How Clean Is Your Water?

We are HUGE water buffs, plain and simple. We drink A LOT of water and we’ve recently become interested in learning about clean water and specifically, which options are best. We choose not to drink water straight out of the tap because of the information we have read about rusty pipes and prescription drugs ending up in the water system. In my research, I have read good things about Kangen Water, but due to the hefty cost, we have yet to take the plunge.

Up until now, we have used our Brita pitcher. That is, until Ryan accidentally dropped it on the kitchen floor the other day and now the top leaks and won’t stay on when you pour it. Oops. We supplement our Brita usage with FIJI Water, because a) Ryan works for FIJI Water, and b) it’s the best bottled water you can get. But… it’s still “bottled” water and sometimes I cringe thinking of all the bottles piling up in the landfills.

So you can imagine our excitement when we recently were given the opportunity to try out HoMedic’s new water purification system called Restore Clean Water System.

What is Restore?

It is a pitcher style water purification system that not only filters water but also purifies it.

So how does it differ from the usual pitcher options, i.e. Brita and PUR?

Restore uses Ultraviolet (UV) Clean Technology comparable to many installed systems to purify water, removing bacteria and viruses, where many other pitcher style systems only filter the water.

Other Facts

Restore has also been certified for microbiological water purification, which is a first for a water pitcher using UV technology and is Gold Star Certified to National Sanitation Foundation standards by the Water Quality Association.

HoMedics uses UVC light, commonly referred to as “germicide light,” which has been used to effectively disinfect and sanitize in water treatment plants, hospitals, laboratories, and food and drug facilities for years, to create for the first time, this affordable clean water system for in home use.

This video gives the details behind the Restore Clean Water System.

1. Filtration: Reduces heavy metals, chlorine, and some industrial and agricultural pollutants.
2. Purification: Germ killing UV technology; removing bacteria, viruses, and microbial cysts – EW!!. {99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses, and 99.95% of microbial cysts}

Retail Prices (for comparable sizes)

• Restore $99
• Brita $35
• PUR $15-20

The Restore system includes an 8-cup capacity pitcher with built-in UV lamp, one replaceable filter, and one power adaptor. Like other pitcher style units, the filter must be replaced every 2-4 months based on use.

It was very easy to set up, similar to a Brita. You have to soak the filter for 15 minutes in a bowl of water, place it into the unit, fill it up completely and then empty it so that you discard the water from the first use to get the last carbon bits out, and then refill it again. Next, there is a little switch on the side that you flip from “fill” to “purify” and you plug it in and turn it on. The blue light comes on for about a minute, and turns itself off, once the purification is complete.

It only took a few minutes for the water to filter through and as I mentioned, about a minute for the purification to take place, so the process is actually fairly quick.

After trying it the first time, and seeing the UV light come on, I decided to Google whether or not UVC light is harmful… just to be sure. I found that it poses no risk to people, furnishings or equipment, however, direct exposure to the light itself is not recommended. The instruction manual states,

“The appliance blocks all harmful Ultraviolet (UV) light when operated according to instructions…DO NOT activate the UV lamp without the lid in place, which prevents exposure to harmful UV light.”

Blind Comparison on Taste

How water tastes is a big factor for me, so we decided to do a blind comparison. The contenders are:

• Restore
• Brita
• FIJI Water
• Tap water

Ryan made sure to keep this comparison unbiased. All water was tested at room temperature.

The winner on taste is… dun dun dun duh…. Gotta watch the video.

Restore Review Results

Pros

• Filters AND kills germs
• Easy to set up and use
• Tastes GREAT
• No installation necessary
• Affordable
• Fast

Cons

• A little bulky (won’t fit into the door storage area of most refrigerators)
• Holds 8-cups maximum and has a maximum recommended purification of 2 gallons per day (if you have a big household, this might be tight)
• Still not totally in love with the idea of UV rays in my kitchen
• The top is not very secure, and fell off when I was pouring the last bit of water out of it

Overall, I do think the Restore Clean Water System is a great product for those that are looking for a water system that kills germs but won’t break the bank.

For more information, visit http://www.homedics.com/restore to purchase online or to find a retailer in your area.

Live Well 360° Review Policy: The featured product for this review was provided to us at no cost by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are our own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.