Water filtration is an essential aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy household. The water that enters our homes may contain various contaminants, including harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
Fortunately, there are various types of water filtration systems that can remove these contaminants and provide us with clean and safe water. In this article, we will discuss the five types of water filtration systems for a new house, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Whole House Filter
A whole house water filtration system is a comprehensive solution for removing contaminants from all the water that enters your home. This type of filter is installed at the main water supply line, which means that every faucet and appliance in your home will have access to filtered water.
A whole house filter can remove a wide range of contaminants, such as sediment, chlorine, lead, and other chemicals. This type of filter is especially beneficial for people with sensitive skin or allergies, as it can improve the quality of water used for bathing and washing clothes.
Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a whole house filter are the filtration technology, contaminants removed, bathroom size, installation guide and manufacturer warranty. According to Waterdefense reviews, the best whole house water filter is the Springwell SS1 whole house system, which uses catalytic activated carbon technology to remove contaminants like chlorine, chloramines, lead, iron, copper and mercury in water.
Benefits of a whole house filter:
- Comprehensive filtration for all water in the house
- Can remove a wide range of contaminants
- Improves water quality for bathing and washing clothes
- Requires less maintenance compared to other types of filters
Drawbacks:
- Expensive to install and maintain
- May require professional installation
- Requires space for installation
Reverse Osmosis System
A reverse osmosis system is a highly effective type of water filtration system that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants from water. This system can remove up to 99% of all contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, lead, and arsenic. A reverse osmosis system is typically installed under the kitchen sink and provides filtered water for drinking and cooking. This type of filter is ideal for households with high levels of contaminants in their water supply.
Reverse Osmosis is also used in the large scale treatment of salt water through a process known as desalination
Benefits of Reverse osmosis:
- Highly effective in removing contaminants
- Provides clean and safe drinking water
- Can remove up to 99% of contaminants
- Compact and can be installed under the kitchen sink
Drawbacks:
- Expensive to install and maintain
- Wastes water during the filtration process
- May require professional installation
- Filters need to be replaced regularly
Countertop Filter
A countertop water filter is a portable type of filter that sits on your kitchen counter and filters water on demand. This type of filter typically uses activated carbon to remove contaminants, including chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
A countertop filter is a good option for people who rent their homes or have limited space, as it does not require installation and can easily be moved from one location to another.
Benefits:
- Portable and easy to move
- No installation required
- Affordable
Drawbacks:
- Limited filtration capacity
- Filters need to be replaced regularly
- Takes up countertop space
Under-sink Filter
An under-sink water filter is like a countertop filter but is installed under the kitchen sink. This type of filter provides filtered water for drinking and cooking and typically uses a combination of activated carbon and other filtration media to remove contaminants.
An under-sink filter is a good option for people who want a more permanent filtration solution but do not want to install a whole house or reverse osmosis system.
Benefits of an under-sink filter:
- Permanent filtration solution
- Compact and can be installed under the sink
- Provides clean and safe drinking water
Drawbacks:
- May require professional installation
- Filters need to be replaced regularly
- Limited filtration capacity
Faucet Filter
A faucet water filter is a small, portable filter that attaches directly to your faucet. This type of filter is typically made of activated carbon and can remove chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants.
A faucet filter is a good option for people who want a simple and affordable solution for improving the taste and odor of their water.
Benefits of a faucet filter:
- Affordable
- Easy to install and use
- Removes chlorine and other contaminants
Drawbacks:
- Limited filtration capacity
- Filters need to be replaced regularly
- May not remove all types of contaminants
Choosing the Right Water Filtration System
When choosing a water filtration system for your new house, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. A whole house filter is the most comprehensive solution but also the most expensive, while a faucet filter is the simplest and most affordable option but may not remove all types of contaminants. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective in removing contaminants but also the most expensive and wasteful in terms of water usage.
If you are concerned about the quality of your water supply, it is recommended to have your water tested by a professional to determine the types and levels of contaminants present. This information can help you choose the most appropriate water filtration system for your needs.
