As a functional medicine practitioner, I frequently get asked about how to clean up water sources at home.
Every year your local water utility sends you a water quality report.
If you don’t have yours, you might get them online or by calling your local water utility.
Then, choose your filter based on this pro-con list.
There are several ways you use carbon filters.
Let’s briefly go over the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Pros:
Inexpensive and easy to install.
Attach to your faucet and voila.
Faucet filters typically require you to change filters more often than other carbon filter options.
Price range:
Under $30.
Inexpensive and no installation needed.
Some models can pour slowly and filters can clog.
They also require more frequent filter changes.
Under-sink carbon filter:
These are mounted underneath your kitchen sink and attached to your water line.
Unlike other models, these don’t take up counter or fridge space.
They typically require fewer filter changes.
Overall, they are more convenient than carafe or faucet filtersbut they can be pricey.
They require installation, some professionally.
These are less likely to clog and slow down pour rate.
They require less frequent filter changes than the carafe or faucet options.
They don’t fit all faucets and take up counter space.
$80 to $1,000.
All the chemicals and heavy metal that carbon filters remove and additional ones that they may miss.
They can be slow and require more upkeep.
Reverse osmosis also notoriously wastes water and use up more energy.
(you could look for units that have permeate pumps that decrease water waste.)
$99 to $2,000.
UV filtration:
This system uses UV light to filter your water.
They don’t ‘remove’ thingsthey only disinfect the water.
Ultraviolet light units disinfect water, killing bacteria and microorganisms.
They do not remove chemicals and heavy metals.
These are best used in conjunction with a carbon or reverse-osmosis filtration system.
$100 to $1,000.
Distillers generally use a lot of electricity and require regular cleaning and maintenance.
Distillation also cannot remove chlorine and other chemicals that do not have a higher boiling point than water.
Water filter certifications.
Ultimately, the best water filter for you depends on your needs and budget.
With that being said, my favorite affordable option is the theZerowaterpitcher system.
Its a combination of filtration and deionization and comes in at under $50.
Your skin is your largest organ and is highly absorptive.
With a hot shower or bath, you are also inhaling steam.
The bottom line.
Choose the right one for your needs and budget and drink (and shower!)
