Want clean, healthy water right from your tap?
You’re not alone. A full 91% of Americans now own water filters, an increase of 25% since 2020. And it’s not surprising. With water contamination issues in the news more than ever, people want better water for their homes.
But here’s the problem:
Tap water is not safe as you think. Despite heavy regulations, problems still arise across the US. In 2022, a full 27% of all public water systems had at least one violation of federal drinking water standards.
That’s right. There’s a 1 in 4 chance your local water system had some sort of issue with keeping your water safe last year.
Scary, right?
The good news is that water filters can address most of these issues. Filters are one of the most effective home upgrades you can do to improve your family’s health and safety.
In this post we’ll cover:
- Why Your Tap Water Needs Help
- The Hidden Health Risks in Your Water
- How Water Filters Actually Work
- Types of Water Filters for Every Budget
- Choosing the Right Filter for Your Home
Why Your Tap Water Needs Help
First, let me tell you something you probably don’t know…
Approximately one in eight Americans is exposed to potentially harmful microbes, pesticides, lead or radioactive radon every time they drink tap water or take a shower, according to the EPA.
That’s 40 million people drinking or showering in contaminated water every day.
And here’s why it’s getting worse:
The average age of a water treatment plant is getting older every year. Many plants are now running on equipment from the 1970s, 80s and 90s – just as contamination issues are getting more complex.
Raw sewage and agricultural runoff still make their way into our drinking water sources, and many plants are simply not equipped to deal with the volume or complexity of modern contaminants.
It’s where home water filters can help. Having filtered water on demand means you’re not entirely reliant on the municipality to provide you with clean, safe drinking water.
The Hidden Health Risks Lurking in Your Water
Think the water from your tap is clear and tastes fine?
Think again.
There are all kinds of health hazards in your water that you can’t see, taste or smell. Here are some of the worst ones:
Lead Contamination
Lead is one of the most common and dangerous contaminants in drinking water. It can cause serious health issues including autism, prostate problems and reproductive issues. Lead exposure can even come from your showerhead. Tap water with as little as 5 parts per billion of lead is considered unsafe for infants.
PFAS
These are the really nasty chemicals. A shocking 172 million Americans have drinking water contaminated with PFAS. PFAS don’t break down in the body so they can accumulate over time and have been linked to cancer, liver damage, immune system effects and reproductive problems.
Chlorine
Yep, the stuff we use to kill bacteria can cause health issues itself. The WHO found people who drank chlorinated water for more than half their lives had an increased risk of bladder cancer. Chlorine can also form chemical byproducts with bad health effects.
How Water Filters Actually Work
Water filters are no magic. But they’re pretty close.
Different types of filters work in different ways to remove contaminants:
Physical Filtration
The old fashioned strainer trick. Physical filters use very small pores to trap particles based on size. The smaller the pore size, the more contaminants get removed.
Chemical Filtration
Chemical filters work by attracting and trapping specific contaminants using various materials. The most common chemical filter is activated carbon (charcoal) which can filter out pesticides, lead, chlorine and other contaminants.
Reverse Osmosis
A high-pressure pump forces water through an extremely fine membrane with reverse osmosis filters. The membrane removes almost everything from the water, both good and bad. RO systems require a carbon filter beforehand to prevent the membrane from becoming contaminated.
UV Sterilization
UV filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in water. Good for dealing with biological contamination.
The most effective systems combine two or more of these methods for maximum protection.
Types of Water Filters for Every Budget
Not all filters are created equal. Here’s what you need to know about your options:
Pitcher Filters
These are the basic, budget option. Good for beginners. Pitcher filters are cheap, easy to use but don’t filter out everything.
Best For: Improving taste, chlorine removal
Faucet-Mounted Filters
Faucet filters screw on directly to your faucet. Installation is easy, they use less space than under-sink systems and provide decent filtration.
Best For: Apartments, renters, basic contaminant removal
Under-Sink Systems
Installed under your kitchen sink for ease of use. More expensive upfront but better long term value.
Best For: Comprehensive contamination removal, convenience
Whole-House Systems
Filters all water entering your home. Best for serious contamination or well water.
Best For: Complete home protection, peace of mind
Choosing the Right Filter for Your Home
Here’s the thing…
There is no single ‘best’ filter. The best filter for you is the one that addresses the problems actually in your water. You can’t solve a problem you don’t understand.
Step 1: Test your water
Get your water tested to see what specific contaminants you’re dealing with. Your local health department may offer free testing. Otherwise buy a home test kit.
Step 2: Match the Filter to your Problems
- Lead concerns? Look for NSF certified lead removal
- Chlorine taste? Activated carbon filters work great
- Bacteria/Viruses? You need UV sterilization or RO
- Everything? Multi-stage systems are your best bet
Step 3: Consider your Budget and Lifestyle
Don’t just look at the upfront cost. Replacement costs, installation requirements, maintenance needs and your water usage all factor in. Choose a system that’s easy to use for your household.
Step 4: Look for Certifications
Make sure your filter is certified by NSF International or the Water Quality Association. This is your guarantee the filter performs as advertised.
The Real Benefits You’ll Notice
Once you start using a quality water filter, you’ll wonder how you lived without one.
Better Taste and Smell
No more chlorine taste or weird odors. Clean, fresh tasting water straight from the tap.
Improved Health
With reduced exposure to all those nasty contaminants, your family will thank you.
Cost Savings
Stop buying expensive bottled water. A good filter pays for itself in a few months.
Environmental Impact
Reduce the plastic waste from bottled water bottles. Filter cartridges create far less waste than bottled water.
Peace of Mind
Stop worrying about contamination issues and know your family is protected, even if municipal systems fail.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Filter Working Properly
Here’s something most people forget…
A dirty, old filter can make your water quality worse than having no filter at all. Old filter cartridges can become a breeding ground for bacteria or chemical byproducts.
Replace the filter cartridge as per the manufacturer’s schedule. Set a reminder on your phone if you have to.
Replacement times vary from 3 to 6 months depending on the filter and your water usage.
Smart Home Integration
Modern water filters can connect to your smartphone and alert you when it’s time for a cartridge change. Some even monitor water quality in real-time. Pretty cool technology that takes the guesswork out of maintenance.
Wrapping Things Up
Water filters are not a luxury. They’re a necessity for your family’s health and safety. With millions of Americans affected by water contamination every year, a quality water filter is one of the smartest things you can do for your home.
Choosing the right one just takes a little bit of research and understanding your water quality. Test your water, understand your options and invest in the right system for your home.
Don’t wait until you have a problem. By then it might be too late.
Your family’s health is worth the investment.
