Because the quality of water these days is not something that people can trust completely, many people turn to water filtration systems to eliminate the harmful chemicals and drugs in tap water.
Often times, the first type of filtering device that consumers turn to is a pitcher water filter. Since these devices are inexpensive, it offers first-time filter buyers a way to test the effectiveness of home water filtration without “breaking the bank”.
How Does It Work?
The concept of pitcher water filters is actually very simple. As its name suggests, the filter would be inside a pitcher. As the water is poured through the top part of the pitcher, it passes through a carbon filter that traps sediment. Clean water is then kept separately, inside the pitcher.
The Benefits of Using Pitcher Water Filters
Pitcher water filters are a useful introductory step to getting clean water. It is portable, can cost as little as $30 and replacement filters can be picked up inexpensively at your local supermarket. Apart from offering you the ability to drink sediment free water, pitcher filters make the water smell and taste great. Great tasting water is something your children and guests would truly enjoy.
However, if you are looking for a more comprehensive removal of drinking water contaminants, getting a pitcher water filter isn’t advisable. These filters remove limited amounts of contaminants and as cheap as they are, needs to be replaced frequently.
For better protection, it is recommended that you look at an under counter water filtration system or a counter top filtration system. These devices are slightly bigger than a pitcher filter but boy, do they remove lots more chemical and parasitical!
Plus, they are extremely flexible too. They can be easily fitted to your kitchen faucets, bathroom taps or any faucet around the house for 24 hour protection from the more serious contaminants.
The number one counter and undercounter filter in America uses an activated carbon filter with a sub micron filter. Basically what this means is that these devices can remove even the smallest of contaminants, something pitcher filters cannot do.
How to Choose the Best Water Filter?
This is an important question. If you are going with a pitcher zero water vs berkey filter, you’ll be safe picking one up from the supermarket. As mentioned before, these devices offer minimal protection, so don’t expect much from whichever brand you buy.
Some offer a little extra in that they use an iron exchange resin, which allows the filter to trap not only sediments but also minerals such as mercury, zinc, copper, and lead. A nifty feature that is increasingly becoming common is an electronic indicator that tells you when the filter needs changing.
Again, for maximum protection for your family, go with a countertop or undersink water filter. It doesn’t make sense for your water only to look and taste better if you are going to be swallowing industrial chemical contaminants in the process. (Remember pitcher filtering devices don’t remove industrial contaminants).
Countertop and undercountert filter systems are champions in removing industrial chemicals, in addition to chlorine, lead bad taste, odor and some waterborne parasites.
