Do NOT Buy The Best Water Filter Until You Read This!

Which Is the Best Water Filter System? – Buying Guide And Reviews

With so many options to choose from, which is the best water filter of them all? More and more people are becoming aware of the growing amount of contaminants in tap water.

Although tap water is generally clean and safe to drink in most developed countries, they tend to contain lots of undesirables.

AquaTruFluoride, hormones, traces of lead are just some of the things that show up in municipal water sources.

When water is not pure but instead full of contaminants, it ceases to benefit you and can often do more harm than good.

I don’t trust tap water so what’s next?

The simple solution is to buy and install some type of water filter device or rely on things like bottled water.

But then the question becomes, which type of filtration is the best?

This is where this article will help you because I will go through every single possible way to get clean water. By the end of this post, you should know which is the best water filter for you.

Horrible Tap Water Facts You MUST Know

According to research done by the Environmental Working Group, tap water contains over 300 pollutants and chemicals.

What’s more shocking is that many of the contaminants were things not even regulated by the governing body.

Berkey Water FiltersThis means that many of the pollutants did not have to come within a “safe limit” normally imposed on hazardous material for human consumption.

The contaminants found by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) include things like:

  • Fluoride. This is by far one of the most hotly debated things that is routinely added to the public water supplies. There are lots of contradicting reports on whether it benefits or harms us. On the one hand, fluoride is very good for your teeth but drinking it is also linked to things like thyroid issues.
  • VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals). This covers things like herbicides and pesticides. Sadly, they are very common in most publicly supplied water sources. Research shows that VOCs can damage your reproductive system, liver and even kidneys.
  • EDC (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals). This type of contaminant is know for interfering with the normal functioning of your hormones.
  • Heavy Metals e.g. Mercury and Lead. It almost goes without saying that this is something highly negative for your body and can cause serious health problems.

So, the question becomes: how do you avoid all of these potential contaminants in your water?

AquaTru Water Filter

Berkey Water Filter

AquaTruProPur Berkey Looking Water Filter System
- Arsenic: Approx 90% (unspecified).
- Fluoride by 91.8% (WITHOUT extra filters).
- Lead 97.5%
- Benzene 99.9%
- Chlorine 96.6%
- Cysts 99.99%
- Arsenic by 99.9% (special filters required).
- Fluoride by 99.9% (special filters required).
- Lead 97.5%
- Benzene 99.8%
Available in 1-size only. Available in various sizes.
Plastic materials.Metal & plastic materials.
Number of filters: 3Number of filters: 2 - 4
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters.Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters
4-stage filter process.2-stage filter process.
Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts.2.25 Gallons
45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm 19" High x 8.5" Diameter
System: 1 year limited warranty.Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year.
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru).Berkey Contaminants List
NSF/ANSI test results
SPECIAL OFFER?
Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK
AquaTrue Coupon
SPECIAL OFFER?
Yes, Big Berkey bundle sale
mrwatergeek winner badge
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Shocking Bottled Water Facts You MUST Know

Best Bottled WaterIf you’re like most people you probably think that bottled water is the cleaner option than tap water.

Even though this is true to a large extent, bottled water has some drawbacks, so it’s not always the best solution.

But, in the spirit of fairness, let’s take a look at both the pros and cons of bottled water.

Pros
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Easy and convenient when you’re out and about.

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Generally offers cleaner safer water then what comes out of your tap.

Cons
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The plastic is made with dangerous BPA chemicals that can leech into your water.

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There is more and more evidence to suggest that bottled water is nothing more than lightly filtered tap water.

Red Cross

Bottle water creates an enormous amount of recyclable consumer waste.

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In the long term, bottled water is far more expensive than using a regular filter jug or faucet filter.

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Types Of Water Filters

In broad terms water filter systems use 1 of 4 methods. The methods below are commonly used in your water filter pitcher, whole house filters, faucet filters and all the others.

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

This is by far one of the most well known and popular types of water filtration systems out there.

OptimH2O Reverse OsmosisReverse osmosis is when a porous membrane (i.e. a piece of material with tiny holes for the water to pass through) removes water contaminants.

Most reverse osmosis systems also use small amounts of activated charcoal filter.

Activated charcoal is excellent at both removing contaminants and re-introducing healthy minerals back into the water.

Reverse osmosis filters are usually installed under the sink and come in the form of a holding tank.

It is so popular because it is highly effective. RO effectively removes almost all contaminants. For instance, contaminants like: fluoride, asbestos, heavy metals and arsenic.

Drawbacks?

Yes, RO results in a high amount of water waste and removes some minerals like magnesium and calcium from the water.

Read: Reverse Osmosis System: What The Experts WON’T Tell You

2. Activated Carbon Filter: What Do Carbon Filters Remove From Water?

Activated carbon filters your water with its highly absorbent carbon. This carbon has a positive charge that effectively traps water contaminants.

You can buy this in the form of a counter top filter, under the sink filter or as a faucet filter.

Activated carbon filters are popular because they improve taste, remove odors and even chlorine.

This filtration method is also good at removing contaminants like pesticides, parasites, heavy metals (lead, copper and mercury) and disinfection by-products.

3. Distilled Water Filter

This method essentially captures the purified steam of boiling water. You can use a distiller as a whole house filtration system, in which case it will filter water at the point of entry.

Alternatively you can get a distiller based counter top filter.Pelican UV Filter

Water distillation removes fluoride, arsenic, selenium, sodium and heavy metals like lead, mercury and copper.

4. Ultraviolet Disinfection (UV Disinfection Water Treatment)

As suggested by the name, this method filters water with ultraviolet light that kills off any bacteria in your water.

You can get an ultraviolet disinfection filter installed under your sink and even get one that includes a carbon filter.

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Which Is The Best Water Filter?

Before deciding which water filter system is best, you need to think about what you need it for the most.

  • Do you need a point of entry filter?
  • How many people are in your household?AquaTru Filters
  • How much is your budget?
  • Is the need urgent? Do you need clean water immediately or can you wait a week of two.
  • Are there specific contaminants you need to get rid of?

Answering these questions will help you get a better understanding of what type of water filter system is best for you.

Remember that choosing a system that provides water for the whole house will most likely need professional installation. On the other hand, getting a smaller system that you start using straight away won’t provide you with full coverage.

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Water Filter Pitcher

This has to be the easiest, quickest and cheapest solution. If you don’t want to spend any time trying to set up an install a water filter this is for you.Clearly Filtered Lifetime Warranty

You can literally buy a water filter pitcher today and get filtered water as soon as you take it out of the box.

Water filter jugs filter your water with granulated activated charcoal to remove water contaminants.

Pros
Green Plus Arrow

You can buy one today and immediately start enjoying clean filtered water.

Green Plus Arrow

They improve the taste and odor of your water.

Green Plus Arrow

They can reduce chlorine.

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Very attractive and portable so you can do things like put them on your dinner table.

Cons
Red Cross

You need to replace cartridges very frequently.

Red Cross

It’s a lot of hassle trying to use filtered water for your kettle, coffee machine, cooking etc.

Red Cross

Your home appliances could still suffer from things like hard water damage (think washing machine, faucets and dishwasher).Check Prices & Read Customer Reviews

Red Cross

You will not get filtered water for your showers, which means that you could still be bathing in hard water, which can leave your hair and skin dry.

Red Cross

They are not the best home water filters for removing VOCs, fluoride, heavy metals and endocrine disruptos.

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Faucet Water Filter

If you want filtered water direct from the tap but don’t want the hassle or expense of getting a whole house system then consider a faucet filter.

It wont give you filtered water for laundry and bathing.

But it will give you clean water for drinking, filling up the kettle / coffee machine and cooking, laundry and other similar uses. Many faucet filters have a “1-click install” process and can filter between 100-200 gallons before you need to replace them.

Pros
Green Plus Arrow

Very affordable.

Green Plus Arrow

Easy to install. No screws or plumbing knowledge needed.

Green Plus Arrow

Filters are easy to replace and last up to 3 months / 200 gallons.

Green Plus Arrow

Instant filtration, water gets filtered on-demand when you open the tap.

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You can easily move between filtered and unfiltered water. This means that you don’t waste the filtered water when you do things like wash your car or water your garden.

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Very attractive modern designs are available.

Cons
Red Cross

You won’t have any filtered water to protect your laundry, shower or expensive home appliances.

Whole House Filtration Systems

This is the big daddy of domestic water filtration. As the name suggests, this method is when you install a water filter machine into the mains water supply. And all of the water that comes into your home is filtered (including the water you flush the toilet with!)

Aquasana Whole House UV FilterThe whole house water filter machine is usually a little bit expensive.

But, for that price, you will never have to worry about contaminated water again (while you are at home).

These machines also offer the most comprehensive removal of contaminants. You can expect a whole house filter to remove things like heavy metals, microbial organisms and other water pollutants.

They last very long and are typically able to purify approximately 100,000-150,000 gallons before you need to buy a replacement.

Pros
Green Plus Arrow

Filters ALL the water in your home. This means you have filtered water for all your needs including cooking, showering and laundry.

Green Plus Arrow

You do not have to replace the filters as often as the other options.

Green Plus Arrow

If you select a filter that also removes hard water, it will prolong the life of your expensive appliances. This is because it stops them from getting hard water damage.

Green Plus Arrow

It can work out cheaper in the long run because you’ll save on bottled water, have appliances that work for longer and won’t need to replace the filter as often.Check Prices & Read Customer Reviews

Cons
Red Cross

This is the most expensive option.

Red Cross

Will typically need expert plumbing knowledge and installation.

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Water Filter Comparison Table Chart

AquatruBerkeyAquasana Rhino
AquaTruBerkey FilterAquasana Whole House UV Filter
Green Plus ArrowThe most powerful filter on this list.Green Plus ArrowBest selling with lots of happy customer reviews.Green Plus Arrow Provides filtered water to your whole entire home.
Green Plus ArrowCan filter almost any liquid source.Green Plus ArrowHigh capacity.Green Plus ArrowTreats hard water up to 24ppm and filters out contaminants.
Green Plus ArrowHigh flow rate.Green Plus ArrowCost effective overall.- Green Plus ArrowLong lasting filters up to 1 million gallons.
Green Plus ArrowElegant design.Green Plus ArrowEliminates many contaminants.Green Plus ArrowComes with a professional installation kit.
Green Plus ArrowEliminates fluoride.Green Plus ArrowNon-electric.Green Plus ArrowCoupon code:

AQGEEK50 for up to 50% off.

Red CrossRequires electricity.Red CrossCan be slow to filter.Red CrossNeed to be connected to water mains.
Red CrossSome customers say some of its components are not durable.Red CrossYou need to buy special fluoride filters if fluoride is a concern.Red Cross You may need to hire a professional if you're not confident with DIY.
Check Price ButtonCheck Price ButtonCheck Price Button

AquaTru Converts CocaCola Into Clean Drinking Water

So, Which is the BEST water filter?

Mr Water Geek ThinkingThis title was sort of a trick question because the correct answer is that they ALL are the “best water filter” depending on your needs.

Only worried about clean drinking water? A water filter jug / pitcher will do the trick.AquaTru

Do you want clean drinking water + cooking? A water filter faucet will be the best solution for you.

Need filtered water for the whole house, including your bathroom and for your laundry? Then bite the bullet and invest in a whole house water filter.

It requires the biggest upfront commitment in terms of time and money. But it will pay for itself and give you a better quality of life overall.

AquaTru Water Filter

Berkey Water Filter

AquaTruProPur Berkey Looking Water Filter System
- Arsenic: Approx 90% (unspecified).
- Fluoride by 91.8% (WITHOUT extra filters).
- Lead 97.5%
- Benzene 99.9%
- Chlorine 96.6%
- Cysts 99.99%
- Arsenic by 99.9% (special filters required).
- Fluoride by 99.9% (special filters required).
- Lead 97.5%
- Benzene 99.8%
Available in 1-size only. Available in various sizes.
Plastic materials.Metal & plastic materials.
Number of filters: 3Number of filters: 2 - 4
Filter methods: Mechanical, Reverse Osmosis & Activated Carbon filters.Filter methods: Black microporous-filters & white fluoride Filters
4-stage filter process.2-stage filter process.
Holds a maximum water capacity of 3-quarts.2.25 Gallons
45.7 x 45.7 x 38.1 cm 19" High x 8.5" Diameter
System: 1 year limited warranty.Filters: 2 years; System: 1 year.
Full Performance Data Sheet (AquaTru).Berkey Contaminants List
NSF/ANSI test results
SPECIAL OFFER?
Yes, use code MRWATERGEEK
AquaTrue Coupon
SPECIAL OFFER?
Yes, Big Berkey bundle sale
mrwatergeek winner badge
mrwatergeek winner badgemrwatergeek winner badge

Scientific References

Anjaneyulu, L.; Kumar, E. Arun; Sankannavar, Ravi; Rao, K. Kesava (13 June 2012). “Defluoridation of Drinking Water and Rainwater Harvesting Using a Solar Still”. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. 51 (23): 8040–8048.

Crittenden, John; Trussell, Rhodes; Hand, David; Howe, Kerry and Tchobanoglous, George (2005). Water Treatment Principles and Design, Edition 2. John Wiley and Sons. New Jersey. ISBN 0-471-11018-3

Glater, J. (1998). “The early history of reverse osmosis membrane development”. Desalination. 117: 297–309.

Taylor, F. Sherwood (1945). “The Evolution of the Still”. Annals of Science. 5 (3): 186.

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