When looking for the best water filters, reviews from unbiased agencies are what you want to examine.
The chart below compares the effectiveness and cost of ten leading water filters. We present data on Brita (the best selling water filter), PUR, Aquasana, Amway, Culligan, kenmore, GE, EverPure and Aqua-Pure.
We only included top-selling water filters that were certified by a leading authority.
We did not include companies that made undocumented or vague claims (ex: "Removes contaminants.")
Concerning the best water filter systems, price did not seem to matter very much. Our advice, compare water filters and buy a filter that is affordable and performs satisfactorily.
When it comes to water filters, comparisons can be complicated. Buy one you can live with.
More advice
Given the certainty that your water is not free of all contaminants, that contaminants can harm your health, that bottled water costs so much more than filtered water and that filtered water can be a real bargain (less than 10 cents per gallon), we recommend that you buy a filter.
Any water filter is better than none.
All filters will improve the taste of your water. That can only encourage drinking more water and helping to avoid disorders linked to dehydration.
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Following the chart is the list of contaminants, definitions and health effects that are cited in the chart. These include: chlorine, lead, cysts, THMs, VOCs, lindane, alachlor, atrazine, benzene, TCEs and MTBEs.
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Deciding on water filters: Reviews and the following information should help you choose wisely.
Chlorine - Added to our our supply by government agencies. It is a necessary service as it kills harmful, even deadly living matter in our water supply. However, it is advisable to eliminate it right before use. Chlorine has been linked to several health problems (cardiovascular illness and cancer) and cosmetic effects (dry skin and hair).
Lead - Enters through plumbing. Well-documented risks to health especially children include brain damage.
Cysts - Living organisms in water. Can cause different illnesses and diseases of varying severity.
THMs (trihalomethanes) - form when chlorine combines with living matter. Linked to cancer.
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) - Carbon-containing chemicals that can vaporize quickly. Often breathed in, they cause skin irritation, drowsiness and respiratory problems.
Lindane - Comes from insecticides. May contribute to cancer, heart disease and toxicity of many organs.
Alachlor - Odorless herbicide to control grasses and weeds. May irritate skin and eyes. May also damage the liver, kidney and spleen. Has been linked to cancer formation.
Atrazine - Organic herbicide used to control broadleaf and weeds. May cause congestion of heart, lungs and kidney, low blood pressure and damage to adrenal glands.
Benzene - A clear, colorless chemical that is very aromatic and highly flammable. Linked to nervous system disorders, depressed immune system, anemia, chromosome damage and cancer.
TCE (trichloroethylene) - Chemical that smells like chloroform. Used to remove grease from certain products like metal. Long-term consumption may lead to liver disease and cancer.
MTBE - used to improve the performance of fuels. Linked to cancer.
Despite the best intentions of water regulatory systems, the elimination of contaminants in public water supplies, like the reservoir below, is nearly impossible.
There are simply too many contaminants in our systems, perhaps tens of thousands. It is impossible to identify and test for all of them.
What's more, due to increased technology in developing countries, the list of contaminants will only increase.
Finally, research is not advanced enough to inform us of the many different health problems caused by water contaminants. The possibilities are too numerous.
Hope this page was helpful in choosing water filters. Reviews and comparisons should help you to choose wisely when deciding on the best water filter systems.
