Now that I am starting my Kitchen Remodel, I have to consider every type of gizmo to put in the kitchen. One of the first things that comes to mine is a water filtration system. Personally, I drink tap water, use a Brita Filter and it’s just fine. But this remodel is not all about me! It’s about re-selling and providing as many non-toxic, and green options available on the market today. As usual the question comes up, is it really necessary to put in a water filter?
I have friends that swear by their reverse osmosis systems, friends that drink tap water and others that only buy the bottle. Personally, people have lived for thousands of years without water filtration and bottled water, it is a luxury item in many cases and anyone can get used to the taste of tap water.
So Filtrate or Not to Filtrate is the question? That said, after much investigation, and reading reviews, I’m not going to put in a water filtration system. I don’t believe it will add much value to my home, and if whoever wants one, they can be installed readily enough. My opinion might change on this later, but I drink tap water!
Consider all your options before you put in a water filter.
1.) Do you really need it?
2.) Are you and your family highly susceptible to illness?
3.) Is your local water safe? You might consider if you get your water from a spring, will or untreated source.
4.) Are you unhappy with local water taste or smell?
5.) Will you stop buying bottled water if you install a filtration device?
6.) Will it add value if you are selling your home? If you think about renting, will the tenants do the maintenance?
Why put in Water Filter?
1.) Can Save Money if you stop buying bottled water. According to Aspen Water Filters the cost of a home filtration system is 78% less per gallon than bottled water
2.) Can Save the Environment- somewhat- if it lessens plastic bottles in landfills although there is an environmental cost with every kind of filter.
3.) Filtered Tap water is better than most bottled water
5 Things of Consider Before You Purchase
1.) Become Educated about your Water Supply
2.) Consult the EPA – For acceptable levels for drinking water
3.) Match the Filter Type to your #1 Water concern .
4.) Consider filter style to what works best for your lifestyle. Drinking, showering, family, washing and more.
5.) Think Long Term- filter changing, maintence, drought conditions.
6.) Determine What kind you need and make sure it certified by the National Sanitation Foundation
Water Treatment Systems
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Filtration/Absorption, Carbon
Pro: Removes bad tastes and smells.
Con: Requires frequent changing of carbon filter- going into landfills
Boiling Water:
Pro- Eliminates microorganisms, requires no purchase
Con: Time and Energy exspence. Water lost thru vaporization
Brita Water Filter
Pro: Inexpensive jar of water with filter
Con: Filters go into landfills
For the record, here are some recommendationd to extend the life of your Brita Filter
$$
Water Softener/Exchange System:
Pro: Soft Water requires less detergent
Con: Bad for those on diets restricting potassium or sodu. Banned in some areas
$$-$$$$
Distillation:
Pro: Best for very poor water quality
Con: Significant enery use: water lost through Evaporation
Ozone or Ozonation
Pro: Controlls microorganisms. Oxides contaminats.
Con: Can create unwanted byproducts susc as formaldehyde nad bromates. Requires additional filtration system
$$$
Reverse Osmosis:
Pro: Most recommended for those with comprised immune systemsn
Con: Slow Filtration, Consumes more water than it filters
$$$$
Ultraviolet
Pro: Effective at removing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and protzoa.
Con: Continuously consumes electricity The Best Source:
| Brand | Aquasana | Amway | Culligan | Kenmore | GE | Ever Pure | Aqua-Pure | PUR | Brita | Brita |
| Model NmOumber | AQ-4000 | E-5199 | SY-2300 | Deluxe 38465 | Smart Water GXSV10C | H-54 | DWS1000 | Plus FM-3000 | Faucet Filter | Pitcher Filter |
| Retail Price | $124.99 | $420.00 | $159.99 | $149.99 | $139.99 | $149.99 | $349.95 | $49.95 | $34.95 | $24.95 |
| Replacement Cartridge Cost & Capacity | $48.00 / 500 Gal. | $120.00 / 1250 Gal. | $50.39 / 500 Gal. | $49.00 / 500 Gal. | $60.00 / 540 Gal. | $79.95 / 750 Gal. | $79.99 / 625 Gal. | $20.00 / 100 Gal. | $20.00 / 100 Gal. | $7.70 / 30 Gal. |
| Per Gallon “Cost Of Use” | 9.6 ¢ Per Gal. | 9.6 ¢ Per Gal. | 10¢ Per Gal. | 9.8¢ Per Gal. | 11¢ Per Gal. | 10.6¢ Per Gal. | 13¢ Per Gal. | 20¢ Per Gal. | 20¢ Per Gal. | 25¢ Per Gal. |
| Removes Chlorine | YES >99% |
YES 97.9% |
YES 97% |
YES 99% |
YES 97% |
YES 96% |
YES 97% |
YES 98% |
YES 99% |
YES >75% |
| Removes Lead | YES >99% |
YES 98% |
YES 95% |
YES 92% |
YES 98% |
YES 97% |
Yes 95% |
YES 96% |
YES 99% |
YES 93% |
| Removes Cysts | YES >99.99% |
YES 99.5% |
YES 99% |
NO | YES >99% |
YES >99% |
YES >99% |
YES 99.99% |
YES 99.99% |
NO |
| Removes THMs | YES >99% |
YES >99% |
YES 95% |
YES 99% |
YES 95% |
NO | Yes 92% |
NO | NO | NO |
| Removes VOCs | YES >99% |
YES >99% |
YES 95% |
YES 95% |
YES 99% |
NO | Yes 92% |
NO | NO | NO |
| Removes Lindane | YES >99% |
YES 72.7% |
YES 99% |
YES 99% |
YES 99% |
NO | Yes >99% |
YES 97% |
YES 99% |
NO |
| Removes Alachlor | YES >98% |
YES 95% |
YES 98% |
YES 95% |
YES 98% |
NO | Yes 98% |
NO | YES 99% |
NO |
| Removes Atrazine | YES >97% |
YES >97% |
YES 97% |
YES 97% |
YES 97% |
NO | Yes 97% |
YES 96% |
YES 92% |
NO |
| Removes Benzene | YES >99% |
YES >97% |
YES 99% |
YES 83% |
YES 99% |
NO | Yes >99% |
NO | YES 96% |
NO |
| Removes TCE | YES >99% |
YES >98% |
YES 99% |
YES 98% |
YES 99% |
NO | YES >99% |
NO | YES 99% |
NO |
| Removes MTBE | YES >97% |
NO | YES 90% |
NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Total Cost For 1 Year 1000 gals. |
$172.99 | $420.00 | $210.38 | $198.99 | $199.99 | $229.90 | $349.95 | $229.95 | $214.95 | $273.91 |
Resources:
PRWeb: Water Filters are Better for Your Health, Your Wallet and the Planet
Filtering Examples using Brita Filter (Funny)
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