Buying guide for best water filtration systems
In many homes, bottled water is a staple on the weekly grocery list. The tap water in many areas just doesn’t taste that good, and may even contain contaminants that make it unsafe to drink. Drinking plenty of water is important to stay healthy and hydrated, though, so buying bottled water often seems like the only solution.
But while bottled water is a convenient alternative to unsafe tap water, it can also be very expensive — especially if you drink as much of it as is recommended.
If you’re tired of spending so much on bottled water, a water filtration system may be the answer. Not only does it deliver safe, tasty drinking water whenever you want it, it can save you significant money over time.
Choosing a water filter system can be a little intimidating, though. There are several different types to consider, and some are better at filtering out certain contaminants than others. Some systems are also easier to use and maintain, and offer features that make them more effective, so it’s important to know what to look for to select the right option for your home.
If you’re ready to buy a water filtration system, take a look at our top recommendations. For general info on how to choose a filter system, continue reading our shopping guide.
Common water contaminants
Tap water with a bad taste or odor usually contains contaminants like chlorine and other chemicals. If your home receives its water from a well, it may contain bacteria and parasites, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, due to contamination from sewage and other waste. Your water’s taste and odor may be affected.
Also, if your home was built before 1986, there’s a chance that its pipes contain lead, which can leach into the water. The water’s taste and odor usually aren’t affected, so lead contaminants can be hard to detect.
Visible particles or debris in your tap water are usually the result of rust and sediment that may collect at the bottom of your toilet or dishwasher.All of these conditions are excellent reasons to install a water filtration system!
In our search for the top water filtration systems, we weigh the benefits of whole-house, under-sink ,and faucet-mounted options to make sure you get one that fits your needs.
The first thing we look at when reviewing water filtration systems is whether they’re meant for whole-home use or only for drinking water.
We give special consideration to water filtration systems that don’t require much significant maintenance.
One thing we consider when looking for the top water filtration system is how durable, good-looking, and easy to use the dispenser is.
We make certain that all the water filtration systems we review are NSF-certified to work at least as well as claimed.
In our quest for the best water filtration systems, we carefully note how many filtration stages the contenders offer and which contaminants they remove.
When researching the best water filtration systems, we consider common types, like sediment filters, as well as advanced options, like reverse osmosis systems.
We note the lifespan of each water filter system when looking for the best on the market.
We look into the variety of water sources different homes and buildings have. This knowledge helps us recommend the best water filtration systems for each building.
We place premium value on the water filtration systems that remove the widest range of contaminants.
Water filtration system benefits
- With a water filtration system in your home, you’ll have healthy water whenever you want it. You can fill safe, reusable water bottles with water from your tap to take with you on the go.
- A water filter system can improve the taste of your tap by removing contaminants that give it an unpleasant taste and smell, such as chlorine and bacteria.
- Because a water filtration system removes bacteria and parasites from your home’s water, you won’t ingest contaminants that can cause intestinal and digestive issues.
- If your family currently drinks bottled water, a water filter system can save you significant money by providing safe drinking water at home.
- Using a water filtration system is better for the environment, because you won’t add more plastic bottles to the landfills.
- Chemicals in unfiltered tap water can cause soap residue to linger on plates, dishes, countertops, and other surfaces. Using a filtration system reduces the amount of soap scum around your home.
- Unfiltered water can leave chemical deposits behind on your clothing when you wash them. Filtering the water that feeds your washer can help prevent skin irritations and rashes.
Testing water filtration systems
We considered 101 water filtration systems over the course of 43 hours. After additionally consulting with over 200 consumers, we picked our top five recommendations.
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Types of water filtration systems
Whole-house filters are installed at the main water line that enters your home. They can remove rust and sediment, but usually must be paired with another type of filter to get rid of other contaminants.
Undersink filters are installed beneath the sink, and filter water through a pipe to the system’s own faucet. They can usually remove chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and parasites.
Faucet-mounted filters are installed on an existing faucet in the home, so they require no plumbing connections. The contaminants that they filter vary depending on the model, but many can remove chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and parasites.
Caution
Some old pipes contain lead, which can leach into the water that comes from your faucets, and cause a variety of health issues. Children are particularly at risk.
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Water filtration system feature considerations
Filter type
Activated carbon filters are usually used in under sink systems, and remove impurities and contaminants by catching them in a porous, positively charged, adsorbent filter.
Distillation water filtration systems heat the water to boiling and gather the steam that condenses, so only the contaminants are left behind. However, some contaminants can turn to gas, so they’ll remain in the water even after filtering.
A reverse osmosis system reverses the flow of the water, and passes it through a semipermeable membrane that filters out contaminants. It’s usually considered the most effective filtering system, but it can waste water.
Keep in mind that some filtration system combine multiple types of filters, such as a system with distillation and activated carbon filters.
Did you know?
Because a water filtration system removes bacteria and parasites from your home’s water, you won’t ingest contaminants that may cause intestinal and digestive issues.
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Filter change alert
To keep your system working properly, it’s important to change the filters when they’re worn out.
Some systems provide filter change alerts, so you don’t have to wonder if you need a new filter. The system will beep or flash a light to let you know when the filter requires changing.
Auto shut-off and flood alert
Some water filtration systems have a water or flood detector feature that detects leaks. If water builds up around the equipment, the system automatically shuts down to avoid any damage.
Expert Tip
When you change the filtration system’s filters, make sure to use only certified filter cartridges for the system, or all of the impurities and contaminants may not be removed.
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System scope
Some filtration systems cover the entire house, so all of the water that comes out of faucets in your home, including in the shower or bath, is filtered.
Whole house systems are typically used to remove unpleasant tastes and smells, and usually must be combined with another type of filter to remove other contaminants.
Other water filtration systems, like faucet and under-sink filters, target a specific faucet, so only water from that location is filtered. This type of system works best if you’re primarily concerned about filtering your drinking water.
NSF certification
To ensure that the water filtration system you choose is effective, make sure that it’s certified by NSF International, an independent testing organization. If the system has the NSF seal, it’s been tested to verify that it actually removes the contaminants that it’s supposed to, so you can trust the product to work.
"According to EPA requirements, all U.S. community water systems must report on the quality of their drinking water each year. In these reports, the systems must disclose where the water comes from, what contaminants are present, and what the possible health risks are."
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Ease of maintenance
All water filtration systems feature one or more filters that require replacement periodically. However, some filters are easier to change the others, which makes maintaining the system easier.
Look for a system with filters that you simply twist off and on — they’re usually the easiest to replace.
Keep in mind that reverse osmosis systems also have a membrane that must be replaced every two to three years.
Expert Tip
While reverse osmosis filtration systems are extremely effective, they can waste some water.
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Water filtration system prices
Water filtration systems vary in price based on the type and what features it offers, but you can typically expect to spend between $90 and $500.
The most common difference in price is based on the number of filtering stages in the system:
For a basic two stage filter system, you’ll usually pay between $90 and $130.
For a three stage filter system, you’ll usually pay between $140 and $170.
For a four stage filter system you’ll usually pay between $175 and $190.
For a five stage filter system, you’ll usually pay between $190 and $220.
For a six stage filter system, you’ll usually pay between $225 and $270.
For a seven stage filter system, you’ll usually pay between $275 and $500.
"Whole-house filtration systems are effective in removing mineral deposits, as well as any bad taste or odor. However, they don’t work as well in filtering out other contaminants, so you may need to add another type of filter to provide additional filtration."
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Water filtration system tips and tricks
Before choosing a water filtration system, it’s a good idea to find out what contaminants are present in your home’s water. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) puts out annual water quality reports for cities and municipalities throughout the U.S., so you can check which impurities have been found in your water.
With a reverse osmosis system, you don’t want too much water pressure on the membrane, or it could be damaged. Try to keep the water pressure at a moderate level to avoid cracks in the membrane.
The filters in your water filtration system wear out over time, so it’s important to change them regularly to keep your water clean. Check the manufacturer's’ instructions to see how often they should be changed or if the system will alert you when it’s time for a new filter.
When you do change the filtration system’s filters, make sure to use only certified filter cartridges for the system, or all of the impurities and contaminants may not be removed.
When you’re choosing a reusable water bottle to fill with water from your filtration system, make sure that it's not made of hard plastic or aluminium. Opt for a BPA-free plastic or stainless steel style instead.
For your safety
Some state or local health departments offer free water testing kits to residents, but you can also purchase them at home improvement stores.
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FAQ
Q. How can I determine what contaminants are in my tap water?
A. In addition to the EPA’s annual water quality report, the Environmental Working Group has put together a National Drinking Water Database that allows you to identify the contaminants in your tap water. You can also have your tap water tested by an EPA-certified lab in your state to be even more specific.
Q. What’s the difference between point of entry (POE) and point of use (POU) water filter systems?
A. A POE system filters all of the water that enters your home, which means water from every faucet is filtered. A POU system filters water on a particular water source, such as your kitchen faucet. If you want all of your drinking, bathing, and washing water filtered, you’ll need a POE system. If you’re only concerned about your drinking water, a POU system is usually sufficient.
Q. How often does a water filtration system’s filter cartridge need be changed?
A. The lifespan of a filter cartridge depends on the system and what contaminants are being filtered out. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on filter replacement or pay attention to alerts from the system itself.
