All Types of Water Filters (and Which One You May Need)
Home water filters have come a long way since the days of simple pitchers that were mostly good for improving the taste. There are water filter systems designed to remove bacteria, viruses, and chemical contaminants such as lead from water. While not everyone needs one of these filters, they may be useful if you live in an area with higher levels of lead in your drinking water, if you have a weakened immune system and are particularly concerned about infection, or if you have a well.
The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes three rating organizations to determine the effectiveness of a drinking water filter. These include the National Sanitation Foundation/American National Standards Institute (NSF/ANSI), the Water Quality Association, and Underwriters Laboratories. If you’re looking for a filter that has been tested and proven to perform as advertised, you should pay attention to these ratings.
Lead Reducing Filter
According to the EPA , lead-reducing filters include reverse osmosis filters, distillation filters, and some types of carbon filters. If you have your water tested and find lead levels greater than 0.10 PPB, you should take precautions, especially if you are pregnant or if young children will be drinking the water. You can install a reverse osmosis spot filter , which attaches to the plumbing and will filter the water coming into the faucet, or you can choose a countertop model that does not require installation. You should look for an NSF/ANSI rating of 58 to ensure you are getting a safe product. You can also use a distiller to purify your water, although it may taste bland because distillation also removes natural minerals. A good distiller will have an NSF/ANSI rating of 62. Some carbon filters can reduce lead, but you should be sure to look for a product with an NSF/ANSI rating of 53 for it to be effective.
Filters that kill germs
Reverse osmosis and distillation will also help reduce bacteria and viruses in your water, so if you have a few water safety concerns, this may be the right solution. If your water is lead-free but you have concerns about bacteria or viruses due to a weakened immune system, you can also use ultraviolet filters . These water filters use light to kill bacteria and viruses in water. Look for an NSF/ANSI rating of 55 to ensure your UV or LED filter meets safety standards. It is important to note that the best way to prevent cryptosporidium contamination from drinking water is to boil it.
Filters that purify hard water
Hard water is a problem in some areas where the mineral content of the local water supply can cause deposits in pipes, appliances and fixtures. These filters are not designed to make your water safer, but they can extend the life of your plumbing fixtures and appliances. These systems are typically installed as whole-house fixtures to protect all the plumbing and fixtures in your home at once, so it’s best to consult with a professional before deciding which type of filter you need.
Filters that improve taste
To enhance the taste, most filters simply snap onto the faucet , or you can find a pitcher version . These filters typically use carbon to remove chlorine or chloramines from your water and have an NSF/ANSI rating of 42. These filters do not claim to make your water safe, but if you live in an area where the water tastes like chlorine. , they can definitely improve the taste.