A Guide to Proper Water Filtration (And Choosing the Right System for Your Home)
Water is Life — But Not All Water Is the Same
We talk a lot about staying hydrated — but the quality of your water matters just as much as how much you’re drinking.
Even treated tap water can contain things like chlorine, lead, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), microplastics, pesticides, and even pharmaceuticals. And while bottled water might seem like a better option, it often comes with its own set of issues: questionable sourcing, microplastic contamination, high costs, and unnecessary plastic waste.
If you're here, chances are you care deeply about your well-being — and you're ready to take your hydration seriously.
Filtering your tap water is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to support your health and home. Let’s walk through the most important things to know so you can choose a system that actually fits your lifestyle and values.
What to Know Before You Buy a Water Filter
1. Know What’s in Your Water
The first step is to understand your local water quality.
You can:
→ Request a water report from your local municipality
→ Look it up using the EWG Tap Water Database
Just because something is legally allowed doesn’t mean it’s ideal for your body. Most municipal standards don’t account for emerging contaminants or the long-term impact of low-dose exposure to certain chemicals.
This is about informed choice — not fear. When you know what’s in your water, you can make better decisions about what to remove.
2. Not All Filters Are Created Equal
Here’s a quick breakdown of common options:
Pitchers – Inexpensive, improve taste, but limited filtration
Faucet Filters – Easy to use, decent range of contaminant removal
Under-Sink Systems – Higher-quality filtration, a bit more setup
Whole-House Filters – Treat all water in your home, but often focus on sediment/chlorine and need professional installation
☝🏽Note on Reverse Osmosis:
While RO systems are often marketed as “best in class,” they strip minerals, waste water, and often require remineralization. After years of research, I personally don’t recommend them. Here’s why.
3. Always Check for Certifications
Look for NSF International and WQA certifications — they verify what a filter actually removes.
⚠️ Be cautious of vague claims like “tested to NSF standards.” That’s not the same as certified. Even popular brands have been sued for misleading marketing.
When in doubt, search the product directly in the NSF or WQA database to confirm.
4. Choose Something You’ll Actually Maintain
Filters only work if you keep them clean and current.
Look for:
Easy-to-replace cartridges
Visible change indicators
Autoship options if you’re someone who forgets (same 🙋🏽♀️)\
5. Choose What Aligns with You
It doesn’t need to be the most expensive — it needs to work for your space, your needs, and your values.
Think about:
Who’s using it? (Just you? A whole family?)
Do you want filtered drinking water only, or full home coverage?
Do you prefer countertop simplicity or a built-in setup?
Want to See What I Use?
Click here to explore the water systems I personally use and recommend.
These are the systems I trust in my own home — and they’ve made a huge difference in how I feel, function, and flow through my day.
The Bigger Picture
Hydration isn’t just about how much water you drink — it’s about how well your cells absorb and use it.
When you take this step to improve the quality of your water, you’re supporting your health on a foundational level. And you’re also choosing sustainability, intention, and care.
This is about creating a home that supports the version of you you’re becoming.
Not Sure What You Need?
I’d love to help you find a filter that fits your life.
Fill out the form at the button below and I’ll offer some suggestions based on what matters most to you.
Because every drop matters — and so do you.
