Water filtration

It is known that high-quality activated carbon filters remove PFAS, PFOS, and GenX. However, to effectively retain these substances in a filter over a longer period, we recommend using a dual-stage Aquaphor filter or a whole-house filter system with a single filter as a post-filter. This increases effectiveness. These are very small molecules that can be released from a filter if larger molecules are absorbed by the activated carbon at a later stage. The second filter ensures that these smaller molecules are also effectively filtered out. It is important to replace the water filter on time to maintain a high level of effectiveness.

You can also choose another water filter from our Alvito range. Regarding the effectiveness of removing the aforementioned substances, the manufacturer states: "Based on the chemical properties of PFAS, PFOS, and GenX, removal is highly likely. However, there are no specific tests for GenX yet. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a concrete prediction regarding the percentage and duration of removal."

Aquaphor filter cartridges feature Aqualen, an ion-exchange fiber made from coconut shell. This fiber is interwoven with finer carbon granules, keeping them in place and static. It acts as a water-conducting ion-exchange matrix (where ions bind harmful substances) that contains active carbon granules. The active ion-exchange capacity of Aqualen is many times higher than that of similar ion-exchange resins used in many other filters, providing a larger absorption surface. Additionally, the filter uses carbon granules that are twice as small as those in many other filters, allowing contaminants to be bound more quickly.

Aquaphor filters bind to heavy metals 800 times more easily than to calcium and magnesium (which cause hard water). This is why the filters work effectively regardless of water hardness.

By default, the silver ions in the water filter release a very low concentration of silver into the water, providing enhanced protection against bacteria. You can choose to use an antibacterial filter (K7B) under the sink for complete bacterial protection, either in combination with a whole-house filter or as part of a dual-stage under-sink water filter.

The filter cartridges are partly made of polyethylene and contain no solvents. In addition, they naturally contain activated carbon and chelators, which are specific compounds that allow the filter to bind heavy metals. In the case of Alvito filters, zeolite has also been added.

The Aqualen fiber in Aquaphor water filters ensures that the water continues to flow evenly through the filter cartridge. There is relatively little loss of capacity due to the mix of Aqualen with other filter media, so the filter is consumed evenly. Just make sure you always replace the filter on time.

These filters ensure that sufficient minerals are retained. The minerals give a specific character to the water and also allow the water to exist in an optimal energetic structure.

Without (any) minerals, water cannot have firmness or strength; it cannot absorb the life energy of water and radiate it to the environment, which is the function of water. Primarily, it is important that the water has good energy; that is what the vitalizer does. That energy is also what the body primarily reacts to and comes into contact with once the water has been vitalized. That is why we always recommend combining a filter with a vitalizer.

If the water is hard, it is good to descale the water in addition to vitalizing it. This prevents potential burdensome health effects, and the water is then softer for the body; it is less heavy and easier to drink. Additionally, depending on which product you choose, you will have no or less trouble with limescale.

The filter has been tested and approved by the LGA (a German testing institute similar to TNO). Aquaphor uses only high-quality, food-grade standards. Materials are supplied by manufacturers who check quality at every step of production. The standard that Aquaphor maintains for its products is part of a systematic approach to quality. Aquaphor is certified according to the ISO 9001 standard by TUV Nord (a leading certification body in Eastern and Northern Europe). Approximately 10% of the filters in every production run are checked before they leave the factory.

The silver particles cannot leach out; they are, as it were, fixed to the Aqualen fiber network of the filter cartridges. Silver is released in ionic form, which the body also easily eliminates.

Yes, the filter has been extensively tested.

Aquaphor filters show better results than various other filters*:

• removing common impurities (sand, clay, rust)
• more effectively removing organic contaminants (phenols, pesticides, chlorides)
• more effectively removing unpleasant tastes, odors, and films
• more effectively removing heavy metal ions
• removing colloidal iron (the orange-like residue often found in metal pipes)
• removing microscopic fauna, bacteria, and viruses
• an increase in filtration speed

* According to test results under the GOST R 51872-2002 standard and corresponding to the NSF/ANSI 42 standard: drinking water treatment units - aesthetic effects. Overview: this standard focuses on Point-of-Use (POU) and Point-of-Entry (POE) systems; the goal is to reduce specific aesthetic or non-health-related contaminants (chlorine, taste and odor compounds, and particles) that may often be present in public or private drinking water. And the NSF/ANSI 53 standard: drinking water treatment units - health effects. Overview: standard 53 focuses on Point-of-Use (POU, e.g., an under-sink filter) and Point-of-Entry (POE, a filter on the main water line) systems that aim to reduce specific health-related contaminants, such as: Cryptosporidium, Giardia, lead, volatile organic chemicals, and Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), which may be present in public or private drinking water.

Dutch drinking water contains relatively little fluoride. The amount is comparable to a paracetamol in a swimming pool. However, there may be more if the drinking water is sourced from surface water.

There is always a small amount of inorganic fluoride present as a mineral. But this amount is so small that it does not cause any burden and falls well within the standards.

There is also an organic form that comes from medication residues or toothpaste, for example. You can filter this out with a carbon filter.

It is advisable to use a double filter in this case; for example, a whole-house water filter followed by a post-filter at the kitchen sink. Or a dual-stage countertop filter.

Furthermore, the information from fluoride—and of course from other medications or pesticides—is much more burdensome than the small physical quantity. It becomes a kind of homeopathic cocktail that can contribute to infertility, etc. And it is precisely to neutralize this homeopathic level, neutralize the information, and re-inform the water with vital, supportive energy that we use the water vitalizer. So, if you are indeed concerned about such substances in your drinking water, I would certainly recommend vitalizing the water as well.

A TDS meter is not a good tool for determining water quality. It measures the total amount of dissolved solids, which includes limescale—something that shouldn't be considered a contaminant. As a result, you don't get an accurate picture of what is being removed. In terms of percentage, what you are removing is likely less than 0.05%, but that small amount consists precisely of the chemical substances or heavy metals that pollute the water.

Water filter cartridges cannot be recycled. There is no collection or recycling system in place. We have researched this, and the only possibility would be for the cartridges to be incinerated at a higher temperature by a Dutch waste processor. However, this would only offer a minor environmental benefit while significantly increasing the price of the water filters.

Using water filters is far less harmful to the environment than using plastic water bottles. Furthermore, this type of waste is not significantly different from what typically goes into your general household waste bin. The actual amount of chemicals and heavy metals remaining in a water filter is minimal compared to the amount found in chemical waste. It is up to the customer to decide whether to drink filtered water and accept the associated environmental impact.