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Should I filter my tap water?

Should I filter my tap water?
Posted in: Lifestyle

Should I filter my tap water?

Tap water isn’t exactly “clean.” It has journeyed through miles of pipeline and has likely picked up contaminants and runoff along the way.

When traveling to another town or city, you may have noticed the difference in taste in tap water. This could be due to the amount of chlorine used to treat the water (which is used to kill germs), the pipes the water has traveled through, how long it is in the pipes and the distance it has traveled. Put simply, you might be getting more than just water out of your tap.

What should I drink instead of tap water?

While bottled water is filtered and tastes good, it can end up costing you a pretty penny over time (it could be nearly 2000 times more expensive per gallon). There's also the high possibility of the bottles ending up in landfills. Before you fork out money on something that you already have in your home, it’s worth looking into ways to filter your water.

Do water filters really work?

Yes. If you don’t like the taste of your tap water, filtration is a good way to improve this. Water filters can also improve the smell and appearance of tap water and are effective in removing some contaminants, including chlorine and residue of pesticides and herbicides.

Notably, not all filtration systems do exactly the same thing and there are some things that a filtration system can’t remove, such as bacteria or viruses.

Ways to filter your water at home

There are a few different methods to filter tap water and they all have pros and cons.

Under-the-counter filters connect right on your water line and they’re great because they’re hidden away. They may not be the easiest to install and the initial cost plus price per gallon can be higher than some alternatives. They generally work very well though.

Countertop or faucet water filters are perfect for people who move a lot and want to avoid installation and maintenance issues. They easily mount to your kitchen faucet without the use of any tools. These filters typically remove more contaminants than standard pitcher systems and they take up minimal counter space. They can typically be installed in less than five minutes.

Water pitchers are portable, don’t require installation and are inexpensive. They fit nicely in the fridge and do a decent job of filtering out major contaminants but not to the extent of many under-the-counter and countertop options. These filters need frequent replacement, which could end up costing more per gallon over other alternatives.

What is the best type of water filtration system?

To determine the best water filtration system for you, you need to figure out what your needs are and choose accordingly. Here are some considerations:

  • What needs to be filtered out of your water: If you have a reason to be concerned about your tap water, your county health department could assist with testing it, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Ease of installation: from none to some, there are varying installation requirements.
  • Maintenance required: consider the manufacturer’s estimated life span of the product (and parts).
  • Cost of replacement filters: consider how often these need to be changed.

There are many ways to filter water but they all have one thing in common: they are a way to support your healthy living.

4 years ago