Including filter system and high-performance Microcystins filter.
Microcystins are toxins produced by certain cyanobacteria (sometimes called blue-green algae) that can get into drinking water during algae blooms. Because these compounds aren’t simply taste-and-odor issues, they can be present even when water looks clear. Scanlon homeowners often first learn about microcystins from utility notices or local advisories; a commonly referenced variant is microcystin-LR.
When microcystins are a concern for Scanlon families, the aim is to lower exposure throughout the entire house, not just at the kitchen sink. You use water for cooking, making ice, rinsing produce and brushing teeth, so a problem at the source affects many daily activities. Because microcystins dissolve in water, simple sediment filters won’t reliably remove them. A whole-house system treats water at the main line so every faucet and appliance receives the same protection.
For whole-home reduction of microcystins, a single, high-quality activated carbon filter is generally the most effective choice. Catalytic or high-capacity granular activated carbon media is commonly used because it can adsorb microcystins, including microcystin-LR, as water flows through. This carbon treatment is more robust than a basic taste-and-odor cartridge, emphasizing strong adsorption and sufficient contact time. Installed at Scanlon homes’ main water line, it treats water before it reaches showers, faucets and appliances.
Good control of microcystins depends on matching the right carbon media with appropriate flow rate and filter sizing for your Scanlon home. If water races through an undersized unit, there isn’t enough contact time for adsorption to work effectively. A properly sized whole-house activated carbon system not only helps reduce microcystins but can also improve overall water clarity and cut organic compounds that cause odors; regular maintenance keeps that performance consistent.