Point of Use Systems (Drinking)
Point of use systems range in cost from $100.00 to $2,000.00 and include counter top filters, under counter filters, reverse osmosis units, and distillers.
Another method of purification is distillation. Distillers operate by boiling the water and collecting the condensed steam droplets to provide pure water. Distillers are normally counter top models and collect 2 to 5 gallons per day of pure water in a reservoir. The output from a distiller cannot be piped to a faucet or fridge. The costs of producing a gallon of distilled water ranges anywhere from 20 - 40 cents per gallon because they use about 3 kilowatt hours of electricity for one gallon. Distillation also produces "flat" tasting water.
Excerpts from A SECRET OF ANTI-AGING By Stephanie Relfe B.Sc.(Syd.)
Kinesiologist
In addition, frequent drinks of good water are crucial. We believe the best water is water that has been filtered by reverse osmosis. Next best would be spring water. Tap water is not as good because of the chlorine and the fluoride (although it is better than nothing). Distilled water is not as good for you, its energy has been altered. In Europe distilled water is labeled "not for human consumption."
Dr. Zoltan Rona's MD MSc states
"Distillation is the process in which water is boiled, evaporated and the vapour condensed. Distilled water is free of dissolved minerals and, because of this, has the special property of being able to actively absorb toxic substances from the body and eliminate them. Studies validate the benefits of drinking distilled water when one is seeking to cleanse or detoxify the system for short periods of time (a few weeks at a time). Fasting using distilled water can be dangerous because of the rapid loss of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and trace minerals like magnesium, deficiencies of which can cause heart beat irregularities and high blood pressure. Cooking foods in distilled water pulls the minerals out of them and lowers their nutrient value."
Summary
A complete home water purification system will include a point of entry system to remove chlorine and asbestos fibers and for rural users remove minerals and bacteria, with a point of use system such as a reverse osmosis unit to assure removal of toxic chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, and parasitic cysts. Though slower than a water filter, RO systems can typically purify more water per day than distillers. A good home water treatment system, including both point of entry and point of use will generally cost less than $3,000.00 The installation of a home water purification system is an investment that will assure health and prevent exposure to potentially hazardous bacteria, chemicals, and cysts.