For both improved taste and health reasons, many people choose to filter their drinking water. Rarely is it necessary to filter your drinking water, except for extreme cases such as those that cause well water impurities, but the desire to filter water for drinking is often a matter of taste. Filtering your drinking water can improve the taste of the water by filtering out chemicals and impurities. There are several different types of drinking water filter systems ideal for most any situation.

Water filters can be installed at the source of water, like the kitchen sink or refrigerator, or can be part of a whole house water filter system. Besides improved water taste, there are several other benefits to be had with a whole house system, including minimizing chemicals that affect hair, skin, and clothes through washing. If drinking water is your only concern, then either type of system will work.

The most common type of filtration system uses the carbon block filter. Carbon is a remarkably absorbent substance. Both granular activate carbon (GAC) and powdered block carbon are effective carbon block filters. Carbon filters are usually rated by an indication of particle reduction – the lower the number, the more effective the filter. Carbon block filters are the most common type of filter used in faucet, counter top or under-the-counter water filtration systems. Effective carbon filtration depends largely on the amount of carbon present and the amount of time particles spend in contact with it.

Another type of water filter is known as inline water filtration. Inline water filters are attached directly to the water line. These are useful filter types for refrigerators with automatic ice makers and built-in water dispensers. Inline water filters are also used as part of a whole house water filtration system because they can be attached directly to the plumbing line.

An entirely different type of water filtration is reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration utilizes two membranes through which the water passes. Pressure is applied to one side, resulting in a separation of unwanted substances from the water. The filtered water passes through to the other side, minus its contaminants, and then out to the faucet or water line.

Less common, but just as viable, are filtration systems using more modern technology, including ionized water filters, infra-red filters and magnetic filtration. Other types of filtration are plausible and some systems are employed in emergency situations and third world countries where drinking water poses legitimate health hazards due to contaminants and disease. These types of filtration systems are far less common in households in developing countries.

Regardless of the type of filtration you use, there are several ways to approach a filtration system specifically for drinking water. You can choose to install a faucet water filter, filtering only the water that passes through that faucet or you might choose to install an under-the-sink filtration system and filter all the water that comes through the water line. This might be effective if you have a dishwasher and want to use filtered water for cleaning as well. Many people elect to filter the water on their refrigerator and use it exclusively for drinking water. Another drinking water filter option is a water filter pitcher.

There are several reasons to consider the type of drinking water filtration you use. Consider the practicality of installing the various types, including availability, frequency and cost of replacement filters, the cost of long-term maintenance and whether you need to filter drinking water only or all water coming in to the house. In some cases, homeowners find it best to use two or more filters at various sources, such as the kitchen sink and the refrigerator. Compare individual filtration options with an inline or whole house option if you are planning to filter different water sources.

Comparing filtration types is one way to get the most economical filtered drinking water but also keep in mind that if you buy bottled water for drinking, you can cut that cost out of your budget once you have a drinking water filtration system in place at home. In some cases, it’s less expensive to filter water than to continue buying it, and home filtered drinking water is more environmentally friendly as well. Simply buy stainless steel re-useable water bottles and fill them at home.

Water Filters Fast carries a stunning array of water filters and refrigerator water filters for all of your home and business water filtration needs.

Water is essential to life and we all know that drinking plenty of water is beneficial to our health. While most households located within municipalities with access to city water have a safe and plentiful supply of drinking water, Americans still spend billions of dollars every year on bottled water. The environmental impact over the disposal of all that plastic has created enough concern that many consumers are turning to other options, such as reusable water bottles. But of equal concern to many people are the health risks their drinking water poses. If drinking water quality is a concern for you, then filtered tap water is one option.

Filtered water is merely tap water that has been filtered before it exits the tap. You can install filter systems directly on your kitchen tap or in your refrigerator’s water dispenser. You can also filter the water into a pitcher for drinking or install a filter on the water supply to your entire house. The choice of if and how to filter your water is up to you but the bigger question is whether there are any benefits to doing so.

If you live in an area without access to public water and have well water instead, then there may be several benefits to filtering your water. Not all filters achieve the same thing so you should first have your water tested to see if there are specific contaminants you need to filter out. Well water should be tested once per year for bacteria and contaminants, and homes with infants under the age of six months should test nitrate levels. Older homes that may still have lead plumbing pipes should have the lead levels tested every year whether they are on well or city water.

High levels of lead and nitrate are bad for the body. Nitrates, though found naturally in certain foods and beneficial in small quantities, can be harmful to young children at high levels because it interferes with the transmission of oxygen in the blood cells. Other contaminants, such as certain types of bacteria, can cause a person to become ill.

The EPA requires municipalities to provide water recipients with an annual report that shows the results of quality tests on the water they provide residents. After determining the quality of your water and its contents, either from independent testing of well water or the report your city provides, you can assess what types of filter to use.

The two primary types of water filters are carbon filters and reverse osmosis. Carbon filters will filter out a large portion of inorganic contents like chlorine, and reverse osmosis removes some contaminants including lead. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for replacement and maintenance of water filters. Filtering water through an expired or worn-out filter can be equated to filtering water through a dirty sponge which in effect, reverses the benefit it is intended to provide.

Even if your water quality is good and your water contains no harmful contaminants, some water has a funny taste. Most carbon-blocking filters can filter out the source, improving the overall taste of your water. Improving the taste of your drinking water can lead to you and other household members consuming more water. It is recommended that adults drink approximately 64 ounces of water each day. Water helps you control your appetite, keeps your body’s muscles, organs and tissues well hydrated for optimal function, and gives you healthier skin. If filtering your water improves the taste of your drinking water causing you drink more of it, then that is the greatest health benefit you can get.

To get the most out of your drinking water, have your water tested or review the tests done for you by your municipality and then determine if your water needs to be filtered. Reducing the contaminants in your water can not only improve the quality of your drinking water but the taste too. If you discover you need to filter specific contaminants, be sure to research the different types of filters and methods of installation to ensure the most effective means of improving your water. Remember to regularly and efficiently manage the replacement and maintenance of your filter system to keep your water quality consistent.

Water Filters Fast carries a stunning array of water filter and refrigerator water filters for all of your home and business water filtration needs.