Water filters can be a great way of improving the quality of your water and reducing the amount of plastic that you use. Water filters come in many forms, so it is important that you fully understand each one before you buy.
Consumer Reports Best Water Filter - A Few Choices
Consider the contaminants that your water filter will be removing before buying. Some filters are only capable of removing a particular set of impurities like lead. Others can handle a greater range. If you're not sure what you want to remove from your water, it's a good idea to read your local water quality report and do a little research on the contaminants that may be present in your area.
Countertop: For large water volumes, the countertop is an excellent choice. It is less likely that it will clog than pitchers or faucet mounted models. However, it can cause clutter on your countertop and can't work with most pull-down spray or pull down faucets. It also isn't recommended for people who are immunocompromised, as they could be exposed to germs if the water they drink doesn't pass through the filter.
Faucet mounting: A faucet-mounted filters is the best choice for busy people and those who don’t like to work with plumbing. These filters attach directly to the sink and are much easier to install than pitchers or under-counter models. These models tend to be less expensive that the under-counter and include an indicator light that indicates when you need a new filter.
The Pur Plus Faucet Mount Filter has been a popular choice because it's easy to use and filters over 70 contaminants, including mercury and lead. The carbon block improves the taste and odor of the filter. It is an excellent choice for renters, or people who don't have time to do extensive plumbing repairs.
There are a few options for water filter ratings
Express Water Whole House System is a low-cost option that improves the taste and odor of your water but doesn't remove all contaminants. It has a GAC and sediment filters that remove dirt, rust, large particles and other contaminants.
This filter is a great buy because it has an easy-to-use design and a half-year lifespan. It has a high filtration rate and is made in the USA.
APEC Free Drinking Water Filtration Systems: A Better Option For Immunocompromised Individuals
If you are immunocompromised, it's a good idea to look for a water filter that is NSF certified and can remove parasites such as Cryptosporidium. These germs can be infectious and should not be allowed to enter the body of anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, AIDS or transplants.
This system has an impressive 20,000 reviews on Amazon and uses a two-stage filtration process that includes a reverse osmosis filter to remove parasites and other harmful microorganisms from your water. It's also easy to install and runs quietly. APEC also donates the filtered waters it produces to those who require it. It's a great alternative to the bottled water companies that produce water with high levels of parasites and pathogenic bacteria.