Did you know that 75% of Americans are dehydrated? And the number goes even higher if you live in a warmer climate like Palm Beach.
The obvious solution is to drink water! But if you complain about the taste of water, you are not alone. The quality of water has decreased and drinking tap water can become a bit of a hazard.
To truly ensure that the water you drink is safe, you need to filter it.
If you are not sure where to start with choosing drinking water filters, luckily this guide can help. Read on to learn what is in your water, how drinking water filters can help with the quality of your water, and what are the types of filters available to you.
Why Quality of Water Matters
It is recommended to drink about 11.5 cups(2.7 liters) of water for women, and about 15.5 cups(3.7 liters) of water for men per day. And as the saying goes ‘Water is Life’. But do you know why?
Your body will survive without food for a few weeks, but only a few days without water. Every system in your body requires water to function properly. Your cells, tissues, organs, and even bones cannot perform their roles without water.
Water accounts for 60% of your total body mass and 90% of your brain mass. The primary role of water is to carry nutrients and oxygen throughout your body. Water helps certain substances, such as minerals, vitamins, glucose, and amino acids with absorption.
Water assists with detoxification processes. Without water, your body wouldn’t be able to flush out toxins and waste. Unremoved substances can potentially become harmful and cause an outbreak of an illness.
But water also lubricates joints and muscles, regulates body temperature, and helps with beauty processes such as keeping your skin hydrated and glowing. Water boosts energy and helps with digestion and weight loss.
When you don’t deliver enough water to your body you may suffer from dehydration. In a nutshell, dehydration prevents your body from performing all its vital functions.
In addition, if you become dehydrated, you may experience fatigue, thirst, headaches, muscle pain, dizziness, hunger, and dry skin. In several instances, you may experience nausea, or you can even faint.
What’s in Your Tap Water
The number one reason why drinking tap water is so hard is the taste. You may not like how the water smells too which can easily lead to underconsumption of water.
Your tap water may contain chemical and biological as well as physical and radiological contaminants. It can be anything from pesticides, bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, or chlorine. There can be over 250 chemical contaminants in your tap water, including:
- Lead
- Chlorine
- Copper
- Hydrogen Sulfide (Sulfur)
- Nitrates
- Radon
- Uranium
- High Alkalinity
- Coliform
- Iron Bacteria
The levels of various contaminants will affect the water’s taste and smell. In addition, exposure to heavy metals, or bacteria can have a negative impact on your health and cause chronic health issues.
The source of your water also decides what your water contains. Your water may come from the public system, private well, or cistern.
Types of Drinking Water Filters
Although it is said that the public tap water is safe to drink in America, this does not mean that is healthy or clean. Having a water test can help you to see how safe your drinkable water really is.
Knowing what is in your water is important when you look for drinking water filters. Because choosing the best water filter depends on what you want to remove from your water.
Some of the reasons why you may consider installing a filter include:
- Your water doesn’t taste good, and it has an odor
- Risk of lead contamination
- Presence of specific contaminants such as chlorine, bacteria, pesticides etc.
- Your water is not safe to drink as stated by your water provider
Different water filtration technologies can address a specific problem you want to solve. It is always recommended to check if the filter has been tested to remove or reduce the contaminants it claims to remove.
Some filters are only certified to remove contaminants that cause your drinkable water to smell and taste bad. Others are certified to remove contaminants that pose harm to your health. Ensure that whatever filter you choose has the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification.
Water Pitcher/Container
The easiest way to start with water filtration is to pick a solution that doesn’t involve a big cost or installment. Water pitchers, containers, and refrigerator filters are inexpensive and easy to install. Refrigerator filters often come already built into refrigerators.
Water pitchers are best for reducing chlorine, but some can also reduce lead or mercury. This type of water filter can be easily refilled and replaced. The biggest problem with these types of filters is that they don’t remove chemicals and other contaminates, they just reduce them in your water. How much do they reduce them is debatable.
Faucet Filters
Faucet filters are easy to use and install and they are inexpensive. Faucet Filters are usually above-the-sink filters, mostly attached to your water spout.
They can easily filter water to meet your ongoing drinkable water needs. Faucet filters reduce lead, chlorine, and sediment. On some occasions, they can also reduce the contamination of pharmaceuticals.
This type of water filter comes with a diverter valve so you can switch between filtered and unfiltered water.
However, some may slow down the water flow, or you may struggle with finding a brand that fits your faucet if, for example, you use a pullout sprayer.
Countertop Filters
Countertop filters, similar to faucet filters are easy to install and don’t cost a fortune. You don’t need to make changes to your plumbing with this type of water filter. You simply either screw the filter onto your faucet or put it next to it.
Countertop filters are a great solution for bigger families because they can filter large quantities of water fast. They are also less likely to clog, but they can clutter your countertop.
This type of water filter mostly removes chlorine, but a few can also eliminate fluoride or other hard-to-remove toxins.
Under the Counter Filters
Under the counter filters are similar to counter filters, but rather than sitting on your counter, they are located under your sink. They are low-maintenance and affordable.
They can also filter large quantities of water, fast. Therefore, it is a great solution where your cooking and drinking needs are high.
This type of filter is not that hard to install, however, it is more complex. A plumber or a handyman may be required to either modify your plumbing or drill a hole through your sink or countertop.
Most under the counter filters remove lead, chlorine bacteria, and viruses, as well as cysts and pharmaceuticals.
Under the counter filters can come with Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration. RO filters require a separate tank for your filtered water and a way to remove the wastewater.
Whole House Filtration
The Whole house filtration also called the point of entry (POE) is a complete solution for your whole house. As the name suggests this system filters all the water that comes into your house.
The biggest benefit of having a whole house filtration is that all your water is filtered. Regardless of if you are using it for drinking, cooking, showering, or laundry.
By installing a whole-house filtration, you can combine water filtration technologies, including carbon filters, UV filtration, and multistage sediment prefilters. This will also help with removing a huge range of contaminants, that separate water filters may not be able to handle.
Although the cost of the whole house filtration system may be expensive, it may still turn out to be cost-effective long term. Your overall maintenance cost may also be lower compared to the money you spend on individual repairs.
To install this type of water filtration system you need a licensed professional.
How to Choose the Best Water Filter
Water is essential for your body and mind to function properly. You may be able to survive without food for a few weeks but only for a few days without water. Water boosts your energy levels and assists with detoxification processes. It also helps with your digestive processes and keeps your skin hydrated.
Most of us don’t drink enough water because of the taste and smell of it. That is why installing drinking water filters is a must.
And the best way to start is by contacting us today to request a free water test.