Amazon Basics Pitcher WQA-Certified Water Filter

Bottled water can get expensive, and all those plastic bottles are bad for the environment. You can save serious money and ease your conscience by investing in a water filtration system for your home. Even if you don’t drink all your water at home, there are insulated tumblers and thermoses that you can fill with water and take with you on the go.

Water filtration is not a complicated, involved process. In fact, you can spend a small amount of money and have water filtration right away. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a water pitcher that holds a filter. You will have to refill it periodically, but pitchers are a great option if you live alone or your household doesn’t consume much water each day.

Another option is an under-sink water filter. You simply hook it up and enjoy tasty water from the tap. This is the route to take if you just want filtered water from one sink in your house. Or, if you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, one that has a filtered water dispenser built into the door may provide the same benefits.

Some households choose to invest in whole-house filtration systems. This can be costly and involved, but it could also increase the value of your house. The main reason to do this, though, is that it gives you the convenience of having filtered water no matter which tap you choose. You’ll also get filtered water in the bath or shower, which can be nice.

No matter what type of filtration system you choose, you’ll need to occasionally change the filter. A whole-house system won’t need it as often as a smaller system, so that’s another convenience. Look into how often the filters have to be changed, as well as how expensive and easy to buy they are, before you choose a filtration option.

• When you turn on your tap, you’re getting water from the municipal water supply in your town. While local governments do what they can to keep things safe, occasionally violations are cited, which means contaminants may be present without you knowing it.
• The water coming through your pipes isn’t the only concern, as the pipes themselves can contain contaminants.
• There are multiple types of filters, but the most popular is carbon. Carbon is a low-cost but effective way to filter particles.
• Most filters are sold in sets of two or more. This can help you save money, and it also gives you one or more extras to keep on hand so you aren’t always rushing to buy a new one when it’s time to change your filter.
• Look at the specific types of particles that are caught by your filter. Chlorine, lead, copper, mercury, zinc and cadmium are just some of the contaminants you can battle with a filter.
• You’ll have to double-check that the filter you’re buying works with the filtration system you have in place. Some are universal, but not all of them are.
• Some filters require that you soak them first for a period of time. Others let you skip that step, which makes changing out your filters much quicker and more convenient.
• Check the instructions on how to change your filter. With some, you’ll need to run water through it a few times before you can drink it. The early rounds of water can be used for things like watering plants if you don’t want to toss it out.
• Water filtration systems can build up bacteria and mold over time, as is the case with any moisture-rich environment. Some filters are designed to resist this buildup to keep you and your family safer.