Countertop Water Filter Effectiveness
The advantages of water filtration are clear. You get healthier, better-tasting water and you get the peace of mind knowing you are making a healthy choice by investing in your family's good health. But many people want to know how effective countertop water filters really are. That is more than reasonable, and we applaud you for not taking our claims at face value. To that end, here is the best available data on countertop water filter effectiveness.
Countertop Water Filter Effectiveness by the Numbers
There are a lot of countertop water filters out there, most of which are better than nothing. A few are worse than nothing, but according to the CDC, a high-quality NSF-certified water filter will reduce the number of contaminants of a particular type that should be listed on the label. The CDC's article on the subject also warns that just because a filter claims to remove one type of contaminant does not mean that it eliminates other types of contaminants.
A cost-effective countertop water filter that removes a wide range of common contaminants can be purchased for as little as $70 for a simple carafe style pitcher or between $277 and $462 for a countertop installation model. These filter models are easy to use, easy to clean, and simple to maintain. They will remove chlorine, lead, fluoride, pesticides and herbicides, as well as most Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These represent the vast majority of contaminants that are associated with health-related side effects and which are responsible for the unpleasant taste that the tap water in most areas is known for.
The Effectiveness of Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration sounds complex, but it simply means the use of a semi-permeable filter and the application of pressure to water which pushes the water through it. The term "semi-permeable" simply means water is allowed to pass through while other substances are caught in the filter.
In the case of a countertop carafe, the pressure applied is that provided by gravity. While slower than other methods, this pushes the water through the filter while chemicals and other substances are held back. The result is clean, delicious water that is free from 90 to 99% of all the chemicals mentioned above and more. This percentage is well within the limits for safe and healthy drinking water and often exceeds it.
Countertop vs Under Sink Water Filters
Excluding the simple carafe style filter which stands freely on your kitchen counter, the most important difference between these two types is where they are mounted.
An under-the-sink installation means the filtration unit is secured beneath the sink and one or more small holes will need to be drilled into the counter to run the line to your faucet.
The countertop version would be placed on top of the counter by the back of the sink and installation is as simple as attaching the nozzle to your faucet head.
Both are equally effective, delivering 90 to 99% clean water.
The carafe pitcher is recommended if you just want to test the technology affordably. You'll enjoy great-tasting water within minutes, and we are sure you will be sold on clean, pure, and delicious water.
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