Best Water Filtration Systems for Safe Drinking Water

Why You Need a Water Filtration System

Municipal water is treated to meet safety standards, but contaminants can still make their way into your water supply. These might include chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and sediments that can impact your health. Even in areas with relatively clean water, filtration systems can enhance water taste and remove lingering impurities.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Water Filtration System

Before jumping into the brands and types of filters, consider the following:

1. Water Quality: Test your water using a tool like TapScore or the EWG Tap Water Database, which allows you to input your zip code and learn about the contaminants in your water. This will help you understand whether you need a simple filtration system or something more robust like a reverse osmosis (RO) system.

2. TDS Levels: Measure your water’s total dissolved solids (TDS) using a simple and affordable TDS meter on Amazon. If your TDS levels are below 150-200 ppm, a filtration-only system may be sufficient, saving you money over a full RO system.

3. Water Usage: For families using a lot of water, a whole-house system might be ideal, while smaller households may opt for a point-of-use system like an under-sink filter.

4. Municipality Issues: If your area frequently has boil-water alerts or bacterial outbreaks, consider investing in a system with ultraviolet (UV) filtration for extra protection.

5. Arsenic and Other Toxins: If arsenic or heavy metals are a concern, you may need a specialized system like the Adedge filter for arsenic, often paired with a reverse osmosis drinking water system.

Top Water Filtration Systems for Your Home

Now that you know what to consider, let’s dive into some of the best water filtration systems on the market.

1. Clearly Filtered

Clearly Filtered offers advanced water filtration systems that are certified to remove over 230 contaminants, including lead, chlorine, and heavy metals. Their filters are designed for under-the-sink use or as pitcher filters, offering an affordable solution for families who want high-quality drinking water without installing a whole-house system.

Pros:

• Removes over 230 contaminants.

• Affordable and easy to install.

• Suitable for smaller households.

Cons:

• Not ideal for whole-house filtration.

2. Hydroviv Water Filters

Hydroviv customizes their filters based on your local water quality data, providing you with a personalized filtration solution. These filters target the specific contaminants in your water and are ideal for homes that require a tailored approach.

Pros:

• Customized based on your water quality.

• Excellent for removing contaminants unique to your area.

• Simple installation for under-sink or countertop use.

Cons:

• More expensive than generic filtration systems.

3. Waterdrop Water Filtration Systems

Waterdrop offers a wide range of filtration options, from under-sink filters to advanced reverse osmosis systems. Their compact design is ideal for small spaces, and they provide high water flow rates without compromising on filtration quality. Waterdrop systems are known for being easy to install and maintain, making them a great choice for busy families.

Pros:

• Compact and easy to install.

• High water flow rate.

• RO system options available.

Cons:

• Some users report that filters need frequent replacement.

• Higher upfront costs for RO systems.

4. Aquasana Water Filtration Systems

Aquasana offers a wide range of water filtration systems, including whole-house systems, countertop filters, and under-sink RO systems. Known for their Claryum filtration technology, Aquasana systems remove 99% of contaminants like chlorine, lead, and other harmful chemicals. Their whole-house systems are particularly effective for families concerned about chlorine and chemical exposure through both drinking and bathing water.

Pros:

• Removes 99% of contaminants.

• Long-lasting filters.

• Options for both whole-house and point-of-use systems.

Cons:

• Initial cost can be high.

• Filter replacement costs can add up.

5. Express Water RO5DX Reverse Osmosis Filtration System

The Express Water RO5DX is a 5-stage reverse osmosis system that is NSF-certified and provides comprehensive filtration for under-the-sink installation. It includes a faucet and tank, making it a complete system for families wanting the highest quality drinking water at a reasonable price point. It’s especially great for homes with higher TDS levels.

Pros:

• NSF-certified with 5 stages of filtration.

• Affordable compared to other RO systems.

• Filters include sediment, carbon, and post-activated carbon.

• Compact design with easy installation.

Cons:

• Replacement filters can add to long-term costs.

• Water waste is higher due to the RO process.

6. Kinetico Water Systems

Kinetico offers both whole-house filtration and reverse osmosis systems. These systems are well-regarded for their reliability and ability to handle both standard water filtration and more specific needs, like hard water or heavy contamination.

Pros:

• Customizable for whole-house and point-of-use needs.

• Reliable and long-lasting.

• Effective for hard water and specific contaminants.

Cons:

• High-end pricing.

Filtration Systems to Consider

1. Reverse Osmosis Systems
   Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are considered the gold standard for water filtration, removing almost all contaminants, including heavy metals, chemicals, and sediments. However, they are most effective in areas with high TDS levels. If your water has low TDS, you can skip the RO system and use a standard filtration system, which will be less expensive but still effective.

   Pros:

   • Removes up to 99% of contaminants.

   • Provides the purest drinking water.

   • Ideal for areas with high TDS levels.

   Cons:

   • More expensive and wastes some water in the filtration process.

   • May remove beneficial minerals from the water.

2. Whole House Backwashing Carbon Filter
   If you want to ensure that all the water in your home is filtered, a whole-house backwashing carbon filter is an excellent option. These systems use activated carbon to remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other chemicals that affect water taste and safety.

   Pros:

   • Filters water for the entire home.

   • Removes chlorine, VOCs, and chemicals.

   • Affordable compared to brand-name systems.

   Cons:

   • Does not remove heavy metals or bacteria.

Bonus Features to Consider

1. UV Light: Some water filtration systems include UV light to kill bacteria and viruses, offering extra protection for households in areas prone to water contamination.

2. Alkaline Water: If you want alkaline water, look for systems with pH adjustment capabilities. This feature increases the pH of your water, providing benefits such as improved taste and potential health advantages.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right water filtration system comes down to understanding your water’s specific needs and finding the balance between quality and cost. Start by testing your water and using resources like the EWG Tap Water Database or TapScore. Once you know what’s in your water, you can decide if you need a basic filtration system or a more comprehensive setup like reverse osmosis or whole-house filtration.

For most families, a system like Clearly Filtered or Hydroviv will offer peace of mind without breaking the bank, while those with more complex water needs may benefit from a Kinetico or backwashing carbon filter system.

With the right filtration system in place, you’ll ensure that your family enjoys cleaner, safer water every day!