Filtering water question for anyone.

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 2:57 am

Hi,

The filter in my purification system attached to a back facet in the house is a little past due for changing. I figured it should be fine at this point, due to the fact that I'm not constantly running water through that facet, but had not planned to not replace it much longer than would ordinarily as a precaution.

Lately, I'm noticed that whenever I drink something made of that water, like my very week coffee, for instance in the morning, or a glass of water, also on an empty stomach, I have this mad gurgling in my stomach area, not in the intestinal area.

Today, I wasn't sick, but I wasn't well either. Tonight, I've had some "sweats" that might've indicated I had a fever.

Is it possible that, due to not changing that fliter, I could be getting more pathogens from the tap? Just in case, i've reverted back to the tap for drinking water, and making coffee. Of course, I drink whatever water is served if we eat somewhere else.

Does anyone have information as to what happens when these filters get too dirty -- do my symptoms sound like something that would likely occur from what you've heard about these?

Thanks, Luce

Post by **tex** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:13 am

Hi Luce,

I don't use drinking water filters, but I found this quote from the site noted below. It's unreferenced, so I have no way of knowing if it is correct, or just someone's hunch.

Regardless of the type of filter you choose, remember to change the filters as often as the manufacturer suggests. Not only will clogged filters be inefficient, but they also may harbor bacteria.

http://www.checnet.org/healtheHouse/edu ... ain_ID=332

Tex

kate_ce1995 · Post by **kate_ce1995** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:20 am

Yup, sounds like a bug to me. Filters are damp and as they clog they probably become a more happy place for bacteria to live.

I'd say change the filter and then see if the problem resolves itself.

Katy

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:10 pm

Yup, they give a recommendation, and I'm sure I'm no where near that no. of gallons usage out of that faucet. The 3 months if just a ballpark figure of how much a person would normally use a kitchen faucet, I believe, in three months.

I did wonder if perhaps there wasn't also a time factor for other reasons. You know, sort of like when people have to change their oil in so many months, even when they've not met the mileage requirement to do so.

This morning, Sis was going to come sit with Mom while I went to the celiac meeting. We had all been planning to go, but Sis got a GI virus herself, so stayed here instead.. This makes me think it's a virus as she doesn't use that filter over here.

Anyway, I barely had any symptoms, mostly that icky feeling that ya get with those. Viruses make me feel sorta shakey, and a bit depressed or something -- hard to explain.
Anyone ever get that with viruses?
It's even more strange that lately, I notice that when I get those, I have hardly any other symptoms. I'm REALLLY surprised I didn't get diarrhea with this one.

Now, have to figure out a way to make time for a run to Target for a new filter. Hope they've not run out. This one's a Pur brand with a three-way filter. Seems very efficient, but stream if pretty small, so if used it for the kitchen, it would take a long time to fill up a pot of water. Perhaps the stream would be bigger in the kitchen.

I'd really like to have one of those fancy ones that goes under the sink, but I'm sure they are pretty expensive. Some also use a light source to further purify the water,and some advertise that the upkeep is actually less on theirs than with some of the other less expensive ones like we have here.

Guess i should look into it, at least, if we're going to continue drinking filtered water.

Thanks.
Yours, Luce

grannyh · Post by **grannyh** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 3:08 pm

If it is at all warm in the room where you have the filter.. I would be concerned about bacteria build up over time.

I use a water distiller.. have never tried the faucet and pitcher filters.
grannyh

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:46 am

Hi grannyh,

I've changed back too my original hypothesis that it was the filtered water causing the upper tummy gurgling. It stopped as soon as I quite drinking it. Also, sister said her symptoms weren't the same.

After rereading the directions, I discovered that when I'd accidently dislodged the filter, I'd reset the indicator in the little window on the water filter holder that attaches to the faucet. It starts all over again when you do that.

Sooo..I was using the filter several weeks after it should've been changed -- yuck!

One thing I noticed was that when I switched back to unfiltered water, there was a very definite chemical taste to the water. Guess I'd gotten spoiled by the three-way filter as it gets rid of chemicals as well. This one's supposed to remove about 99.9 percent of all bacteria.

I'd be interested in a distillation system as I wouldn't expect one of those to need expensive replacement parts all the time like these filters. What all does yours say it removes? I would think mostly particulate matter, and bacteria.

Thanks for all your comments.
Yours,
Luce

grannyh · Post by **grannyh** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:09 am

I got my water distiller at Sears... it should have a charcoal filter in it to remove unpleasant taste I think.. but I don't use it and the water tastes fine... our water is really bad.. as I can tell from what is left behind in the distiller...
grannyh

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:28 am

I use a Brita but in my last house with a spring house source for water, we used a large filtration system and you must be faithfull regardless of the size of the system when it comes to changing the filters. They most certainly harbor bacteria and if left unchecked will grow mold in a humid or hot area. Not something for people like us to fool around with.

By the way, the Brita pitcher system and also the faucet system work very well.