Alison,
From the following Spectrapure's Web site:
(
http://www.spectrapure.com/support_faq.htm#howdodi)
"Reverse Osmosis membranes, although very good at removing contaminants, still allow trace amounts to pass through. Nitrates, phosphates and silica are among these substances not fully removed. By further processing RO water through multi-layered, mixed-bed deionization cartridges, even difficult-to-remove chemicals are reduced to virtually undetectable levels. The Deionization cartridge contains resin beds of positively and negatively charged polymers which react with contaminants to chemically remove them from the water stream. The result is ultra-pure water that is extremely low in contaminants.
Note: Deionization cartridge life is greatly reduced when operated on source waters with low pH, high carbon dioxide levels, chlorine, chloramine, or ammonia. Aeration or de-gassification of RO product water is recommended for removal of carbon dioxide. Contact SpectraPure® for more information: <
[email protected]>."
The "NOTE:" section is the important part.
Fortunately, King and Snohomish counties water quality is good enough that silicia is NOT used to remove chlorine and other contaminants. However if the water companies decided to use silicia,etc. to control the water quality for any reason, a DI filter would protect you. Unfortuntately, you are unaware if silicia is used, (meaning, you are not going to be getting a call from them advising that silica had to be added to the water table).
HTH,
Kirk
Hi,
