Filtered Water Enhancements

Abstract

A system for enhancing water is described. The system includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, source water at the inlet, which can flow through a filter component in the housing and thus become treated water, and at least one enhancement module that can dispense an enhancement into the treated water as it flows through the outlet. Water can flow through the system only by the force of gravity, pressure in a building's water line, and/or hand pumps. Enhancement that can be used in the system include flavorings, dyes, minerals, vitamins, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, phytonutrients, probiotics, homoepathic remedies, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, standard prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications, and combinations thereof. A control is also provided, through which a consumer can regulate an amount of enhancement that is added to the treated water.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A water enhancement device, comprising:
 a housing having an inlet and an outlet;   a filter component within the housing, the filter component containing water treatment material comprising activated carbon, the filter component capable of having fluid communication with both the inlet and the outlet; and   a first enhancement module adjoining the outlet and capable of dispensing a first enhancement into the outlet;   
       wherein water flow through the device is driven solely by a force selected from the group consisting of gravity, pressure from a source water line, a hand pump and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         23 . A water enhancement device, comprising:
 a housing having an inlet and an outlet;   a filter component within the housing, the filter component containing water treatment material comprising activated carbon, the filter component capable of having fluid communication with both the inlet and the outlet; and   a first enhancement module adjoining the outlet and capable of dispensing a first enhancement into the outlet;   
       wherein the device contains no electrically powered water pumps. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 23  wherein the enhancement is selected from the group consisting of flavorings, dyes, minerals, vitamins, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, phytonutrients, probiotics, homeopathic remedies, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, standard prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 23 , further comprising a first consumer control, whereby a consumer can control a dose of the first enhancement that is added to the outlet. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25  wherein the first consumer control activates a dispensing mechanism. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26  wherein, upon activation, the dispensing mechanism automatically dispenses a preset dose of the first enhancement. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 23  further comprising a second enhancement module adjoining the outlet and capable of dispensing a second enhancement into the outlet. 
     
     
         29 - 46 . (canceled)