Do you filter your water? I do! Why filter water? First let me say that I try to never buy bottled water because I don’t want to contribute any unnecessary plastic waste to the environment and because I prefer to limit my exposure to plastic. Additionally, I like knowing that my water is pure and has had any contaminants filtered out. In order to make sure I have nice pure water to drink, I use a water filter. I will review the four types of water filters available and tell you a bit about their pros and cons.
Why Filter Water?
You might be wondering why you should filter your water and what a filter gets out of tap water. Well, there are a lot of different water filters types available and you would need to read each one for specifics but there are many benefits of filtered water with the most obvious being that it removes undesirables from your water and makes it safer to drink.
Benefits Of Filtered Water:
The main benefit of filtered water is that the water is cleaner and safer to drink. To illustrate that point, here is an example of what one type of water filter, a faucet mount filter from filterwater.com, can do.
- Pre and post one-micron filter pads are used to remove suspended particles from water – such as silt, sediment, cyst, sand, rust, dirt, and other undissolved matter
- Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC), reduces bad tastes and odors, pesticides and chemicals that are linked to cancer risks
- Ion Exchange Resin, reduces heavy metals such as lead, copper, aluminum, and water hardness (pH).
- Reduces cadmium, iron, mercury, copper, nickel, chromium, aluminum, lead, other dissolved metals and hydrogen sulfide, and prevents growth of bacteria, algae, fungi, scale, and other microorganisms.
I think that is a very impressive list of health benefits and all of these benefits of filtered water are derived from a very basic type of water filter.
Besides the health benefits of filtered water, I know I can taste a difference. The main thing I notice is that I can hardly drink water that is not filtered because of the strong chlorine taste. Filtered water tastes so much better.
A third benefit is that filtering your own water, rather than buying bottled water, is that it will reduce your exposure to plastic. Filtering your own water is also much more cost effective and reduces plastic waste.
You gotta love all those benefits of filtered water! Now the question is what type of water filter do you get? There are several types of water filters to chose from so I will help you weigh the pros and cons.
5 Types Of Water Filters:
1. Water Filter Pitchers.
These are super easy to use and do a good job. The main constraint is the size of the pitcher and so the amount of filtered water available at a time. The main bonus is you can store it in the refrigerator so your water comes out cold. Check out my Laica Water Filter Review.
2. Faucet Mounted Water Filters.
Faucet mounted Water Filters are a good starter’s choice. Just attach a filter to a kitchen faucet, and enjoy filtered water directly from a tap. Installation is a breeze, no plumbing or tools required. Does require a standard faucet head for screw on installation.
3. Counter Top Water Filters.
These water filtration systems are commonly placed on a Counter Top near a kitchen sink, and are connected directly to a kitchen faucet to give you a great tasting filtered water. These ones are generally a tiny bit trickier to install but a benefit is that you can have a separate tap for filtered water.
4. Under Sink Water Filters.
The water filter system is installed under the counter and provides filtered water through a separate faucet. You need to already have a separate faucet installed if you want to easily be able to install the under sink water filters. Too tricky for me but my husband was able to switch out our sink and facet set up to make it work. A very nice several stage water filter that gets out most contaminants.
5. Whole House Water Filter. A typical whole house water filtration system consists of a sediment pre-filter, and a large cylinder with water filtering media. These filters are obviously the mac daddies! I mean with these filters, all of the water in your house is filtered which means that all the water you will come into contact with, whether in the bathroom sink, shower, or kitchen sink, is filtered! Pretty nifty! But more expensive. My mom has this and I am jealous!
Water Filter Buying Tips
Determining the best water filter type depends on various factors such as the specific contaminants in your water, your budget, convenience, and personal preferences. One of the most common types are Activated Carbon Filters because they are so reasonalbly priced. These filters are effective at removing organic contaminants, chlorine, and some chemicals. They improve taste and odor of water. However, they may not be as effective against heavy metals, salts, and some microorganisms.
UV purifiers use ultraviolet light to disinfect water by killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. They’re often used in combination with other filtration methods to ensure complete purification. UV purifiers do not remove particles or chemicals, so they’re typically used alongside other filters.
If you know you have a tap water quality or taste problem, or want to take extra precautions, you should purchase filters certified by NSF International. These filters designate which contaminants they remove, and you can look for one that removes any contaminants of special concern.
Remember that it is important that all water filters be maintained and replaced at least as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Which of the benefits of filtered water were new to you? Which of these types of water filters appeals to you the most?
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