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We all know how important it is to stay hydrated throughout the day, but many areas have tap water that contains contaminants that make it unsafe or just unpleasant to drink. Bottled water is a good alternative, but keeping your fridge stocked can get pretty expensive. That’s why investing in a water purifier can be such a smart decision for your home.
Not all water purifiers are created equal, though, so it’s important to choose the right one for your water supply. That means knowing what type, storage capacity, and other features will work best for you, which can get pretty confusing.
WHAT IS A WATER PURIFIER?
A water purifier removes particles, sediment, chemical contaminants like chlorine and mercury, viruses, and bacteria from water. But while a water purifier can effectively filter contaminants from water, it can also remove minerals that are beneficial to your health like calcium, magnesium, and sodium.
Fortunately, some purifiers are able to restore healthy minerals to the water after the filtering process, so your drinking water is as good for you as possible.
WATER PURIFIER BENEFITS
Using a water purifier for your tap water has a number of benefits that make it a worthwhile purchase.
Safety
The main reason that most homeowners use a water purifier is to remove potentially harmful toxins and contaminants from their tap water. A purifier can remove a variety of chemical contaminants, including arsenic, aluminum, mercury, and pesticides, as well as bacteria and viruses that might make your family sick.
Taste
Removing contaminants and bacteria improves the taste of tap water, so drinking your daily recommended amount will be more pleasant.
Cost
While bottled water can be healthier and better tasting than tap water, it can get very expensive to keep a steady supply in your fridge. By investing in a water purifier, you’ll save money in the long run by providing your own drinkable water out of the tap.
Eco-friendly
Besides the expense, the other downside of bottled water is all of the plastic bottles that wind up in landfills. Even recycling the bottles uses energy that isn’t necessarily good for the environment. By using a water purifier, you reduce the amount of plastic waste produced by your home, making it a much more eco-friendly option.
WATER PURIFIER FEATURES TO CONSIDER
Filter type
There are four main types of filters used in water purifiers: carbon, ceramic, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light.
Carbon: Carbon water purifiers use activated or block carbon to remove impurities through chemical absorption. Carbon filters can usually filter out particles between 0.5 and 50 microns in size. These are the most common filters found in water purifiers. Carbon water purifiers are usually freestanding units, such as pitchers or countertop models, although there are some options that attach directly to the faucet.
A carbon water purifier can improve the taste and odor of your tap water by removing chemical contaminants including chlorine, radon, pesticides, herbicides, benzene, trihalomethane compounds, and other synthetic chemicals. These filters are not as effective in removing heavy metals and inorganic contaminants, such as arsenic, mercury, chromium, cadmium, minerals, and salts.
Ceramic: The porous nature of a ceramic filter removes larger particles, such as dirt, debris, and bacteria, as gravity pulls the water through the filter. Ceramic filters are not as effective at removing chemical contaminants as carbon filters, so they may be paired with other types of filters to completely purify the water. A ceramic water purifier is usually a freestanding unit that sits on a countertop or table.
Reverse osmosis: Reverse osmosis water purifiers are able to filter larger particles and inorganic chemicals like heavy metals, salts, and nitrates from your tap water. These filters are directly connected to the plumbing beneath the sink, so the water is filtered as soon as it emerges from the faucet. Some reverse osmosis water purifiers can store a small amount of purified water for later or emergency use. There is also a line that sends any tainted water straight to the drain.
Ultraviolet light: Some water purifiers use ultraviolet (UV) light to filter contaminants out of tap water. These filters can remove bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing microorganisms and improve the taste of the water. However, UV filters don’t remove heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, minerals, salts, and other contaminants that carbon and reverse osmosis purifiers can. To be most effective, UV water purifiers are typically used in conjunction with another type of filter. A UV water purifier is attached directly to your home’s plumbing and may require professional installation.
FAQ
Q. How do I know what contaminants are in my water?
A. The contaminants that may be present in your tap water can vary based on where you live. It’s important to determine what contaminants are likely to be found in your particular water system to choose the right purifier. The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) offers a database that contains water-quality reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Enter your ZIP Code to determine what contaminants are a risk in your area.
Q. Is bottled water healthier than water that’s filtered through a purifier?
A. Not only is bottled water expensive and an environmental issue due to the plastic bottles but it also isn’t necessarily any better for you than tap water that’s passed through a purifier. That’s because some bottled water is actually tap water that’s been purified, though you can’t be sure that it’s been filtered to remove all possible contaminants. Some bottled water is natural spring water that hasn’t been filtered at all, so it may contain toxins or contaminants.
Q. How long will a water purifier last?
A. The lifespan of a water purifier depends on the type and how well you maintain it. Changing the filters regularly is key to keeping your purifier in good working condition. Carbon and ceramic water purifiers can last as long as ten years if you care for them properly. Reverse osmosis and UV water purifiers have more working parts, so it’s easier for them to develop problems. However, most systems work well for at least five to seven years.
