Fluoride is classified as both a Secondary and Primary Contaminants. To view our thorough page on Fluoride in the Primary Contaminant section Click Here. See below for a summary overview.
Fluorine is a very active and dangerous gaseous element that is almost never found in elemental form but almost always in combination with other elements, producing fluoride compounds. Chemical compounds of Fluoride occur naturally in the environment and are commonly associated with weathering or erosion of rock and soil. Fluorides get into the environment through the dissolution of fluoride minerals as groundwater moves through an aquifer and by volcanic emissions.
Organic fluorides can be found in vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Fluoride can be accidentally released into the environment through a combination of man-made or related activities, such as mining, aluminum production, glass and steel production, rodent poisons, and processing phosphate ores. Fluoride is also intentionally added to some city water systems to prevent tooth decay (it hardens the enamel of the teeth).
The EPA has set a primary maximum contaminant level for Fluoride of 4 mg/L and a secondary maximum of 2.0 mg/L. Canada, Hong Kong, and the WHO have a standard of 1.5 mg/L.
Related Article: Feedback and Analysis on the Safety of Fluoride in Drinking Water
City Water Test – Check for Fluoride and Other Contaminants (Basic)
Well Water Test – Check for Fluoride and Other Drinking Water Contaminants (Standard)
Filter 1: Water flows through a Fluoride removal water filter cartridge containing Calcium Charcoal Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) or Aluminum Oxide. The media is specifically designed to have a high affinity for Fluoride, Lead, and Arsenic. It removes metals through a mixture of adsorption and chemical reaction with the media; therefore, the elimination is not reliant on ion exchange. It has a uniform particle size, is physically stable, and can be used over a wide pH range.
Filter 2: Water flows through a bed of media made of a special high-purity alloy blend of two dissimilar metals—copper and zinc (ERA-6500, ERA-9500). ERA-6500 and ERA-9500 are major advancements in water treatment technology that work on the electrochemical and spontaneous-oxidation-reduction (Eagle Redox Alloy®) principles. Chlorine is instantaneously and almost inexhaustibly oxidized. Water flows through ion exchange resins, reducing heavy metals such as lead, Copper, Aluminum, and water Hardness.
Water flows through granulated activated carbon (GAC). GAC is universally recognized and widely used as an effective adsorbent for a wide variety of organic contaminants, such as Chlorine, chemicals linked to cancer (THM's, benzene) Pesticides, Herbicides, insecticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PCBs, MTBE's and hundreds of other chemical contaminants that may be present in water causing bad taste and odors in your drinking water. All Crystal Quest® GAC is a mixed blend of coconut shell and catalytic GAC to address both chlorine, chloramines, and these byproducts.
Filter 3: Water travels through a 5-micron solid carbon cartridge for removing volatile organic carbon compounds (VOCs), insecticides, pesticides, and industrial solvents and traps particles larger than 5 microns, including sediment, silt, sand, and dirt.
Level 1 Testing is done with simple observations that an individual can make with their own senses such as sight, smell, and taste. These observations can be readily apparent or can be observed as they change over time. In addition, accessible related information about the home can also be used to narrow down the cause of your water issues.
Level 2 Testing is Do-It-Yourself testing that can be done in your own home using a Testing Kit. After you’ve done Level 1 Testing, Level 2 Testing can confirm if your observations are correct. If your test results reveal the presence of a contaminant that is cause for concern, you can either proceed to determine the best treatment (see below) or continue to Level 3 Testing.
Level 3 Testing is done through an accredited Water Testing Laboratory. With Level 3 Testing, you can order a testing kit that is used to prepare your sample and submit it to the lab. By utilizing a lab, you have the assurance that a certified water expert had analyzed your water sample. If your test results reveal the presence of a contaminant that is cause for concern, you can either proceed to determine the best treatment options (see below) or continue to Level 4 Testing - Certified Testing.
A Level 4 Certified Test Test uses chain-of-custody with a water professional coming to your home to prepare the water sample and then works with an accredited laboratory in order to certify your test results. This type of testing not only gives you the highest level of assurance in the accuracy of your test results, but can also be used as a document in legal cases. For Baseline Testing, we recommend that you use Certified Testing.
