Crystal Quest® Nitrate Whole House Water Filter

Remove Nitrate from Your Drinking Water 

Understanding Nitrate Contamination

Nitrate (NO3) enters water supplies primarily through the nitrogen cycle, rather than from dissolved minerals, and is a common ion in natural waters. Much of the nitrate found in drinking water stems from groundwater contamination by sources like septic systems, animal feedlots, and agricultural fertilizers. In the soil, natural bacteria can transform nitrogen into nitrate, which can then be carried by rain or irrigation water down into groundwater sources. If your well draws from such groundwater, your drinking water might contain nitrate.

It's important to note that filtration systems targeting nitrate generally require a regeneration process every 20 to 30 days, with the exact frequency depending on the nitrate levels.

Health-wise, nitrate is converted to nitrite within the body. If infants under six months of age ingest sufficient amounts of nitrate through drinking water, it can impair the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, a condition known as cyanosis. This can lead to a serious illness called methemoglobinemia, often referred to as “blue baby” syndrome. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for nitrate at 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (PPM), measured as nitrogen (N).

Crucially, unlike bacteria, boiling water that contains nitrate will actually concentrate the nitrate levels, thereby increasing the danger to infants.

System Filtration Stages

The water filtration process involves several key stages:

• Pre-filtration: Water first passes through a 20-inch sediment cartridge designed to remove larger particles such as sediment, silt, sand, and dirt.

• Nitrate Removal Water Filter: Next, water flows through a mineral tank specifically designed for nitrate reduction, which also incorporates a brine water conditioner. To further ensure water quality, ERA® 6500 & 9500 media are added to this stage to prevent bacteria growth.

• Post-filtration: After nitrate removal, the water passes through a 20-inch solid carbon cartridge. This stage is for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and any residual insecticides, pesticides, and industrial solvents.

Optional System Enhancements

• SMART Water Filter (Optional): You can choose to include a SMART Water Filter, which features SMART Multimedia. This advanced media includes two types of coconut shell Granulated Activated Carbon (Standard and Catalytic GAC) infused with Eagle Redox Alloys® 6500 & 9500, along with an ion exchange resin. This combination is effective in reducing contaminants such as heavy metals (e.g., lead and mercury), chlorine, chloramine, and inorganic products like herbicides, pesticides, and petroleum or pharmaceutical by-products. The filter also contains Ceramic and Tourmaline balls to enhance the water and help maintain a more alkaline pH.

• Water Softener (Optional): A water softener, utilizing an ion exchange resin and a brine water conditioner, is also available as an option. Some filtration media can increase water hardness, making a softener advisable. Hard water, characterized by minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause staining on sinks, tubs, showers, and clothes. You might also experience reduced lather from soaps and shampoos and a film-like feeling on your skin. Beyond these inconveniences, hard water contributes to a higher risk of limescale deposits in household water systems. Limescale buildup can block pipes and reduce the efficiency of hot water boilers and tanks, potentially increasing domestic water heating costs by about 15 to 20 percent. It can also damage household appliances like washing machines. Water softening helps extend the lifespan of these machines and pipelines and contributes to the improved performance and longevity of solar heating systems, air conditioning units, and many other water-based applications.

Additional Product Options

Several other components can be added to customize your system:

• 12 GPM UV Water Sterilizer: This system is specifically designed for robust microorganism control, targeting bacteria, viruses, algae, and protozoa. UV treatment disinfects water more rapidly than chlorine and does so without requiring cumbersome retention tanks or adding harmful chemicals to your drinking water.
• Leak Detector Valve: This valve detects water leaks within the filter system and automatically shuts off the water supply to prevent potential flooding.
• Vacuum Breaker: It is recommended to install a vacuum breaker inline before water filter systems. This acts as a precaution against the rare occurrence of negative pressure (a vacuum) in the water line, which could damage filter tanks and housings.
• Metered Valve: While standard systems use a timer valve for backwashing (e.g., every 7 days), a metered valve initiates backwashing based on a set volume of water used (e.g., every 3,000 gallons).
• Oxidation System: This system utilizes ozone for efficient water oxidation, thereby improving overall water quality.

Important Tank Information

Please be aware that pinholes or rust can develop on stainless steel tanks if they are located in environments with high humidity, if salt is present, or if condensation is allowed to remain on the tank without being routinely wiped down. If your system is likely to be exposed to these factors, or if performing the necessary maintenance is not feasible, a fiberglass tank is recommended as an alternative.

Specifications

*When you have a softener selected

Replacement Media

Replacement Cartridges

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Whole House Manual

Leak Detector Manual

Guaranteed Performance

Nitrate I Product Data Sheet

Nitrate I Safety Data Sheet

Nitrate II Product Data Sheet

Nitrate II Safety Data Sheet

Nitrate III Product Data Sheet

Nitrate III Safety Data Sheet

Nitrate Removal UV Softener Schematic