Water purification is something we all need, but it can also be confusing. With so many different types of water filtration systems out there and so many questionable places to buy them from, how do you know which one is right for you?
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about choosing the right kind of water purification system for your home.
We’ll talk about what each type of system does and where they’re best used, as well as give some recommendations on where to buy them from if you want to make sure your purchase comes with a warranty or guarantee of quality.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Choosing the right water purification system is important for staying hydrated and healthy in any environment. |
| When selecting a water purification system, consider factors such as the type of contaminants you need to remove, the flow rate of the system, and the cost of replacement filters. |
| Water purifiers are more effective at eliminating contaminants than water filters, but they can be more expensive. |
| It’s important to replace your water purification system’s filters regularly to ensure that it continues to work effectively. |
| While a water purification system can remove most contaminants, it’s always a good idea to boil the water before drinking it to eliminate any remaining bacteria or viruses. |
Why You Need Water Purification
If you’ve ever stayed at a hotel and had to drink out of the tap, you know how gross that can be. Even if your water isn’t full of parasites or disease-causing bacteria, it could still cause serious health problems.
Since every system in your body depends on water to function properly, anything that lowers the quality or quantity of your H2O will have negative consequences for its overall health. And no one wants that!
Here are a few reasons why:
Water purification helps maintain pH balance. Your body’s cells need to stay at an optimal pH level—balanced somewhere between slightly alkaline (7) and neutral (7).
If it gets too acidic or too basic (below 7), then bad things happen like muscle cramps and kidney stones. Drinking purified water helps keep your body in its happy place.
Water purification reduces risk of disease by eliminating pathogens from drinking sources such as rivers and lakes.
Water purification reduces risk of infection due to contaminated surface waters such as swimming pools or lakes/rivers/lagoons etc
Building a support system after experiencing grief and loss can be difficult, but finding strength in the community can make a big difference. Check out our guide on building a support system after a loss to learn more about the benefits of the community during times of grief.
What To Look For In A Water Purifier
When choosing a water purifier, you should consider:
- The type of water purifier. There are several types of water purifiers available. Some work by filtering or distilling water, while others use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses.
- How it works. For example, some types of filters can remove particulates from the source water as well as chemicals like chlorine and pesticides; others may be designed to remove only chemicals.
What To Look For In A Water Purifier:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Water Filtration Technology | There are several types of water filtration technologies to choose from, including activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ceramic filters. |
| Water Flow Rate | The water flow rate measures how quickly water flows through the system. Some systems may have a slower flow rate, which could be inconvenient for larger households. |
| Water Pressure | The water pressure rating measures how much pressure the system needs to function properly. For example, some systems may require a minimum of 20 PSI. |
| Filter Life | The filter life measures how long the filter will last before it needs to be replaced. Some systems may have filters that need to be replaced more frequently than others. |
| Contaminant Removal | Different water purification systems are designed to remove different contaminants, such as bacteria, lead, chlorine, and VOCs. Consider the specific contaminants you need to remove when choosing a system. |
| Ease of Use | Some water purification systems are easier to set up and use than others. Consider the installation process and maintenance requirements when making a decision. |
| Certification | Look for certifications from organizations such as NSF International or the Water Quality Association. These certifications indicate that the system has been tested and meets certain quality standards. |
Water Purifier Features Comparison Table
Use this table to compare different water purifier brands and models based on their features.
| Brand/Model | Filtration Technology | Water Flow Rate | Water Pressure | Filter Life | Contaminant Removal | Ease of Use | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand 1 Model A | RO | 0.5 GPM | 20-80 PSI | 6-12 months | Bacteria, Lead, Chlorine | Easy | NSF Certified |
| Brand 2 Model B | Activated Carbon | 1 GPM | 30-100 PSI | 3-6 months | Chlorine, VOCs | Moderate | Water Quality Certified |
| Brand 3 Model C | Ceramic Filters | 0.8 GPM | 25-90 PSI | 8-12 months | Bacteria, Sediment, Rust | Difficult | NSF and Water Quality Certified |
| Brand 4 Model D | RO and UV | 0.5 GPM | 20-80 PSI | 6-12 months | All Major Contaminants | Easy | NSF and Water Quality Certified |
Note: This table is for illustration purposes only and is not intended to endorse or recommend specific brands or models. Customers should do their research before making a purchase decision based on their specific needs and preferences.
1. Reverse Osmosis System or RO
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the most effective method of purifying water, and it can remove up to 99% of contaminants.
However, it requires a large amount of energy and costs more money than other methods. RO systems are also complicated to install in your home or office because they need an external pump that runs continuously.
To use an RO system, you will need special cartridges with two compartments: one for clean water and another for waste product water.
These cartridges are filled with permeable membranes made out of cellulose or polysulfone plastic.
When the contaminated source water passes through these membranes, only molecules smaller than those molecules found in fresh drinking water will be able to pass through them; all larger molecules remain behind as waste product water in their original form (e.g., salt).
When it comes to wilderness survival, the most important thing is having access to clean water. Learn about the different water purification methods used by experts in the field to stay hydrated and healthy.
2. Whole House Filtration System
A whole house water filtration system is the next-best thing to a shower in a rainforest. It filters water at the source, so it’s perfect if you have hard-to-access faucets or pipes that are difficult to access.
Whole house filtration systems filter water in your kitchen, bathroom, and other areas as well as in your toilet and shower.
These systems take advantage of a multi-stage filtering process that uses activated carbon granules (which remove chemicals), ion exchange resins (which remove heavy metals), UV lamps (which kill bacteria) and an air filter/ozone generator (which removes odors).
These systems can cost about $2,000 for a three-bedroom home but can save you up to 50 percent on annual utility bills—and that’s just from not buying bottled water!
Whole House Filtration System Overview
| Brand/Model | Filtration Technology | Maximum Flow Rate | Filter Life | Filter Type | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000-ASTB | Multiple Stages, SCM Salt-Free Softening | 7 GPM | 10 Years | Filters Sediment, Chlorine, Chemicals, and more | NSF Certified |
| iSpring WKB32B | Three-Stage Filtration | 3 GPM | 1 Year | Filters Sediment, Chlorine, Chemicals, and more | NSF Certified |
| Pelican PC600 | Four-Stage Filtration, Catalytic Carbon Media | 10 GPM | 5 Years | Filters Chlorine, Chemicals, and more | NSF Certified |
| Home Master HMF3SDGFEC | Three-Stage Filtration, Gradient Density Sediment Filter | 15 GPM | 1 Year | Filters Sediment, Iron, and more | NSF Certified |
| Culligan WH-HD200-C | Heavy-Duty Filtration, Clear Housing for Easy Viewing | 8 GPM | 6 Months | Filters Sediment, Rust, and more | NSF Certified |
Note: This table is for illustration purposes only and is not intended to endorse or recommend specific brands or models. Customers should do their research before making a purchase decision based on their specific needs and preferences.
3. Water Filter Pitcher
A pitcher is a convenient way to get clean drinking water, but it isn’t the best option for everyone. If you want to take your time every morning before work or school and filter your own water, a pitcher may be the way to go.
You can place one in the fridge overnight so that it’s ready when you wake up, then fill up a glass or two when you’re ready for a drink of water.
Pitchers are easy to use and maintain because they have few parts that need replacing over time usually just replaceable filters and don’t require electricity or plumbing like some other filtration systems do.
They’re also inexpensive compared with other filtration devices; however, they don’t remove as many contaminants as others do (like fluoride), so they aren’t suitable for all households.
Whether you’re camping or facing an emergency, having access to clean water is crucial. Check out our guide on the best water purification tablets for emergencies, so you’re always prepared.
4. Ultraviolet Light Water Purifier
UV light is the most effective way to kill germs. It works by destroying the DNA of bacteria and viruses, so they can’t reproduce or cause disease. UV light water purifiers use ultraviolet rays to treat water before it leaves your home.
These systems have a tube that runs through a chamber with UV lamps at one end and out of another spout at the other end to get rid of bacteria, viruses and other contaminants that can make you sick if ingested.
UV light is also used in municipal drinking water treatment plants because it’s more effective than chlorine at destroying harmful microorganisms without adding an unpleasant taste or odor to your drinking water.
However, UV lamps do not remove chemicals like chlorine does—which means there might still be traces left behind after using an ultraviolet system for treating your tap water.
Ultraviolet Light Water Purifier Overview
| Brand/Model | Maximum Flow Rate | UV Lamp Life | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| SteriPEN Ultra | 1 Liter Per Minute | 8,000 Treatments | Rechargeable, OLED Display, USB Rechargeable, Long Life Lamp |
| HQUA-OWS-6 | 6 GPM | 9,000 Hours | Quartz Glass Tube, Stainless Steel Chamber, Easy to Install |
| Viqua D4 | 12 GPM | 1 Year | Stainless Steel Reactor Chamber, User-Friendly Controls |
| Aquasana EQ-UV-20 | 8 GPM | 1 Year | Single UV Lamp, Quartz Sleeve, LED Monitor, Pre-Filter Sold Separately |
| Express Water Ultraviolet | 1 GPM | 1 Year | 11 Watt UV Lamp, Stainless Steel Housing, Pre-Filter Included |
Note: This table is for illustration purposes only and is not intended to endorse or recommend specific brands or models. Customers should do their research before making a purchase decision based on their specific needs and preferences.
5. Distiller System
A distiller system is one of the most effective ways to purify water. It uses heat to remove bacteria, viruses and other contaminants by boiling the water and then condensing it back into clean water.
The process can be slow and is not suitable for large volumes of water, but it’s an excellent choice if you just need to purify a few gallons.
Purifying water is essential for survival, especially in the wilderness. If you’re not sure how to do it, check out our guide on how to purify water in the wilderness for tips on staying hydrated in nature.
6. Alkaline Water Ionizer
An alkaline water ionizer is a machine that helps you turn your tap water into alkaline water. The process is simple: you put some regular tap water in the tank on top of the unit, press a button, and out comes alkaline water.
Alkaline ionized water has been shown to have many benefits including detoxification, improved digestion and absorption of nutrients, hydration support, cleansing skin & hair (think dewy glow), increased energy levels due to improved metabolism and more!
There are many different types of ionizers available with various capabilities – such as producing pure oxygen while producing alkaline ionized drinking water – so choosing one can seem overwhelming at first glance.
However there are some key questions you should ask yourself before selecting which type works best for your needs:
Having access to clean water is important, even when you’re at home. Check out our guide on simple ways to purify your water at home to learn more about the different methods you can use to stay healthy.
Conclusion
There are many other water purification systems, but these are the most common ones. Each of them has its own set of pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide which one works best for your needs.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about water purification systems:
Choosing The Right Water Purifier: Following An Easy Water Purifier Buying Guide – This article provides a simple buying guide for choosing the right water purifier, with tips on what to look for and how to make the best decision.
Best Water Filtration – This article reviews some of the best water filtration systems on the market, with detailed information on their features and benefits.
Best Water Filter Guide: RO, Jugs, Tap – This guide provides a comprehensive overview of different types of water filters, with pros and cons for each option.
FAQs
What are the different types of water purification systems?
There are several types of water purification systems, including reverse osmosis, activated carbon, UV purification, and ceramic filters.
How do I know which type of water purification system to choose?
The right water purification system for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the contaminants in your water, your budget, and the size of your household when making a decision.
Can water purification systems remove all contaminants from water?
No, not all water purification systems can remove all contaminants from water. It’s important to choose a system that is designed to remove the specific contaminants in your water.
How often should I replace the filters in my water purification system?
The frequency of filter replacements will vary depending on the type of system you have and how much water you use. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific guidance.
Are water purification systems easy to install?
Many water purification systems are relatively easy to install, but some may require professional installation. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance, and consider hiring a professional if needed.
Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.