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Good, better, best: Water filtration systems for the home

BethAnn Mayer
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In much of the U.S. and developed world, people have access to clean drinking water. That said, the water may still have containments like nitrates, bacteria, and even chlorine, which can make your tap water taste a bit off.

One way to ensure your water tastes clean and fresh is to opt for a water filtration system instead of buying plastic water bottles.

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The CDC suggests investing in a water filter that is certified by the NSF, an independent organization that sets the standard for water filters. After that, it’s up to you to sift through the options and find one that’s best for your budget. To get you started, we found some of the best NSF-certified water filtration systems for your home to keep fresh, clean water flowing all day long.

drinking-water-going-into-cup

Good: GE Whole House Water Filtration System

  • Budget-friendly
  • Easy to install
  • Light reminds you when to change the filter

If you’re looking to filter tap water on a budget, we highly recommend checking out GE’s whole house water filtration system that you can snag for under $20. It not only helps your tap water taste fresher, but it also extends the life of your appliances and plumbing fixtures by reducing sediment build-up and rust. This system is easy to install on your own and sets up easily in a basement or back room. After that, maintaining the filter just requires buying filters and replacing them every three months. Don’t worry if you’re the forgetful type, though — a light will come on to remind you it’s time for a replacement.

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Better: Aquasana AQ-5200

  • DIY installation
  • Includes first set of filters
  • Doesn’t eliminate healthy minerals from the water

The New York Times’ section “Wirecutter” recently tabbed this water filtration system as the best under-sink water filter. Wirecutter guide Tim Heffernan lauded the Aquasana AQ-5200’s certifications by the NSF and ANSI, stating that it “virtually eliminates 77 different contaminants, including lead, mercury, volatile organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and other materials that few of its competitors catch.” Amazon reviewers tend to agree, giving it 4.4 out of 5 stars based on more than 550 ratings. Once you’ve set it up, it provides a continuous flow of fresh, clean water — and replacing the filter is a cinch, too.

Best: Pelican Water 10 GPM Whole House Carbon Water Filtration System

  • Easy to install
  • Sediment filter only has to be changed once or twice a year
  • Energy efficient

Pelican offers one of the best water filtration systems on the market. At more than $800, the price is steep, but reviewers say it’s worth it, giving it 4.7 stars on Google Shopping. The filtration system reduces chlorine by 97 percent, leaving you with water that tastes like it came fresh from a spring. It also filters out metals, pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals. It’s not difficult to install, either, and you can basically forget about it once you’ve installed it. You simply need to change the sediment filter every six to nine months and it will stay in tip-top shape.

It’s important to note that none of these systems can remove all contaminants (nothing can, the CDC says), but they can reduce them and even leave your water tasting crisper and fresher than ever. If you’re ready to invest in a water filter, check out the NSF database, where you can check the certifications of any products you’re interested in purchasing. While many cities and towns have fresh, drinkable tap water, bacteria, metals, and minerals present in the water may not be toxic, but they can make the water taste a little funky. For fresh, clean water, check out any of these three top-of-the-line filters, or do your own research to find a system that best fits your home and budget.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

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BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
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