Clean drinking water is essential for our health and well-being, yet many people are unaware of the potential contaminants present in their tap water. While most municipal water systems meet safety standards, filtered water offers an extra layer of protection by removing impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, and chemicals. In this extensive guide, we'll explore the benefits of filtered drinking water, the different types of water filtration systems available, and why investing in water filtration can lead to improved water quality and, in some cases, better health for you and your family.
What is filtered water?
Filtered water is water that has passed through a filtration system to remove impurities, such as sediment, chlorine, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Common filtration methods include activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange, each targeting specific contaminants. Filtration systems can range from simple pitcher filters to whole-house systems, offering varying levels of water purity.
Why is water filtration necessary?
Drinking water is essential for hydration, and it’s important that the water we consume is free of unwanted contaminants and tastes good. Filtering water removes those contaminants and improves the taste and quality of your water. Here's a breakdown of why water filtration is so important.
Filtering out contaminants
Water often contains a variety of contaminants that affect its safety and quality. A few common contaminants include:
- Chlorine and chloramine: These chemicals are used by municipalities to disinfect water but can leave an unpleasant taste and may have long-term health effects when consumed over time.
- Lead and heavy metals: Aging pipes and plumbing systems can introduce lead and other metals into the water supply, which pose serious health risks, particularly for children.
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are found in many consumer products and have contaminated water sources. These chemicals are linked to various health issues, including cancer and liver damage, and they persist in the environment for long periods.
Water filtration systems are designed to remove or reduce these contaminants, ensuring cleaner, safer water. For example, activated carbon filters can remove chlorine and chloramine, and reverse osmosis systems can also eliminate heavy metals. Filtration is essential in the case of PFAS since these substances are not fully regulated yet and persist in many water supplies.
City water and EPA guidelines
City or municipal water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sets standards for water safety. The EPA requires municipalities to disinfect water with chlorine or chloramine, effectively killing harmful microorganisms. While these disinfectants protect against waterborne diseases, they can also leave an unpleasant taste and may have potential health risks over time, including skin irritation and respiratory issues.
Moreover, the EPA is currently addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS. These chemicals are still present in many water systems, and although the EPA has announced plans to remove them within the next five years, consumers must still take precautions now. Filtering your water through specialized systems such as activated carbon or reverse osmosis can help reduce PFAS exposure while waiting for EPA regulations to fully take effect.
Water quality reports and testing
Water quality reports help homeowners understand what contaminants are present in the water supply. If you’re on the municipal water supply, you should receive a Consumer Confidence Report annually outlining the contaminants in your drinking water. Without these reports, it’s impossible to know the exact quality of the water being consumed.
For well owners, it’s essential to test your water regularly and review water quality reports. Unlike municipal water, the EPA does not regulate well water, so it may contain natural and man-made contaminants like bacteria, pesticides, and nitrates.
For anyone relying on well water, annual water testing is recommended. By comparing test results to EPA standards, well owners can determine whether their water meets safety guidelines and whether any contaminants, like bacteria or heavy metals, are at unsafe levels. Installing the right filtration system, based on the test results, ensures that the water is safe for drinking and other uses.
Learn how to test your water with an at-home water test kit →
Bottled water vs. filtered water
Some homeowners might wonder why they should bother with water filtration at all when bottled water is so readily available. Both options can provide clean drinking water, but filtered water, especially with advanced systems, often offers superior contaminant removal and is a more sustainable option in the long run.
Here are some key differences between these two water options.
Source and regulation
- Bottled water is water sourced from natural origins such as springs, wells, or even municipal water supplies and is sealed in containers for commercial distribution. It is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which ensures it meets specific safety and labeling standards to protect consumer health.
- Filtered water refers to tap water treated to EPA standards by the city and filtered at home using a filtration system to remove impurities like chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants.
Contaminants
- Bottled water is generally chlorine-free but may contain microplastics, PFAS, or chemicals from packaging.
- Filtered water removes specific contaminants like chlorine, lead, and PFAS, depending on the filter used, often offering cleaner water than bottled.
Taste
- Bottled water typically has a clean, neutral taste. However, some bottled water companies add minerals back for taste, which increases the presence of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
- Filtered water often tastes fresher due to removing chemicals like chlorine while leaving beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Environmental impact
- It’s no secret that bottled water has a significant environmental footprint due to plastic waste and transportation.
- Filtered water, on the other hand, is far more eco-friendly, especially when using reusable bottles, with lower waste and carbon footprint.
Cost
- Bottled water is more expensive over time due to the cost of packaging and convenience. The convenience of pre-packaged water comes with a premium, often costing hundreds of times more than tap water.
- Filtered water is more cost-effective in the long run, with lower per-gallon costs. While you may need to invest in a filtration system and replace filters periodically, the cost per gallon is much lower than bottled water. The upfront investment in a filtration system often pays off over time.
Who needs a water filtration system?
Most people can benefit from a water filtration system to improve their water quality, taste, and sometimes safety. Here's who might benefit most from installing a filtration system.
Well owners
Filtration is essential for those who rely on well water. Unlike city water, which is treated and regulated, well water can contain unique contaminants like bacteria, sediment, and agricultural chemicals like pesticides or nitrates. Without treatment, these substances can pose health risks, making a filtration system critical for well owners to ensure their water is safe for drinking and daily use.
People in older homes
Homes built before the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule (established in 1991) may still have lead pipes or fixtures. Over time, lead can leach into the water, posing significant health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. A filtration system that removes heavy metals, like lead, provides extra protection for those living in older homes where the plumbing may still contain these harmful materials.
Regions with poor water quality
In areas with known water contamination issues or aging infrastructure, water quality may be compromised by pollutants like inorganic mineral content causing water hardness or high TDS levels. For residents in these regions, an advanced filtration system can remove a wide range of contaminants, offering peace of mind and safer water for drinking and cooking.
Sensitive populations
People with compromised immune systems, allergies, or sensitivities may need to reduce exposure to potential irritants found in untreated water. Contaminants like chlorine and heavy metals can trigger reactions or pose health risks to vulnerable individuals. Using a filtration system, sensitive populations can ensure their water is free from harmful chemicals and allergens.
Environmentally conscious individuals
Water filtration systems offer a sustainable solution for those concerned about plastic waste. By filtering tap water at home, you can avoid the need for single-use plastic bottles, reducing your environmental footprint. This option also saves money in the long run while providing high-quality, clean water without the environmental costs associated with bottled water production and disposal.
People looking to improve taste and quality
Even when city water is safe, it may still contain chemicals like chlorine or have a metallic taste due to pipes or minerals. Installing a water filtration system, especially one that uses activated carbon, can significantly improve the taste and odor of water. This makes drinking water more enjoyable while ensuring that any unpleasant chemicals or sediments are filtered out.
Is drinking filtered water good for you?
Drinking filtered water is generally good for you. It provides several health benefits by removing or reducing contaminants that may be present in tap water. While unfiltered tap water is usually safe to drink—especially in areas where it meets EPA standards—it can still contain small amounts of chemicals, metals, and other impurities that some people prefer to avoid.
Many people find that tap water has a distinct taste or odor due to chlorine, sulfur, or metal content. While not necessarily harmful, these substances make water less appealing and make choosing a drink with high sugar more tempting. Filtering water removes these compounds, resulting in cleaner, fresher-tasting water, encouraging people to drink more and stay hydrated.
Many people find that filtered water tastes great and lacks potentially harmful contaminants, making it a much better alternative to unfiltered water.
Do water filters actually work?
Water filters do work, but their effectiveness depends on the type of filter and the contaminants you are trying to remove. While some may be skeptical about water filters, particularly when tap water is widely deemed safe to drink, filters are important in reducing additional contaminants and improving water quality beyond standard municipal treatment.
Effectiveness
Water filters are designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, but their effectiveness depends on the type of filter. For example:
- Activated carbon filters are excellent at removing chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improving taste and odor.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective in reducing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), heavy metals like lead, and other chemicals such as PFAS. Each filter is built for a specific purpose, so choosing one that matches your needs, whether removing contaminants or improving taste, is important.
Certification and testing
To ensure a filter’s effectiveness, look for systems or filter components certified to NSF International standards and tested by third-party labs. NSF certifications confirm that the filter meets rigorous contaminant removal and performance standards. Without it, there’s no guarantee the filter will work as advertised.
Caution: counterfeit filters
Not all filters on the market are created equally. Some may not meet the same standards of quality as NSF-certified options, particularly when shopping through third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon. Certified filters, like those with NSF certification, are designed to provide dependable contaminant removal. To ensure your water is as clean as possible, it’s a good idea to purchase from trusted sources and avoid uncertified products that may not meet your needs.
5 best ways to filter water
Water filtration isn’t one-size-fits-all. Before choosing a filtration system, test your water and determine what your water filtration needs are. Identify the contaminants you want to filter from your water, then select the most applicable filtration system for your needs. Also, consider whether or not you need a whole home filtration solution. If your primary concern is filtering water for drinking and cooking, an undersink water filter is ideal. On the other hand, a whole-home water filtration system is the better choice if you’re looking to improve water quality throughout your home—for showers, laundry, and other household uses.
Here are some of the most common and effective water filtration systems currently available.
1. Reverse osmosis (RO) system
A reverse osmosis system is highly effective for regions with high levels of contaminants. RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of impurities, including heavy metals (like lead and arsenic), nitrates, fluoride, and TDS. This makes them ideal for areas where water contains higher concentrations of harmful substances. Additionally, most RO systems come with a built-in carbon filter, which adds another layer of purification by removing chemicals like chlorine and VOCs and improving the taste and odor of water.
Our recommendation
2. Carbon filter
A carbon filter is a versatile and highly effective filtration system, especially for removing chemicals like PFAS, chlorine, pesticides, and VOCs. Carbon filters work by adsorption or adhering contaminants onto the surface of the filter material, trapping them, and preventing them from passing through.
These filters are commonly used in standalone units and as part of multi-stage filtration systems. They improve the taste and odor of water by removing chlorine and are relatively affordable and easy to maintain. However, they are less effective at removing heavy metals or dissolved solids and are typically combined with other systems, like reverse osmosis, for broader filtration.
Our recommendation
Neo-Pure TL1-C302 Twist Lock Undersink Drinking Water System
3. Sediment filter
A sediment filter captures larger particles like dirt, rust, sand, and debris. This filter is the first line of defense in most water filtration systems, protecting more delicate filters (like carbon or RO membranes) from clogging by these larger particles. Sediment filters are handy for homes that rely on well water or live in areas with old pipes prone to rust and debris. While they don’t remove chemicals or microorganisms, sediment filters are crucial for maintaining the overall efficiency of your filtration system by preventing clogging and prolonging the life of the finer filters.
Our recommendation
Aqua-Pure AP11T Whole House Filter System
4. UV purification
Ultraviolet (UV) purification effectively disinfects water by killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. This method is essential for those using well water, which is more prone to microbial contamination than treated city water.
UV purification systems are also helpful during Boil Water Advisories, offering a reliable method of disinfection without the need to boil water. However, UV systems require electricity, so their effectiveness depends on a consistent power supply. They are also usually combined with other filtration systems, as UV does not remove physical contaminants like dirt, metals, or chemicals.
Our recommendation
Whole House System with High Efficiency Softener & UV Disinfection for 1-2 Bathrooms
5. Scale control
Scale control is an effective method for treating hard water. It helps prevent the buildup of mineral deposits, like calcium and magnesium, on pipes, appliances, and fixtures. By reducing these mineral deposits, scale control systems extend the life of plumbing and equipment while maintaining water flow and efficiency. They typically use physical or chemical treatments to alter the structure of minerals, preventing them from forming solid deposits, which makes water safer and improves overall water quality without the need for harsh chemicals or extensive maintenance.
Our recommendation
ScaleNet Salt-Free Water Conditioner High Output (for city water only)
6. Distillation
Distillation mimics the natural water cycle by boiling water, capturing the steam, and then condensing it back into liquid, leaving most contaminants behind. This process produces extremely pure water, free from bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals. It's especially beneficial in areas with severe contamination or for those who need highly purified water, such as for medical purposes.
However, distillation is energy-intensive and slow, producing water much slower than other filtration methods. It's not ideal for large families or those looking for a quick, efficient solution, but it delivers very clean water.
Though tap water is generally safe to drink, investing in a water filtration system provides additional peace of mind by ensuring your water is cleaner, safer, and free of unwanted contaminants. From improving taste and reducing harmful chemicals to protecting sensitive populations, filtered water can enhance your overall well-being.
With various filtration and purification options available, you can choose a system that fits your specific needs, whether focused on removing heavy metals and bacteria or improving taste. Prioritizing filtered water is a simple yet impactful step toward healthier living and environmental sustainability.
Fresh Water Systems is proud to offer a wide range of effective water filtration systems for home and commercial use. For the cleanest and healthiest drinking water for your home and family, trust Fresh Water Systems to deliver the best filtration options no matter your needs.
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