There is a downside to using carbon as the sole filtering medium. Exposure to chlorine in water supplies will quickly deteriorate the adsorbing qualities of carbon, rendering it minimized or useless in as little as 200 gallons, so if you use a chlorine product to de-winterize your RV-water system, be sure to remove or bypass the specifier first.
General Ecology has developed a unique technology employing a structured matrix filtration component that instantly filters the water without the use of chemicals, A double treating or delay time. Hydro Life has perfected a filtering medium that employs carbon. This medium causes an electro-chemical reaction, which neutralizes harmful chemicals and dangerous metals such as lead. The water then passes through the carbon to complete the filtering process. An established maker of exterior and interior POU systems, Hydro Life also has developed a unique bracket to hold most external filters. A mounting plate is secured to the sidewall of the RV and a second water filters watts plate is provided for stowing the filter inside a compartment. The nice feature about this holder is that it can be reversed to hold either the canister-type filter or the in-line version.
Special stickers are included that allow you to mark the date when the filter should be replaced — filters are replaced annually.
The popular Everpure system utilizes a superchlorination/dechlorination process to attack bacteria, viruses, cysts, rust and other heavy metals — all of which can lead to foul smelling water. Look for a filtration system that satisfies the requirements of aquarium water filter: Drinking Water Treatment Units, as determined by NSF International, a third-party certifying agency.
To ensure proper filtration efficiency, always replace the filter media or cartridge as least once a year.
At some point, whole house carbon water filter medium will begin dumping contaminates back into the system. In severe cases, or when tainted water has been encountered, it may be necessary to replace the filters more often.