Water Purification Systems

Does your water taste odd? Is it clear? Does it smell? It may be time to have it tested and explore the different types of purification filtering systems available for your home.

Before you purchase a purification system, it is important to know just what type of substance is causing the contamination. Most public works departments provide a yearly quality analysis report of the water they provide, and some will provide free test kits for their customers. However you can also buy a Do It Yourself kit from an online purification provider.

Some of the most commons substances we are concerned with include: fluoride, chlorine, arsenic, heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide and radon. These substances in minute amounts aren’t necessarily harmful, but in higher concentrations may cause health problems for the consumer, especially the very young.

Once you know what types of contaminants you are dealing with, you can make an informed decision on what type of purification system is best suited to remove them. Ultraviolet light removes bacteria. Reverse osmosis will work best on the very small contaminates. And an activated carbon filter works best for a broad spectrum of contaminates.

There are inexpensive ways to purify your water starting with pitcher filters and faucet devices ($15-$60), and then there are the whole house systems that can cost thousands of dollars. For a reverse osmosis system, expect to pay $150 to $500, while under-sink and countertop systems range from $50 to $400.

Water bottle filters are light and portable, but slow and not practical for home purification.

Pitcher water filters are portable and inexpensive, but slow and require manual filling.

Countertop filters purify large quantities of fluid quickly, but take up counter space.

Faucet filters are inexpensive and easy to install, but not very attractive and have a slow flow.

Under-sink water purification systems are convenient and purify large quantities of fluid quickly, but may require professional installation.

Refrigerator filters are integrated into the door of your refrigerator providing purified drinking water and ice cubes, but the flow may be slow and it can be awkward to fill large containers.

Shower filters are integrated into your shower head and are great for removing chlorine that is harsh on your skin.

Whole house purification systems clean all of the fluid that comes into the home, but, in order to sustain the flow of water to the house they often sacrifice filtration performance.

If you suspect that your water is contaminated, first you need to determine what types of substances are causing the contamination, then, you need to make a decision on what type of purification filtering system will work best for you.