Water treatment devices

Some people use home water treatment devices to improve the quality or taste of their water. Products certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), among others, meet certain quality standards, when used according to manufacturer instructions. However, they do not necessarily meet Québec standards. Moreover, since use and upkeep practices may vary it is impossible to know how safe these devices are. That’s why it is best not to give water treated with these devices to a baby under the age of 6 months.

Here are some of the known risks related to some of these devices:

• Water softeners connected to the tap or water intake increase the amount of sodium (salt).
• Charcoal filters (with or without silver) can increase the amount of some bacteria.

These devices are also difficult to clean.

If you use one for your family, in addition to cleaning it properly, you need to remember to change the filter or membrane regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Sodium: Component of table salt that is also found in most processed foods.