Get Pure Water With These Market Leading Water Filters
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Clean drinking water is exceedingly important for health. Public water in the U.S. is regulated, but tap water can contain contaminants depending on your source and your home's pipes.
These contaminants can be anything from minerals that lower the quality and taste of your water to harmful pollutants that could affect your health.
The contents of your tap water will vary depending on where you live. If you live in an agricultural area, for example, there could be pesticides or fertilizers in your water.
The right filter can improve taste and reduce specific contaminants. The CDC advises testing your water first and choosing a filter certified to remove what you're concerned about.
Look for NSF certification on the label: NSF/ANSI 42 covers taste and odor, 53 covers health-related contaminants such as lead and cysts, and 58 covers reverse osmosis systems.
Water filters come in all shapes and sizes. They range from small pitchers with built-in filters to systems that can be permanently mounted onto the plumbing under your kitchen sink.
Since there's such an extensive assortment, it can be difficult to decide which water filter is best for you and your household.
Our guide covers several popular options. Product claims below come from the makers, so check each model's certification and current specs before you buy.
PUR Advanced Faucet Water Filter Chrome FM-3700B
From one of the best known brands in water filtration, the PUR Advanced Faucet Water Filter attaches to your faucet to filter water straight from your tap.
PUR says it reduces dozens of contaminants, including lead, certain pesticides and mercury.
Each replaceable cartridge is rated for about 100 gallons, or roughly three months of typical use.
The filter is designed for easy installation and removal.
It's compatible with most standard faucets. However, it will not fit on hand-held or pull-out faucets. There's also a built in electronic indicator that lets you know when the filter needs to be changed.
PUR 18 Cup Dispenser
Another option from PUR is the 18 Cup Dispenser. It can be kept in your refrigerator for easy access to cold, filtered water.
The replaceable cartridge is rated for about two months, and PUR says it reduces a range of contaminants.
Each cartridge is rated for about 40 gallons.
This filter is helpful if your tap water has a strong chlorine taste or smell.
It reduces chlorine odor and taste, and PUR also lists mercury among the contaminants it reduces.
Brita 10 Cup Everyday BPA Free Water Pitcher
This sleek pitcher-style Brita brand filter can also be kept in your refrigerator for constant access to cold, refreshing water.
The Brita 10 Cup Everyday Water Pitcher comes with an easy to use filter cartridge. Brita says to replace it after about 40 gallons or two months of use.
Like the last filter, this one reduces chlorine taste and odor, along with some other contaminants.
Brita lists copper, cadmium and mercury among the contaminants the standard filter reduces. If lead is your main concern, check that the specific filter you buy is certified for lead reduction.
iSpring RCC7 5-Stage Residential Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
This under-sink reverse osmosis system from iSpring is marketed with Water Quality Association certification. Check the WQA or NSF listing for exactly what it is certified to reduce.
iSpring says the RCC7 5-stage system reduces a long list of contaminants.
Reverse osmosis can reduce contaminants such as lead and arsenic.
It also targets things that affect taste and smell, like chlorine.
Although this system may look complicated, it is designed for DIY installation and fits in many sink cabinets.
Filtrete Advanced Undersink Water Filtration System
Another under-sink option, the Filtrete Advanced Undersink Water Filtration System connects to your cold water line under the sink.
Filtrete says it reduces chlorine taste and odor, sediment such as sand, silt and rust, and cysts.
The maker says installation takes under 30 minutes, and each cartridge is rated for about six months.
There's no need to worry once the filter cartridge needs to be replaced. The cartridges are easily removed and very simple to install.
Conclusion
Up to 60% of the adult human body is water, so clean drinking water matters.
Filtration needs vary from household to household. Test your water, match the filter's certification to what you want removed, and replace cartridges on schedule.
If anyone in your home has a weakened immune system, talk with a doctor about which filter type is appropriate.
Sources
- About Choosing Home Water Filters, CDC
- The Water in You: Water and the Human Body, U.S. Geological Survey
