Are you worried about what may be in the water that you drink from your faucet? You aren’t alone. Virtually every one of the water systems in 25 of the biggest cities have reported that there have been violations of the official drinking water standard. Some samples contained large amounts of lead, chlorine and E. coli bacteria, not to mention other contaminants, all of which could be harmful to your health.
The good news is that a water filter is a simple and effective solution. There are lots of different types of model on the market, many of which are easy to install yourself. They’re simple to use and with so many options, there’s sure to be one to suit your lifestyle and budget.
So, how can a water filter help to keep you and your family healthy? Let’s take a look.
The Filter
Your system’s most vital component is the filter. There are several kinds of filter including these common varieties:
- Carbon – this is the most popular filter choice because of its low cost and high adsorption rate. Sometimes, carbon filters are impregnated with silver. This helps to kill the bacteria and reduces chlorine, mercury and lead in the water while also eliminating some pesticides and organic chemicals. A carbon filter also helps to improve taste and odor but it won’t eliminate arsenic, nitrates, heavy metals or some microbes.
- Ceramic – made out of a fossil shell material, a ceramic filter is reusable. It will often be used in combination with carbon filters to ensure better coverage since a ceramic water filter is able to remove asbestos, cysts and bacteria. Unfortunately, it cannot remove lead or mercury.
- Reverse Osmosis – this filter forces water at pressure through a membrane which is semi-permeable. While this type of filter is larger, slower and more expensive, it does produce extremely well filtered water from which most contaminants have been removed including bacteria, pesticides, chlorine, arsenic, nitrates and heavy metals.
As you can see, filters are capable of removing unwanted contaminants which can so easily end up in the public water supply. This helps you to maintain your own and your family’s health while also helping you to enjoy much tastier and cleaner water.
Types Of Filter System
So, which type of water filter system is best for you?
- Pitcher – this type of filter system involves water being poured into a reservoir before being dripped through the filter into a pitcher. This is an easy to use system with no installation necessary but the filter process is quite slow and only small amounts can be produced.
- Faucet mounted filter – this unit replaces the aerator on the faucet. Simple to install, it provides an ongoing supply of water.
- Countertop mounted filter – the diverter valve will replace the faucet’s aerator, while a tube takes water into a countertop filter. This another simple to install option although it does take up space on the counter.
- Under sink filter – this mounts underneath the sink, attaching to the cold water pipe and featuring a water dispenser beside the sink. This is more difficult to install but is capable of handling lots of water. Check to learn more about the under sink water filter system.
- Whole house filter – this system can filter all of the water as soon as it enters the house. It does need to be professionally installed though. The pros and cons of this type of system are as discussed on Kitchenfaucets.reviews.
How To Choose The Right Filter For You
You should request a water quality report from the provider of your local water supply. This will list any of the known contaminants in water in your area. Alternatively, purchase a home testing kit to find out more about what exactly is in your water.
You also need to think about the amount of water which the filter is capable of handling. Pitchers are fine for a couple of people, but bigger families need a system that has a bigger capacity.
Price comparisons are also important but don’t forget that you need to include the ongoing cost of filter replacement. The filter must be regularly changed to ensure no bacteria or mold begins to develop.
If you’re ready to find out more about choosing the best filter for you, visit this post.