Water Filter: Is Your Water Filter Actually Doing Anything?

Water filter used to purify your drinking water seem like a better bet than boiling it.

And no doubt boiling your tap water could help to kill bacteria and to a certain extent remove impurities but its effectiveness varies greatly.

In fact, boiling does not eliminate all bacteria or eradicate harmful chemicals like lead.

So you’d notice that you can’t remove the smell of the water, in particular, if the water is heavily chlorinated.

Don’t you think the concentrated remnants are more harmful and dangerous if consumed?

Does Boiling Help?

Water filter based on their function to filter out any contaminants means that the water consumed are cleaner and healthier than boiling.

You can safely drink straight from the filtered water.

Besides drinking water, have you thought of the air that you breathe in your house or office?

Read my recommendations here.

Reverse Osmosis

You might have heard a lot about Reverse Osmosis’s ability to filter and sanitize your tap water.

But what benefit does it bring compared to plain filtering?

In order to explain the process of reverse osmosis, we must have an understanding of what is osmosis first.

Osmosis is a natural phenomenon and it is an important process occurring in nature. A plant whose roots are able to absorb water from the soil is a process whereby a weaker solution migrates to a stronger solution through a semi-permeable membrane is called osmosis.

Reverse osmosis is the process in reverse but energy or force is required.

Many industries and home appliances use this method in order to clean the water.

When the passage of water containing organics, bacteria, and dissolved salts is forced to push through a semi-permeable membrane greater than the natural osmotic pressure, it is able to filter off almost all contaminants allowing pure water that is demineralised or deionized in the process.

iSpring RO500 Tankless RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

With its 1st-stage 3-in-1 composite Sediment and Carbon Block filter and 2nd-stage advanced RO Membrane, RO500 effectively removes TDS, limescale, up to 99% of over 1,000 contaminants, including lead (removes up to 98%), chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, asbestos, calcium, sodium, and more.

3rd stage

Carbon Block Filter further enhances the taste of the purified water.

Enjoy all the benefits of drinking clean and healthy water.

Note: Would require professional installation

iSpring RO500 Tankless RO Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System Buy Now at Walmart

Drink Healthily

You won’t survive long without food and water, perhaps water being the more critical.

Water is everything for survival and clean water is what everyone and every country is yearning for.

To lead a healthy life, we must have pure clean drinking water.

Now, how many can claim that their municipal taps are 100% clean and free from remnants and smell?

Even if the water treatment is perfect but the ageing and unchecked piping systems are another story.

Nothing will help unless you have a second filtration run on your own on the water ensuring that all impurities, smell and contaminations are further reduced or eradicated.

Do you want your water to taste better too?

Water Filter Pitchers

Water filter pitchers are simple to assemble, easy to use and can fit into any countertop – no massive machinery outlay.

They have very innovative filtration processes and picking the best will depend on your filtration preference.

Recommended are brands with NSF endorsements for their ability to remove mercury, lead, fluoride and chromium.

These pitcher filters can produce great tasteful drinking water due to their ability to remove chlorine from it.

Brita – Lower Price, Best Taste

• The BPA-free everyday water pitcher with filter holds 10 cups of water, enough to fill 3 24-ounce reusable water bottles
• Get great-tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita, you can save money and replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles a year
• This space-efficient Brita pitcher fits perfectly on refrigerator shelves, features an easy-fill locking lid and is easy to pour; Height 10.47″; Width 5.59″; Length/Depth 10.94″; Weight 2.29 pounds
• Brita is the number 1 water filter, reducing chlorine (taste & odour), Mercury, Copper, Zinc and Cadmium; always get cleaner, filtered water with an electronic indicator that makes filter reminders effortless
• Compatible with Longlast and Standard water filters; for the freshest tasting water, replace your Longlast+ filter after 120 gallons or approximately every 6 months or your Standard filter after 40 gallons or approximately every 2 months; 16.9-ounce water; Based on IRI data; vs tap

Brita Standard Everyday Water Filter Pitcher, White, Large 10 Cup Buy Now at Walmart

Longlast Monterey Water Filter Pitcher Brita, Green

The BPA-free Monterey water pitcher with filter holds 10 cups of water, enough to fill 3 24-ounce reusable water bottles.

Get great-tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita, you can save money and replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles* a year.

This space-efficient Brita pitcher fits perfectly on refrigerator shelves, features an easy-fill locking lid and is easy to pour; Height 11″; Width 6.1″; Length/Depth 10.9″; Weight 2.6 pounds.

Brita Longlast is our longest-lasting lead-removing Zewater filter; always get cleaner, filtered water with an electronic indicator that makes filter reminders effortless.

Reduce 99% lead, Chlorine (taste & odour), Cadmium, Mercury, Benzene, Asbestos, and more; Longlast filters out 2x the contaminants of current Brita filters and 2x the contaminants of Zerowater.

Brita Longlast Monterey Water Filter Pitcher, Green, Large 10 Cup Buy Now at Walmart

ZeroWater – Purest water, Lowest TDS

10-Cup ZeroWater Filtered Water Pitcher with Water Quality Meter

• ZeroWater® is the only pour-through pitcher NSF Certified to reduce both lead & chromium as well as other heavy metals
• Filters out over 2 times more TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) than leading competitors delivering the purest tasting drinking water 
• Premium 5-stage Ion Exchange water Filtration System reduces 99.6% of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in your tap water and is independently tested by a third-party EPA-certified lab to reduce radium, arsenic and fluoride
• Features an integrated, one-handed push and pour spigot in addition to the spout
• Save space on the countertop or refrigerator shelf – this mid-size 10-Cup (80 oz/.63 gallon) pitcher filters fast and pours delicious water at home or work 
• All ZeroWater® devices include one filter cartridge and one water quality meter that is used to measure the dissolved solids level (in PPM = parts per million) in your tap water before and after filtration
• Made of durable and BPA-free plastic, ZeroWater® provides an eco-friendly everyday alternative to disposable bottled water 
• ZeroWater’s® product lines include BPA-free plastic, stainless steel and glass pitchers and dispensers ranging from 6-Cup to 40-Cup capacity

ZeroWater 10-Cup Filtered Water Pitcher with Water Quality Meter Buy Now at Walmart

6-Cup Filtered Water ZeroWaterPitcher with Water Quality Meter

• ZeroWater® is the only pour-through water filter pitcher NSF Certified to reduce both lead & chromium and other heavy metals 
• Filters out over 2 times more TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) than leading competitors delivering the purest tasting drinking water 
• Premium 5-Stage Ion Exchange Water Filtration System reduces 99.6% of TDS (total dissolved solids) in your tap water and is independently tested by a third-party EPA-certified lab to reduce radium, arsenic, and fluoride 
• Features an integrated, one-handed push and pour spigot in addition to the spout 
• Save space on the countertop or refrigerator shelf – this blue, 6-cup (48 oz/.38 gallon) pitcher filters fast and pours delicious water at home or work 
• All ZeroWater® devices include one filter cartridge and one water quality meter that is used to measure the dissolved solids level (in PPM = parts per million) in your tap water before and after filtration 
• Made of durable and BPA-Free plastic, ZeroWater® provides an eco-friendly, everyday alternative to disposable bottled water 
• ZeroWater’s® product lines include BPA-free plastic, stainless steel and glass pitchers and dispensers ranging from 6-cup to 40-cup capacity

ZeroWater 6-Cup Filtered Water Pitcher with Water Quality Meter Buy Now at Walmart

PUR – Filter options, Removed most contaminants

Ultimate PUR Dispenser Water Filter with Lead Reduction, 30 Cup

• Certified to remove 99% Lead, 96% Mercury and 92% of certain Pesticides while also reducing chlorine (taste and odour) and more
• 30-cup capacity (each cup equals 8oz. glass of water)
• CleanSensor Monitor filter change light tells you when the filter needs to be changed
• Slim, space-saving design fits in the fridge
• All PUR pitcher filters fit in all PUR pitchers/dispensers

Lead Reduction PUR Ultimate Dispenser Water Filter, 30 Cup, DS1811Z Buy Now at Walmart

Filter Pitcher with LED –PUR Classic 11 Cup Water

• Compatible with all PUR pitcher filters
• Certified to remove 96% of mercury and 95% of industrial pollutants
• Keep track of your filter life with a built-in electronic filter life indicator.
• The indicator flashes green, yellow or red so you’ll always know when it’s time for a replacement filter
• Water Pitcher holds eleven 8 oz glasses of water
• Easy-fill lid is thumb activated for simplicity
• Fits in refrigerator  
• Water Pitcher filter provides up to 40 gallons of clean water or lasts up to 2 months
• BPA free
• All PUR pitchers and filters are recyclable

11 Cup Water PUR Classic Water Filter Pitcher with LED, CR1100C Buy Now at Walmart

Faucet-mounted water filters

It’s convenient to drink drinking water straight from the tap. But in reality, it is far from it. Most municipal water supply is best not to mention its quality.

Alas, now we have the faucet-mounted water filters which are much easier and practical to install.

It can provide lots of drinking water every day and likewise for washing.

Absolutely easy if you don’t want to mess around with a water pitcher or other filtration mechanics.

But to keep your filters in tip-top condition, maintenance is key.

That means you have to give a routine check on the filters and change them regularly. This will improve the filter’s efficiency and improve the water’s quality.

Here’s the disclaimer: faucet water filters only filter water on treated water, but they do not purify it.

Here it shouldn’t be used in highly contaminated or untreated water sources like well or rivers.

They rely on the components found in the cartridge filter to filter out the water’s contaminants.

It varies among the manufacturers, but most employ their own unique technology.

PUR Faucet Water Filter, PFM200B, Black and Chrome

PUR’s faucet mount provides healthy, clean, great-tasting water straight from your faucet. With easy 1-click, tool-free installation, superior contaminant removal, and a two-year warranty, there’s never been an easier or more reliable way to get PUR water. Each PUR water filter gives you 100 gallons of healthy, clean, great-tasting water with our unique MAXION technology.

PUR’s faucet mount provides healthy, clean, great-tasting water straight from your faucet. With easy 1-click, tool-free installation, superior contaminant removal, and a two-year warranty, there’s never been an easier or more reliable way to get PUR water. Each PUR water filter gives you 100 gallons of healthy, clean, great-tasting water with our unique MAXION technology.

PUR Faucet Water Filter, PFM200B, Black and Chrome Buy Now at Walmart

Brita Complete Tap Water Faucet Filtration System

• EASY AND CONVENIENT: This Brita water filtration system attaches to your standard faucet making tap water cleaner and great tasting. The filtration system is easy to install; no tools are required. Height 8.25″; Width 2.38″; Length/Depth 6″; Weight 0.84 pounds
• REDUCES LEAD: The water filter system filters out 60 contaminants such as 99% lead chlorine (taste and odour) benzene and asbestos contaminants* that may be found in tap water. *Substances reduced may not be in all users’ water
• FILTER CHANGE REMINDER: For optimum performance a helpful green and red light lets you know when your filter is working and when it needs to be replaced with a 1-click filter replacement. Replace your tap water filter every 4 months for the average family
• REDUCE WASTE & SAVE: 1 BPA-free Brita faucet filter can provide up to 100 gallons of filtered tap water replacing up to 750 standard 16 oz. plastic water bottles
• 3 SPRAY OPTIONS: Filtering is made easy with an on-and-off filtering switch and 3 spray options: filtered, unfiltered, and unfiltered. *Fits standard faucets only. Does not fit pull-out and spray-style faucets

Brita Complete Tap Water Faucet Filtration System – White Buy Now at Walmart

Water Filtration System For Your Whole House

Why do you need one?

Together with your other water filter apparatus, this is the first line of defence from municipal water.

Municipal water usually contains high chlorine content.

Well, this high concentration wreck havoc on everything especially your skin and clothing.

Your incoming water also contains whole loads of contaminants, bacteria and viruses so we need to filter them out as an extra layer of protection.

Watts (HSFS) Flow-Max UV Plus, 3-in-1 Whole House Water Filtration System

Triple-Treat Protection – The innovative Hydro-Safe filtration system incorporates three technologies in one unit to provide a three-step treatment to remove: Bacteria, Chlorine, Tastes, Odors, and Sediment.

Micron Filtration Hydro-Safe filter cartridge is pleated for the greater surface area using a micro-fibre and 0.2-micron filter media. This highly effective filter cartridge removes particulate, sand, silt, rust particles and other solid matter.

Carbon Treatment – The pleated filter media includes activated carbon which provides a secondary treatment process to remove chlorine, taste and odours.

UV Light Disinfection – During the final process, water flows into a stainless steel reaction chamber where it is exposed to a 254-nanometer UV lamp.

Inside this chamber bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms are desTriple-Treat Protection

Note: Professional plumber might be needed for the installation.

Watts (HSFS) Flow-Max UV Plus, 3-in-1 Whole House Water Filtration System Buy Now at Walmart

Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System w/ UV Purifier & Salt-Free Descaler

• Clean, Great Tasting Water From Every Tap In Your Home – Removes 97% of chlorine, and 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and reduces harmful contaminants like lead, mercury, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, and more.
• High-Performance Filter System – Carbon & KDF filtration media combined with UV purifier and Scale Control Media (SCM) salt-free technology engineered to maximize contaminant reduction while leaving healthy minerals in your water. This system will NOT reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
• Cost-Efficient & Long-Lasting – Clean water for less than $0.01 a gallon – Save twice as much compared to other brands on purified water for 1 million gallons or 10 years.
• Easy Maintenance – No draining or back flushing needed – Easily replace pre and post-filters every 3 months for best filtration and flow rate.

Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System w/ UV Purifier & Salt-Free Descaler Buy Now at Walmart

Bottom Line

As I mentioned earlier, maintenance of your water filter is key.

Your product’s packaging or your manufacturer’s manual will tell you how to clean the filter and its expected life span usually by the number of gallons or months of use.

(Using beyond the expiry date of your water filter has its consequences. Do you know that your water filter is probably lined with chemicals?

This is to kill bacteria and using beyond their useful lives to endanger instead of protecting you. If your water filter is no more functioning, you may not get your water purified but instead, you are being exposed to impurities and harmful contaminants and not forgetting the water filter’s chemicals.)

Your Own Judgment

But these are in the best-case scenario where the water supply is moderately clean.

Where municipal water is highly polluted, your own judgements are needed as to when to change the filters.

Be alert every time you turned on the tap.

Smell it and feel the water when you run some between your fingers.

You’d probably have your water filter changed if there are prolonged bad smells or odours in your water. If your water feels slippery, it usually means the water is “soft” and contains a higher concentration of potassium and sodium ions.

You can also feel the slippery sensation after showering in soft water.

The water filter will not last longer than expected if it is used heavily by your household.

Due to excessive use, it may take a toll on the water filter and it can be noticed if the water is running slower or it might be clogged with dirt.

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