If you are concerned about the quality of your family's drinking water, investing in a tap water purifier can be a smart move. However, choosing among the many different water filtration systems available can quickly become an overwhelming task. Picking the one that's right for you requires considering your budget as well as how you plan to use your tap water purifier.
The purpose of a tap water purifier is to reduce the amount of copper, chlorine, lead, and other contaminants in your water. In addition to making your water safer to drink, this also improves the taste significantly. However, if you find that you still dislike the taste of your water, you can choose to purchase a filtration system with special flavor cartridges that give your water a hint of lemon, grape, peach, strawberry, or raspberry flavor. This is also a good way to encourage members of your household to cut down on their soda consumption.
The simplest type of tap water purifier is a refillable jug or pitcher that you use to store purified drinking water in your refrigerator. These devices are very affordably priced and widely available in any discount or home improvement store. If you're an avid biker, hiker, or simply someone who travels a lot, you can also purchase a filter system that looks like an ordinary water bottle, except for an inner core that filters the water you put into it. Most of these bottles can be refilled 100-150 times before the initial carbon filter cartridge will need to be replaced.
Faucet-mounted water filters are a convenient alternative to the refillable jug or pitcher, especially if you're not concerned with having ice cold water constantly available or wish to have a quick way to obtain filtered water for cooking. These types of tap water purifiers are easy to install and remove; no special tools are needed. In most cases, there is a switch to turn the filter off if you wish to use unfiltered water for tasks such as doing dishes or cleaning. When the carbon filter needs to be replaced, an indicator light will turn on.
Under the sink filters are similar to faucet-mounted water filters. However, this type of tap water purifier will last longer than a faucet-mounted model. Depending upon the model of filter you choose, you may need to hire a professional to have it installed.
The most expensive type of tap water purifier is a whole house system that attaches to your home's main water line. It provides filtered water for the entire house. These types of water purification systems require professional installation and are generally only used in rural areas where the water quality is known to be extremely poor.
