Water is the most essential resource a human needs. However, we need clean water for it to be safely consumed and help us survive. Readily available water, such as from the tap, can contain a myriad of things like chemicals, minerals, and organisms that can seriously affect your health if drank untreated.
Treating and filtering water has been a common practice in history. It can remove any impurities, making it safe for consumption. The act of filtering water can often improve its taste as well. To select the best water filter, we will discuss key considerations in choosing one. We will also provide a comprehensive list if you want to buy as soon as possible, so read on.
Quick List - Top Water Filters
A Countertop Water Filter Solution to Keep You Free From Water-Borne Diseases
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Table of Contents
Water service providers cover a large area of responsibility. Due to the scope, there will be some areas where the water department may lapse on certain regulatory standards. Some supply lines also need to be monitored since there are a host of processes and equipment failures due to the lack of maintenance.
Should the water department do a flawless job, there are still instances where your water gathers contaminants as it is pumped to your house. Pipes might have damages where chemicals can seep in. There are also lead pipes that may not have been replaced inside your house. All of these risks justify the need for water filters.
Depending on your needs, different water filters perform different functions. Some filters can make the taste better while others remove chemicals or germs present in the water. Water filters also combine different filtering technologies, so knowing what type of water you have can help with your decision. Let’s discuss the important points below.
It is best to have a service provider test what type of chemicals and substances are present in your water supply and compare the results against the standards set by DENR. Certain standards are checked whenever water is tested for its quality, and depending on those results, it will define what type of water filter you will need.
Do you only need water for drinking or do you want to filter your bath water as well? Depending on the amount of water that you want to be filtered, it will affect which type of water filter you will need to purchase.
There are smaller filters for those who want to use it for their drinking water while there are home systems that need installation and integration to filter all of the water lines inside your home.
Filtration is a physical process where solids, liquids, gases, and suspended materials in liquid adhere to the surface or inside the pores of an absorbent material. As a result, the contaminants are filtered out of the liquid. Water filters come in different pore sizes which can filter out different types of microorganisms.
Microfiltration filters have pores with sizes of approximately 0.1 micron. They are highly effective at removing protozoa such as Cryptosporidium, which is the leading cause of waterborne diseases. It has moderate effectiveness in removing bacteria while it is ineffective against viruses and chemicals.
This type of filter has a pore size of approximately 0.01 micron. At this size, the particle charges help with the filtration, bolstering its effectiveness. This filter is highly effective at removing living organisms such as Salmonella and E. coli. It is also moderately effective at removing viruses such as Hepatitis A and Rotavirus.
As the name suggests, this filter has a pore size of 1 nanometer or 0.001 micron. This is also the smallest pore size available for filters. They are highly effective in removing all living organisms present in your water, even viruses. Due to its size, it can remove some chemicals due to the presence of charges in the absorption material.
Water filters come in different shapes, sizes, attachments, and capabilities. Depending on your need and the resulting contaminants in your water supply, you will be able to deduce which type of water filters in the market will serve you well. Let’s see the advantages and disadvantages of each water filter.
Since these filters are not connected to your plumbing, it makes them portable and easy to use. No installation is required as well, just put water inside the filter and pour it out to remove the contaminants. These are best used in dormitories or apartments where commitment to staying is short.
The filtration system, however, reduces only a few contaminants, such as chlorine. Because it is used as a container, with the water stored inside the pitcher for quite some time, contaminants can still seep in.
Pitcher filters are mainly used to improve the taste and odor of your tap water, but the removal of other contaminants is something to be desired. Also, make sure to clean them often to reduce the risk of contamination.
If you are planning to rent and want a good enough filtration setup, get a faucet filtration system. It can remove a good number of contaminants depending on the model and brand.
This type of filtration system is mounted to the spout of your faucet. However, some faucets have different shapes and attachment options, so check if the filter you’re getting matches your faucet.
Next to faucet filters, countertop filters are located on the counter next to the sink and are connected through a pipe that leads to the faucet. The water is pushed through a filtration system that uses a mechanical filter coupled with activated carbon which can effectively reduce contaminants present in your tap water.
The downside is that they aren't hidden and the faucet attachment depends on its spout design. Nonetheless, if you want an effective filtration system for your kitchen or bathroom, countertop filters are a good choice.
As the name suggests, under-the-counter filters can be found under the sink. They are connected to your water line directly, leading to your faucet, and dispense filtered water through a secondary faucet.
If you are adept with plumbing, you can install under-the-counter filters or have a plumber do it for you. They require a reservoir but they can be easily hidden and filter large quantities of water. Just make sure that your sink has enough space underneath.
Reverse osmosis filters are systems that you need to plumb into your faucet to work. They are connected to a second faucet or at the main faucet, which can be activated using a lever if you want to use the filter.
These require more space and more energy than your normal under-the-counter filter due to the requirement of a separate water tank however, the filtration effectivity outweighs the cons.
Mechanical filters mentioned above have moderate to no effect in removing chemicals present in your water supply. Some technologies specialize in removing different types of chemicals and are used in conjunction with mechanical filtration to further improve its effectiveness. Below are the types of water filter technologies available in the market.
Activated carbon filters work through the process of adsorption wherein the particles adhere to the surface of the material. Since they are made from carbon, they attract contaminants the best.
They are effective in removing most chemicals present in tap water such as chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides. If your water taste and smells funny, this type of filter can improve that as well.
This type of technology removes particles and harmful substances by boiling the water, turning it into steam, and then collecting it afterward. The evaporation process leaves the contaminants behind, mostly minerals and microorganisms.
However, this type of filtration method cannot remove chemicals that turn into gas, such as pesticides and herbicides. Also, due to the presence of heat, this method requires more energy than other filtration technologies.
This type of method forces water through a membrane. This membrane can let water molecules out but is able to trap anything larger than that. Large particles are easily filtered out but, chlorine and volatile organic compounds such as pesticides can pass through the membrane.
Reverse osmosis units are often used in conjunction with activated carbon filters to be highly effective; however, they can waste a lot of water in the process. Hence, it's important to weigh out the pros and cons before purchasing this type of filter technology.
The process of removing heavy metals can be done by passing water through an ion exchange unit, which replaces the metal ions with sodium or potassium ions, making it safe to drink albeit saltier.
This type of filtration is used in combination with activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters. The use of potassium ions is much more popular since they are able to remove metals without increasing the salt levels in the water.
If your water is highly contaminated by microorganisms or you want to ensure that none exists in your supply, treatment using UV light is the way to go. UV treatment is highly effective in eliminating all types of bacteria and is accredited by some agencies such as the Environment Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.
As with any purchase, you need to take into account which features you need and which ones are okay to forego. Better filtration systems cost a lot of money and entail better installation and integration into your home which can add up to the cost. On the other hand, smaller systems are cheaper but they cannot filter other particles.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dr. Kurin Water Filter | ![]() | The 5-Stage Filtration Ensures Pristine Water Quality | |
2 | 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter | ![]() | Harness the Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Technology at Home | |
3 | High Quality Drinking Water Filter | ![]() | A Water Filter That Exudes Aesthetic and Function | |
4 | F2 Water Filter for Drinking Water | ![]() | A Countertop Water Filter Solution to Keep You Free From Water-Borne Diseases | |
5 | Philips Water Filter Pitcher With Timer | ![]() | A Portable Solution to Keep Your Drinking Water Clean | |
6 | Zoosen Faucet Water Purifier | ![]() | A Faucet Filter Equipped to Remove Harmful Chemicals | |
7 | Allen Hi-Tech Ceramic Water Purifier for Faucet | ![]() | Turn Your Faucet as a Source for Healthy and Crisp-Tasting Water | |
8 | 7 Stage Water Purifier Filter Pot | ![]() | Dispense Clean Tasting Water With This Pitcher Filter | |
9 | SWS Ceramic Cartridge Water Purifier | ![]() | Keep Your Water Free of Metals and Large Particles With This Faucet Attachment Filter |
Having different stages to filter out contaminants ensures the cleanest water. This DOH-certified water filter from Dr. Kurin employs 5 stages of filtration in order to have the best tasting and safest water your family can have.
It comes with mechanical filtration, able to sift out particles at the micron level. Coupled with activated carbon and resin, any errant chemicals will be captured in the highly adsorbent filters.
This filter can be installed under your sink, so it can keep your work area clutter-free. Also, it does not require power, so you can save on electricity while filtering out your water. With its 5L per hour capacity, it is definitely a clean solution for you and your family's hydration!
Reverse osmosis is the gold standard in water filtration. This system, however, has put all of the benefits of the technology in a compact package, making it possible to utilize it in a home setting.
Aside from the reverse osmosis filter, it has 4 other filtration technologies included inside. It is able to remove 99% of dissolved solids, chlorine, fluoride, micro-organisms, and heavy metals and even sterilizes the water for good measure.
The materials used are all FDA-approved, with no chances of it contaminating your drinking water. The metal casings inside are also lead-free, with leak stop and flushing valves to empty out dirty water. If you want the best filtration system, you won't go wrong with having this in your home.
Under the sink is where you'll find this effective yet aesthetic water filter. It comes in 3 colors, which will fit any interior and is pleasing to the eye. It uses activated carbon as its main filtering technology, employing 3 stages of this material in the filter.
What this means is that no harmful chemicals will come into contact with the filtered water. For microorganisms, an ultrafiltration membrane is installed to prevent deadly diseases.
A 550 liter per hour capacity can accommodate even the largest of families. There is no need for electricity as it relies on your existing water pump, just make sure to replace your filters every 6-8 months. This water filter which comes in a slim package clears water effectively.
As much as possible, we'd want to avoid water-borne diseases. Using a simple and effective countertop filter such as this one will keep your water free from diseases and taste good as well! It can filter out rust, parasites, algae, heavy metals, and most microbes.
A 2-stage filtration system is employed by this filter. Mechanical filtration is done using a ceramic filter which is able to capture most microorganisms as water passes through. A coconut sintered activated carbon works hand-in-hand, removing volatile chemicals that may affect your health.
The beauty of this filter is that it doesn't need electricity. Just use the water pressure from your supply line as it is enough to push water through the system and filter it. This product is an environmental-friendly solution to keep the whole family safe.
If you want your filtered water refrigerated, going for this pitcher filter made by Philips would keep it chilled and microbe-free, just the way you want it. The ergonomics is great, sporting a hefty body with an easy-to-grip handle.
It uses a Micro X-Clean filter which is touted to improve taste, making your water crisp and pure-tasting. The filter uses ion exchange and activated carbon, removing harmful organic chemicals and heavy metals that may endanger you.
Worried about the efficiency of your filters? Worry not as it includes a digital timer that reminds you when to replace the filter. If you crave for that bottle-tasting water while not splurging for an expensive filter system, get this one now.
Zoosen turns your faucet into a hidden spring with the use of their faucet filter. Attaching this is easy with a locking mechanism that fosters good contact with your faucet spout.
The cylinder houses a ceramic filter with an air fiber membrane which uses its 0.1-micron pores to filter rust, dirt, and parasites. Other harmful chemicals and contaminants are removed by the plethora of filters inside, such as activated carbon and nanosilver particles.
It also comes with a switch, should you want to switch to using your faucet to wash the dishes and do other chores. It is easy to use and portable should you move to a new home, making this good for people staying in dormitories or apartments.
The Allen faucet filtration system boasts of a long-lasting filter with 7-stage filtration. Its touted usage can last up to 6 months or 320 gallons of water, more than enough to keep a family healthy and hydrated.
The 7-stage filtration consists of a series of mechanical filters with varying degrees of pore sizes to sift out all particles of concern. In addition to that, an activated carbon filter delivers the final blow, filtering out any errant chemicals that mechanical filters aren't able to catch.
The ergonomics work well, with a lever that allows switching from quality filtered water to regular tap water. Installation is also a breeze, just tighten the lock mechanism and you're good to go. This one's an easy, no-frills water filter for your home.
If you fancy having a dispenser-type filter like your water dispensers, get this water filter! It resembles a drink dispenser and is easy to use. In the middle, it houses the filtration system that will help clear out any contaminants.
It boasts a 7-stage filtration system that can assure that your water is rid of organic contaminants, lead, and microorganisms. The ceramic filters working in conjunction with ion exchangers and activated carbon make it possible to enjoy good-tasting and clean water.
The container is made of polycarbonate which is break-resistant and will last a long time. The downside is the transfer of water, as you have to do it manually instead of connecting it to a supply line. If that is your cup of tea, get this and get hydrated.
A water filter should be able to remove the largest particles to be somewhat effective. This SWS ceramic filter uses ceramic technology riddled with 0.1-micron pores to remove even the most stubborn particles from your water.
It is also installed with an ion exchanger, removing dangerous metals such a lead, saving you from lead poisoning. It is attachable to most faucet spouts with a rubber seal, ensuring no water goes to waste when it gets filtered.
To be able to use this safely, your water should have no volatile chemicals as this doesn't come with activated carbon to filter those out. Since most of our water supplies are tested and safe from such, purchasing this filter is as good as it gets.
A clean home leads to a healthy life. You and your family should be able to keep your home free from any disease-causing contaminants as it is the first line of defense. We have curated some of the top items that can help you with your quest to provide your family with the safest and tidiest home they'll ever live on. Check them out below!
Author: Richard Martin
No. 1: Dr. Kurin|Water Filter
No. 2: |5-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
No. 3: |High Quality Drinking Water Filter
No. 4: |F2 Water Filter for Drinking Water
No. 5: Philips|Water Filter Pitcher With Timer
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