How Much Would You Pay For A Drinking Water Filter?

Buying a drinking water filter system can be really confusing. With prices of different models varying by up to $400 even for the basic countertop types with no obvious reason for the difference. The purpose of this article is to explain the differences between the different types of water filter so that you can understand the reason for the variation in price.

The functions that you need a drinking water filter to perform will depend on the source of the water in your local area. For example, a drinking water filter using the reverse osmosis principle tends to be more expensive, but performs functions that are not needed by many of us.

When your water supply comes from a public utility company, the liquid that comes from your tap has already been treated in several different ways. RO is one step that they usually employ. RO mainly removes particles, minerals and can be used for removing salt from sea water or brackish wells.

Public water systems mostly have to use chlorine or else bacteria and algae can build up in the pipes that lead to your home. Another way to treat this problem is to employ ultra violet techniques at the plant, but this will not cover the pipes leading to your home. The main reason why people choose to buy a drinking water filter are to escape the taste and smell of chlorine every time they turn on the tap.

All water filters remove chlorine. Often there is a certificate from some independent body to prove their efficiency, but this does not explain the wide variation in the price of the different models.

Because the RO process is expensive you will not be surprised to learn that models using this technique are the most expensive. Also in the $400 bracket are filter systems available at local retailers who rely on a substantial markup over the wholesale price to cover their overhead expenses. At the bottom end come filters that screw on to the tap or pitchers, both of which are less efficient and need constant replacement.

I believe that to get the best value for your money you need spend no more than $125 for a countertop drinking water filter system. Source the product from the factory direct and a filter will be delivered that will remove the chlorine and other chemicals from the water without destroying the essential minerals.

Hugh Harris-Evans writes on water purification technology and is an enthusiastic advocate of the benefits of pure drinking water.