Countertop Water Filter Systems, Do They Work?

By Esme Spence


A countertop water filter could offer comfort to those who dwell in areas with consistently poor water quality or those who are particularly sensitive to water contaminants. However, some people fret about whether their water filter actually does what it is supposed to do. In the past, some filters actually made water worse or did not change it at all, but various modern systems like countertop water filtration systems or Pristine water purification have shown clear improvement in water quality. Whether your system works depends on the system type, the situation, and following instructions.

We will further discuss some of the reasons water filters may be a good idea, even if your area usually has quality tap water. Next, we will look into how countertop filtration systems work. Finally, we will talk about current assessments of countertop water filter systems.

In America the water quality in almost all parts of the nation is reliable. Typically, the incidence of waterborne illness in drinking water is quite low. However, as recently as the 1990s American cities experienced outbreaks of waterborne illnesses. Cities like Washington, Milwaukee, and New York have had serious problems. Natural disasters (such as hurricane Sandy) can cause flooding or other problems that do serious damage to water supplies and can detrimentally impact water quality. Protozoa, bacteria, and viruses can be in the water and cause illnesses. These illnesses can come with symptoms like fevers and diarrhea. Use of water filtration systems such as Pristine water purification can do much to stop such waterborne illnesses, even in emergency situations.

There are various kinds of filtration systems that a countertop water filter could use. Carbon filters are often used with smaller quantities of water. They are able to remove bad odors or tastes, as well as contaminants like heavy metals, parasites, and pesticides. Reverse osmosis systems pull impurities from the water to provide healthy drinking water. The majority of contaminants like parasites or heavy metals can be removed with reverse osmosis systems. UV filtration systems are perfect for removing bacteria or parasites by exposing water to ultraviolet radiation. For other contaminant types, however, UV filtration systems may need assistance from other kinds of filtration.

Most tap water in the U.S. is fine, but for people with sensitive immune systems, pregnant women, children, or seniors there can be an added necessity to ensure water safety. Today, there are industry standards for filtration that you can use as a bellwether. A quality system should be labeled with NSF/ANSI standard 53 according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Depending on the brand, age, and whether instructions are followed, systems may or may not work properly. Study up before choosing a filter, as you could end up with a crummy filter that could do more damage than good.

Clean water is important and is even a human right, and having the proper countertop water filter system or utilizing Pristine water purification could help.




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