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Quality water that is safe and clean is essential for healthy living. This is especially true now, after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio that left residents exposed to toxic chemicals in their water supplies. The exposure was deemed unsafe and led officials to evacuate everyone from their homes.
Although the United States has one of the best water supplies in the world, in-home water treatment provides the final barrier of protection at the tap or for the whole house, to prevent contaminants from being ingested. Contaminants can include heavy metals, viruses, and pathogenic bacteria like salmonella, e.Coli, lead, mercury, BPA, glyphosate, benzene, styrene, chloroform, arsenic, petroleum products, and more. Water that needs filtration may taste unappealing, look discolored, smell bad, or appear with concerns like rust on kitchen or bath fixtures or buildup on pipes. Water filters also provide an alternative to buying wasteful single-use plastic water bottles.
With so many different types of water filtration options available, it can be confusing to know which one is best for a specific home’s situation. There are water filter pitchers, units that connect to an individual fixture on the counter or under a sink, and others that serve an entire home’s water supply. Also, keep in mind that filters have different technologies that are effective against certain contaminants, so getting water tested to know its needs is helpful before purchasing a water filter. Read on to learn more about some of the best water filter products that you will want to consider adding to your home to enjoy fresh, clean water.
1. PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System FM3700
This faucet-mounted carbon filter uses Mineral Core technology to filter out contaminants and improve the taste of drinking water. Reviewers say that it is easy to install and use, as it leads to noticeably cleaner-tasting and strong-flowing water. Certified to reduce 70 contaminants including lead, mercury, and some pesticides, this product filters up to 100 gallons and lasts up to three months. Without any tools required, it mounts easily to most kitchen faucets to enjoy fresh water right from the tap. One of the best features is the filter change light that alerts users when the filter needs to be replaced.
Get the PUR PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System FM3700 at Amazon for $26.50
2. Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter System
Aquasana’s Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow filter transforms tap water for up to 6 months (or 800 gallons) into clean, great-tasting water. Although on the expensive side, this product is very effective and long-lasting. The filtration technology is tested and NSF/ANSI certified to reduce over 97 percent of chlorine and chloramines, 99 percent of lead, and 96 percent of PFOA/PFOS. It is also certified to reduce mercury, chlorine-resistant cysts, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, and more. In fact, it tackles 15 times more contaminants than the leading pitcher filter. A bonus is that these filters are sustainably designed with minimal disposable plastic parts for reduced plastic waste. And the filters are easy to replace–no need to disconnect the hose or water line. Keep in mind that this filter requires a ½-inch diameter hole in the countertop or sink to install.
Get the Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter System at Amazon for $224.99
3. APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series Top Tier 5-Stage Certified Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System
This Amazon best seller is a highly efficient and quiet reverse osmosis filtration system designed to be placed under the sink. It comes with a separate tap for filtered water to separate drinking from tasks like washing hands and doing the dishes. This product uses five different stages of filtration to remove 99 percent of contaminants. It has a sediment filter, two stages of carbon filters, a reverse osmosis filter, and a coconut fiber filter. Installation is quick and easy, but specialized tools are required if there isn’t an existing hole drilled into the sink or counter. Filters should be changed at different intervals; the first three last six to 12 months and the others last two to four years.
4. Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter
With a capacity of 100,000 gallons, this is one of the best whole house water filters. The durable filter minimizes over 80 harmful impurities and dangerous heavy metals from your home’s water supply, such as chlorine, rust, pesticides, dirt, sand, and lead. This type of filter is a wise choice for homeowners who have hard water, want to remove large sediment or dirt from the water, or those who want to extend the life of pipes and appliances. Express Water’s water filtration system is simple to install, and filter cartridges get replaced every six to 12 months. While some whole house filtration systems can affect water pressure, this product has a high flow rate, providing up to 0.25 gallons of water per second.
Get the Express Water Heavy Metal Whole House Water Filter at Walmart for $484.99
5. iSpring CKC1 Countertop Water Filtration System
This countertop water filter is a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly solution that does not require installing a whole filtration system. The stylish, compact design blends into any kitchen and works well in small spaces. It connects to the faucet without any drilling required. However, an adapter is needed for some faucets, which might make it look clunkier. The carbon block cartridge that needs to be placed every six months filters out 95 percent of chlorine, odors, sand, silt, sediment, and rust from drinking water. It has been tested by the Water Quality Association to meet NSF/ANSI standards.
Get the iSpring CKC1 Countertop Water Filtration System at Amazon for $35.78
6. Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System
As an Amazon’s Choice product, the Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System includes a two-stage high precise compound filter that reduces contaminants like lead, chlorine, and particulates while leaving in all essential minerals. Reviewers rave about the fresh taste and super easy installation. However, replacing cartridges can be tricky and is recommended after six to eight months. The good news is that only the core part of the filter cartridge gets replaced, so you won’t have to throw away the entire plastic part. And since it filters quickly and efficiently, it does not affect water flow speed.
Frizzlife Under Sink Water Filter System at Amazon for $62.99
7. Brita Everyday Pitcher with 1 Longlast Filter
Often used as a noun itself given its popularity, a Brita is an affordable way to purify drinking water and considered one of the best home water filters at a lower price point. This classic BPA-free water pitcher holds 10 cups of water and fits easily on a refrigerator door. Unlike the standard filter that only lasts two months, the longlast filter does not need to be changed until the six month mark. The filter reduces 99 percent of lead, chlorine, cadmium, mercury, benzene, asbestos, and more. It features an easy-fill locking lid and an ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable to pour. With over 26,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.6-star rating, this easy-to-use option is a staple in many homes.
Get the Brita Everyday Pitcher with 1 Longlast Filter at Amazon for $44.99
8. APEC Water Systems CT-1000 Countertop Water Filter System
For anyone who wants a basic, portable, and effective water filter at an affordable price, this filter is a top choice. It’s lightweight and ideal for chlorinated city water. Covering up to 6,000 gallons of water, the filter treats 99 percent of aesthetic chlorine and reduces the harmful effects of sediments, lead, chlorine, unpleasant tastes, and odors from drinking water. No installation is necessary; just plug it in and enjoy fresh tasting water. It’s a useful option for anyone who wants to bring along a water filtration system with them while they travel.
Get the APEC Water Systems CT-1000 Countertop Water Filter System at Walmart for $59.97
9. Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Big Berkey’s freestanding filtration system can remove over 200 contaminants out of water and 99.9 percent of pathogenic bacteria. By using microfiltration and ion exchange, it filters out heavy metals, bacteria, sediment, and more, making it one of the best water filters for drinking water at home. It’s transportable and pricey, but is made out of sturdy stainless steel that’s great to use while on the road. And it’s easy to use–just fill up the 2.25-gallon upper chamber, no electricity or installation is needed. Filters should be replaced after 6,000 gallons or about two years.
Get the Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter at Amazon for $384.00
10. PUR Filtration System for Clean Water Pitcher
This sleek water pitcher filter is convenient to use and reduces common contaminants found in drinking water. It holds 11 cups and is dishwasher safe, with a LockFit design to keep the lid on tight and prevent spills while pouring. A special feature is the filter change light to ensure that the water stays as fresh as possible. Filters should be changed every two months.
Get the PUR Filtration System for Clean Water Pitcher at Amazon for $29.99
The prices listed here are accurate as of publication on March 21, 2023.