How To Choose The Right Home Water Filters and Purifiers

When it comes to home water filters and water purifiers, consumers have many choices. You can choose from leading name brands such as Brita, Culligan, PUR, and Braun. You can go with counter top water filters, under the sink models, or whole house water filters. You can pick from systems that use carbon filters, reverse osmosis water filters, and ultraviolet (UV) light technology. It’s great to have so many options, but how do you know which home water purifier is right for you?

Do You Need a Home Water Purifier?
The first question to ask when considering a residential water purifier is whether you even need one. If you have a municipal water source then your water is already treated. But many people don’t want to drink the chlorine or other additives that city’s use to treat water supplies. And there have been many instances when city water supplies have become contaminated despite treatment procedures.

If you feel secure about your city water supply and enjoy the taste of chlorinated water, then you may not need a purifier. If you’re not sure what’s in your water, you can ask to see a water quality report that all cities are required to provide.

Although well water isn’t treated, it comes from an underground source that can often be cleaner than municipal water. But if you live in areas with farming, manufacturing, and other industries that may inadvertently or purposely dump chemicals into the water table, your water is at risk.

Additionally, well water may contain sediments, such as iron, that can cause discoloration and odor. These sediments can also build up in dishwashers and other appliances and cause malfunctions. Many water purification systems can help improve the taste and quality of well water. To find out what type of impurities are in your well water, purchase a home testing kit or for more reliable results, have your water professionally tested.

Next > Water Purification Systems and Contaminant Removal