When it comes to finding the right water filter for your home, it's important to remember that not all filters are created equal. Some will simply reduce chlorine and improve taste, while other filters will also remove harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and even pharmaceuticals. There are many different types of filters available to consumers, so it's important to understand what each type does and doesn't do in order to determine which one is best for you. No filter removes all contaminants, so it's important to read the water quality test report and not assume that all carbon-based home systems remove the same contaminants.
Whole house filters must process all water entering your home without significantly impeding water flow, and typically have a flow rate of at least 6-7 GPM (gallons per minute). These filters are ideal for removing chlorine, VOCs, and many other chemicals, including those that cause bad tastes and odors. Some can filter up to 66 different contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, waterborne parasites, lead and mercury, pesticides, asbestos, and industrial chemicals. For those who don't need a whole house filter system, there are other options available.
A countertop filter easily connects to your non-removable faucet and delivers filtered water at the turn of a switch. Or you can opt for an under-sink filter that is installed directly under the sink and connected to the cold water line. Questionable aftermarket filter suppliers can place a badge on their product by meeting some basic requirements while omitting the ones that really interest you. Ultraviolet filters are the best way to kill fungi, salmonella, cysts, dysentery, algae, and all kinds of viruses and bacteria.
Water filters remove unwanted impurities from the water, such as sediment, taste and odor, hardness and bacteria, for better quality water. If you have a large family that drinks a lot of water, you'll need to change it more often than a single person's filter. It doesn't include information on all types of filters, including many that could eliminate germs by simple pore-size filtration. Most filters can be found in large stores; there is no need to order them directly from the manufacturer. The most common household filters contain granular activated carbon (GAC) that reduces unwanted flavors and odors by absorption.
Faucet-mounted filtration systems connect to a standard faucet and can be turned on and off between the flow of filtered and unfiltered water. When it comes to choosing the right water filter for your home or appliance, it's important to understand what each type does and doesn't do in order to determine which one is best for you. Whole house filters are ideal for removing chlorine, VOCs, and many other chemicals from all the water entering your home. Countertop or under-sink filters are great options if you don't need a whole house system. Ultraviolet filters are best for killing fungi, salmonella, cysts, dysentery, algae, and all kinds of viruses and bacteria.
And most common household filters contain granular activated carbon (GAC) that reduces unwanted flavors and odors by absorption. No matter which type of filter you choose for your home or appliance, make sure you read the water quality test report before making your purchase so you know exactly what it will remove from your water. And if you have a large family that drinks a lot of water, remember that you'll need to change your filter more often than a single person's filter.
