The Truth About Water
Filtration Systems

When it comes to an in-home water filtration system, consumer advocates advise buyers to "beware". Recently, there has been a huge increase in the demand for home water purifiers. This has caused an increase in the number of companies that sell the products. While the top water filtration system manufacturers are reputable and ethical, there are some companies that are simply capitalizing on our need for clean water.

Those unethical companies will take advantage of us, if we allow them to. There are several things that you can do to make sure that you are getting an effective water filtration system, instead of a worthless piece of plastic.

Review product performance data.

Reputable manufacturers are proud of the technology that goes into their products. They want you to know what their water filtration system can do for your family's health. So, they proudly display their certifications. You may not be worried about chemicals or bacteria in your water, but some units that filter all of these things cost no more than inferior products. If they cost the same, why not get the better system.

Information that you should see on a performance data sheet includes the following. Will the water filtration system remove chlorine, lead, cysts, THMs, VOCs, lindane, alachlor, atrazine, benzene, TCE and MTBE, and, if so, to what extent? The cost of replacement filters, as well as the estimated lifespan should also be included.

Avoid companies that make overly broad statements.

The latest advertising gimmick, it seems, is to use words like "pure". Pure is a broad term that does not really mean anything. If a company claims to "provide pure water" or "remove contaminants", they should provide certified test results and performance data that proves exactly what "contaminants" and exactly how "pure".

More reputable water filtration system manufacturers use "specific", not generalized wording. For example, "removes 99% of chlorine, lead, cysts, THMs and VOCs from tap water" is a specific claim and companies that make those statements must be able to provide proof or face legal charges. Making broad or generalized statements like the ones mentioned above is usually not enough to get the FTC involved.

Find out where the water filtration system is sold or manufactured.

In the states of California, Wisconsin and Massachusetts, companies must have their products certified by an independent laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory or UL. All performance claims must be certified in order to sell a water filtration system in those states. Obviously, companies that are selling inferior products avoid them.

Look for a "California Department of Health Certificate". In order to get one, the water filtration system must have been tested extensively and certified for each contaminant that it claims to remove. The certificate also means that the water filtration company's web site and literature have been reviewed and that the material contains no false or exaggerated claims.

Avoid under priced or over priced products.

There are bad filters at both ends of the spectrum. An inexpensive water filtration system usually has a higher cost of use, because the filters are expensive and have a short life-span.

One company claims to sell a "maintenance free" water filtration system for about $40. The truth is that the entire unit has to be replaced. Consumer reviews indicate that it only lasts about thirty days. And, even though the name indicates otherwise, it does not purify water. It only removes chlorine and chlorine odor.

The best water filtration systems are ones that remove every contaminant possible with current technology. Look for them. You may be surprised by the reasonable price.

Is your water safe? 

by Tyler Waterman -

Back to Top

###

Recommended Articles:

Compare Home Water Purifiers Before Taking the Plunge

The Most Common Disadvantages Of Reverse Osmosis

Home Water Filter Systems - Which One Is Best For Your Family?

Sharing My Thoughts About Drinking Water Purification Systems - Clean, Safe Water is Available Now