Under Sink Water Filter: Safe Water from Your Kitchen Tap

We often assume that tap water out of our kitchen is free of contaminants. Unfortunately this may not always be true. If you have a concern about the tap water in your home, an under sink water filter may solve your problem. The filter can both improve the taste of your water and improve the quality of the water by removing contaminants, bacteria and chlorine from the water.

While adults can drink the water that is found in most municipal systems safely, it may be dangerous for the elderly, young children, women who are pregnant or persons that have compromised immune systems. Before you buy a filter, you should know what contaminant you are trying to remove from your water. Ask for a copy of the water quality report from your city utility office. You should also have your home water supply tested for lead. Lead can often come from your own home, not just the municipal water system.

Once you know the contaminants that your water contains, it is easier to choose the correct type of under sink water filter. There are various types of residential water filters, and the right one can significantly lower or eliminate the impurities in the water you drink.

One of the least expensive, yet very effective under sink water filter systems uses carbon filters to remove the contaminants. Carbon filters also remove chlorine to keep the water tasting great. It also removes parasites, lead and mercury.

A reverse osmosis water filter removes many of the same contaminants as carbon, in addition to a few others. These filters rely on a membrane with tiny holes too small for anything but water molecules to get through. This means that minerals, metals and chemicals are prevented from going any further into your water supply.

Ultraviolet disinfection is another useful technology for killing any microorganisms including bacteria which may be in the water system. This is an effective disinfection system that does not require chlorination and works well for persons not on a municipal water system. UV disinfection works well with carbon filters under the sink to ensure that water has no bacterial contamination.

Keep in mind that these filters must be maintained. Without maintenance, your water quality can become worse over time as the contaminants that have built up in the filter are re-released back into your water. Follow the manufacturer's directions to maintain the filters as they should be. Your system may require the work of a certified technician for maintenance.

Filtering your own tap water with an under sink water filter provides plenty of fresh, clean water in your home for pennies per gallon. The water is safer to drink and may even taste better than bottled water. The choice is also much more environmentally friendly. It saves petroleum and fuel that would otherwise be used for the manufacture and transport of water bottles. It also helps to control waste.