As we become more aware of the potential for harm that comes from chemicals and pollutants that are latent in our environment, finding ways to keep our families and us safe becomes more important. Drinking water can often carry a number of harmful substances into our homes and into our bodies. However, many commercially available, low cost water filters are available that can remove these chemicals. Get in the information you need to make an informed choice.
The Top Ten
Consumers like you have rated these the best water filters available. The right mix of price, features, and reliability to meet your needs.
Benefits Of The Right Water Filter
Some people enjoy the taste of water straight from the tap, and some enjoy the taste of filtered water. Others prefer a particular bottled brand. Whatever your preference, knowing you’re drinking along with the cold sip of water can be important.
The quality of the water that comes out of your tap will vary widely depending on where you are, where the water comes from, and how much effort your local municipality puts into filtering and purifying it. Many areas use well water that is drawn directly from the ground and has not been purified at all. Local industries and manufacturing can have a variety of effects on the water supply, including contaminating it with chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals. Tap water can be contaminated with lead, radium, and other heavy metals. Bacteria can also be found in tap water, much of which is harmless, but can occasionally lead to sickness and health problems. The water quality in the United States is often world class, however it does not always meet minimum requirements set by law. Though the EPA and other governmental bodies pride themselves on keeping American water supplies safe and they are quick to act on any issues.
Bottled water might be considered an alternative. However, it is expensive and creates a lot of waste. Fine whilst your out and about, but not a great long term option for the home.
Water filters can do much to remove the harmful things that try to hitch a ride into our bodies. They can remove many of the common contaminants that are found in tap water. A simple carbon filter can remove chlorine and microorganisms, two of the most common of the many undesirable things that can be found in tap water. Heavy metals and chemicals may require more comprehensive filter.
The Different Types Of Water Filters
There are several different types of filters, each designed to remove a range of contaminants. When choosing the right filter for you, it is important to understand what the water source is for your particular area. Also, knowing what contaminants are common in your area should inform what sort of filter you choose.
- Carbon Absorption. This is probably the most common of the home water filter options. Water is run through a carbon filter, which is simply a container of either granular carbon, or a single block of the element. Carbon effectively removes bad tastes and odors from water, as well as some microorganisms. It does not remove a significant amount of heavy metals or other contaminants. It is frequently used in conjunction with other methods of filtering. Carbon filters have to be changed on a regular basis to retain their effectiveness.
- Micro Porous Basic Filtration. This is system is essentially like a sieve. Run water through the sieve and anything to large to pass through the holes is left behind. As the name implies, however, the holes in micro porous filtration are generally too small to be seen, and are in fact small enough to filter out microorganisms and particles. It does not filter out heavy metals and other dissolved contaminants.
- Reverse Osmosis. Osmosis is a physical process that occurs when two liquids, one of which has a higher concentration of solvents than the other, are separated by a semi-permeable membrane. The solvents will move across the membrane so that the two liquids reach equilibrium. Reverse osmosis uses a process of water pressure to keep the reverse the natural flow of solvents, with the result of water that is pure, and a solution that where the contaminants are concentrated. This concentration is discarded and the pure water is available for use. Reverse osmosis removes almost all contaminants to some extent, and is the most efficient and cost effective type of water purification. It is a much slower process than other options, however, and requires a storage tank to fill and draw from.
- Distillation. With distillation purification, water is heated into steam, and then condensed back into liquid, leaving behind contaminants. Distillation tends to be the most expensive option, and is difficult to fit into an under-sink or counter-top unit.
How To Find The Best Water Filter For Me
When considering which type of water filter to get, it is best to start by considering what needs you are filling. There are a variety of options that will allow you to match up the specifics of your requirements to the product and price point you are looking for.
Most people are simply looking for a filter for the water they drink. Using filtered water for other, less obvious, tasks can be a good idea as well. Cooking and brushing teeth are two areas where you are just as vulnerable to unseen pollutants, but that are neglected when it comes to water quality. A filter that attaches directly to the faucet allows you to be sure that using clean and healthy water is casually easy. These filters usually use either a carbon absorption or micro porous filter, and can be limited in how well they filter the water.
Another option that will can achieve the same ends, while frequently resulting in purer water are various counter top or under sink filters. These hook up directly to the plumbing, and can use a combination of different filtering systems, including carbon absorption, micro porous filter, and reverse osmosis.
For filtering water in other contexts, there are a number of specialty items available, including filters that attached to shower faucets and filter for refrigerators.
Water Filter Reviews
WaterChef U9000 Under-Sink Water Filtration System
This water filtration system takes the guesswork out of having clean, healthy water. It’s NSF tested and certified to provide an unsurpassed level of contaminant reduction for many of the top problems in today’s water. It features a 3-ply pleated pre-filter as part of a proprietary process of eliminating dirt and debris while providing longer cartridge life. The intelligent monitoring system will let you know when it’s 1,000 gallons of capacity has been fully utilized. It’s an investment, but it also provides a superior level of performance.
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Sprite HO2-WH-M Universal Shower Filter
If you’re tired of smelling like chlorine or sulfur when you step out of the shower, then you’re ready to check out this very affordable showerhead. Not only does it eliminate odors, but it provides smoother skin and softer hair so that you can always look your best. The filter cartridge is reversible and the high capacity filter also includes a showerhead with a massaging option. Breathe easier, enjoy longer showers, and protect your budget with this filtering option.
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DuPont WFFM350XCH Faucet Mount Premium Water Filtration Filter
If you only want a water filter at a specific faucet so drinking water can be cleaner and healthier, then this single mount filter is an excellent option to consider. For less than $30, better tasting water can be achieved for over 200 gallons before needing a filter replacement. The filter removes sediment, chlorine, lead, and even mercury for an ultra level of performance. A digital display keeps track of how many gallons have been filtered as well so that there is no question as to when the filter needs to be replaced. A great bargain at this price point.
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GE FQSVF SmartWater Undersink Filter Set
This under-the-sink water filter system is perfect for the kitchen faucet. It allows for cleaner cooking and drinking water while removing leftover purification chemicals that may be in the water supply. Most households only need to change the filters twice per year and the O rings in the system need to be replaced once per year at most as well. Watch out for the tabs inside of the filters and you’ll be able to have a reliable experience with water filtration.
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Home Master TMJRF2 Jr F2 Counter Top Water Filtration System
For highly pure water, three stages of filtration are often needed. Some systems use three different filters to get the job done. This system uses a three-stage filter instead from a counter installation. It only takes a few minutes to install this filtration system and in return, over 90% of the chemical contaminants in the water supply will be eliminate. It’s very compact, so it will fit on almost any sink. It’s also very portable, so you can take it along with you to travel and have better water wherever yo y happen to be. The price is fair and the results are proven. This is definitely an investment to consider.
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