About Home Water Filter Systems

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that Americans spend billions of dollars every year treating the water in their homes. But with so many devices out there, how do you know which one to choose?
First, always make sure that any product you buy carries an ANSI/NSF certification, which means the product has been approved by the two EPA-recognized organizations. Read on to find out what type of water filtration system will fit the specific needs of your family, as there are many factors to consider.

The Facts

There is no need to remove all contaminants from drinking water, so the EPA has created minimum standards that must be followed to ensure your drinking water is safe for human consumption, including routinely testing tap water to ensure compliance. These standards are designed for healthy people, so if you have a compromised immune system you may want to look closely at the fine print when choosing your water filter system.

Testing Your Water

You have the right to ask your local water supplier for a copy of reports about your tap water, which can be helpful in determining what kind of water filter system you will need. The report should list the contaminants present in your water, so be sure to purchase the type of system designed to eliminate those particular contaminants. You can also send a sample of your water to an NSF-certified laboratory to have it tested. If your water comes from a private well, the EPA recommends annual testing for nitrates and coliform bacteria.

Inexpensive Point-of-Use Water Filters

There are two types of home water filter systems: point-of-use and point-of-entry. Point-of-use water-filter systems include filter pitchers, faucet filters, under-sink filters, distillers and reverse-osmosis units. Filter pitchers, faucet filters and under-sink filters typically rely on a carbon filter to remove contaminants from the water. They are inexpensive and can noticeably improve the taste of your water. Keep in mind that different brands and models will filter differently, so choose the one that best fits your needs.

Expensive Point-of-Use Water Filters

Distillers and reverse-osmosis units are typically more expensive, but they can also be the most effective. Distillers work by boiling water, which kills bacteria. The resultant water vapor becomes the drinking water, while contaminants and chemicals are left behind. Reverse-osmosis units push water through a semipermeable membrane, which separates from contaminants. According to the EPA, there are some downsides to these two types of water filters: Distillers can make water taste flat, while reverse-osmosis units use three times the amount of water they create.

Point-of-Entry Devices

Water filter systems that treat water as it enters the house are known as point-of-entry devices. The most common of these is the water softener, a device that eliminates hard water, which has an abnormally high mineral content. Hard water can cause limescale deposits to develop in pipes and faucets, which can clog pipes and ruin water heaters.

Resources

• Database of NSF certified home water filters