How Much Would You Pay For A Drinking Water Filter?
Shopping for a drinking water filter system can be a real headache. When you see prices for the basic water filters which range from just over $20 all the way up to and over $400, you wonder what can explain this huge variation. Take a minute and read the information we have here. At least it will help you get started.
Depending on your source, there are some things that you need a drinking water filter system to do and other things that may not be so important. For example, a drinking water filter using the reverse osmosis principle tends to be more expensive, but performs functions that are not needed by many of us.
If the water from your tap is provided by a public water utility, you can be sure that it will have been processed in a number of ways. Often reverse osmosis is one of the processes used. RO is only one filtering process which does not remove chemicals or bacteria.
Public water systems mostly have to use chlorine or else bacteria and algae can build up in the pipes that lead to your home. Some companies use ultra violet disinfection at the processing plant, but this will not inhibit the growth of bacteria in the water pipe in the road outside your house. The main reason why people choose to buy a drinking water filter are to escape the taste and smell of chlorine every time they turn on the tap.
Every water filter that you can buy for your home will remove chlorine. More often than not the effectiveness is confirmed by independent certification, but there is still this huge difference in the cost of individual water filters.
The most expensive drinking water filters are those using the reverse osmosis method for the simple reason that this is a costly process. Also in the $400 bracket are filter systems available at local retailers who rely on a substantial markup over the wholesale price to cover their overhead expenses. At the bottom end come filters that screw on to the tap or pitchers, both of which are less efficient and need constant replacement.
Basically, the drinking water filter system that provides the best value for the money sits on the counter and costs about $125. Buy direct from the factory and you will receive a filter that removes the chlorine while retaining the essential minerals in the water.
Hugh Harris-Evans is a writer who researches water purification issues. You may be surprised by his views on botttled mineral water.
