The Complete Guide to Choosing a Water Purification System

Did you know that an average glass of tap water in the U.S. can have industrial contaminants linked to cancer?

Impurities such as salt, bacteria, organic compounds, nucleases, and even chlorine may be present in tap water. These contaminants can block filters, leave mineral deposits, or interfere with lab testing and water-based applications.

Thankfully, the right water purification system exists—and we're here to help you choose it.

Keep reading for a breakdown of water purifier types, how they work, and how to choose the best one for your specific needs and budget.

Understanding Hard vs. Soft Water

Before diving into systems, understand your water's hardness. It's defined by TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)—measured in ppm (parts per million).

• 0–150 ppm: Very soft water
• 150–300 ppm: Soft to moderate
• 300–500 ppm: Hard
• 500+ ppm: Considered polluted

Hard water often contains calcium, magnesium, heavy metals, and fluoride. If your source is deep wells or tankers, hard water is common. Municipal water tends to be softer but still requires purification.

What Is Feed Water?

"Feed water" refers to your water source. Its level of contamination can vary drastically depending on whether it's municipal, well, or surface water.

Groundwater may contain fertilizers, pesticides, and dissolved organics. Understanding the composition of your feed water is crucial in selecting the correct purification method.

How Clean Does Your Water Need to Be?

Water quality is graded by standards like those from the ASTM. In labs, water is typically rated Type I (ultrapure) to Type III.

For drinking and home use, you're primarily targeting the removal of physical, chemical, and microbial contaminants.

Top Water Purification Techniques

Here’s an overview of common purification technologies:

🔁 Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Uses pressure and a semi-permeable membrane to filter out up to 99% of dissolved solids, salts, and microbes. Best for high TDS levels.

💧 Ultrafiltration (UF)

Uses larger pores than RO to remove bacteria and particles. Doesn’t remove dissolved solids, but doesn’t waste water either. Great for areas with low TDS.

☀️ Ultraviolet (UV)

Uses UV rays to kill bacteria and viruses. Often used with carbon filters or UF for full-spectrum purification.

🧲 Activated Carbon

Traps chlorine, odor, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Often used as a prefilter in most purification systems.

🔻 Gravity-Based Purifiers

Simple and affordable; good for non-electric filtering of visible impurities. Often includes carbon and sediment filters. Ideal for low TDS areas.

Choosing a System Based on Usage

• Drinking water only? Consider countertop RO or UF+UV combos.
• Whole house? Choose a central filtration system with sediment + carbon + optional RO.
• Lab or sensitive use? You’ll need high-grade multi-stage purification.

Don’t Forget Maintenance & Flexibility

Your chosen system should match your water volume needs (hourly, daily, or weekly). Also, consider future lab or household needs that may evolve. Flexibility and modularity matter.

Set Your Budget

Factor in not just the upfront cost, but also the ongoing expenses—like replacement filters, membrane life, and service needs.

Design and Accessibility

Some systems can be mounted under sinks, on walls, or hidden in storage cabinets. Choose a design that integrates smoothly into your space without being obtrusive.

Make sure you also avoid these common water filter buying mistakes.

💡 Final Thoughts: Water Purification Done Right

Understanding your water quality, needs, and usage will help you select a purification system that protects your health and supports your lifestyle or lab work.

Ready to upgrade your water quality? Explore our systems, or check out our clearance section for unbeatable deals on top-rated filters.