The importance of having clean water in your home is essential to life. Without access to clean water, we would not be able to survive.
Unfortunately, water contamination is an all-too-common problem in many areas of the United States and the world.
Here are a few reasons why having clean water is so important.
Health Benefits
Clean water is essential for good health. Contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria and other microorganisms that can lead to various health issues, from gastrointestinal distress to more severe illnesses. Drinking clean water can help prevent these issues and keep you and your family healthy.
Environmental Benefits
Clean water is also essential for the environment. Contaminated water can lead to algae blooms and other imbalances in the aquatic ecosystem. Having clean water in your home can help protect local waterways and ensure that future generations have access to clean drinking water.
Saving Money
Clean water can also help save you money. By eliminating the need for bottled water or other clean water sources, you can reduce your grocery bill and free up more of your budget for different needs.
All these reasons show why purchasing a quality water filter is an important health decision.
In this article, I will review the most important factors you should consider before purchasing a water filtration system for your home. I have been in the water treatment industry for 32 years and currently am a manager at US Water Systems. Over the years I have designed, installed, and serviced filtration systems ranging in all sizes, from single point-of-use systems feeding a single drinking water faucet to systems treating up to 500 GPM used in large industrial applications.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Water Filter
These are the most important factors to consider before purchasing a home water filtration system.
1. Type of Contaminants Present in Your Water
The most crucial factor is determining what contaminants you want to remove from your water supply. This requires water testing. Having your water tested before buying a water treatment system is essential because different water treatment systems are designed to treat various water quality issues. Knowing the specific water quality problems you are dealing with will help you determine which water treatment system best suits your needs.
Testing your water also gives you an accurate picture of what is in it, which can help you make informed decisions on how to treat it best. While some of these contaminants can naturally occur, others result from human activities.
The most common type of contaminants found in today’s water supply are chemical pollutants. These come from various sources, including industrial and agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment plants, and household products. The most common chemicals in water include chlorine, lead, mercury, and nitrates. These pollutants can cause various health issues, ranging from skin irritation to organ damage.
Another type of contaminant found in water supplies is biological contaminants. These are usually bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. These contaminants can enter the water supply through sewage, animal waste, and even improperly washed food.
Finally, physical contaminants can also be found in water supplies. These are usually foreign objects such as dirt, sand, and rocks. These contaminants can cause various issues, such as clogged pipes and blocked filters.
To get a water test, check out this water test kit page for more information.
2. Water Hardness Issues
Hardness in water is another common problem and is caused by the presence of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. Hard water can leave spots on dishes, clog pipes, and stain clothes. It can also make cleaning difficult and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. You may want to remove it because it can interfere with the taste of food and drinks and cause skin irritation.
If water hardness is a serious issue then looking into water filtration systems that also include a water softening unit would be ideal.
3. Finding the Right Size Filter for Your House Size
The size of your household is essential when purchasing a water treatment system because it will determine the size and type of system needed to meet your household’s water needs.
The amount of water used by a family of two is much less than a household of four or more. Therefore, a larger home requires a water treatment system with a larger capacity to effectively treat a greater volume of water.
4. Flow Rate Requirements of Your Household
Similar to household size, flow rate requirements are important when purchasing a water treatment system for your home because the flow rate defines the speed at which water passes through the system. If the flow rate is too low, it could lead to ineffective treatment and inadequate filtration of contaminants.
On the other hand, if the flow rate is too high, it could lead to excessive pressure, which could damage the system. Therefore, choosing a water treatment system with the correct flow rate is essential to ensure that your water is adequately treated and filtered.
5. Your Budget Requirements
Your budget is important when purchasing a water treatment system for your home because it will determine what type of system you can afford and the features it offers. A water treatment system can range from a simple filter to an advanced design with various features, such as ultraviolet disinfection, chemical injection, alkalinization, and sediment filtration.
The more advanced systems tend to be more expensive, so having an established budget helps narrow down your options. It ensures you get the best filter for your money. Having a budget in place can also help you anticipate future costs of maintenance and replacement parts.
6. Available Space for Installation
Available space is another critical factor to consider when purchasing a water treatment system for your home because it determines the size and type of design you can install.
A water treatment system requires space for the various components, such as the filter, pumps, and storage tank, so the amount and location of available space will determine the size and type of system best for your home. With inadequate space, you may be unable to install the system that meets your needs.
If you understand all of the above considerations it will allow you to choose a filter that can remove the correct contaminants and do it effectively for the size of your home.
Types of Water Filters to Choose From
Once you have determined what you are trying to remove by running a test, the size and flow rate required, your budget, and available space, you can devise a plan to treat your water.
There are many technologies available (each one designed to remove different contaminants). Here are the most common types of treatment options:
- Sediment Filters: These filters are designed to remove sediment, dirt, and silt from the water. They are typically made of a pleated or spun polyester or cellulose material. They can be used on the whole house or point-of-use.
- Carbon Filters: These filters use activated carbon to absorb contaminants and chemicals. They can remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and bad taste and odors from water. A popular use is in a whole house filter system where multiple carbon filters are usually used.
- Water Softeners: Water softeners are designed to reduce the hardness of water by removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove large particles, contaminants, and dissolved solids from water.
- Ultraviolet Lights: These systems use ultraviolet light to kill microbes and bacteria in the water.
- Alkaline Water Systems: These alkaline water machine systems usually combine water filtration with pH optimization giving you filtered alkaline water.
Point of Use vs Point of Entry Filters
Once you decide on the type of filtration needed, you should determine if you’re going to use a Point-of-Use (POU) filter or a Point-of-Entry (POE) filter.
A point-of-use filter is a water filtration device installed at the point in a home or business where the water is used. This filter removes contaminants from the water before it is used, ensuring that the water is safe to drink or use. Point-of-use filters are typically used to provide cleaner water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. They can also reduce chlorine or other contaminants in water used for washing clothes or watering plants.
A point-of-entry filter is a type of filtration system installed in a home’s water line, typically at the main water line entering the house. The filter is designed to remove sediment, chlorine, lead, and other contaminants from the water before it enters the home. Point-of-entry filters can be installed and maintained by a plumber or a homeowner.
Here are some pros and cons to weigh when choosing between point of entry vs. point of use water filtration:
Point of Entry Water Filtration:
Pros:
- All water entering a household is filtered, meaning it is safe for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
- This filtration method is more efficient, as it filters all the water entering the home.
- Lower maintenance costs since the filters are not replaced as often.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost, as the whole house must be outfitted with the filtration system.
- More complex installation, as the filtration system must be installed at the point of entry.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many things to consider when purchasing a water treatment system. The most important thing I always recommend when treating problem water is a comprehensive water test.
The old adage “measure twice, cut once” can be used in water treatment and carpentry. There are too many factors that come into play in water treatment to guess, and this is a substantial investment you want to get correct the first time.
The second most important recommendation is to consult a water treatment professional when deciding which equipment you need. There are many different technologies available to you, and a water treatment professional will be able to explain each option’s pros and cons and their best recommendation for your situation.
Matt Miller
General Manager
US Water Systems
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Related Posts:
- The Shocking Truth About Water Quality in the USA
- Water Filtration: The Best Way to Get Clean Water
- 10 Problems with Most Water Filters Today
FAQs
How do I choose a water filter for drinking? ›
- Know your water supply. The most important thing to know when choosing a water filter for your home is what you're trying to remove. ...
- Choosing a water filter. ...
- Shower filter. ...
- Whole house water filter. ...
- What about fluoride? ...
- Don't get duped into buying bottled.
It is best to use a point-of-entry filter system (where your water pipe enters your house), or whole-house filter system, for VOCs because they provide safe water for bathing and cleaning, as well as for cooking and drinking.
What micron is best for whole house water filter? ›Generally, we recommend pleated 50-micron filter cartridges followed by a dual grade 25/1 micron depth filter. For very fine sediment in the range of 1 to 5 microns, we recommend dual-grade depth filters.
What is the best way to filter water at home? ›- Get a Water Filter Pitcher. ...
- Attach a Faucet-Mounted Filter. ...
- Swap for a Faucet with an Integrated Filter. ...
- Install a Separate Faucet for Drinking Water. ...
- Switch to a Refrigerator with a Water Filter. ...
- Invest in a Whole-House Filter System.
There are three methods of water purification: reverse osmosis (RO), distillation, and ultraviolet (UV).
How do I choose the right filter? ›- Filter size and model.
- Original vs. aftermarket.
- Home air quality.
- Specific breathing needs.
- Type of filter.
- Filter performance.
- Filter cost and replacement.
| S No. | 10 Best Water Purifier Brands | Water Purifier Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hul Pureit | ₹ 13,999 |
| 2 | Blue Star | ₹ 8,999 |
| 3 | Kent | ₹ 13,499 |
| ₹ 15,999 |
Reverse Osmosis Remove Minerals. Reverse Osmosis (RO) removed more than 90-99.99% of all the contaminants including minerals from the drinking water supply (see Figure 1). RO removes minerals because they have larger molecules than water.
Is plastic or metal water filter better? ›When, in fact, stainless steel water filters offer a plethora of advantages over plastic. Not only is it resistant to corrosion, and high temperatures, but it also doesn't crack when dropped compared to plastic.
Which is better 3 micron or 5 micron filter? ›The smaller the micron number the better. Try imagining microns like a sieve. A 5 micron water filter will sieve out particles that you can see – but all the other smaller particles will pass through it into your drinking water.
What is a better filter 10 micron or 100 micron? ›
Since a 10 micron filter is too restrictive on the inlet side, a less restrictive filter is preferred. For inline pumps where it is located outside the tank, a 100 micron pre-filter is recommended.
Do you want a higher or lower micron filter? ›When filtering solids from liquids, the smaller the micron rating, the more effective the filter and the greater the number of particles that are removed from the final filtrate.
What is the healthiest way to purify water? ›Boiling is the surest method to kill disease-causing germs, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. adding a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of boiled water.
Should I buy water filter for my home? ›A whole-house water filtration system provides protection throughout the entire home. Even for those with treated city or municipal water, this type of system is recommended.
What are the disadvantages of filtered water? ›- Speaking of cost, initial installation is more expensive than other filtration methods. ...
- You can't pick and choose what gets filtered. ...
- Fluoride and your teeth: If you choose a whole house water filtration system that removes ALL chemicals, you will also be removing fluoride.
The best whole house water filter for bacteria and viruses is the PS-1000 ultrafiltration membrane filter. Or, if you have lead or lots of sediment or chemicals in the water, the PS-2000PB, PS-2000S or PS-2000C respectively (see below).
What is an ion exchange water filter? ›Ion exchange water filters soften water but don't filter it. In other words, they use electronically charged solids to remove contaminant ions from drinking water—even if the contaminants are in liquid form.
What water filters remove bacteria? ›Only a reverse osmosis water filtration system will effectively remove harmful bacteria. The simplest way to remove harmful bacteria is to disinfect the water by chlorination or by ultraviolet radiation.
What is the most popular filter right now? ›Some of the most popular Instagram filters are Clarendon, Gingham, Juno, and Lark. The only downside of using these preset filters on your photos is that you can't customize them. Once they're on your photo, that's it!
Which color filter is best? ›A yellow filter has always been the “classic” first choice filter for black & white film photographers. It gives an excellent balance between photographic effect and ease of use making it a useful and versatile accessory. Many photographers use a yellow filter to “bring out the clouds”.
What filter is most efficient? ›
HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, filters have even higher MERV ratings, ranging from 17 to 20. These filters are extremely efficient and are used in cases where air quality is critical. They can remove almost all of the particulates in your facility's indoor air.
Does the brand matter for water filter? ›Does Brand Of Water Filter Matter? The brand of water filter matters to some extent as you need to choose a brand that fits your brand of fridge. Many people believe this means they need to buy OEM filters - which for the uninitiated, stands for 'original equipment manufacturer'.
What water filters don't remove healthy minerals? ›Activated carbon and ceramic filters don't remove essential minerals from tap water. That's because the healthy minerals are not attracted to carbon.
Which water filter pitcher removes the most contaminants? ›Final Verdict. Our top pick is the LifeStraw Home Water Filter Pitcher because it reduces contaminants in water and meets NSF standards for heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and more.
What filtered water has no minerals? ›Distilled water is a type of purified water that has had both contaminants and minerals removed.
Is it better to buy bottled water or a water filter? ›Although both filtered water and bottled water can provide healthier, better-tasting water, the cost-effectiveness and smaller environmental impact of filtered water beats out bottled water at every turn.
Is it cheaper to buy bottled water or filter? ›No matter how you slice it, high-quality, filtered tap water will always cost less than expensive bottled water. Switching from bottled water to a water filtration system could save you hundreds of dollars a year or more.
What is the best water filter to get rid of microplastics? ›A Reverse Osmosis Filter has a pore size of approximately 0.0001 micron so it's, by far, best way to remove microplastics (or anything else) from your drinking water due to its ability to completely separate solids from water.
What size micron filter is best? ›A 5 micron rating works well in many industries, including the food and beverage industry. This rating filters a little less than the 5 micron rating. Filters with a 10 micron rating can remove some unseen materials from liquid but not bacteria or viruses.
How many microns is a Brita filter? ›Brita Purity C1000 AC Specifications
Micron Rating: The filter material retains particles down to a size of 0.5 μm.
Is a 5 or 50 micron filter better? ›
The micron rating refers to the distance between pieces of filter media. This determines the size of particles that the filter will allow to pass through. A 50 micron rated filter will allow larger particles to pass through than a 5 micron rated filter.
Will a 1 micron filter reduce water pressure? ›Impact on Water Pressure
The same is true of micron size for filters. The smaller the micron size, the longer it takes for water to pass through it. So while smaller micron filters will remove more contaminants, they are also more likely to decrease your flow rate and water pressure.
10-Inch Water Filter for Sediment Removal
AMI 10 Micron Sediment Filters, also known as depth filters, remove dirt, sand, rust, grit, and other suspended matter from water.
Filters with a larger micron rating allow larger particles through the system. Usually, a 10-micron filter is used for unleaded gasoline, and a 30-micron filter is used for diesel fuel. A 30-micron filter used in an unleaded dispenser unit can allow unwanted particles to pass through to the customer's vehicle.
How do I choose a micron water filter? ›The smaller the micron rating, the finer the particulate removed. Which size micron filter you need depends on the size of the smallest particle that needs filtering from your water. A 5-micron filter, for example, removes particles as small as 5 microns. Anything smaller passes through the pores.
What is better 5 micron or 20 micron water filter? ›Which is better 5 micron or 20 micron filter? A 20 micron filter is best if you have sediment like fine sand in your water, while a 5 micron filter is best for removing smaller, invisible contaminants.
Is 20 micron filter good for drinking water? ›If your water supply contains contaminants smaller than 20 microns, then a 20-micron filter would be insufficient for adequate filtration. If most of your contaminants are above that size, however, you might be able to use a single 20-micron filter without any issues.
Is Pur or Brita better? ›Brita surpasses Pur in overall water taste, filter lifespan, filter replacement cost, and pitcher options. However, the whole point of a water filter pitcher is to actually remove contaminants, and the Pur filters reduce and remove more chemicals from the water than the Brita pitchers do.
Does it matter what water filter you use? ›No filters or treatment systems are 100% effective in removing all contaminants from water, and you need to know what you want your filter to do before you go shopping (see Step 1). Not all filters of a particular type use the same technology, so you should read the label carefully.
Is ZeroWater better than Brita? ›The only benefit the ZeroWater has over the Brita is its ability to remove lead. If lead is a concern, and you don't mind the high cost of filter replacements, the ZeroWater may be a better choice.
Do the PUR water filters really work? ›
PUR pitcher filters are not certified to reduce iron in drinking water, but they are certified to reduce certain other heavy metals like copper and mercury, and activated carbon technology has been proven to reduce iron in drinking water. PUR filters used for rusty water may have shorter filter lives.
What is the best water for your body? ›Without a doubt, spring water is the winner. It is considered the best water to drink, providing vital nutrients as it moves through the body. This is, of course, spring water that is bottled at the source and proven to be actual living spring water.
Is it better to drink spring water or filtered water? ›While spring water has been naturally filtered through underground aquifers, purified water also goes through a strict treatment and filtration process for purity. So both are excellent sources of hydration, but while purified water is classed as 'pure', spring water can be better for you.
Which water filter removes bacteria? ›Only a reverse osmosis water filtration system will effectively remove harmful bacteria. The simplest way to remove harmful bacteria is to disinfect the water by chlorination or by ultraviolet radiation.
What is the most advanced water filtration method? ›Ultraviolet Light (UV) with advanced oxidation is a further safety process where extremely concentrated light, similar to the sun's rays, kills any organisms that may remain after reverse osmosis.
Are some water filters better than others? ›Not all filters are created equal. Different water filters have different functions. Some can make your water taste better, while others can filter out harmful chemicals or germs. No single filter can keep every type of contaminant out of your drinking water, and not everyone needs a water filter.