Best Drinking Water Systems
Water filtration has more to do with geography
Some water contaminants include arsenic, barium, chromium, copper, mercury, coliform bacteria, chlorine, iron, giardia, nitrate, trihalomethanes (THMs), lindane, carbon tetrachloride, sediment, cryptosporidium, toxaphene, rust, atrazene, herbicides, chloroform and manganese. You likely want to remove all of the impurities you can. So what is the best drinking water system for you?
Carbon filters are the most popular. Generally a cartridge-type system absorbs things like odors and THMs. The more time the carbon water filter stays in the water, the more chemicals it will absorb. However, over time these do need to be replaced. There are basically four types of carbon filters available on the market:
- Stationary Water Filters: These under sink models require one or two cartridges and are installed in the cold water line. Hot water is not filtered.
- Pitcher-Type Water Filters: These models can be taken just about anywhere. When water filtration became the norm the Brita Water Company made pitchers that filtered your tap water. The water gravitates through the carbon filter and is stored in a jug. PUR came along and others have followed, so Brita is not the only choice in this category.
- Faucet-Mounted Water Filters: These models use a by-pass valve that directs water through a filter to give you clean cooking water as well as drinking water. You can either attach the unit to the faucet after the aerator is removed, or place it on the counter and use a tube from the faucet to the filter.
- Line By-Pass Water Filter: These are attached either under the sink, to a separate faucet or at the water line where water comes into the home. The former must be installed by an experienced plumber.
Which carbon water filter is better? It depends on a few things: mostly preference and maintenance. There are some studies that support the Line By-pass Water Filter option as the most beneficial. When you think about carbon filters you need to keep two things in mind:
- Base Unit Price: Faucet mount systems range in price from about $19 to $120, while line by-pass systems can cost about $30 - $120 plus installation.
- Water Filter or Cartridge Replacement Costs: replacement filters or cartridges can cost between $2 and $50 depending on the model and the brand of water filter.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filters
Reverse osmosis is really the most robust form of water filtration for your drinking water. It is basically an inverse of other methods of water filtration: reverse osmosis takes the water out of the impurities. This has been known to also take out high percentages of chloride, fluoride, nitrates calcium and sodium. To effectively use this system you would need a back flush system, a pre-filter and professional installation which will raise costs.
