Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal’s 20+ years as a writer spans print, radio, TV and digital. She’s held editorial roles at major outlets including Glamour, OK!, CosmoGIRL! Sirius, Us Weekly, and more with her byline appearing in Parents, Shape, and Seventeen, and dozens more. Lauren’s TV writing and producing credits include Bravo’s Galley Talk, “Behind the Episode” editions of many Bravo/E! shows and the Bedtime by Bravo series. Lauren is the author of five books including the middle grade novel Doggy Divas: Roxy's Rules and The Girls’ Life Guide to Surviving Middle School.
updated Jun 27, 2024
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In This Article
- Do I Need a Water Filter?
- What Type of Water Filter Do I Need?
- Types of Water Filters You Should Know
- The Best Water Filters You Should Buy
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Our home came with a water filtration system that was built right into the kitchen sink. It was nice not having to worry about the tap water every time we opened the faucet, or to constantly fill a Brita pitcher. But not everyone has the luxury of a built-in water filtration system — and, to be honest, my husband and I weren’t even entirely sure why we needed one in the first place. I mean, does it even really work? And what is it actually doing, anyway?
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Yes, I’d say that you need a good water filter no matter where you live or how your water is supplied. Water filters offer several health benefits. By removing impurities, they provide cleaner and safer drinking water, reducing the risk of consuming harmful substances. Filtered water also has improved taste and odor, making it more appealing and encourages people to drink more of it. Additionally, some filters retain essential minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for overall health.
But first, you need to know which contaminants are already in your tap water. You can search by your zip code in the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database to find out which of the EPA’s biggest contaminants may be in your water.
What Type of Water Filter Do I Need?
According to Logan Cox, assistant general manager of John The Plumber Niagara Falls, an essential aspect to look for in a water filter is its ability to target specific contaminants that may be found in your water. “Different filters employ various technologies, such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or distillation, to remove contaminants like chlorine, lead, bacteria, pesticides, and other harmful substances.” Cox also recommends checking if the filter you choose is certified by independent organizations like NSF International, which confirms (or denies) their effectiveness in removing specific contaminants.
Types of Water Filters You Should Know
But even after you’ve figured out what contaminants are likely in your water, there are still lots of considerations when it comes to water filters. Here’s a breakdown of the type of filters Cox says to look for.
- Activated Carbon Filters: These water filters use activated carbon, which has a large surface area with tiny pores to trap and absorb contaminants. Activated carbon filters are effective in removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds, some pesticides, and chemicals that affect taste and odor.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters: RO water filters use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, heavy metals like lead and mercury, fluoride, nitrates, and certain chemicals. The membrane allows water molecules to pass through while blocking larger particles and impurities.
- Ceramic Filters: Ceramic water filters typically consist of small pores that physically trap contaminants like bacteria, protozoa, sediment, and larger particles. They can effectively remove harmful microorganisms and improve water clarity.
- UV Filters: Ultraviolet (UV) water filters use UV light to disinfect water by inactivating bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. They are particularly effective in destroying pathogens and ensuring microbiologically safe water.
- Ion Exchange Filters: Ion exchange water filters use resin beads that exchange ions to remove specific contaminants like heavy metals (like lead and copper), calcium, and magnesium. They work by replacing unwanted ions with more desirable ones, typically sodium or potassium.
- Distillation Filters: Distillation water filters involve heating water to create steam, which is then condensed to produce purified water. This process effectively removes impurities, including minerals, heavy metals, bacteria, and some chemicals.
The Best Water Filters You Should Buy
As for top water filter picks, Brian Campbell, founder and “lead water geek” at WaterFilterGuru.com, recommends the following:
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9
Best Water Filter Pitcher
Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
ClearlyFiltered
$
81.00
was $
90.00
This water pitcher can help reduce more than 365 contaminants from unfiltered water. You'll need to change the filter regularly for maximum efficiency, but that's super easy with a replacement filter subscription. There's a 10 percent discount if you sign up, and you can also tack on a 30 percent discount on the water pitcher itself through July 7 with the promo code APT30.
2
/
9
Best Faucet Water Filter
PUR Plus Faucet Filtration System
Amazon
$
28.59
was $
32.99
This budget-friendly faucet attachment has an unrivaled flow rate, as it uses the force of water pressure to instantly filter water.
3
/
9
Best Countertop Water Filter
RKIN U1
Amazon
$
749.95
This countertop water filter includes a built-in mineral filter, hot and cold water dispensing, smart touchscreen display with preset buttons for various cup sizes, plus it’s easy to set up and install, and totally portable.
4
/
9
Best Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter, 3.25 Gallons
Amazon
$
484.00
This jumbo water filter removes 200+ contaminants, has a filter life of 3,000 gallons, and is made from stainless steel to prevent rusting over time.
5
/
9
Best Under-Sink Water Filter
3-Stage Under the Sink Water Filter System
ClearlyFiltered
$
495.00
was $
550.00
This under-sink water filter removes up to 99.9% of 232+ contaminants including heavy metals, pollutants, and chemicals. (Although it’s currently out of stock, you can add yourself to the waitlist.)
6
/
9
Best Filtered Water Bottle
Epic Water Filters Nalgene Ultimate Outdoor Travel OG Water Bottle
Amazon
$
50.00
This simple bottle can eliminate up to 99.99% of contaminants, like heavy metals, chlorine, pharmaceuticals, agricultural pollutants, and more.
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9
Best Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Waterdrop G3P800
Amazon
$
999.00
This sleek RO filter system removes hundreds of contaminants with thorough RO filtration, blocking particles bigger than 0.0001 microns in water, has long-lasting UV light, and prevents scale formation.
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/
9
Best Budget Countertop Dispenser Water Filter
Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
Epic Water Filters
$
67.50
This budget-friendly countertop dispenser can remove more than 200 drinking water contaminants, offers targeted fluoride removal, and retains healthy minerals.
9
/
9
Best Whole House Water Filter
SpringWell CF Whole House Water Filter System
Springwell Water
$
1677.98
Durable and long-lasting, with a 1,000,000 media lifespan, this whole house water filter system thoroughly removes more than 20 contaminants from your entire home’s water supply. (Although it’s currently out of stock, you can add yourself to the waitlist.)
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