Click on a question below to skip directly to that question in the FAQ. - How do I maximize my water filtration system? When do I change my water filter?
- What does the Water Purity Tester detect?
- Where do the metals, minerals and inorganic elements come from?
- What inorganic elements are found in water and what are the potential health risks?
- What is the normal water reading?
- Will water temperature affect my reading?
- Where can I use the Water Purity Tester?
- The display on my Water Purity Tester reads "ERR". What does this mean?
- How do I replace the batteries?
- Do I need to calibrate my Water Purity Tester?
- What is the proper care and maintenance for my Water Purity Tester?
- How do I know what elements are in my water? My reading is over 400 ppm. How do I find a company to test my water?
- What liquids can I test with the Water Purity Tester?
- Isn't it important to have minerals in my water?
- How do I get the most accurate reading with my Water Purity Tester?
- Who regulates drinking water?
- I lost my Water Purity Tester manual. How do I get a copy?
- How do I improve my water purity and quality?
- What if my question isn't answered here?
Q: How do I maximize my water filtration system? When do I change my water filter? A: Maximize Your Home or Office Water Filtration System
Millions of consumers have purchased various water filtration systems or products for their homes and offices in an effort to drink better quality water. However, knowing when to change your filter remains a common problem. Not changing your filter properly and regularly can often result in lower quality water than you originally started with.
Moreover, water quality varies from region to region. The life of one water filter may vary greatly depending on which part of the country it is being used in. Knowing how your filter and filter system are working in your area is what matters most.
The Water Purity Tester can be an extremely effective tool to help maximize your water filtration system. Use this Water Purity Tester in conjunction with filtered water from:
Faucet mount systems;
Refrigerator jug systems;
Under sink systems;
Full home systems;
Appliances with filter systems.
Here is an example of one way to use your Water Purity Tester to maximize your filtration system and water quality:
- Measure the unfiltered water as it comes out of your tap. Let's assume this number is 200 ppm;
- Install a new filter in your filter system and then test your water. Let's assume this filtered water now registers 140 ppm;
- Measure your filtered water daily or weekly, noting the ppm reading each time. As your filter gathers contaminants the ppm reading will increase (145, 150, 155, etc).
- You can choose at which point you change your filter. The more often you change your filter the better your quality of water.
It's that simple.
No matter which water filtration system you are using the IntelliTECTM Water Purity Tester will help you maximize its effectiveness.
Q: What does the Water Purity Tester detect? A: The Water Purity Tester detects most metals, minerals and inorganic elements. The elements being detected in your water may or may not be considered harmful. Even if the elements in your water are not considered harmful, those elements affect the taste of your water. Microorganisms, organic chemicals, bacteria and viruses will not be detected on the Water Purity Tester. The Water Purity Tester will not detect anything that makes the water look cloudy because those particles are not dissolved.
Q: Where do the metals, minerals and inorganic elements come from? A: Erosion of natural deposits, corrosion of household plumbing systems, runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from septic tanks, sewage.
Q: What inorganic elements are found in water and what are the potential health risks? A:
Contaminant |
Potential Health Effects from Ingestion of Water |
Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water |
Antimony |
Increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar |
Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder |
Arsenic |
Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer |
Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, runoff from glass & electronics production wastes |
Asbestos (fiber >10 micrometers) |
Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps |
Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits |
Barium |
Increase in blood pressure |
Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits |
Beryllium |
Intestinal lesions |
Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries |
Cadmium |
Kidney damage |
Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints |
Chromium (total) |
Allergic dermatitis |
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits |
Copper |
Short term exposure: Gastrointestinal distress Long term exposure: Liver or kidney damage |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits |
Cyanide (as free cyanide) |
Nerve damage or thyroid problems |
Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories |
Fluoride |
Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth |
Water additive which promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories |
Lead |
Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits |
Mercury (inorganic) |
Kidney damage |
Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands |
Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen) |
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
Nitrite (measured as Nitrogen) |
Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. |
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits |
Selenium |
Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems |
Discharge from petroleum refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines |
Thallium |
Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems |
Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories |
Source: EPA web site: www.epa.gov
Q: What is the normal water reading?
A:

*With the exception of the EPA stated maximum contaminate level this chart should be used as only a general guideline for measuring water purity.
Q: Will water temperature affect my reading?
A: Testing the same water at different temperatures will give different results prior to Auto Temperature Compensation:
-Water colder than 70° Fahrenheit will give a false lower reading;
-Water warmer than 70° Fahrenheit will give a false higher reading;
This unit is designed to automatically adjust and compensate for different water temperatures, but adequate time needs to be given for accurate readings. We recommend leaving the Water Purity Tester in cold or warm water for 20-30 seconds to ensure proper temperature compensation.
Q: Where can I use the Water Purity Tester?
A: You can use the Water Purity Tester at home, in the office or on the road.
Q: The display on my Water Purity Tester reads "ERR". What does this mean?
A: The "ERR" indicates that the batteries need to be replaced.
Q: How do I replace the batteries?
A: Under normal usage the batteries provided with your Water Purity Tester should 1- 1 1/2 years;
If the Display reads "ERR" this is an indication that your batteries need to be replaced;
To replace batteries:
- Remove battery compartment housing at the top of the Water Purity Tester by pulling upward;
- Remove old batteries;
- Replace with two new 1.5V button cell batteries (LR44 or AG13);
- Make sure to follow battery polarity guide when installing new batteries;
- Replace battery compartment housing
Q: Do I need to calibrate my Water Purity Tester?
A: The Water Purity Tester is calibrated when manufactured and is tested for accuracy;
Readings should not vary over time;
If you get a reading that you think is incorrect or inconsistent with prior test results we recommend that you test your Water Purity
Tester for calibration accuracy using standard Distilled Water. Distilled Water, by definition should register < 05 ppm. If your results vary greatly please call our Customer Service line.
Q: What is the proper care and maintenance for my Water Purity Tester?
A: Avoid touching probes with your fingers as oils from your skin may affect the accuracy of the readings;
-It is recommended to gently clean the stainless steel probes with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab at least once per year, or more often depending on usage. Rinse with water after cleaning with rubbing alcohol to remove any traces of the alcohol.
Q: How do I know what elements are in my water? My reading is over 400 ppm. How do I find a company to test my water?
A: In order to determine exactly what the dissolved chemicals are, the water should be tested by a laboratory certified by your state. Contact information for state certification offices can be found on the internet at www.epa.gov/safewater/faq/sco.html. If you do not have access to the internet you can call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791.
Q: What liquids can I test with the Water Purity Tester?
A: -It is not recommended to test liquids other than water.
-Do not use the Water Purity Tester in boiling water;
-Do not place the Water Purity Tester in solvents;
Q: Isn't it important to have minerals in my water?
A: Not really. Pure water provides your body with the most effective means of hydration. If you eat a proper diet, you can get all the minerals you need from food. The main reason minerals in water are insignificant is because they are in an inorganic state, whereas minerals in food are in an organic (or bio-available) state.
Q: How do I get the most accurate reading with my Water Purity Tester?
A: -Place water to be measured in a clean glass;
-Test water at ambient room temperature (+/- 70° Fahrenheit) whenever possible;
-When testing tap water allow the faucet to run for ten seconds before taking a water sample.
Q: Who regulates drinking water?
A: The Safe Drinking Water Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the responsibility for setting national drinking water standards that protect the health of the 250 million people who get their water from public water systems. Other people get their water from private wells which are not subject to Federal Regulations.
Q: I lost my Water Purity Tester manual. How do I get a copy?
A: Send an email requesting a copy of the manual to customerservice@intellitecproducts.com or call 888-646-8638 during the hours of 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST.
Q: How do I improve my water purity and quality?
A: Using a water filtration system can improve your water purity and quality. Below is information on selecting a water filtration system.
Are you looking for a water filtration system, but are confused about how to ensure you're selecting the right one? There are many different types of water filtration systems on the market. This brief guide will take you through three easy steps to selecting a water filtration system for you and your family.
Step 1 - Determine your water filtration needs
In order to ensure you are selecting the right water filtration system, first try to identify your water quality concerns. Does your water taste funny or have an unusual odor, such as rotten eggs? Does the water appear reddish or leave deposits that are difficult to remove? Have you had your water tested or received a water quality report from your community advising that your water contains high amounts of a particular contaminant, such as bacteria, chemicals, radon, or arsenic? It is important to attempt to identify those contaminants you want your water filtration system to remove.
Step 2 - Technologies designed to treat your specific needs
Once you have identified your water quality concerns, you can then locate water a water filtration system that is specifically designed to treat those concerns. Below are some of the common water filtration systems and their potential uses:
- Adsorbent filter material - Can reduce various chemical contaminants, some metals (lead/mercury), parasites, sediments. Examples would include carbon, charcoal and particulate filters.
- Water Softener - Can reduce hard water deposits, soap scum.
- Distillers - Can reduce heavy metals, minerals, non-volatile chemicals.
- Reverse Osmosis - Can reduce some heavy metals, minerals, and parasites. May also reduce chemicals if combined with pre-or post-filters certified for this purpose.
- Ultraviolet Disinfection - Can provide treatment for bacteria and viruses (Class A systems) or for supplemental disinfection of heterotrophic or non-disease causing bacteria (Class B systems).
- Shower Filters - can reduce chlorine from shower water.
Step 3 - Review water filtration systems to determine which best suits your needs
Below are several types of water filtration systems that are readily available to homeowners. We recommend speaking to a qualified professional to best determine which system fits your needs.
Type |
Description |
Advantages |
Consideration |
Pitcher Style |
Water drips through a filter by gravity into a pitcher. |
No installation or plumbing. |
Frequent filter changes |
Faucet Mount |
Mounts on kitchen faucet. Uses diverter to direct water through filter. |
Easy to install. |
Frequent filter changes |
Countertop Unit |
Placed on a countertop and connected by tubing to an existing kitchen faucet. |
Easy to install. Longer filter capacity. |
Uses up counter space. |
Under Sink System |
Installs on cold water line under sink. Filtered water is dispensed through existing or auxiliary faucet. |
Longer filter capacity. |
May require professional installation. |
Whole House System (Point of Entry) |
Installs where the water line enters the home. |
Treats all water in the home. |
May require professional installation. |
Shower Filter |
Install directly to the existing pipe before the homeowner's shower head. |
Easy to install. |
Limited contaminant reduction |
A few final thoughts.
- Always review the contaminant reduction claims on the product label. Make sure the product you are selecting is intended to treat your specific water quality concerns.
- Do not assume that a product will be effective for reduction of a contaminant just because it uses a particular filter material. Verify what performance claims are actually validated for the system.
- Keep in mind that not all products will be effective at reducing every contaminant. It may be necessary to combine two or more filtration systems to treat all water quality concerns.
Q: What if my question isn't answered here?
A: Email your question to customerservice@intellitecproducts.com or call 888-646-8638 during the hours of 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST.
For more information regarding water quality issues we recommend visiting the following websites:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
http://www.epa.gov
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF International)
http://www.nsf.org |