Home Water Systems and Water Filters
What’s up with the water?
More and more households want clean water. Well of course right?!?! By EPA standards your city water is considered drinkable. How many of you would regularly drink from the tap? (Though we’re sure it brings back some great summertime kid memories!)
Clean to you and us… and clean to the EPA mean two different things.
Clean to us means a massive reduction in almost every chemical…. like at least 90% reduction, preferably as close to 100% as possible.
Besides drinking clean water, we also want chemical free water while bathing, showering, washing and cooking!
There are a number of water filter systems out there – quite a lot actually and if you haven’t noticed – they are EXPENSIVE!!!
Let’s breakdown some system types and figure out what each one does before you decide which one will work for your house. Can someone say PROS and CONS please?!
Pros and Cons of Water Filters
| PRO | PRO | PRO | PRO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (R/O) | Cleans most all contaminants. |
Relatively compact unit and fits under most kitchen sinks. |
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| Undersink Water Filtration System | Filters out large contaminants like salt and much smaller contaminants like chlorine, flouride and pesticides. |
Retains trace minerals in the water making it healthy and good tasting. |
Compact and fits under most kitchen sinks. Does not have a tank like an R/O. |
Does not use an energy footprint to operate. |
| Whole House Water Filtration System | Filters out large contaminants like salt and much smaller contaminants like chlorine, flouride and pesticides. |
Retains trace minerals in the water making it healthy and good tasting. |
Does not use an energy footprint to operate. |
| CON | CON | CON | CON | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (R/O) | Has a good sized tank which takes up a good half of an average kitchen cabinet. If coupled with a garbage disposal space is limited. |
Cleans healthy minerals out of water (ie: trace minerals). |
Does not conserve water whatsoever. R/O’s waste 2-3 gallons of water for every 1 gallon of water it purifies. |
Has an energy footprint (minimal). |
| Undersink Water Filtration System | Rapid filters and granular filters less effective. Make sure filters are solid block carbon or multimedia. |
Need an experienced plumber to install. |
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| Whole House Water Filtration System | Rapid filters and granular filters less effective. Make sure filters are solid block carbon or multimedia. |
Need an experienced plumber to install. |
Multi Stage systems takes up about 2 feet by 3 feet of wall space next to water heater. |
Alternatively you can search for your local water supplier here on the EPA Website
*Generally cities or water companies provide the previous years report by July of the newest year.
Example: Jan – Dec of 2015 will be reported by July of 2016
WATER FILTER – rids water of contaminants and cleans water for consumption and use.
WATER SOFTENER – removes hardening minerals like calcium to soften the water. Softened water helps the longevity of plumbing and appliances (like water heaters) and minimizes soap scum. It does NOT remove chemicals or bacteria.