How to find the product that is right for you
Never before has the need been greater for quality home water filtration. Whether your
home uses municipal tap water or private well water, there are contaminants present in the
water you use for drinking, cooking and showering. The level of contamination and the
specific contaminants present in your water are largely a factor of your geographic
location and water source. The intention of this site is to promote the use of home water
filtration, show what home filtration products are available and how to determine which
ones are the best for your needs.
What’s in the Water?
The main sources of municipal tap water are surface water and ground water – water from
lakes, streams, rivers and deep wells. Almost all municipal water sources undergo a
disinfection process using chlorine or chloramine (chlorine & ammonia) to kill bacteria and
parasites. Although the EPA regulates 91 water contaminants, there are many that still
find their way into the tap water we use every day (click here for a list of contaminants).
Other contaminants commonly found in tap water include lead, copper, sulfate, nitrates,
pesticides, herbicides, arsenic, industrial solvents and trihalomethanes, a chemical known
to cause colon and bladder cancer in large concentrations. Contrary to popular belief,
municipal water treatment facilities were not designed to take out contaminants such as
synthetic organic chemicals and toxic heavy metals like lead.
Well water sources are typically not regulated at all, making it the responsibility of the
well owner to test and evaluate the safeness of their well water. Well water sources are
susceptible to contamination from septic tanks, farms, pesticides and herbicides used in
the surrounding area and can also have high instances of iron, calcium and magnesium which
cause hard water. Hard water and scaling can damage home appliances and plumbing, as well
as leave stains and spots on clothing, dishes, and surfaces in your home.
Making the Right Choice
Understanding what is in your water and the importance of using healthy, chemical free
water is the first step towards healthier living. Finding the right water filtration
products for you and your home is the next step. This site provides you with the
information you need to compare water filter brands and products to aid you in the decision
making process of purchasing a home water filtration system. We’ve gathered data on what
we feel are the most competitive water filter products in the drinking water, shower and
whole house water filtration categories as well as water softeners so you can make an
informed decision about what product is right for you. All data reported here is derived
from available public information.
Drinking Water Filters. Clean, filtered water is the foundation of health and wellness.
This site provides information about pitcher, counter top/faucet, and under counter drinking
water filter products. Product performance information provided here includes cost per
gallon, contaminant removal capabilities and warranty policies.
Shower Filters. Removing chlorine from your shower water can yield significant health and
cosmetic benefits. This site provides product performance information including effect on
water flow, chlorine reduction abilities, and what’s included when you buy a filter.
Whole House Filters. Get healthy water throughout your home for drinking, cooking, bathing
and showering. This site provides information about carbon based filters, water softeners
and reverse osmosis products. Product performance information provided here includes
chlorine reduction abilities, the type of replacement filters you’ll need, water testing
and customization services, and which products include a satisfaction guarantee.
Water Softeners. Hard water is an additional concern when it comes to your home water
source. The buildup of calcium and magnesium can damage plumbing, appliances, hot water
heaters and make it virtually impossible to get good results from washing machines and dish
washers. Product performance information provided here includes scale reduction
capabilities, back washing requirements, type of softening process used, maintenance and
which products include a product warranty.