Choosing the Right Water Filtration System for Your Home

Did you know that the water in your home may contain lead, arsenic, and several other toxic chemicals? While the United States government, as per the Clean Water Act in 1972, ensures that all Americans access safe drinking water, millions of people still fall victims to unsafe drinking water.

This is mainly due to violations, inadequate treatment at the water plant, deteriorating infrastructure, and contamination. To ensure that the water in your home is safe, it may be best to invest in a water filtration system. 

Here is what you need to know about a home water filtration system. 

Why You Need a Water Filtration System

Before water flows through your faucets, it passes through dirt, rocks, harsh chemicals, contaminants, and toxic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. These contaminants can change the taste and smell of the water and pose a severe health risk.

Note that, though you cannot see the contaminants and impurities, it doesn't mean that they do not exist. To know how safe your water is and the exact contaminants in the water in your home, you have to test it.

To determine the type and level of contaminants in your water, you can read recent reports from your local water supplier. Most water companies have annual reports which can include the types of pollutants in the area. 

You can also buy a DIY home water test kit or get a professional lab testing kit. If you don't love DIY projects, hire a professional in your area to test the water. 

Having a high-quality and reliable water purification system in your home is the best way to ensure that your family is safe. The right system will ensure that you have quality water for brushing your teeth, cooking, bathing, cleaning, drinking, and more.

With a water filtration system, you will have access to purified water right from your faucet. But first, you need to ensure you have the right system.

What to Consider When Choosing A Home Water Filtration System

Choosing the ideal filter can be a challenge. With several types of water filters available and different filtration technologies to consider, it is best to know what you need before you start shopping around for one. 

With several brands & models to choose from, knowing what you need from the system will bring you one step closer to finding the best home water filtration system. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best home water filtration system.

Determine the Kind of Filter You Need

There are several types of water filters to choose from; under-sink filters, whole-house filters, and countertop filters. It is important to note that no single water filter can remove all impurities from the water.

Additionally, not all filters use the same technology, have the same functions or features. Therefore, before buying a water filter, determine your filtration needs and understand what each system can offer you.

Under-Sink Water Filters

As the name suggests, this system is fitted under the sink. The system filters water before it sends it to a dedicated faucet. This system can filter a lot of water and not take up much space under the sink.

The system can filter out contaminants such as:

• Chlorine byproducts
• Pesticides
• Herbicides
• Chloramine
• Iron
• Aluminum
• Arsenic
• Fluoride
• Mercury 

Though this water filter is expensive and may require you to modify your plumbing before installing it, you can be sure of having clean water in your home.

Countertop Water Filters

Countertop filters don't need any modifications or permanent fixtures, unlike under-sink filters, which require plumbing modifications. These filters also allow you to switch between filtered and unfiltered water. However, the filters still require installation.

Whole-House Filters

If you want a system that filters all the water entering your home, then this is the right water filtration system for you. This system is ideal if you have hard water or the water contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Some whole-house filters can filter up to 99% of contaminants. Such filters use KDF and the highest quality catalytic coconut shell carbon to remove all toxic contaminants and retain naturally-occurring minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Other available filters include faucet filters, shower filters, refrigerator water filters, and portable filters. 

Consider the Types of Contaminants in Your Home

Before choosing a water filter, you need to know the types of contaminants in your water. This way, you can select a filter that can effectively remove the contaminants in your home.

With several filters to choose from, check reviews of the available brands and know more about the type of filter you want. Do not forget to read the fine print. Choose a brand you can trust and.

Never assume that since a filter can remove one contaminant, it can also remove others. Some filters can effectively remove bacteria but cannot filter chemicals out and vice versa. Therefore, always check the details of a filter before you purchase. 

Your Consumption

The amount of filtered water you need will also determine the type of filter you buy. Some water filtrations systems are slow and cannot quickly produce large amounts of water. Choose a water filter that can meet your daily filtered water consumption and the size of your household. 

If you only need to filter your drinking water, you can choose a system that only filters water in one faucet. However, if you need to filter the water that flows from every tap in your home, a whole-house filtration system is ideal.

The Filter Technology

There are different water filter technologies available. These systems have their pros and con and different levels of effectiveness. When choosing a water filter, consider the following filter technologies.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the best ways to kill the water's toxic particles. This filter can effectively kill viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. The filter attacks the DNA of these contaminants so that they cannot produce. This filtration system can be combined with another system for maximum effectiveness, such as reverse osmosis.

Reverse Osmosis

Water filtration systems using reverse osmosis technology force water out of a semipermeable membrane. The system blocks out all particles that are larger than water molecules. It can filter protozoa, bacteria, arsenic, nitrate, lead, viruses, and more.

However, this technology doesn't work on volatile organic compounds, trihalomethanes, and chlorine. If your system uses this technology, it would be best to combine it with a carbon filter. 

Distillation

This is the process of boiling water, collecting the steam, and leaving behind all contaminants. This process can kill all biological contaminants such as viruses and bacteria. However, since most VOCs have a very high boiling point, this technology will not work on them.

Most distillation systems also combine it with carbon filters to ensure safe drinking water. 

Ceramic

These filters have tiny holes that allow water to pass through while filtering other contaminants. This technology is only effective in removing bacteria and protozoa. However, it cannot block out viruses or chemicals.

When embedded with silver, ceramic filters can prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. These filters are also very long-lasting. 

Activated Carbon

Filtration systems with activated carbon also include several other natural carbon materials. These materials are porous and can attract impurities. The purities then adhere to the surface of the filter, and only clean water can pass through it.

Some activated carbon filters are only effective in removing bad taste, foul odor, and chlorine. Other systems can remove radon and VOCs. However, they cannot remove inorganic compounds such as fluoride, arsenic, heavy metals, and chromium. 

If you have such contaminants in your water, you can choose the carbon granular activated carbon filters or carbon block. Additionally, you will have to change or replace the filters after some time. 

Your Budget

The price of a water filtration system depends on the brand, features, technology, output, and more. There are simple models that you can install quickly and complex systems that are more expensive and require professional installation.

Though your budget is an essential factor to consider, do not compromise on the effectiveness of a system or your daily filtered water consumption. Also, consider ease of maintenance. 

If you love DIY projects, get a system that you can easily replace its filter without calling the professionals. 

Consider These Tips When Choosing a Water Filtration System

Installing the right water filtration system is the best way to protect your household from the toxic contaminants in your water. Choosing an affordable system that can meet your family's needs and keep them safe will save you from several hospital visits.

If you are looking for the right water filter for your home, we have exactly what you need. Here At Supreme Water Sales, we have some of the best brands that use various filtration technologies. 

Check out our website for high-quality and affordable water filtration systems.