Health and Economic Considerations for a Home Water Filtration System

Water filtration systems are known primarily for the filtration of rather large quantities of raw water. However, a need has arisen for the efficient filtration of small quantities of raw water, especially in homes. (Water filtration systems are also needed in isolated locations where the water supply is not passed through filtration plants or where the water supply has become contaminated.) And while there are no publicly known major viruses in North American or Canadian drinking water supplies that is not necessarily the case in foreign countries.

Water filtration system can be a great investment for both your health and your bank account. Filtering out chlorine and other chemical contaminants prior to drinking is the most effective way to know the quality of your water. When you consider advantages of lower cost, convenience, and quality, water filtration systems come to the fore as a practical and healthy alternative to bottled water. Filtration also leaves a much smaller economic footprint as opposed to that left by the (plastic) waste of bottled waters. And filters continue to perform, holding debris out of processing plants.

And health experts and doctors have long proposed a recommended daily water consumption of 64 ounces (8 glasses). Healthcare practitioners tell you to drink more water since water helps flush out bodily toxins and fats. Health experts advocate drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily.

There are 2 main kinds of readily available filtration systems-point-of-entry and point of use systems:

Point-of-Entry water filters (typically called whole house water filtration systems) are filters that are linked to your incoming water supply and filter all the water that enters your home including showers, sinks, refrigerators, bath tubs, laundry rooms, etc. These systems normally require a highly trained professional for installation.

The smaller point-of-use filters typically include counter top filters which are great for apartment living or when no permanent installation is desired; or the less effective reverse (under counter) filter. Installing the filter can be accomplished by minimally trained personnel with basic plumbing and construction skills and cost far less up front than most conventional systems. Installation is simple and takes less than 30 minutes. For palatable drinking water from the tap, simply purchase and install an under sink water filtration kit system.

While a Point-of-Use filter controls water only at one location, point-of-entry filters the entire water supply that enters your home. The differences in coverage and effective performance between the two main types of systems leads many professionals consider whole house water filters the better alternative of the two. The choice of course is yours after careful consideration.

If you are considering a whole house system also requires price comparison. A quick review of pricing reveals that these systems can range from about $250 to $350 annually. So, as usual, ask a lot of questions and shop around first should you decide to purchase.