Is It Worth Getting a Water Filtration System?

Are water filters safe?

If you want to improve the quality of your water and make it safer to wash with and drink, installing some kind of water filtration system will make your water about as safe as it can be. Many people assume bottled water is safer than tap water because it’s often labeled as “pure” but in some cases, bottled water has just as many contaminants as tap water. Bottled water also contributes to landfill waste. By far the safest measure to improve your drinking water is with a water filter. Even small filters like Brita filters are safer and more effective than bottled water when it comes to purifying water. Water filtration systems used in conjunction with your plumbing are even better.

How does filtration purify water?

There are several different types of water filtration systems, and each filters water through different methods, usually either chemical or physical.

• Chemical filtration: Water is passed through a material like activated carbon which removes impurities through the process of adsorption. This means the contaminants stick to the material while the water passes through the filter.
• Physical: Water is strained or filtered so that larger impurities are removed. This is what happens with reverse osmosis: water is filtered through a membrane using powered pumps. The membrane removes the contaminants.

What is the best water filtration system?

There are multiple types of filtration systems and knowing what they as well as knowing what your needs and budget are will determine what’s best for you.

Types of water filters

• Water filter pitchers: These are water pitchers with a built-in filter. They are inexpensive and easy to use but quality varies by model and pore size and you have to replace filters on a regular basis.
• Refrigerator filters: These are built-in filters on refrigerators that have ice and watermakers. While easy to use, the filters have to be replaced regularly. Plus, you have to purchase a refrigerator with this system built-in, which might be expensive for some.
• Faucet-mounted filters: These are filters you attach to your faucets that can be switched between filtered and unfiltered water. Such filters don’t always work with all faucets and water flow can be slowed down.
• Built-in faucet filters (faucet-integrated): These are faucets with filters already built-in that allow you to switch between unfiltered and filtered water. These faucets can be expensive to buy and install.
• On-counter filters: These are similar to built-in faucet filters and can also be expensive to buy and install.
• Under-sink filters: Filters are installed under the sink and pipe water through a faucet that has to be specially installed. While they filter large amounts of water and don’t take up counter space, these systems can be expensive and your plumbing might need modifying.
• Whole-house filters: These systems are installed to treat water throughout your home not just drinking water. These systems can be expensive, require plumbing modifications and professional maintenance. Because these filters often remove chlorine, they might increase germs in your pipes.

How long does a whole house water filter last?

The filter in a whole house water filtration system will last 12 months. Regularly changing out the filter ensures the system operates efficiently and safely.

Is reverse osmosis water bad for you?

No evidence exists to show water filtered through reverse osmosis will in general harm your health. However, because some reverse osmosis systems lower pH levels some people with severe acid reflux of gastrointestinal ulcers might be affected and additional filters may need to be installed that improve mineral content and pH levels.

Can water purification tablets expire?

Water purification tablets are worthwhile especially in emergencies when you need clean water. Once you open a package of tablets, however, they need to be stored in an airtight container at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. The longer the tablets are exposed to air and sunlight the quicker they begin to deteriorate.