Water filtration can be an intimidating topic, not least because of how important the issues involved are. There are many filtration options on the market today, so we’re here to help you sort through what’s on offer.
Why Should I Filter My Water?
A home water filtration system is a good idea—but not a strict necessity—for everyone. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area with good water infrastructure, then a home filtration system may not be your most pressing need, but it is still a good investment.
Municipal water treatment plants in developed countries typically do a good job of reducing contaminants, and making water safe to drink, but they aren’t foolproof. Lines break or corrode, technology ages, filtration media wears out, and contaminants slip through.
Even if everything is working according to plan, you can still benefit from a home filtration system to help reduce chlorine levels, the most common disinfectant used by city treatment plants to kill microbial contaminants.
What Types of Water Filters are Available?
Water filters can be grouped according to their mechanism of action, into “mechanical filters,” and “chemical filters.”
Mechanical filters operate solely on principles of physical restraint, like a screen door, which allows air to pass through, while filtering out flies.
Sediment filters and all membrane-style filters, such as reverse osmosis filters, operate by forcing water through a very fine mesh, and restraining contaminants along the way.
Chemical filters, by contrast, operate through the process of chemical adsorption. Activated carbon, for instance, chemically “pulls” problematic substances from water, pulling them out of their dissolved state, and absorbing them to the carbon matrix.
How Do I Choose the Right Water Filter for My Home?
First, consider your needs. What problems does your water currently face? The best solution for your water problems is the solution that fixes your water. Have your water professionally tested to determine what the problem is first.
Regardless of the specifics, however, when we compare whole-house water filter systems, we see a variety of popular options emerge.
A common route is to install a water softener in the basement, as a whole-house, or “point of entry” system, and couple that with a multi-stage reverse osmosis filter under your sink, at the “point of use.”
The softener protects your home and appliances from scale formation caused by hard water, and the RO unit helps to remove any contaminants not addressed by the softener, as well as remove excess salt imparted by the ion exchange process.
There are near-endless options for whole-house setups, and since today’s filtration system designs are quite modular, you can design your own system, with your specific needs in mind.
How Often Should I Replace My Water Filter?
Filter life depends on many factors, such as water quality, material of the filter, and how long the filter is continuously in use.
Sediment filters may last anywhere from 3 months to a year, while carbon filters are generally good for 6 months to a year.
Reverse osmosis membranes can, if well cared for, last up to three years, and a good water softener should last at least a decade.
Do I Need a Water Filter if I have Municipal Water?
As discussed above, no you may not strictly “need” a water filter if you are on municipal water. However, it isn’t that pricey of a purchase to gain some peace of mind.
It’s better to have one and not need it, than to need one, and not have it.
What are the Signs That My Water Filter Needs Changing?
If you notice pressure drop in your water flow, or any suspicious flavor or odor, it may be time to swap out the filters.
In general, go with the manufacturer’s recommendations on filter changes, unless you have strong evidence that an earlier or later change would be optimal.
Can Water Filtration Improve the Taste of My Water?
Yes! Activated carbon has been used to improve water taste and odor since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Sumerians.
Carbon is the best media for removing problematic smells and tastes, and the more contact time water has with carbon, the more effective it is.
If you have sulfurous or nitrate-heavy water with a bad taste, consider setting up two or more carbon filters in a row for maximal aesthetic benefit.
Are there water filters that also add minerals?
Yes, a growing trend in water filtration center on putting beneficial minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and selenium, back into water, especially after putting water through a reverse osmosis membrane, which strips out nearly all mineral content.
Look for a remineralizing RO system for both clean, and great-tasting water.
How much does a good water filtration system cost?
Prices on water filtration systems run the gamut from under $100 for a simple RO system or basic two-stage sediment and carbon combo, all the way up to over $1,000 for an advanced, multi-stage whole home system.
You can spend as much or as little as you like, with so many options on the market, but keep in mind that the best approach is not the one that costs the most, or has the most features.
The best water filtration system is the one that addresses the problems in your water.
The Bottom Line
There is no need to be intimidated by the various offerings on the market–with water filtration, knowledge is your most valuable ally.
If you are in doubt about your water, get it professionally tested, or check your local federal water quality report. Speak to local plumbers or water dealers about common problems in the area, and popular systems to address them.
You may find that a simple RO system will be sufficient for your needs, or a modest whole-home system. Figure out what’s in your water first–that will give you the starting conditions you need to determine what sort of system you want to create.
