How Can I Remove Fluoride From My Drinking Water?
Community water suppliers have added fluoride to tap water since the mid-1940s to prevent tooth decay. However, much new research and data suggest that adding fluoride to tap water has negative health consequences, and recently, the U.S. Public Health Service lowered its recommended levels for fluoride in drinking water.
However, many academics, researchers, and concerned citizens don’t think that’s enough. People get enough fluoride from toothpaste to prevent tooth decay, and now there are calls to remove fluoride from drinking water completely. This post tells you why and how you should do it.
Why Remove Fluoride?
Health Concerns
As mentioned, scientists and researchers are discovering that excessive fluoride intake is linked to several health issues, including dental fluorosis (a cosmetic condition that affects the teeth’s appearance), skeletal fluorosis (which affects bones and joints), and potential cognitive issues, such as lower IQ in children.
Moreover, according to an article published by sciencedirect.com,
In extreme conditions, it [fluoride] could adversely damage the heart, arteries, kidney, liver, endocrine glands, neuron system, and several other delicate parts of a living organism.
Environmental & Ethical Concerns
Some people want to remove fluoride because of environmental and ethical concerns, questioning the practice of adding chemicals to tap water.
How to Remove Fluoride from Tap Water
Removing fluoride from tap water requires specific water filtration systems because not all can remove it effectively. Here are the best methods.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) filters are the most popular and effective methods for removing fluoride from water. Reverse osmosis systems pass water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks fluoride and other contaminants. Besides removing fluoride, RO filters remove lead, pesticides, chlorine, and other harmful chemicals.
Activated Alumina
Activated alumina filters use aluminum oxide to attract fluoride ions and remove them from water. These filters are highly effective but depend on the water’s pH and flow rate through the filter to work correctly. Moreover, you must replace the filter regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Bone Char Carbon
Bone char carbon is made from animal bones and effectively removes fluoride from water. Its porous nature allows it to absorb fluoride ions and other contaminants. Like activated alumina, these filters’ efficiency depends on water pH and flow rate.
Deionization
Deionization filters use ion exchange resins to remove mineral salts and fluoride from water. These systems are often used in laboratories and industrial settings, but some are available for home use.
Distillation
Distillation involves boiling water and condensing the steam back into a liquid. This process removes fluoride and other contaminants. While distillation is effective, it’s energy-intensive and time-consuming, making it impractical for most people.
Things to Consider When Removing Fluoride
Cost and Maintenance
The initial setup cost and ongoing maintenance of fluoride removal systems vary. For example, RO filters require regular filter and membrane replacement, which can add to the overall cost.
Wasted Water
Some fluoride removal methods produce a significant amount of wastewater, so selecting the right filter is important if you’re concerned about conservation.
Mineral Replenishment
Some systems, like RO remove beneficial minerals with the contaminants; however, you can use mineral drops or remineralization filters to restore the essential minerals.
While fluoride does protect people from tooth decay, the evidence is mounting that continuing to add it to our drinking water can have significant negative health consequences.
Call Tri-Florida Water Treatment Inc.
Tri-Florida Water Treatment Inc. wants you and your family to have the cleanest, healthiest drinking water possible. We’re Department of Environmental Protection certified water plant operators who have proudly served Polk County and beyond residents for over 30 years.
Whether you’re concerned about fluoride or other chemical removal or want to eliminate the effects of hard water, we have the perfect system for you.
Contact our friendly staff today at 863-965-1439 or fill out our online form.