Finding the best water filters should not be difficult. Before you decide how to improve the quality of the water you drink, you need to understand what water filters can do for you.

Background about Water Filters

Can you imagine a world no access to clean water? Life on earth would not exist and unfortunately, there are many places where this is a reality. While we can survive without food for 21 days, we can only survive for a maximum of 7 days if we forego water.

Water accounts for 60% of an adult body and it is vital for key functions such as the maintenance of joints and tissues, temperature regulation, and waste removal. However sometimes we do not have access to pure water, as our water source and distribution can be contaminated by serious pollutants such as lead.

Therefore, water filtration is very important.

We invite you to join us as we discuss how the best water filters help us attain the goal of clean water for daily use.

What is a water filter and how does it Work?

A water filter is a device that removes undesirable elements such as chlorine, lead and bacterial contaminants from your water. This filtration process can occur through a number of methods (e.g, mechanical, absorption, or reverse osmosis) or through a combination of two (2) or more methods.

In order for us to understand how a water filter works, let’s briefly consider the operations of each filtration method:

Mechanical Filtration of Water:

In this case, a physical barrier is used to remove any dirt or particles from your water. This barrier can vary from a simple mesh, which removes large particles, to a ceramic filter capable of removing tiny organisms. If a water filter uses mechanical filtration, you will notice an assigned micron rating, which tells you the size of particles that can be removed from your water.

The smaller the value of the micron rating, then the greater the effectiveness of the water filter, since harmful microorganisms can be successfully removed.

Absorption (Activated carbon) Filtration:

Absorption is the most common water filtration system in our homes. Activated carbon granules easily absorb organic contaminants (such as chlorine) in your water. The molecular structure of these carbon granules is very porous and it has an internal surface with spaces to trap impurities and boost the absorption process.

The carbon can come from wood or coconut shell, where the latter produces the best water filters. Activated carbon is created by first subjecting the raw materials to high temperatures without oxygen. In the next phase, argon and nitrogen are introduced, and then, the mixture is exposed to more heat, as well as steam and oxygen. This produces the porous carbon that is suitable for filtration.

The effectiveness of carbon filters may vary. The most popular water filters utilize granular activated carbon (GAC) to remove undesirable tastes, colors and odors.

Other filters can remove dangerous contaminants such as lead, mercury and volatile organic compounds (VOCs – mainly associated to hydrocarbon traces).

The high-end systems contain carbon block filter, which is more effective and carries a micron rating for removing particles. However you should note that activated carbon is not effective in removing inorganic contaminants such as arsenic and fluoride.

UV Filtration:

This system uses the electromagnetic energy of UV light to destroy the DNA core of harmful microorganisms. The process effectively removes almost all bacteria and viruses that may be present in the water supply.

Sequestration:

This is a form of chemical filtration which isolates the pollutants. In this case, food-safe poly-phosphate is used to bind the calcium and magnesium deposits, which cause limescale and corrosion. This binding process neutralizes the harmful pollutants. However although the calcium and magnesium are neutralized, they are still present and can make the water “hard”, therefore this process is best succeeded by either reverse osmosis or ion exchange.

Ion Exchange:

Ion exchange is a popular method used to soften hard water. It works by replacing the usual calcium and magnesium ions with the alternative hydrogen and sodium ions. When these hard minerals are removed, it is then possible to safely store water at high temperatures (such as in a coffee machine).

How does this ion exchange occur? This filtration system uses zeolite beads containing sodium ions to trap and replace the hard minerals. Once your water has no calcium and magnesium, it can be easily digested and it tastes much better!

Reverse Osmosis (RO):

This is where dissolved materials (for example calcium and magnesium ions) are removed by straining the water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. The water molecules pass through, but these unwanted elements are trapped and disposed.

Reverse osmosis is a multi-filtration system which layers several filtration methods. The initial layer is a mechanical filter, which removes any debris that may rupture the membrane. The second and third filters are usually carbon-based and serve to eliminate dangerous chemicals and particles. The water then passes through the semi-permeable membrane, and through another filter to remove any remaining contaminants.

There may be additional processes such as UV filtration (to remove microorganisms) and remineralization (which returns nutrients to the water for improved taste).

The RO process results in some amount of water waste, so it is best used to treat drinking and cooking water. While the multi-filter process can increase the cost, the gain is that this filtration method provides the a great water purity results, there placing this system as one of the best water filters.

Distillation:

Distillation is probably the easiest filtration method, which anyone can use to create clean water. The first step is to boil the water at a temperature high enough to produce steam and to kill any bacteria that may be present. You would then capture the steam, and cool it back to its liquid state. This water would now be pure and safe for use.

Each filtration method has its limitations, so some of the best water filters use a combination of two (2) or more processes to attain a specific purity level. However once you have an understanding of how each method works, and the possible combinations, then you will be able to figure out the kind of water filter that best fits your needs.

What are the Benefits of using a Water Filter?

A water filter provides you with on-demand clean water. The medical profession tells us that we should drink an average of 3.2 liters of water per day. Let’s consider some of the health benefits of getting your daily quota of clean and sparkling water:

Fight dehydration: Drinking your minimum intake will quench your thirst and revive your cells.
Digestive aid: Water facilitates your digestion and helps to convert food to energy.
Energy booster: A good digestive system allows you to easily top up your energy reserve.
Improved performance: As your energy levels improve, so does your performance in your daily activities.
Promote weight loss: Water helps to suppress your appetite and burn calories.
Temperature regulation: Drinking water allows your body to release any excess heat that could damage your internal systems.
Joints and tissue maintenance: Adequate hydration maintains the optimal moisture levels in your bones, blood and brain. Water protects your spinal cord, and it also lubricates and cushions your joints.
Eliminate waste: Water flushes waste and toxins from your digestive and renal systems to promote overall health and well-being.

We have explored the health benefits of drinking water. However a water filter generates many other value-added benefits.

It is a cost effective way to supply potable water to homes and businesses. Bottled water can be expensive and it also leverages a high cost on the environment from the inappropriate disposal of plastic waste. Drinking safe water reduces your risk of contracting waterborne illnesses from microorganisms and toxic chemicals.

Above all, filtered water tastes great and there’s nothing like drinking to excellent health and longevity!

Why should I have a Water Filter?

The pertinent question should be: “Why don’t I have a water filter?” We can fall into the mistaken belief that once our homes receive municipal water, then we automatically have clean water flowing from our taps. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, regardless of the size of the city, suburb or village in which we reside.

Contamination at Distribution Network

While water authorities do take the necessary steps to treat our water at the source, some contaminants are picked up while the water is in transit through the distribution network. The age and length of the water mains are important factors, as corroding and long pipes result in more opportunities for contamination.

The contaminants that may be present in these feed lines include tiny organisms, as well as varied strains of bacteria and viruses. The water that reaches the end user (that’s you and I) may have an unusual color, bad smell or unpleasant taste. These symptoms are all evidence of contamination.

Water Treatment at Source not Enough

The water authority’s assurance that it has done its due diligence in treating the water source is not enough. Generally such treatment plans include the use of copious amounts of chlorine. The intended effect of chlorination is to kill microorganisms, which is generally achieved. However there are some dangerous chlorine-resistant parasites that can only be removed via mechanical filtration.

There is also the unintended side effect of chlorine and organic matter interactions, which then generate carcinogenic properties. You also need to consider that our water source can be contaminated by pesticides and industrial chemicals, which are often fatal when ingested by humans. Therefore we strongly recommend that you filter the water that comes from your taps for general health and safety.

Most Common Water Filters

In this section, we will explore some of the most popular water filters for use in your home, office and leisure travels.

Home Water Filters

There are a variety of water filters for use in the home. The most common products include:

Water filter pitcher: These pitchers have the appearance of a common water jug, but with a difference. They contain a cartridge which filters the water to give you a good clean cup each time.
Water filter faucet: It just makes sense to filter your water directly from the faucet. This filter attaches to your faucet’s aerator and allows you to switch between tap and filtered water. These filters are effective at eliminating lead, chlorine, odors, and unpleasant tastes.
Counter-top water filter: This system is similar to the water filter faucet, except that you have the ability to store large quantities of filtered water on your counter-top.
Under-sink water filter: An under-sink water filter system allows you to filter and store large quantities of water. The difference is that you don’t sacrifice any counter space. However unlike the previous systems, this one requires professional installation.
Reverse osmosis (RO) water filter: This is probably one of the most expensive filtration systems. They are generally installed for an entire house as opposed to a specific area. A RO filter uses the water pressure to force the water through a semi-permeable membrane, and also through a series of filters. The RO water filter is able to successfully remove a variety of contaminants.

Office Water Filters

There is some overlap between the water filters for the home and those for the office. However there is one type of water filter that characterizes the office domain:

Water cooler filter: The iconic office water cooler can also be fitted with filters for better water quality

Travel devices

We know that you want to have clean water for on-the-go hydration:

Portable water filter: This category contains a number of products. The most common product is the familiar water bottle fitted with a filtration cartridge. There are also straws with built-in filters, which allow people to safely drink water from any source. Other portable versions include micro filtration units that can be stowed in a backpack for easy transportation.

How to choose the Best Water Filter System for you

Your choice of a water filter depends on the level of your water quality. The more extensive the level of pollution, then the stronger your filtration system would need to be. There are three (3) ways for you to determine your water quality: a water quality report, assessing the water aesthetics, and using lab tests.

Water quality report

You could contact your water authority to get the latest copy of their quality assessment of your local water source. However you need to bear in mind that these tests are conducted at the treatment sites. These tests will not account for any contamination arising from a faulty distribution network.

Therefore it is ideal to conduct your water quality tests at the point of use – in your home.

Assessing the water aesthetics

You can easily assess your water quality by paying attention to its sight, smell and taste.

Sight test:

You would fill a glass of water from your tap. Next you hold the glass against a light source and look to see if there are any floating particles. If you notice a brown, red or orange colors, that may be due to rusty pipes and fittings.

Black color may originate from chlorine breaking down the interior of your water hoses. If you observe a white color (or just overall cloudiness), then it can mean that your water is hard due to the presence of excess calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.

You should let the tap run for a bit to clear out any build-up before collecting another sample. Hold the glass against a light source and check the water color. If it is brown or murky, then this points to contamination from rusty pipes or pollution from another upstream source.

If it’s not possible to examine your pipes, then you can check for rust and blue stains in your toilet bowl. A blue or white stain points to limescale deposits. In such cases, you should clean or replace your pipes. However if you determine that there are no problems with your pipes, then you should contact your water authority with the information.

Smell test:

Clean water smells fresh, so your sense of smell can provide an indication about the type of contaminants that are present. If you detect the smell of bleach, then this is likely from the chlorine treatment of the water. This smell declines the longer the water is exposed to air. You can still filter the water, but it is generally harmless.

However if you notice a rotten eggs or sulfurous smell, it points to bacterial growth or sulfate acid soils that is getting into contact with your water due to a broken pipe.

You should collect a glass of water and let it stand in a separate room. If you cannot detect the smell after a few minutes, then the bacteria is likely inside your drains. If the water still smells rotten (with both hot and cold water samples), then it indicates a more serious bacterial pollution and you should immediately contact your water authority.

A musty or earthy smell means that simple organic matter (for example leaves) have decayed in the water. You can conduct the similar test from the previous case of the rotten eggs smell. This likely a minor issue with your drains and/or water supply, but you can filter the water just to be sure. It is most likely harmless.

Taste test

If any water sample tastes very unpleasant, don’t swallow! If the water tastes like bleach, then this is simply due to the chlorine that was used to treat the water. If you detect a metallic taste, then it can be caused from the presence of minerals or low pH levels. If your water is salty, then this indicates sulfate contamination from irrigation and industrial drainage. For the latter two cases, please contact your water authority.

Lab tests

You can purchase a water quality test kit to test the water that comes into your home. However, before you conduct the test, it is helpful to have an idea about the possible contaminants that may be present.

These include chlorine, calcium and magnesium carbonate, bacteria, viruses, pesticides, nitrates and heavy metal. Although chlorine is harmless, it makes the water taste bad. Hard water (from calcium and magnesium) can lead to limescale deposits, while pesticides and nitrates are poisonous.

If the pH level of your water is low, then the acidity will be foul-tasting and corrode fixtures.

You should buy a test kit that contains separate strips for the various contaminants. Each kit has detailed instructions, which you should carefully read before conducting your tests. The instructions will outline the length of exposure of each strip to the water sample, the sample’s temperature and how to decode the colors from the tests.

Once you have read the instructions, then you can begin the testing. You should keep each strip submerged in the water sample for the set time frame. After the time has elapsed, you should remove the strip and shake off any excess droplets. You would then wait for the additional time to pass before comparing the strips to the color chart. If you get a hazardous reading, it is best to conduct the test once more to be sure that no errors were made.

What do you want to achieve with the Water Filter?

Once you know your water quality, then you are more informed about the nature of the filtration system that you will need. Each filtration system is effective at removing certain contaminants, and so it is vital to make the right selection.

Activated carbon water filters are inexpensive and effective at removing unpleasant tastes and smells, chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sediment. They do not remove bacterial growths or minerals (such as calcium and magnesium) that cause hard water. These filters must be used frequently to avoid any bacterial deposits. They are also highly time sensitive and must be regularly replaced.

Ion exchange water filters substitute hard water minerals with hydrogen and sodium ions. They are effective in removing metals, but the water may taste salty after the filtration process.

UV filtration is most effective in destroying bacteria and viruses, but not minerals or chemicals. They can be costly to run because they utilize electricity.

Water filters that use reverse osmosis (RO) are the most effective filtration systems. An RO system removes almost all forms of contaminants because it combines multiple filtration methods. Although there is some waste, the process generates a large volume of treated water. However a remineralization process is necessary to ensure that the end product is not bland.

Common Mistakes when Buying Water Filters

Water filters come in a variety of sizes. The larger and more expensive a system is, then the greater the opportunity to make mistakes in purchasing that system. Let’s consider some of these possible mistakes:

Failing to do a water quality test

You should know what your water quality issues are before you purchase a filtration system. This information will guide you in the size and complexity of the system that you actually need to purchase.

Buying a system that’s too small (or too large)

This is a common pitfall with whole house systems. A system that is insufficient to manage the flow rates of a household will result in restrictions and eventual failure. Alternately, it is possible to buy a system that is too large and consumes more energy than needed.

Purchasing based on recommendations

Recommendations from friends and info from review sites should be taken with caution. You need to purchase a system that meets your specific needs and circumstances.

Buying brand names

The fluidity of company ownership and a variety of manufacture sites mean that the quality of products is not always assured. You should be willing to explore new brands, as innovative products are always being developed.

Buying a proprietary system

You should avoid buying a system that needs specialty parts. It’s important to consider the ease of getting replacement parts so that you will be able to maintain your water filtration system.

Failing to make a purchase

Last but not least, don’t get overwhelmed by all the options and fail to buy a filter. A water filter is very important and it’s better to get a simple option, than to not get one at all.

Water Filter Maintenance

Now that you have your filtration system in place, it is important to maintain it. Each filtration option, from the simplest to the most complex, comes with maintenance instructions. Since each system is unique, we recommend that you care for your water filter in accordance with its own manual. However we have general maintenance information that we can consider:

Change the filters frequently

If you purchase an activated carbon or reverse osmosis system, then you must regularly replace the filter. The schedule for the switching out your filters will be on the manufacturer’s website or in the instructions manual.

Replace the beads

If you buy an ion exchange filter, then the beads will need to be replaced. These beads contain a limited charge, so once they have been exhausted, they become useless and your filter will no longer work.

Replace the bulb

If your system uses electricity, then you will need to replace the bulb. In such cases, your system may have a built-in notification to let you know when it is time for replacement. You may also be able to visually observe that the bulb needs to be replaced.

Final Thoughts about the Best Water Filters

Water is a vital resource needed to support health and well-being. However there a number of contaminants that may pollute your water at its source and during its distribution. Therefore it is important to assess your water quality and the needs of your household.

Each water filtration system must be adequately maintained according to its manual. A water filter is essential for you to be able to generate your own affordable, clean and refreshing water in your home.

Once you are armed with this information, you can make your personal evaluation of the best water filters available on the market. You will then be able to purchase a system that yields the desired level of water purity and effectively meets your household requirements.

Header image for: Whole-House vs. Point-of-Use Advanced Filters: A Comparison

Learning Hub

Whole-House vs. Point-of-Use Water Filters: A Comparison

Explore the differences between whole-house and point-of-use water filtration systems, including their benefits and ideal use cases for homeowners.