water filtration
A Guide to Proper Water Filtration & Choosing the Right Filter
WATER IS LIFE
We all know the importance of staying hydrated, but have you ever stopped to consider the quality of the water you're drinking? Even after treatment, tap water can contain contaminants like chlorine, lead, PFOS/PFAS, arsenic, pesticides, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. While bottled water might seem like a convenient solution, between the price, the plastic waste, and the adverse health effects its convenience comes at a heavy cost.
Filtering your tap water is a sustainable and cost-effective way to ensure you and your family are drinking clean, safe water. But with so many options available, choosing the right filter can be overwhelming. Worry not, because I’ve spent the last 5 years doing all the research for you to take away the overwhelm and help you get access to affordable and safe drinking water solutions! This post will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the world of water filtration and make an informed decision for your needs.
Choosing the Right Water Filter:
Get To Know Your Source Water: First things first, understand what contaminants you're targeting. You can contact your local municipality for a water report or enter your zip code in the Tap Water Database. Remember, legal doesn’t necessarily mean safe. Water quality standards are largely out of date and don’t take into account emerging contaminants like “forever chemicals”. Knowing what’s in your source water will help guide you towards choosing a filter that is right for you.
Consider Your Options: From countertop pitchers to whole-house systems, water filters come in various forms. Pitcher filters are affordable but provide very limited filtration (most are only certified to remove the taste and smell of chlorine, but not the actual chlorine byproducts.) Faucet-mounted filters offer convenience and target a wider range of contaminants. Under-sink systems provide superior filtration but some require installation. Whole-house filters treat all water entering your home, but only target specific contaminants and require professional installation and maintenance.
A note about Reverse Osmosis - based on the current research I would not personally use nor do I recommend reverse osmosis. You can read more about why here.Check the Certifications: Look for NSF International and WQA certifications on the filter to ensure it effectively removes your targeted contaminants. You can check the NSF database or WQA database to see which contaminants the filter is actually certified to remove. Note that most filters are only certified to remove the taste and smell of chlorine to improve taste but don’t actually remove the harmful chlorine byproducts. In addition, a lot of companies will state “certified to NSF/ANSI standards” but are not actually NSF certified. Unless the filter is WQA certified to NSF/ANSI standards, I personally do no trust the claims given the current lawsuits against larger companies such as Brita and Berkey for false claims. When in doubt you can check the NSF and WQA websites for a list of trusted products.
Think Maintenance: Filters need regular replacement to maintain effectiveness. Choose a filter with readily available and affordable replacement cartridges. Some systems provide filter change indicators or autoship programs for convenience.
Consider Your Budget: Water filters range in price depending on type, technology, and capacity. Choose one that fits your budget while meeting your filtration needs.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Don't be afraid to research different brands and technologies and when in doubt, consult the NSF or WQA databases. Educate yourself on your local water quality and potential contaminants. Knowledge is power. By taking these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying clean, healthy water and making a positive environmental impact.
Making the switch to filtered tap water is a simple yet impactful decision for your health and the planet. Every drop counts!
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