"Does the triple nitrate under sink filter really effectively remove nitrates? We have read that only reverse osmosis does that. And does it remove coliforms as well?"

We would like to thank "Nancy" for this inquiry.

Regarding the effectiveness of the Nitrate removal portion of the Crystal Quest Undersink Water Filter Triple w/ Nitrate Reduction, Crystal Quest states the following:

Standard 10" x 2.5" Nitrate Removal Filter Cartridge. Contains special nitrate-selective resin. Nitrate reduction is 90% to 95% and breakthrough is not affected by sulfate levels.

Optimum performance is achieved at 0.5 GPM (gallon per minute). Be aware, that the higher the flow rate, the less nitrates will be removed from water. The cartridge capacity is 8700 ppm of nitrates as NO3. This cartridge can be regenerated using sodium chloride brine.

  • Nitrate Removal Filter Cartridge features:
  • Capacity: 510 grains or 8700 ppm
  • Design flow rate (nominal): 0.5 GPM
  • Maximum temperature: 100°F (38°C)
  • Minimum temperature: 40°F (5°C)
  • Maximum pressure: 125 PSI (8.6 bar)
  • Minimum pressure: 20 PSI (1.4 bar)
  • Micron rating: 5 nominal

How long will my filter last? To calculate capacity, first calculate the ppm (mg/L) of nitrates as NO3, then divide 8700 by that number to get the gallons.

ABOUT THE NITRATE FILTRATION MEDIA

Media in this cartridge is a strong base anion exchange resin supplied in the chloride form as moist, tough, uniform spherical beads. It is especially useful in nitrate removal applications due to its ability to remove nitrates in the presence of sulfates and other divalent ions.

It is also intendend for use in application involving monovalent and divalent ions where monovalent ions must be removed preferentially, such as removing perchlorates from ground water

  • The resin has Highest Operating Capacity of Any Nitrate Selective Resin
  • Low Pressure drop while maintaining superior kinetics
  • Manufactured in USA

Source of information: http://www.filterwater.com/p-129-nitrate-filter-cartridge.aspx?affid=10174

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Regarding the system's ability to remove coliform bacteria, no, we do not believe the system will accomplish that goal. For a full list of what the unit WILL do, please refer to the following page: Crystal Quest Undersink Water Filter Triple w/ Nitrate Reduction

On the topic of reverse osmosis, those filters typically do an excellent job of removing most unwanted contaminants, yes, but some units may produce a sizable waste water stream and may also make water taste a bit 'flat'.