Things You Should Know Before Buying a Water Filter

Water filters are a big thing up here in Minnesota. We are considered one of the more health conscious states but, what most people don’t know, is that we’re also a pretty big farming state as well. Being so close to farmland means that the state is even testing people’s well water for free (including mine) for nitrates etc. Fortunately for me my well water was considered “safe” and also doesn’t include a lot of iron. Which is not true for many of my neighbors.

When I renovated Grandma’s house I did quite a bit of research into faucet filters, whole house filters and also water softeners. I grew up in a home with all of the above!

I hated the idea of all of them though. In a country where doctor’s are urging people to cut back on their salt intake they then proceed to go home and cover their largest organ (their skin) with salt every time they take a shower.

Most people don’t realize that water softeners use SALT to soften water. It also removes (along with most filtration systems) all of the minerals in the water.

Sure, faucets will no longer be covered with calcium build up, clothes will wash far better (no more dingy whites!) and your dishes will come out sparkling. But at what cost?

I honestly do not know the answer to that question.

My decision was that I only added a water heater to my home. Yes I get calcium build up on my faucets and my dishes generally have water spots but it was my own personal decision based on all the research google could give me.

Fortunately (as I mentioned above) I do not have a lot of iron in my water. My aunt, who lives less than a mile from me and has her own well, lives with so much iron in her water she can’t even wash her hair in it and that’s WITH a water softener!

As with everything in our lives it seems we always have a give and take decision. I am very happy with my water and fill a water bottle to take to work with me every day. My water I can live with as is and I am so relieved by that fact.

(The following is a contributed article.)

Water is one of the primary human need and the struggle to access clean and healthy water is becoming increasingly common.

With chemical seepages from landfill sites into water tables, increase in acid rains and contamination in freshwater sources such as lakes and reservoirs, most households struggle with either the water that smells or tastes awful or is too salty or high in lead, fluoride chlorine and other minerals.

Overly mineralized or salt laden water, imbalanced pH levels and other forms of contamination make such water unfit for human consumption and makes them vulnerable to diseases and weaker immune systems.

Although most people now rely on bottled water for their drinking needs, they still rely on regular tap water for cooking, bathing, and other domestic needs.

Although it is true that the process of food kills the bacteria, it cannot treat for any other forms of contamination such as lead. Moreover, hard water is also not suitable for laundry since it weakens the fiber in your garment and fades them. It can also result in yellowness of your tiles or flooring if used for cleaning.

This is why investing in a water filter can be a real lifesaver. A good water filter will not only provide you with suitable and healthy drinking water, but you will also have a reasonably fit water supply for your other domestic needs.

Interestingly, the water filtration technology has come a long way over the years, and there is a vast variety of water filtration systems available in the market. For many new buyers, it can be overwhelming to choose among the different types of filtration systems.

Here are a few things that you should know before buying a water filter so that you can make the right choice for your house.

Types of Water Filters

Although the primary reason for all kinds of water filters remains the same, that is treating your water supply for contaminants, the way they work is different.

You will find, over the counter water filters, faucet water filter, under the sink filters and whole house filters and the scope of the purpose of all these systems is variable. For some people are faucet filter might work better than the over the counter filter.

You need to make sure that the screen that you are buying is fit for your needs.

Space

Some water filters are large and may require more space than others.

For example, people who live in tiny quarters with small kitchens and limited counter space might not like the idea of over-the0counter water filters. In such cases, faucet filters would be the best since they will not use up any extra space.

Some people underestimate faucet water filters for their smaller size, but quick research on faucet water filter reviews reveal that they work equally well.

Costs

It is understandable that you will only invest in a product that fits your budget.

However, it is important for you to understand that products such as water filters do not have a one-time cost, and they need to be maintained regularly.

A water filter that cost cheaper initially might have higher maintenance costs. It is important that you take any recurring costs into account before settling on the product that you wish to buy.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)