Our tap water system may be good, but it’s far from flawless. Many circumstances might make you want extra protection. For instance: Water that’s perfectly drinkable at the treatment plant could be dirtied on its way to your sink.
“If your pipes are old, a problem can start at the curb and come out the tap,” says EPA administrator Lisa Jackson. “Lead and copper can leak out of old pipe solder. If you’re concerned, ask your local health department about testing.”
It’s also possible that your water company is falling short. Request a consumer confidence report (each water utility is required to issue one annually), or check the Environmental Working Group’s tap water database.
If you’re on well water (more than 13 million U.S. homes are), the National Ground Water Association recommends annual testing by a certified groundwater contractor.
Thinking about filtering? Here are three options:
1. Cheap & Easy…
A basic carbon filter—the kind in Brita-style pitchers and faucet-mounted units—can improve taste and do a fair job of removing common contaminants, including lead and “disinfection by-products”—the cancer-causing toxins that can form when chlorinated water mixes with high levels of plant or animal debris.
But if your family uses more than two gallons of water daily, you might find the approach too slow.
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2. Better…But Pricier
A filter that combines carbon and reverse-osmosis technology can remove perchlorate and many other toxins.
Typically mounted under the sink, these filters process water faster, but they can cost several hundred dollars to install.
3. For Water Worriers…
If you want to drink your bathwater (or brush your teeth with filtered water), consider getting a whole-house system.
These systems treat all the water in the household and can be customized to target specific contaminants.
Typical cost: several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
For The Best Results…
- Pick a filter or system certified by NSF International, which sets recognized standards in this field.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
- Replace filters on schedule. Bacteria can grow on outdated filter elements and make you sick.