Water Filters and Home Treatment Devices
There are many reasons you may choose to use a home treatment device. Concerns for most people include taste, odor and hardness of their water. For most people in the United States, the use of a water filter is not necessary to ensure water safety. If you do choose you use a home treatment device, the important thing is to make an informed decision and not be taken in by misleading marketing tactics.
Is tap water safe to drink?
In 1974, the federal government established the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the public from water-related illnesses. This law requires community water systems to regularly test their water supplies and meet strict federal water quality standards. Many states have even more stringent requirements. Water providers conduct thousands of analyses each year to verify that the public water supply meets these standards, and the Safe Drinking Water Act requires they provide annual water quality reports to their customers. Contact your local water provider if you have not received a copy of your report.
Does my water need additional treatment?
For most people, the answer is no. Safe Drinking Water Act standards are set to ensure that your tap water is safe. People who have medical conditions that might put them at special risk should discuss the need for a water filter with their doctors.
One of the most common complaints about water taste and odor is chlorine. Another is water that is too soft or too hard. Other concerns can include lead, copper, color, manganese, and sediments. Regardless of your concern, the most important issue is that you make an informed decision and get a device that effectively resolves your specific problem.
Home Treatment Devices
Many stores and companies sell various home treatment devices, ranging from small faucet-mounted filters to "whole-house" systems to water softeners. While AWWA cannot recommend specific brands or products, the following information should be helpful. For specific project information, contact NSF International, Consumer Reports, or the device manufacturer. Maintenance is important with any home treatment device, as an inadequately maintained filter can actually reduce water quality.
Activated Carbon Filters
These are the filters you are probably most familiar with. There are several types of these filters available, including carafe-style, faucet-mounted, and under-sink units. Activated carbon filters can improve taste, odor and color problems associated with organic chemicals in the water. They are particularly effective at reducing taste and odor associated with chlorine. Activated carbon filters need to be replaced often.
Activated Carbon Fact Sheet PDF
Reverse Osmosis Filters
Reverse Osmosis, sometimes called RO, involves the movement of water through a membrane. RO filters can remove many substances, including fluoride and many minerals associated with "hard" water. RO can be expensive. It also "wastes" several gallons of water for each gallon produced.
Reverse Osmosis Fact Sheet PDF
Water Softeners
Water softeners are specifically designed to exchange "hard" minerals, like calcium and manganese, for "soft" minerals, usually sodium or potassium.
Water Softeners Fact Sheet PDF
