Water filters can help reduce many contaminants in your drinking water, but the right type of filter for you depends on a variety of factors. To begin, you need to determine what’s in your water – whether it comes from a municipal source or a well – and then select the filtration system that targets the specific contaminants you want to eliminate.
There are two basic types of water filtration methods: physical and chemical. While many types of water filters use both, most focus on one or the other to reduce specific contaminants.
Physical filtration occurs when a contaminant is dissolved and then physically filtered out of the water by a porous material, such as a carbon filter. Activated carbon, for example, removes pharmaceuticals and herbicides, and catalytic carbon can target chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals.
Another filtration method is ion exchange. This process removes ionic contaminants (positive or negative charges) and replaces them with innocuous substances. Common ion exchange systems include water softeners and deionization filters.
A final filtration method is reverse osmosis, which can remove some contaminants but not all. This method is most effective at removing lead and other heavy metals, but it’s not as effective for reducing bacteria or nitrates.
If you’re looking for a water filter, it’s best to choose one that is NSF certified. This certification ensures that the product meets NSF safety standards and has been tested to remove the contaminants you’re concerned about.
Some water filters are also UL certified. This is a more stringent certification that is offered by Underwriters Laboratories and the Water Quality Association.
Choosing the right water filter for you is an important decision, so it’s essential to get it right. A good water filtration system should work with your home’s existing plumbing, appliances and water dispensers. It should provide the most efficient water purification possible and remove harmful contaminants while at the same time ensuring that you have a good supply of fresh, clean drinking water.
What are some of the most common water contaminants?
Unless you have a water testing system in your house, it’s hard to know exactly what’s in your water. Check out your city’s mandatory Consumer Confidence Report or the EWG’s Tap Water Database to find out what the contaminants are in your area.
You should also ask your local government or water supplier for a current water quality report. This may be available online, at your water provider or at your nearest lab.
There are several different contaminants that can discolor your water, so if you see a yellow, brown, green or red tint in your glass, it’s a good sign that a filtration system is needed. In addition, if you’re not happy with the taste of your water, you should consider buying a filtration system to help you enjoy more flavorful and healthy drinking water at home.
A water filtration system is a major investment and the decision should be made carefully. It’s best to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase so that you can be sure that you’re getting the right filter for your needs. Wasserfiler