i have designed point of entrytreatment systems for residences that have been impacted by big nastypolluters. you wont go back to plain tap water after having it softened,filtered and purified. nobody does. (plus it isnt easy to convince them"problems all gone ma'am")

UV filtration will not alter the chemistry of your water. nothing is addedor removed. it will sterilize your water, making all those nasty bugssexless.