What Are My Water Treatment Options?

We’re not going to sugarcoat it: Your tap water isn’t exactly pure as the driven snow. Municipal water tends to be high in certain toxins that can adversely affect your health. A water treatment system is an effective way to remove impurities, ensuring healthier, better-tasting water. But with so many options available, it can be confusing to determine which is right for you.

Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and how effective you need your system to be. So consider this something of a cheat sheet for your water-quality needs.

Whole-house water filter

This filter removes impurities as small as 0.35 microns -- which is to say it’s fairly effective. This system is installed at the main water line, ensuring clean water is delivered to all of your faucets and appliances.

Cost: It varies. Entry-level systems are well over $1,000. These tend to be 1-stage filtration units. Three-stage systems are going to be very effective, but more costly. Installation is not a DIY job. Hire a plumber.

Reverse osmosis water filter

RO systems are capable of filtering down to 0.0001 microns, making it the most effective filter on the market. The units are point-of-use, meaning they attach under the sink to filter water before coming out of the faucet. If you're handy with tools, you can probably install an RO system yourself.

Cost: These units are priced at around $200 and up, making them a budget-friendly option.

Faucet Filters

These units attach directly to the faucet and provide decent filtration. Some models use carbon filter capable of removing impurities such as chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, and VOCs, which means it will give your veggies a good cleanse. A close cousin to the faucet filter is the heavier-duty countertop filter.

Cost: This might be the cheapest option at around $70. Keep in mind the filter life on these units tend to be short, so you’ll need to replace them frequently.

Bottom line: All of the above systems will provide a good defense against contaminants, making your tap water safer to drink. But if you’re concerned about a particular toxin, do your research to determine which system is best capable of removing it. For all of your plumbing needs, contact Brownies Septic and Plumbing at (407) 890-0116.