Crystal Quest Nitrate Whole House Water Filter

The Nitrate Whole House Water Filter from Healthy Hydro Supply Co is designed for households that want nitrate-reduced water throughout the home. This system includes both pre-filtration and post-filtration to help remove sediment, support water purity, and treat water before and after the main nitrate reduction stage.

This whole-house nitrate filtration system is available in multiple configurations, including standalone, with an added water softener, with an optional SMART Filter, or with both softener and SMART Filter upgrades. Casing options include fiberglass or stainless steel, and resin capacity options include 1.5 cubic feet or 2.0 cubic feet.

Understanding Nitrate in Drinking Water

Nitrate, also known as NO₃, enters water supplies through the nitrogen cycle rather than from dissolved minerals. It is one of the major ions found in natural waters.

Most nitrate found in drinking water comes from groundwater contamination caused by:

• Septic systems
• Feedlots
• Agricultural fertilizers

Natural bacteria in soil can convert nitrogen into nitrate. Rainwater or irrigation water can then carry nitrate down through soil and into groundwater. If a private well draws from that groundwater, the drinking water may contain nitrate.

The regeneration process for nitrate treatment should be completed every 20 to 30 days, depending on the nitrate level in the water.

Nitrate can be reduced to nitrite in the body. If ingested in sufficient amounts by infants under 6 months of age, nitrate in drinking water may reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, also known as cyanosis. This condition can contribute to methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby” syndrome.

The EPA has established a Maximum Contaminant Level, or MCL, for nitrate at 10 mg/L, or PPM, measured as N. Unlike coliform and some other bacteria-related concerns, boiling water can increase the nitrate concentration left in the water, which may increase risk for infants.

Pre-Filtration

Water first flows through a 20" sediment cartridge designed to remove:

• Sediment
• Silt
• Sand
• Dirt

This stage helps protect the main nitrate reduction media by reducing larger particles before the water enters the nitrate treatment tank.

Nitrate Removal Water Filter

After pre-filtration, water flows through a nitrate reducing mineral tank and brine water conditioner. This is the primary treatment stage for reducing nitrate from incoming household water.

ERA® 6500 and ERA® 9500 media are also added to help prevent bacteria growth inside the system.

Post-Filtration

Water then flows through a 20" solid carbon cartridge designed to help reduce:

• Volatile organic carbon compounds, also known as VOCs
• Remaining insecticides
• Pesticides
• Industrial solvents

This post-filtration stage provides an additional layer of treatment before water continues throughout the home.

Optional SMART Water Filter

The optional SMART Water Filter adds a multi-stage media blend for expanded contaminant reduction. SMART Multimedia includes:

• Two types of coconut shell Granulated Activated Carbon, including standard GAC and catalytic GAC
• Eagle Redox Alloys® 6500 and 9500
• Ion exchange resin
• Ceramic balls
• Tourmaline balls

This blend is designed to help reduce contaminants such as:

• Heavy metals
• Lead
• Mercury
• Chlorine
• Chloramine
• Herbicides
• Pesticides
• Petroleum by-products
• Pharmaceutical by-products
• Other inorganic products

The ceramic and tourmaline balls help enhance the water and maintain a more alkaline pH.

Optional Water Softener

The optional water softener allows water to flow through an ion exchange resin and brine water conditioner.

A water softener is recommended because the filtration media may increase hardness in the water. Hard water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause:

• Staining on sinks, tubs, showers, and clothing
• Reduced lather from shampoos and soaps
• A filmy feeling on the skin
• Limescale buildup in plumbing and appliances

Hard water can increase the risk of limescale deposits in household water systems. Limescale buildup may block pipes and reduce the efficiency of hot water boilers and tanks, increasing domestic water heating costs by approximately 15% to 20%.

Limescale can also damage household machinery, including laundry machines. Water softening may help extend the lifespan of household machines, pipelines, solar heating systems, air conditioning units, and other water-based applications.

Additional Product Options

12 GPM UV Water Sterilizer
The optional 12 GPM UV Water Sterilizer is designed for microorganism control concerns. These microorganisms may include bacteria, viruses, algae, and protozoa. UV treatment can disinfect water faster than chlorine without bulky retention tanks or adding harsh chemicals to drinking water.

Leak Detector Valve
The optional Leak Detector Valve detects leaks within the water filter system and shuts down the water supply to help prevent flooding and property damage.

Vacuum Breaker
A Vacuum Breaker is recommended for inline installation ahead of the water filter system. It helps protect against the rare occurrence of negative pressure, or vacuum pressure, in the water line, which can damage filter tanks and housings.

Metered Valve
The system comes standard with a timer valve, which runs the backwashing schedule based on a set number of days, such as every 7 days. The optional metered valve runs backwashing based on a set number of gallons, such as every 3,000 gallons.

Oxidation System
The optional Oxidation System uses ozone for efficient water oxidation and improved water quality. Multiple oxidation system options are available.

Important to Know

Pinholes or rust may occur on stainless steel tanks in environments with high humidity, where salt is present, or where condensation remains on the tank without being routinely wiped down.

If the system will be exposed to one of these conditions, or if routine maintenance cannot be performed, a fiberglass tank is recommended.