Opus

OPUS Integrity Triple

opus — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:57:46 +0000

OPUS Integrity Triple

The Integrity Triple is a three-stage water purification system for those who live in condominiums or apartments where permanent water filtration systems cannot be installed, or for portability. Integrity Triple is the same as the Integrity Dual, with an additional 5-micron sediment filter which extends the life of the fluoride and .5-micron carbon block filters from 6 months to one year.

The Integrity Triple is our lowest cost system that includes a 5 micron sediment filter, a fluoride removal filter, and a final .5 micron carbon block filter to remove chlorine, lead, mercury, MTBE and VOCs.

Stage 1: 5 Micron Sediment Filter

This filter is designed to remove dirt, rust, sediment, and other contaminants and to prevent these contaminants from affecting the efficiency and longevity of the fluoride filter in Stage 2, and the two stage .5 micron carbon block MTBE/VOC filter in Stage 3. In normal use replace every 6-12 months. If the water flow at the faucet drops significantly it is time to replace this filter.

Stage 2: Fluoride Filtration

Activated alumina provides effective removal of fluoride and arsenic by adsorption.

Stage 3 & 4: This dual stage filter is the rightmost vertical stage of the unit, and consists of a .5 micron carbon block filter that has multiple functions, including:

Trapping particles from the activated alumina fluoride adsorbing filter. (Stage 3)
.5 micron filtration which also blocks most bacteria (including E. Coli). (Stage 3)
Remove chlorine, odors, dissolved and particulate lead (99.5% removal rate for lead), mercury, cysts, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba and toxoplasma cysts. A unique feature of this filter is the filtration of MTBE and VOCs, contaminants that very few filtration systems can remove. (Stage 4)

INCLUDED COMPONENTS:

Triple 10” countertop filter housing.
10″ pleated sediment filter.
10″ activated alumina fluoride removal filter.
.5 micron carbon block filter to remove MTBE, VOCs, lead, mercury, chlorine, etc.
Diverter valve for connection to a standard water faucet.

OPTIONAL COMPONENTS:

Upgrade .5 micron .5 micron filter to 1 micron catalytic carbon chloramine filter – $10.00
Upgrade.5 micron filter to .1 micron ceramic filter for bacteria (lake/cottage), etc. – $35.00

Replacement Filter Costs:

Stage 1 – 5 micron pleated filter – (replace every six months) – $20.00
Stage 2 – Activated alumina fluoride removal filter (replace every year) – $35.00
Stage 3 & 4 – .5 micron MTBE / VOC carbon block filter – (replace every year) $40.00

ANNUAL COST OF OPERATION: $115.00
MONTHLY COST OF OPERATION: $9.59
WEEKLY COST OF OPERATION: $2.22
DAILY COST OF OPERATION: $.32
COST PER GALLON: LESS THAN .07 PER GALLON (BASED ON 5 GALLONS PER DAY)

The OPUS Integrity Triple Water Filtration System is available for $269.99 CAD at Aviva.

Pricing includes shipping to most locations in Canada and the USA.

Questions about water filtration? Call us toll-free at (866) 947-6789

7 Health Benefits of Drinking Water

opus — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:09:46 +0000

Drinking water is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body. Water is necessary for cellular function. About 2/3 of our bodies are made up of the substance including our blood and muscles. We need to replenish the water we lose in daily activities or run the risk of dehydration, which can have a body-wide impact. What exactly can water do for you? Here are seven health benefits of drinking the delicious substance.

Water Helps You Lose Weight.

Water helps flush out the byproducts of fat breakdown. Drinking it can reduce hunger, acting as an appetite suppressant so you’ll eat less. Did you know that water also has zero calories? As a result, no matter how much you drink, you won’t gain weight.

Healthier Skin

A hydrated epidermis is a healthy epidermis. Water makes your skin look plumper and more youthful. It also helps to replenish skin tissue, increase elasticity and moisturize.

Maintains Regularity

It’s important to have regular bowel movements. Water moves toxins and waste through your body, allowing you to maintain regularity and permits your digestive system to work properly.

Prevents Cramping, Spraining or Straining.

Water lubricates your muscles and joints keeping them supple and healthy. This way you won’t struggle with so many cramps, sprains or strains. It also makes exercise more productive, revving up your metabolism and keeping you energetic.

Alleviates Fatigue

Did you know that drinking water can prevent you from feeling sluggish? It’s true. Water flushes out toxins and waste products that clog up your body and make you feel run down. Without water, your heart has to work harder to pump out your blood to all your cells so you’ll be working harder with less. The same goes for the rest of your vital organs. Tired organs make a tired you.

Regulates Body Temperature.

Water helps your temperature stay regulated so you don’t have dips and spikes. This keeps you on an even keel, especially during exercise when your temperature becomes elevated and you sweat to cool down. If you lose too much water by sweating during an exercise session you run the risk of dehydration, which is not a pretty picture.

Improves Your Immune System

Water helps keep your lymphatic fluid and other body parts clean and clear which repels dirt and bacteria from naturally infecting your system. Lymph fluid is vital for carrying water and nutrients to the blood as well as ensuring that white blood cells move from the thymus and bone marrow throughout the body where they can ward off colds, flu and much more.

Now that you see some of the health benefits that water can bring to you, don’t you want to get a big glass and sip it down?

Copyright ©2011 . Published with permission. Serena DaSilva is a freelance writer and is not affiliated with Opus.

Chlorinated Water is Implicated in Thyroid Disorders

opus — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:56:14 +0000

Chlorine, flourine, and fluoride are chemically related to iodine and compete with it, blocking iodine receptors in the thyroid gland. Dioxin, a dangerous chlorine related compound found throughout the food chain is one cause of low thyroid. Another is likely related to toxic substances which are produced when drinking water is chlorinated, and later when chlorinated drinking water mixes with plant phytochemicals in food. Rather than feeding the body’s endocrine glands as nature intended, the many hormone-like plant micronutrients found in food are altered by chlorine and turned into mutagens that do permanent damage to the glands.

In order to protect one’s health from the destructive action of chlorine and to obtain the intended benefit from our food and nutritional supplements, humic extracts (Humifulvate) especially fulvic acids, provide natural chelation properties. They detoxify the body, the liver and the digestive tract by attaching to toxic buildup, including heavy metals, chlorination byproducts, etc., where they disarm, neutralize, and remove them as waste products. Fulvic acids also work as nature’s most powerful antioxidants, neutralizing dangerous free radicals, as well as supplying hormone stimulating micronutrients.

The dangers of chlorine are known to biochemists and chemists. Chlorine has been combined with many other normally safe organic substances to form some of the most powerful deadly toxins known, such as dioxin, DDT, PCBs, etc. The bottom line is that the real culprit is chlorine, not the substances with which it reacts.

Avoid chlorine, fluorine (fluoride) and bromine. Avoid drinking coffee and especially tea that has been prepared with chlorinated tap water (most restaurants prepare coffee and tea with tap water). Drink only filtered water. Install a water filtration system in your home and install water filters on your shower and store your water in glass or ceramic containers.

OPUS Advantage

opus — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:48:51 +0000

Designed to be a maintenance-free drinking water system with low operating costs, the Advantage is a 4-filter, 6-stage system featuring dual carbon filtration and specific filters designed to remove sediment, rust, silt, chlorine, fluoride, lead, cysts, heavy metals and other toxic compounds. Advantage removes all contaminants, leaving calcium and magnesium in solution for a great tasting healthful mineral water.

Advantage is a 4 filter, 6 stage system featuring 5 micron dirt/rust/sediment filtration, 1 pound of granulated activated carbon (GAC), 3 pounds of KDF media, activated alumina fluoride filtration, and a .5 micron carbon block two stage filter. KDF media, an advanced zinc copper formulation, removes chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, trichloroethane, lindane, chloroform , heavy metals, lead, and mercury.

The two stage .5 micron carbon block microfiltration filter removes bacteria and particles as small as .5 micron, MTBE, VOCs, and provides redundancy with the KDF media, as this filter also removes chlorine, and is 99.5% effective at removing lead and mercury. Advantage leaves health promoting minerals in solution, with a cost per gallon of less than $ .10 (less than $. 03 per litre).
This system is contained in a reasonably sized unit consisting of three vertical 10″ filter housings, with one horizontally mounted filter mounted on top of the unit.

Well engineered filtration systems are designed to either adsorb or absorb contaminants, and not allow the media in the filter, or contaminants retained by the filter to reach subsequent filters, or the final destination, your drinking glass. By using progressively finer (smaller micron) filter components and by ensuring that any material that escapes from one filter will be absorbed or eliminated by the next filter in the design, the purest, cleanest, best tasting water is produced.

As with all OPUS Healthy Water Systems, the Advantage comes complete with everything required for installation, including 2 five foot lengths of LLDPE ¼” tubing, filter wrench, saddle valve, a John Guest Ball Valve for easy filter changes, and a lead free long reach faucet. Aviva encourages the purchase of the annual filter kit at the time of purchase providing two years of maintenance free service. All OPUS Healthy Water Systems include a limited ten year warranty to the original owner if filters are changed annually.

Stage 1: 5-Micron Dirt/Rust/Sediment Filter – Horizontally Mounted Inline

This filter is designed to remove dirt, rust, sediment, and other contaminants and to prevent these contaminants from affecting the efficiency of the fluoride, KDF Media, and granulated activated carbon filters. In normal use replace every 6-12 months. If the water flow at the faucet drops significantly it is time to replace this filter.

Stage 2: Fluoride Filtration

Fine mesh activated alumina provides effective removal of fluoride and arsenic. Rated at 10,000 litres, replace this filter annually.

Stage 3 and 4: 3 Pounds KDF Media, 1 Pound Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC)

KDF is a zinc/copper media that removes chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, trichloroethane, lindane and chloroform. When combined with granulated activated carbon, a synergistic effect is produced that is greater than either material alone. Replace this filter annually under normal household use.

Most water filter manufacturers that include KDF media in their filter design use a half pound of media. The quantity of KDF media used in the Advantage (3 pounds) is the highest amount available in a 10″ water filter design and will provide superior performance for up to two years, but OPUS recommends changing all filters annually for optimum performance. The KDF/GAC filter is placed after the fluoride filter to ensure that any particles from the alumina filter will be absorbed.

Stage 5 and 6: This is the rightmost vertical stage of the unit, and consists of a .5 micron carbon block filter that has multiple functions, including:

Trapping particles from the KDF/GAC filter (Stage 4).
.5 micron filtration which also blocks most bacteria (including E. Coli). (Stage 5)
Remove chlorine, odors, dissolved and particulate lead (99.5% removal rate for lead), mercury, cysts, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba and toxoplasma cysts. A unique feature of this filter is the filtration of MTBE and VOCs, contaminants that very few filtration systems can remove. (Stage 6)

This filter also puts a final polish to the water and ensures it is not only contaminant free, but also crystal clear and great tasting. This final filter is superior to the majority of standalone filter systems on the market.

INCLUDED COMPONENTS:

Triple filter housing designed to be installed under a sink.
Inline horizontally mounted 5 micron Omnipure sediment filter.
10″ activated alumina fluoride adsorption filter.
10″ 3 LB KDF media / 1 lb. granulated activated carbon filter
10″ .5 micron carbon block that removes MTBE, VOCs, lead, mercury, chlorine, etc.
Saddle valve for connection to existing cold water copper pipe, with John Guest quick connects on the unit and faucet for easy connection to the supplied LLDPE tubing.
Chrome faucet (w/ hardware and John Guest quick connect) for standard sink installations
Two 5-foot pieces LLDPE tubing, to connect from John Guest fitting to the water input, and to connect the output stage to the included long reach chrome faucet.
John Guest ball valve to make it easy to shut off water to the system for filter changes
Filter wrench, to allow easy filter changes

OPUS ADVANTAGE REPLACEMENT FILTERS

Stage 1 – 5 Micron Dirt/Rust/Sediment Omnipure Filter (Horizontally Mounted Inline Filter). - $19.99 (replace every year, or more often if pressure drops)
Stage 2 – Fluoride Filter – $79.99 (replace every two years)
Stage 3 & 4 – 2.5 Pounds KDF/GAC Filter – $99.99 (replace every two years)
Stage 5 – 1 Micron Filter – $24.99 (replace every year)
Stage 6 – 1 Micron OmniPure Carbon Block Inline Filter – $39.99 (replace every year)
ADV-AFK Annual Kit, Stage 1, 5, and 6. (Replace every 12 months) – $80.00
ADV-CMP Complete Filter Change – Stage 1, 2, 3&4, 5, and 6. Every two years – $250.00

ANNUAL COST OF OPERATION: APPROXIMATELY $165.00 PER YEAR

MONTHLY COST OF OPERATION: $13.75
WEEKLY COST OF OPERATION: $3.22
DAILY COST OF OPERATION: $.45
COST PER GALLON: LESS THAN .18 PER GALLON

OPTIONS FOR OPUS ADVANTAGE:

• Add ultraviolet germicidal filter – $150.00
• Add .2 micron ultrafiltration – $100.00 (bacteria and virus removal)
• Upgrade MTBE/VOC .5 micron filter to 1 micron chloramine catalytic carbon block – $10.00
• Upgrade to ceramic NSF rated designer water filter faucet – $90.00
• Upgrade to ceramic “non NSF” rated designer water filter faucet – $80.00
• Grohe Concetto kitchen water faucet, matches the NSF designer faucet – $350.00
• Additional LLDPE ¼” tubing – $1.00 per foot

The OPUS Advantage Water Filtration System is available for $349.99 CAD at Aviva.

Pricing includes shipping to most locations in Canada and the USA.

Questions about water filtration? Call us toll-free at (866) 947-6789

Water Glossary

opus — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:35:15 +0000

Adsorption

The binding of particles or molecules to the surface of a material, as distinguished from absorption, where pores in a solid material are filled. The most common adsorbent materials include carbon, alumina and silica gel. Compounds with color, taste and odor bind well to adsorbent materials, which is why they are commonly used in air and water purifier designs.

Absorption

A physical or chemical process or where ions, molecules or atoms fill pores in the absorbing material. In the body, absorption describes the uptake of nutrients from food in the digestive tract, or cellular uptake of a substance.

Bioceramic Water Amplification (BCWA)

Bioceramic Water Amplification (BCWA): Filters that achieve the same result as electric water ionizers, usually with a higher pH, lower ORP (more effective as an antioxidant), higher levels of OH- (hydroxyl ions), and considerably higher levels of dissolved ionic minerals (negatively charged) including magnesium, potassium and calcium than can be achieved with electric ionizers. Bioceramic water amplifiers are available as inline filters added to traditional water treatment systems, as a drinking water glass (Alkalark) that has bioceramic minerals at the bottom, and as small thin “sticks” that can be added to any bottle of water (Balance Water Sticks).

Ceramic

Inorganic, nonmetallic materials processed or consolidated at high temperature. This definition includes a wide range of materials known as advanced ceramics and is much broader than the common dictionary definition, which includes only pottery, tile, porcelain, etc. The classes of materials generally considered to be ceramics are oxides, nitrides, borides, carbides, silicides, and sulfides. Ceramic materials can be subdivided into traditional and advanced ceramics. Traditional ceramics include clay-base materials such as brick, tile, sanitary ware, dinnerware, clay pipe, and electrical porcelain. Glass, cement, abrasives, and refractories are important classes of traditional ceramics.Ceramic water filters, often called ceramic candles, are made from Kieselguhr Diatomaceous Earth and fired to above 1000 degrees Celsius. Over 80,000 overlapping pores make up each element. With filtration to .9 of a micron and 99.999% rejection of bacteria and cysts, ceramic filters reject bacteria and foreign particles as small as .2 of a micron are trapped on the outside of the element while the water passes through the ceramic wall to the inside of the element. Ceramic candles are rigorously tested and fully certified, and are excellent choices for microbiologically unsafe water. Ceramic water filters are in use in over 150 countries.

The latest ceramic technology features a three stage filter that is bacteriostatic (self sterilizing), as the ceramic material is impregnated with silver to ensure trapped bacteria is killed, to prevent bacterial colonization in the filter. Stages 2 and 3 provide “post filtration,” utilizing materials inside the ceramic shell that include a zeolite metal ion reduction medium, granular carbon and powdered carbon to form a tightly packed matrix that provides chemical reduction of chlorine, pesticides and solvents, and heavy metal reduction (lead, aluminum, mercury, iron, etc.).

Chloride

Chloride is required for normal metabolism (the process of turning food into energy) and to control acid-base balance. The amount of chloride in the blood is carefully controlled by the kidneys. One of the most important electrolytes in the blood, chloride helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance, while helping to maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids. Tests for sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate are usually done at the same time as a blood test for chloride.

Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat, however many supplements, including Concentrace are important sources of chloride. Chloride ions are secreted in the gastric juice as hydrochloric acid, which is essential for the digestion of food. Chloride is absorbed by your intestines when you digest food. Extra chloride leaves your body in your urine.

Chloride ions have important physiological roles. For instance, in the central nervous system, the inhibitory action of glycine and the conversion of GABA depends on chloride. Also, the chloride-bicarbonate exchanger biological transport protein relies on the chloride ion to increase the blood’s capacity of carbon dioxide, in the form of the bicarbonate ion.

Chlorine

A member of the halogen family of elements (with iodine, bromine, astatine and fluorine). Chlorine is a poisonous gas used to kill harmful bacteria in water and to sanitize industrial waste and sewage. Chlorine is also used to bleach paper, in the manufacture of petroleum products, antiseptics, solvents, paints, plastics and many consumer products. Chlorine combines with plant material in water to form trihalomethanes (THMs) which are carcinogenic compounds. New research has found that nature’s most valuable anti-cancer and anti-disease phytochemical nutrients which are commonly found in food (soy, fruits, vegetables, green tea catechins, vitamins, etc.), form deadly cancer causing substances called MX (unknown mutagen) when consumed or combined with chlorinated tap water.

» More on chlorine.

Distillation

The process of heating a liquid until it boils, capturing and cooling the resultant hot vapors (steam), and collecting the condensed vapors.

Electric Alkaline Water Systems

(Micro Water Machines, Water Ionizers, etc.) Electric water treatment systems that utilize low voltage electrically charged titanium plates to create ionized water. Water that has dissolved minerals (distilled or RO water cannot be ionized) that has been passed over platinum plated titanium plates is ionized, with the water being effectively split in half, with OH-, one atom of oxygen and one atom of hydrogen negatively charged – the Hydroxyl ion (alkaline water), coming out of the alkaline water faucet, and HO, one atom of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, which is acid (oxidized) water, or H+, coming out of the acid water hose. Acid water is useful for cleaning and germicidal uses.

Filter

A porous material through which a liquid or gas is passed in order to separate the fluid from suspended particulate matter, or a device containing such a material, especially one used to extract impurities from air or water.

Fluoride

Sodium fluoride (NaF) is used as a cleaning agent, often to remove iron stains, and to enhance the strength of teeth by the formation of fluoroapatite, a naturally occurring component of tooth enamel. In the US, NaF was once used to fluoridate drinking water but its use has been displaced by hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) or the related sodium salt (Na2SiF6).Toothpaste often contains sodium fluoride to prevent cavities. Entire books (The Fluoride Deception, by Christopher Bryson) have been written about the dangers of fluoride. Fluoride is added to most municipal water supplies, as the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) believe that the addition of fluoride to drinking water results in a decrease in tooth decay.

Fluoride, like chlorine, is a halogen gas, and is one of the most bone seeking elements known to man. Fluoride has been linked to higher rates of osteosarcoma in young boys, is more toxic than lead, and has been shown to depress thyroid function. There has never been an independent, controlled study to confirm a health benefit from fluoride, and continental Europe does not fluoridate water.

Hard Water

Hard water contains excessively high levels of calcium (lime) and magnesium, which causes mineral build-up in showerheads, dishwashers, pipes, and water heaters, reducing water flow. In addition, soap and detergent lathering is reduced causing less effective cleaning, with soap scum on glasses and dishes and lime deposits on bathroom fixtures, toilets and bathtubs.

Water hardness is measured with five different classifications and can be expressed in mg/litre or parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg):

soft » below 17 mg/litre or ppm (0 – 1 gpg)
slightly hard » 17.1 – 60 mg/litre or ppm (1.1 – 3.5 gpg)
moderately hard » 61 – 120 mg/litre or ppm (3.6 – 7 gpg)
hard » 121 – 180 mg/litre or ppm (7.1 – 10.5 gpg)
very hard » over 180 mg/litre (over 10.5 gpg)

Inline Filter

An inline water filter is a sealed plastic device normally used to filter water that supplies ice makers and water dispensers in refrigerators. Inline filter designs are also used to add specific filtering capabilities to traditional 10” water treatment designs, by installing horizontally above the 10” vertical filter housings.

Ionized Water

Water with a higher concentration of negative hydrogen ions (hydroxyl ions), ionized minerals (minerals with a negative charge), alkalinity and dissolved oxygen. Compared to non-ionized water, ionized water has a lower Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), giving ionized water antioxidant properties and a reduced water cluster size, thought to increase cellular hydration and nutrient absorption. Ionized water has increased levels of negatively charged hydrogen ions (OH-), also called hydroxyl ions, which have the ability to donate electrons to counteract the damaging effects of positively charged ions (oxidants), also called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).

Ionized water can be produced by three methods, including (1) electrolysis, where water is passed over low voltage electrically charged titanium plates that have been plated (coated) with platinum, (2) by passing water over bioceramic minerals as are used in Bioceramic Water Amplifiers (Bioceramic Inline Water Amplifiers, Alklark, and Balance Water Sticks), and (3) by the addition of liquids designed to increase pH, oxygen and negative hydrogen ions (AlkaLife, Cellfood, etc.).

Reverse Osmosis

A water filtration system that uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane that retains the dissolved minerals and impurities (solute) on one side (which are washed down the drain as waste water) and allows pure water (solvent) to pass to the other side.

This process is best known for its use in desalination (removing the salt from sea water to produce fresh water), but it has also been used to purify fresh water for medical, industrial and domestic applications since the early 1970s.

When two solutions with different concentrations of a solute are mixed, the total amount of solutes in the two solutions will be equally distributed in the total amount of solvent from the two solutions.

Instead of mixing the two solutions together, they can be put in two compartments where they are separated from each other by a semipermeable membrane. The semi permeable membrane does not allow the solutes to move from one compartment to the other, but allows the solvent to move. Since equilibrium cannot be achieved by the movement of solutes from the compartment with high solute concentration to the one with low solute concentration, it is instead achieved by the movement of the solvent from areas of low solute concentration to areas of high solute concentration. When the solvent moves away from low concentration areas, it causes these areas to become more concentrated. On the other side, when the solvent moves into areas of high concentration, solute concentration will decrease. This process is termed osmosis. The tendency for solvent to flow through the membrane can be expressed as “osmotic pressure”, since it is analogous to flow caused by a pressure differential.

In reverse osmosis, pressure is applied to the compartment with high concentration. In this case, there are two forces influencing the movement of water: the pressure caused by the difference in solute concentration between the two compartments (the osmotic pressure) and the externally applied pressure.

» More on reverse osmosis.

Sediment

Solid particles, including rust, sand, silt, gravel, chemical precipitates, fossil fragmenmts or particles that come from the weathering of rock, carried by water, ice, or wind. Filtration systems usually include a sediment filter ranging from 20 to 5 microns, designed to protect other filters, as sediment deposits can affect filter efficiency in KDF, activated carbon or other filter media.

» More on sediment filtration.

Shower Filter

Shower filters are designed to remove chlorine from shower water. As our largest organ is our skin, and as the body can absorb as much chlorine from a 5 minute shower, as from drinking eight glasses of chlorinated water, shower filters are recommended when there isn’t a point of entry (whole house) water filtration system installed. While absorbed chlorine is linked to many health concerns, it is also very drying to the skin and hair, and can aggravate many skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

» More on shower filters.

Soft Water

Water that contains little or no dissolved minerals, as compared to hard water
which may contain high levels of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. Soft water tends to be more corrosive to metals including steel, and water softened by water softeners will have a higher sodium ion content, potentially raising the risk of hypertension in susceptible individuals. In technical terms, water is considered soft if it contains less than 17mg per litre, or less than 1 grains per gallon.

Well Water

Well water is produced from a water well, which is usually created by a company that specializes in drilling wells. Water wells are usually drilled when municipal water supplies are not accessible. Modern wells have well water pumped from the well by an electric submersible pump. Wells can vary greatly in depth, water volume and water quality, and usually has a higher concentration of minerals (hard water) than surface, municipally treated, or lake water, and may require softening to remove minerals such as arsenic, iron and manganese.

OPUS CottagePure

opus — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:05:31 +0000

An economical solution ideal for well or lake water, CottagePure is a compact four-stage drinking water purification system designed specifically for water that be microbiolically unsafe. CottagePure utilizes sediment, carbon block and one micron filtration combined with ultraviolet germicidal sterilization.

CottagePure is designed for water that is not treated by a municipal water treatment plant using chlorine to kill microorganisms, although this unit will remove chlorine. The CottagePure is NOT a whole house (point of entry) system, it is a point of use drinking water system designed to be installed under a kitchen counter.

The CottagePure includes four filtering stages combined in a compact two-stage housing. This unit is a complete system including all the components required for a professional installation and sufficient extra filters that should provide one to two years of service before additional filters are required. This unit produces great tasting, contaminant and microorganism-free drinking water. In addition to killing microorganisms, the CottagePure system removes particulate matter down to 1 micron and destroys over 99% of bacteria and viruses, purifying water without the use of harmful chemicals.

The CottagePure installs under the sink and comes with a long reach chrome faucet and all the necessary installation hardware. Includes two advanced filters with four discreet filter technologies housed in a dual 10″ under counter housing, with a horizontally mounted UV-C sterilization filter. AC power is required.

STAGE 1: 5-Micron Dirt/Rust/Sediment Filter

Located in the left vertical housing, this filter removes particles 5 microns or larger. 5 micron particles are so small they are invisible to the naked eye, however over 95% of particulate matter found in well water (as well as municipal water supplies) is 5 microns or larger in size. Particulate matter smaller than 5 micron will be captured by the second 1 micron carbon block filter.

STAGE 2&3: Dual Stage Filter

Located in the rightmost 10″ vertical housing, this 2-in-1 filter provides the following features:

STAGE 2: Spun fiber for sediment removal down to 1 micron.
STAGE 3: Carbon block filter that removes chlorine, heavy metals, lead, cysts, cryptosporidium, giardia and pesticides which may enter ground water that is found in wells as a result of the use of pesticides in farming. This is not a standard carbon filter, which would only be effective for chlorine, but a sophisticated, advanced dual purpose filter design.

STAGE 4 – Germicidal UV-C Lamp

Horizontally-mounted on the top of the dual filter housing, the UV-C light kills bacteria, viruses, mold, algae, yeast, cysts, cryptosporidium, giardia, some volatile organic compounds and other biological contaminants. Unlike chlorine, used in municipal water supplies to kill microorganisms, UV-C does not introduce any potentially poisonous components into your drinking water, or adversely affect the taste or smell.

The CottagePure is designed to remove contaminants, kill microorganisms, and produce great tasting water, and unlike reverse osmosis and distillation, the CottagePure leaves dissolved minerals including calcium and magnesium in solution, creating a balanced, great tasting mineral water, with no effect on the pH of the water.

Designed to last a lifetime, the CottagePure system includes four extra filters, all the required fittings and tubing, long reach faucet and filter wrench. While we cannot guarantee how long these filters will last, as the level of contaminants will vary from one water source to another, we estimate that this system should last a minimum of one year before additional filters are required. The ultraviolet lamp should be replaced after 12 months of use. OPUS recommends purchasing a complete CottagePure filter kit annually, which would include four 5 micron (Stage 1) filters, 2 1 micron 2-stage filters, and a replacement UV-C lamp.

Note: OPUS recommends all plumbing products be installed by a professional licensed plumber. The CottagePure requires connection to an AC electrical outlet to power the germicidal UV-C sterilization component.

INCLUDED COMPONENTS:

Dual 10″ filter housing, with horizontally mounted UV filter, designed to be wall mounted.
Four 5-micron dirt/rust/sediment filters (3 replacement filters).
Two 1-micron 2 stage filters (1 replacement filter).
UV-C germicidal lamp (replace after 12 months of use).
Saddle valve for connection to cold water copper pipe, with John Guest quick connects on the unit and all filters for easy connection to the supplied LLDPE tubing.
Long reach lead-free chrome faucet (w/ hardware) for standard sink installations.
Two 5-foot pieces LLDPE tubing to connect from John Guest saddle valve to the water input, and to connect the output stage to the included long reach chrome faucet.
John Guest ball valve to make it easy to shut off water to the system for filter changes.
Filter wrench to allow easy filter changes.

REPLACEMENT FILTERS:

Stage 1 – 5 micron dirt/rust/sediment filter – $20.00
Stage 2 & 3 – 2 stage 1 micron carbon block filter – $50.00
Stage 4 – Ultraviolet lamp (replace annually) – $80.00
Cap/Sleeve – End cap and sleeve (replace if broken) – $30.00
Annual Kit – 4 – 5 micron, 2 – 1 micron, 1 UV-C lamp – $250.00

OPTIONS FOR OPUS COTTAGEPLUS:

Designer ceramic NSF rated water filter faucet (upgrade from standard faucet) – $90.00
Designer ceramic water filter faucet (upgrade from standard faucet) – $80.00
Grohe Conceto designer kitchen faucet (matches NSF water filter faucet) – $350.00
Additional LLDPE ¼” tubing – $1.00 per foot

The Opus CottagePure Water Filtration System is available for $349.99 CAD at Aviva.

Pricing includes shipping to most locations in Canada and the USA.

Questions about water filtration? Call us toll-free at (866) 947-6789

Opus Freedom

opus — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:51:56 +0000

For areas that do not add fluoride to their water supply, or if you believe that fluoride provides benefits, Freedom is a 3-filter, 5-stage system designed to be a low maintenance drinking water system with low operating costs.

OPUS Freedom has all the features of the Advantage, but lacks the fluoride filtration component. Freedom features a 5 micron pleated dirt/rust/sediment filter, dual carbon (granulated activated carbon and carbon block) filtration, .5 micron carbon block MTBE and VOC filtration, and KDF media to remove chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, trichloroethane, lindane and chloroform. The system is contained in a reasonably sized unit consisting of three vertical 10″ filter housings. The Freedom system leaves health promoting minerals in solution for a great tasting healthful mineral water. The Freedom system maintains the pH of the water entering the system.

The bioceramic water amplification filter can be added to add ionic magnesium, calcium and potassium, lower the ORP (oxidation reduction potential), increase the concentration of hydrogen and oxygen ions, increase alkalinity, reduce the cluster size, and transform the purified drinking water into antioxidant, alkaline water.

Well engineered filtration systems are designed to either adsorb or absorb contaminants, and not allow the media in the filter, or contaminants retained by the filter to reach subsequent filters, or the final destination, your drinking glass. By using progressively finer (smaller micron) filter components and by ensuring any material that escapes from one filter will be adsorbed, absorbed or eliminated by the next filter in the design, the purest, cleanest, best tasting water is produced.

As with all OPUS Healthy Water Systems, the Freedom comes complete with everything required for installation, including two 5-foot lengths of LLDPE tubing, filter wrench, saddle valve for homes or offices that use copper plumbing, a John Guest ball valve for easy filter changes, and a lead-free long reach faucet. OPUS encourages the purchase of the annual filter kit at the time of purchase, providing two years of maintenance free service. All OPUS Healthy Water Systems include a limited ten year warranty to the original owner if filters are changed annually.

Stage 1: 5 Micron Dirt/Rust/Sediment Filter – Pleated Design

This filter is designed to remove dirt, rust, sediment, and other contaminants and to prevent these contaminants from affecting the efficiency of the KDF media and granulated activated carbon filters. With normal use, replace every 6-12 months. If the water flow at the faucet drops significantly, its time to replace this filter.

Stage 2 & 3: 3 Pounds KDF Media, 1 Pound Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC)

KDF media is a zinc/copper media that removes chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, trichloroethane, lindane, and chloroform. When combined with granulated activated carbon, a synergistic effect is produced that is greater than either material alone.

The quantity of KDF media (3 pounds) used in the Freedom system is the highest amount available in a 10” water filter design and will provide superior performance for up to two years, however OPUS recommends changing all filters annually for optimum performance.

Stage 4 & 5: This is the rightmost vertical stage of the unit, and consists of a .5 micron carbon block filter that has multiple functions, including:

Trapping particles (fines) from the KDF/GAC filter in stage (Stage 4)
.5 Micron filtration which also blocks most bacteria (including E.Coli). (Stage 4)
Removal of VOCs and MTBE, contaminants that very few filtration systems remove, chlorine, odors, dissolved and particulate lead (99.5% removal rate for lead), mercury, cysts, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba and Toxoplasma cysts. (Stage 5)

INCLUDED COMPONENTS:

Triple filter housing designed to be installed under a sink.
10″ 5 micron pleated sediment filter (with one extra filter, two in total).
10″ 3 LB KDF Media / 1 LB Granulated Activated Carbon Filter.
10″ .5 Micron Carbon Block (removes MTBE, VOCs, lead, mercury, chlorine, etc.
Saddle valve for connection to existing cold water copper pipe, with John Guest quick connects on the unit and faucet for easy connection to the supplied LDPE tubing.
Chrome faucet (w/ hardware and John Guest quick connect) for standard sink installations.
Two 5-foot pieces LLDPE tubing, to connect from John Guest fitting to the water input, and to connect the output stage to the included long reach chrome faucet.
John guest ball valve to make it easy to shut off water to the system for filter changes.
Filter wrench, to allow easy filter changes.

FREEDOM FILTER REPLACEMENT COSTS:

Stage 1 – 5 Micron Dirt/Rust/Sediment Pleated Filter – $20.00
Replace every year or more often if pressure drops.
Stage 2 & 3 – 3 Pounds KDF/GAC Filter – $70.00 (replace every year)
Stage 4 & 5 – .5 Micron MTBE / VOC Carbon Block – $40.00 (replace every year)
FRDM-CMP Complete Filter Change – $130.00

ANNUAL COST OF OPERATION: APPROXIMATELY $130.00 PER YEAR
MONTHLY COST OF OPERATION: $10.84
WEEKLY COST OF OPERATION: $2.50
DAILY COST OF OPERATION: $.36
COST PER GALLON: LESS THAN .07 PER GALLON (BASED ON 5 GALLONS PER DAY)

OPTIONS FOR OPUS FREEDOM:

Add ultraviolet germicidal filter – $150.00
Add .2 micron ultra-filtration – $100.00 (bacteria and virus removal)
Upgrade MTBE/VOC .5 micron filter to 1 micron chloramine catalytic carbon block – $10.00
Upgrade to ceramic NSF rated designer water filter faucet – $90.00
Upgrade to ceramic “non NSF” rated designer water filter faucet – $80.00
Grohe Concetto kitchen water faucet, matches the NSF designer faucet – $350.00
Upgrade to Alkaplus Freedom System with bioceramic alkaline antioxidant filter – $250.00
Additional LLDPE ¼” Tubing – $1.00 per foot

The OPUS Freedom Water Filtration System is available for $319.99 CAD at Aviva.

Pricing includes shipping to most locations in Canada and the USA.

Questions about water filtration? Call us toll-free at (866) 947-6789

Opus Alkaplus

opus — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:42:35 +0000

Alkaplus is a 5-filter, 7-stage system featuring dual carbon (granulated and carbon block), KDF media, .5 micron carbon block microfiltration technology to remove MTBE, VOCs and 99.5% of mercury and lead, and the health promoting bioceramic water amplification filter, producing water that is superior to that produced by expensive electric “micro-water” ionizers for a fraction of the cost.

KDF media is an advanced zinc-copper formulation that removes chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, trichloroethane, lindane, chloroform , heavy metals, lead, and mercury.

The bioceramic filter adds additional ionic magnesium, calcium and potassium, lowers the ORP (oxidation reduction potential), increases the concentration of negative hydrogen and oxygen ions, increases alkalinity, reduces the cluster size, and transforms purified water into antioxidant, alkaline water, with an average cost per gallon of less than $.33 (less than $.09 per litre).

Stage 1: 5-Micron Dirt/Rust/Sediment Omnipure Filter – Horizontally Mounted Inline

This filter removes dirt, rust, sediment, and other contaminants and prevents these materials from affecting the efficiency of the fluoride, KDF media and carbon filters. In normal use replace every 6-12 months.

Stage 2: Fluoride Filtration

Activated alumina provides effective removal of fluoride and arsenic by adsorption.

Stage 3 and 4: 3 Pounds KDF Media, 1 Pound Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC)

KDF media removes chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, nitrates, nitrites, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, trichloroethane, lindane, chloroform and heavy metals. The KDF/GAC filter is placed after the fluoride filter to ensure that any particles from the fluoride filter will be absorbed.

Stage 5 and 6: This dual stage filter is the rightmost vertical stage of the unit, and consists of a .5 micron carbon block filter that has multiple functions, including:

Trapping particles (fines) from the KDF/GAC filter. (Stage 5)
.5 micron filtration which also blocks most bacteria (including E. Coli). (Stage 5)
Remove chlorine, odors, dissolved and particulate lead (99.5% removal rate for lead), mercury, cysts, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba and toxoplasma cysts. A unique feature of this filter is the filtration of MTBE and VOCs, contaminants that very few filtration systems can remove. (Stage 6)

This filter also puts a final polish to the water and ensures it is crystal clear and great tasting. This final filter is superior to the majority of standalone filter systems on the market. Replace annually.

Stage 7: OPUS Bioceramic Water Amplification Filter – Horizontally Mounted Inline
Alkalizing, Ionizing, Antioxidant Filter

The OPUS bioceramic water amplification filter transforms water purified by the previous six stages into ionized, antioxidant, oxygenated, alkalizing, health promoting drinking water. Rated life: 7,000 litres (1850 gallons) or one year @ 5 gallon per day use, or 2 years @ 2.5 gallons per day.

BENEFITS OF BIOCERAMIC FILTER:

Increased pH, creating more alkaline drinking water. Alkaline liquids help flush acidic metabolites and toxins at the cellular level, while increasing the body’s alkalinity.
Addition of healthful ionic (ionized) minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Increase in oxygen. Ionized water can deliver twice the oxygen to your cells as tap or bottled water. German biochemist Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize for research indicating that cancer cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, and that cancer cells are anaerobic.
Vitamin C – Adds to the antioxidant functionality of the filter.
Antioxidant function scavenges oxygen free radicals (radical oxygen species), and may help reduce the risk of degenerative diseases including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Tourmaline – Far infrared ceramic ball – produces negative hydrogen (hydroxyl) ions and creates a smaller water cluster size.
Smaller water clusters (51.497 Hz) hydrate the body up to 3 times more effectively than normal water, while helping to increase the absorption of nutrients and minerals.

INCLUDED COMPONENTS:

Triple filter wall mount housing designed to be installed under a sink.
Inline horizontally mounted 5 micron sediment filter
10″ activated alumina fluoride adsorption filter.
10″ 3 LB KDF media / 1 lb granulated activated carbon filter.
10″ .5 micron carbon block to remove MTBE, VOCs, lead, mercury and chlorine.
10″ inline bioceramic filter, connected to the 5 micron Omnipure, mounted horizontally.
Saddle valve for connection to cold water copper pipe, with John Guest quick connects on the unit, filters and faucet for easy connection to the supplied ¼ ” LLDPE tubing.
Chrome faucet (w/ hardware and John Guest quick connect) for standard sink installations.
Two – 5 foot pieces LLDPE tubing (red and blue).
John Guest ball valve for easy water shut off for initial flushing and filter changes.
Filter wrench to allow easy filter changes.

ALKAPLUS FILTER REPLACEMENT AND OPERATIONAL COSTS:

Stage 1- 5 micron sediment filter – $25.00 (replace every six months, or more if pressure drops)
Stage 2 – Activated alumina fluoride filter – $35.00 (replace annually)
Stage 3 & 4 – 3 pounds KDF/GAC filter – $70.00 (replace annually)
Stage 5 & 6 – .5 micron MTBE/VOC filter – $40.00 (replace annually)
Stage 7 – Bioceramic antioxidant, alkalizing filter – $250.00 (replace every one to two years)
APLS-AFK – Annual filter replacement kit (Stage 1, 2, 3&4, 5&6) – $170.00
APLS-CMP – Complete filter change – $420.00 (every two years)

ANNUAL COST OF OPERATION: APPROXIMATELY $295.00 PER YEAR

MONTHLY COST OF OPERATION: $24.59
WEEKLY COST OF OPERATION: $5.68
DAILY COST OF OPERATION: $.81
COST PER GALLON: $ .33

OPTIONS FOR ALKAPLUS:

.2 micron ultrafiltration filter (filters viruses, bacteria) – $100.00
Upgrade MTBE/VOC .5 micron filter to 1 micron chloramine catalytic carbon block – $10.00
Germicidal ultraviolet water purification filter (requires AC power) – $150.00
Designer ceramic NSF rated water filter faucet (upgrade from standard faucet) – $90.00
Designer ceramic water filter faucet (upgrade from standard faucet) – $80.00
Grohe Conceto designer kitchen faucet (matches NSF water filter faucet) – $350.00
Additional LLDPE ¼” tubing – $1.00 per foot

The Opus Alkaplus Water Filtration System is available for $599.99 CAD at Aviva.

Pricing includes shipping to most locations in Canada and the USA.

Questions about water filtration? Call us toll-free at (866) 947-6789

Opus Integrity Dual

opus — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:55:06 +0000

OPUS Integrity Dual

The Integrity Dual is our lowest cost system that removes fluoride, chlorine, lead, mercury, and a wide variety of contaminants. The diverter valve is compatible with any standard kitchen faucet.

The Integrity Dual is a two-stage water purification system for those who live in condominiums or apartments, where permanent water filtration systems cannot be installed, or for those who want a system that is more portable. Due to the lack of a sediment filter, both filters in the Integrity Dual system must be changed every six months.

Stage 1: Fluoride Filtration

Activated alumina provides effective removal of fluoride and arsenic by adsorption.

Stage 2 & 3: .5 Micron Carbon Block Microfiltration Filter

This dual stage filter is the right vertical stage of the unit, and consists of a .5 micron carbon block filter that has multiple functions including:

• Trapping particles from the activated alumina fluoride adsorbing filter. (Stage 2)
• .5 Micron filtration which also blocks most bacteria (including E.Coli). (Stage 2)
• Remove chlorine, odors, dissolved and particulate lead (99.5% removal rate for lead), mercury, cysts, giardia, cryptosporidium, entamoeba and toxoplasma cysts. A unique feature of this filter is the filtration of MTBE and VOCs, contaminants that very few filtration systems can remove. (Stage 3)

Included Components:

Dual 10″ countertop filter housing.
10″ activated alumina fluoride removal filter.
.5 micron carbon block filter to remove MTBE, VOCs, lead, mercury, chlorine, etc.
Diverter valve for connection to a standard water faucet.

REPLACEMENT FILTER COSTS:

Stage 1 – Activated alumina fluoride removal filter – (replace every six months) – $35.00
Stage 2 & 3 – .5 micron MTBE/VOC carbon block filter – (replace every six months) – $40.00

OPTIONS:

Upgrade MTBE/VOC .5 micron filter to 1 micron chloramine catalytic carbon block – $10.00
Change .5 micron MTBE/VOC filter to .1 micron ceramic filter for bacteria, etc. – $35.00

ANNUAL COST OF OPERATION: $150.00
MONTHLY COST OF OPERATION: $12.50
WEEKLY COST OF OPERATION: $2.89
DAILY COST OF OPERATION: $.41
COST PER GALLON: LESS THAN .09 PER GALLON (BASED ON 5 GALLONS PER DAY)

The Opus Integrity Dual Water Filtration System is available for $199.99 CAD at Aviva.

Pricing includes shipping to most locations in Canada and the USA.

Questions about water filtration? Call us toll-free at (866) 947-6789

OPUS AlkapRO

opus — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:53:44 +0000

The AlkapRO zero waste 6 Stage R/O System is the latest in water purification technology offering high performance water production with none of the waste water. It is an all inclusive unit that comes with everything you will need to set up a pure water dispensing system in your home. This system is designed to offer your household up to 50 gallons of pure drinking water each day with absolutely zero waste water.

The Opus AlkapRO Water Filtration System is available for $799.99 CAD at Aviva.

Pricing includes shipping to most locations in Canada and the USA.

Questions about water filtration? Call us toll-free at (866) 947-6789