Practical Guide to Purchasing the Best Water Filter

Considering a water filtration system for a home can be a daunting task. One needs first to determine what is wrong with the present water supply. With contaminents being such a ubiquitous problem, it is not uncommon to be dissatisfied with water supplies, whether from wells or city systems. Then, following this assessment, the homeowner should investigate what the various systems promise in treating these problems.

Many inexpensive units simply remove particles from the water. In general, the more expensive a unit, the finer the particles it will filter out. The best water filter systems in this class use reverse osmosis technology, and claim to be able to remove microbes as small as a hundred thousandth of a millimeter in diameter.

However, the best water filter for homes with a deteriorated water supply will do more than simply remove sediment. They will also remove bacteria usually using an ultraviolet light system.

Every house’s water problems will be different making it difficult to provide a ‘one solution fits all’ for every homeowner. Water pumped from a well may be cleaner than that supplied by a municipal source, but usually it will contain some microbial materials that can affect its appearance, taste, and odor. A water test can reveal what is in the water and a choice can be made about the best water filter to handle the problems.

Peace of mind is often a factor in choosing the best water filter for a particular location. Some just feel better drinking filtered water no matter what. Others want the purest water possible for the least cost. It is even possible that a water source is so contaminated with bacteria that no filter system can make it safe. If this is true of a well, some have been able to clean it by pouring bleach into it, then pumping it out. For others, a new well will probably have to be sunk.

Water filtering systems are available as individual faucet units as well as whole house filters. Some use electricity to help remove all contaminants from the water and others only filter to about .4 microns, which is effective to remove most sediment. However, if the water has a high iron count, it may also have a sulfur smell. While the best water filter may remove some of the odor, it may take more than filtering to get rid of the smell.

Some have opted for a duel attack on their water problems by using both a water softener and filter system. When the minerals are removed first, the life of the filter cartridge can often be extended. What is the best water filter system? The answer to that can only be determined when the water is evaluated, and the minimum acceptable levels of contaminants is established.

The best line of activated charcoal filters we are aware of is the Berkey Filter. Whether you choose their Big Berkey Water Filter or another model, each set of filters they ship with can be re-cleaned to purify up to 6,000 gallons of water.