Safe water filters help reduce harmful contaminants like chemicals, heavy metals and bacteria that aren’t treated by municipal water sources. They also infuse water with a blend of minerals that promotes skin and hair health.
Be sure to choose a filter that eliminates toxins you want to avoid, such as fluoride (which acts as a neurotoxin for infants) and aluminum. Read labels to find out what a filter is certified to reduce. Here are some things to look for in a home water filter for your drinking water.
Removes Contaminants
No matter where your water comes from, there are toxins in it. A filter removes many of the contaminants that are linked to health issues, including cancer and endocrine disruption. To find out what’s in your tap water, check out EWG’s Tap Water Database or your local utility’s drinking water quality report (they should be available online).
Some filters use a physical filtration process while others employ chemical filtration. For example, a carbon filter uses a cartridge packed with granular or solid block activated carbon to trap chlorine and other organics. It can also remove some microorganisms and heavy metals.
A fluoride filter, on the other hand, uses a chemically modified form of anthracite or template-assisted crystallization to reduce the amount of fluoride in the water. This is because municipal water supplies add fluoride to the water to prevent tooth decay, but it acts as a neurotoxin when drunk during pregnancy and for children. You’ll want to select a filter that is certified by an independent lab to ensure it really does remove what it claims.
Keeps Bacteria at Bay
A water filter that removes bacteria from the drinking water is crucial for those who use wells, travel or live off-grid. While big improvements have been made to city tap water, millions of people still live in areas where there's potential for harmful bacteria in the water supply.
The best travel water filters can filter out bacteria, protozoa, cysts, algae and spores from contaminated outdoor sources for hikers and campers to safely drink. Most of these filters are compact, lightweight and easy to use and many have the added bonus of being made from recycled materials to reduce plastic waste.
A countertop water filter can remove a lot of unwanted contaminants including fluoride (with a filter attachment), pesticides, heavy metals, nitrates and nitrites as well as chlorine. It will also improve the taste and texture of your tap water. If you're unsure what's in your home tap water we recommend having it independently tested. Your local water utility should provide a Consumer Confidence Report but it's best to have the water analyzed in your home as well.
Boosts Vitamins & Minerals
The best water filter systems remove dangerous chemicals such as chlorine and disinfection byproducts, as well as heavy metals like arsenic and mercury. They also ensure that healthy minerals such as magnesium and calcium remain in the water so you get the vitamins and nutrients you need. They also prevent limescale. It’s important to research which type of filter works best for you and your family because not all filters are created equal. Many green companies offer a wide variety of safe water filters, so you can find one that targets the contaminants you’re concerned about. Be sure to ask for a product that’s tested and certified green to make the most of your investment.
A family with a water filter at home is less likely to buy bottled water, mitigating environmental concerns and ensuring that the whole family gets the clean drinking water they need to thrive. It’s a great way to promote better health and to encourage kids to drink more water, which leads to healthier lives all year round.
Saves Money
Buying a water filter can save you money over the long term by eliminating the expense of bottled water and keeping your family healthy with non-toxic drinking water. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose between whole house filters that treat all of your taps or countertop systems that can fit right under your sink.
Most filters will remove lead, aluminum, e-coli and other dangerous chemicals from your water while others may add beneficial nutrients like calcium and magnesium. The best filters will also reduce the cost of bottled water by up to 50%.
While you can find cheaper filters, they are likely to require replacement every few months or longer depending on how much water you drink. A high-quality filter that uses natural materials like zeolite will last much longer and be more affordable than the competition. A good water filter will also help reduce the amount of waste you produce, as you won’t be throwing away plastic bottles on a daily basis.
