The Truth About Water Filters: What You Need to Know
The Facts About Water Filters
Not all water filters are created equal. The filter you buy on impulse may not be keeping your family safe. Beverage companies have marketed bottled water as "pure" and from "pristine, natural sources," causing sales to skyrocket by 700% between 1997 and 2005. However, bottled water is no safer than tap water and contributes to environmental degradation, landfill waste, and human rights abuses.
Installing a home water filter is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. If you choose the right filter, you can significantly reduce contaminants in your drinking water. Here’s what you need to know.
How Safe Is Public Water?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates over 80 contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act, including arsenic, E. coli, cryptosporidium, chlorine, and lead. While 90% of public water systems meet EPA standards, pollution and aging infrastructure can introduce harmful substances like rocket fuel, fecal waste, and chemical by-products into the water supply. A 2003 Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) study found that 19 major U.S. cities had public water supplies with contaminants exceeding EPA limits.
Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) estimate that up to 900,000 people get sick, and 900 die annually in the U.S. due to contaminated drinking water. Despite marketing claims, bottled water is not inherently safer than tap water.
Step One: Assess Your Tap Water
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all water filter—different filters target different contaminants. To choose the right one, assess your tap water:
Consumer Confidence Report: Your water utility must mail you this annual report before July 1, detailing your water source and any detected contaminants.
Online Resources: Visit www.epa.gov/safewater for your area's water quality report.
Water Testing: A state-certified lab test will provide the most accurate results. Visit the EPA’s Safe Water website or call 800-426-4791 for a list of certified labs.
Private Wells: Since private wells are unregulated by the EPA, they should be tested annually, especially in late spring when pesticide runoff is highest.
Step Two: Find the Best Type of Filter
Filters range from simple pitcher models to advanced whole-house systems. Choose based on your specific water concerns:
Carbon/KDF adsorption filters: Effective for removing chlorine and its carcinogenic by-products. These are available as shower, faucet, sink, or whole-house filters.
Catalytic carbon filters: Necessary for removing chloramine, a chemical disinfectant used in water treatment.
Countertop and under-the-sink filters: Suitable for targeting one or two contaminants.
Multi-stage filters: Ideal for serious contamination issues, combining KDF, carbon adsorption, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light. Filtercon provides customizable, multi-stage filtration solutions (www.filtercon.com).
Step Three: Look at the Labels
Look for certifications from trusted organizations:
NSF International
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Water Quality Association (WQA) Gold Seal
These certifications ensure the filter meets rigorous safety and effectiveness standards. Read the label carefully to verify that the filter is certified to remove the contaminants specific to your water supply.
Make the Right Choice for Your Home
Choosing the right water filter is essential for protecting your family’s health. Instead of relying on bottled water, consider a high-quality home filtration system that reduces harmful contaminants without environmental waste. Filtercon Technologies offers whole-house and customized water filtration systems to meet your needs. Visit filtercon.com or call 800-550-1995 to learn more about safer, cleaner drinking water options.
