When it comes to looking for water filters it’s important to know that there are several different options on the market today for filtering your water. The options available include under-the-counter systems, countertop systems, pitcher filters, and faucet attachments. Here you’ll find some helpful information to consider when you are trying to decide on the water filter system that best suits your budget and needs.

Understanding Contaminant Reduction Capabilities

There are two important criteria to consider when it comes to water filters and their contaminant reduction capabilities. NSF Certification and chlorine/chloramine reduction capability. It’s important that you make sure the filter you are considering is NSF Certified to Standards 42, 53, 401, and P473 and any reverse osmosis system should be certified to NSF standard 58.

NSF Certification is a way to ensure that the filters have been rigorously tested and confirmed by NSF to fulfill manufacturer’s claims for their standards. Also, make sure to check the manufacturer’s product data sheet to get the entire story of contaminants that they actually remove or reduce. For instance, if a filter reduces chloramines, chlorine, mercury, and lead, it will more than likely reduce even more contaminants, such as a large number of known carcinogens like chlorine, chloroform, and benzene.

Installation of Water Filters

Most water filter systems are fairly easy to install and, of course, pitchers require no installation. Filters that attach or mount to a faucet are extremely easy to install and are compatible with most faucet fixtures. Reverse osmosis and under-counter systems do require extra work such as drilling an extra hole in the sink for a dedicated drinking water faucet that provides high-quality water for cooking and drinking.  Though you may be able to accomplish this yourself, these advanced filters are usually installed by professionals for best results.

Water Filter Pros and Cons

Like any product, there are pros and cons. Before you choose, you should be aware of the pros and cons of each system.

Under-Counter Drinking Water Filter Pros

• These filters are the best long-term solution for always available filtered water in your home
• Most robust and effective filter technology and reduces about 10 times more contaminants than leading pitcher filters
• Convenient and sophisticated
• Filters last longer than countertop and pitcher systems

Under-Counter Drinking Water Filter Cons

• Purchase price is usually more expensive
• Installation is more complex

Reverse Osmosis Pros

• Very effective at removing metals such as lead, arsenic, and fluoride
• When combined with advanced filters these systems can remove over 70 different contaminants from your water

Reverse Osmosis Cons

• Produce waste water
• Won’t remove chemicals unless combined with advanced carbon block filters

Faucet Filters Pros

• Filtered water always available from the faucet
• Superior filtration compared to water pitchers that rely on gravity for filtration
• Filters last longer than pitcher systems

Faucet Filters Cons

• Most models can only be used with simple faucets and will not work with sprayer faucets
• Can be bulky on the faucet

Pitcher Filters Pros

• Inexpensive and very easy to use
• Removes the taste and smell of chlorine
• Pitchers can fit in the refrigerator for cold water

Pitcher Filters Cons

• Short filter life
• Higher ongoing cost due to expensive of constant filter replacements needed
• Gravity filtration can be inconvenient and slow
• Filtration technology inferior compared to the other system.

For the best filtration system to fit your budget and your needs please feel free to contact us  today.