Whether it’s due to worsening water pollution, an increasing awareness of health issues, or simply the growing preference for purer, better tasting water, home water filtration systems have become a staple in many households. This article provides an in-depth look at the best water filtration systems for home use, helping you make a more informed decision on which system best fits your needs.
Understanding Home Water Filtration Systems
Water filtration for home use involves the process of removing impurities from water using a physical barrier, chemicals, or a biological process. These impurities could include certain particles, chemicals, and bacteria [^1^].
There’s a wide variety of home water filtration systems available on the market, with varying features and price points. The different systems root in their methods of water filtration and purification, the types, and quantities of impurities they can remove, and their ease and cost of installation and maintenance.
Types of Home Water Filification System
There are four main types of home water filtration systems: whole-house systems, under-sink filters, countertop water filters, and faucet attachments. Each of these has its own merits and drawbacks and is best suited for different purposes.
Whole-house Systems
Also known as Point of Entry (POE) systems, whole-house systems are designed to filter all water entering the house. These systems are typically installed directly on the water main and provide filtered water to every faucet in the house.
Under-sink Filters
Under-sink filters are installed directly under the sink and are designed to purify only the water that comes from that specific faucet. There are numerous variations of under-sink filters, with different ones specialized in removing different contaminants.
Countertop Water Filters
Countertop water filters, as the name implies, are placed on the countertop and directly connected to the faucet. Among all the types of filters, countertop water filters are the easiest to install.
Faucet Attachments
These filters are installed directly onto the faucet and are intended to filter out larger particulates and remove common pollutants.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Water Filtration System
Before deciding which water filtration system to purchase, consider these factors:
-
Water Quality: The water quality in your area will determine the type and quantity of contaminants you’ll need to remove from your water.
-
Budget: Your budget will likely play a significant role in determining the type of system you can afford.
-
Maintenance: All water filtration systems require regular maintenance, but the frequency and cost of maintaining different systems can vary widely.
-
Installation: Some systems may require professional installation, where others you can install yourself.
Best Water Filtration Systems for Home Use
APEC Water Systems ROES-50
The APEC Water Systems ROES-50 is an undersink RO filtration system that’s highly rated for its capacity to remove up to 99% of over 1,000 different types of contaminants.
Aquasana EQ-1000
The Aquasana EQ-1000 is a top-notch whole house water filter system effective in removing over 97% of chlorine in tap water and reducing other harmful contaminants like lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, and more.
Brita On Tap Faucet Water Filter System
The Brita On Tap Faucet Water Filter System fits on your home faucet and provides up to 100 gallons of filtered water.
PUR PFM400H Chrome Horizontal Faucet Mount
PUR’s faucet-mounted water filter is easy to install and capable of reducing over 70 contaminants in your water, more than any other brand.
Conclusion
Investing in a home water filtration system is an excellent move towards ensuring the good health of your family. However, it’s crucial to examine your specific needs and circumstances before making a choice. A good filtration system will effectively remove contaminants specific to your water and fit within your budget.
[^1^]: United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Drinking Water Filtration. https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/drinking-water-filtration
[^2^]: Water Quality Association. (n.d.). Types of Water Treatment Technologies. http://www.wqa.org/learn-about-water/common-contaminants
[^3^]: Consumer Reports. (2020, August 18). Best Water Filter Buying Guide. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/water-filters/buying-guide/index.htm