Best Water Filtration System for Home
por Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated April 22, 2024
City water, treated with chlorine by your municipality, usually flows well but
leaves an unpleasant taste or a drying sensation on your hair and skin. On the other hand, well water, which has
not been treated, is even more contaminated.
So, testing your water and installing a purification system helps you improve the
taste and safety of your water. When selecting the best system to install, we implore you to consider filtration
technologies, flow rates, and purification stages. In this guide, we’ll explore the best
whole-home water filtration system and other alternatives, comparing the strengths and weaknesses of
each system.
How Do Water Filtration Systems Work?
These systems are designed with a multi-stage process that combines many
technologies to remove contaminants and chemicals from water. The first stage uses a pre-filter to catch larger
particles like sediment and debris. It’s then followed by a series of steps that employ various filtration media
or technologies to remove tiny particles, bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants.
The porous nature of activated carbon in the layers allows it to absorb
contaminants, including chlorine, volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) , and some minerals. Once this stage is done, the water’s flavor is improved. After
this, some systems also include a semi-permeable membrane in their filtration process. This membrane acts as a
barrier, allowing only water molecules to pass through while excluding contaminants like germs, viruses, and
some minerals. This stage is vital for getting the desired level of purity.
Best Water Filtration System for Home
We know there are thousands of options out there and that choosing the right option
might be a little confusing. So, we’ve come to your rescue with a list of some of the best water filtration
systems you can install in your home. We made our top selection after considering the price, cost-effectiveness,
unique features, and durability. Check out some of our best selections below.
The Waterdrop 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter System
- Best For: Best Wholehouse Filter System
- Water Capacity: Gallons Per Day
- Installation Type: Wholehouse
- Purification Units: RO, UV
- Other Features: Double Manganese Sand Filtration, Activated Carbon Filter
This system uses an economical pre-filter that ensures long-term water purification
for 6-12 months—providing long-term and cost-effective water protection. The service life adapts to different
water conditions, guaranteeing peak performance.
This product from Waterdrop is made of sturdy materials and was tested to ensure
rigorous lab pressure tests. This design allows it to achieve two-fold filtration by combining double manganese
sand filtration with high-quality carbon fiber filters.
It removes contaminants, including iron, manganese, odors, chlorine, silt, rust,
and big particles. After an SGS test, the Waterdrop 3-Stage Whole-house Water Filter System is confirmed to
eliminate iron by 95.9% and manganese by 99.7%.
800 GPD Tankless RO System with UV Sterilizing Light
- Best For: Whole Home Water Filtration System with Smart Control
- Water Capacity: Gallons per day
- Installation Type: Undersink
- Purification Units: UV Sterilization, RO, Activated Carbon Filter
- Other Features: Smart Control
The Waterdrop G3P800 is proof of how innovative water purification technology has
become, boasting a slew of features that redefine simplicity and efficiency. Introducing a smart tap delivers
real-time Total
Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels and water quality data, giving users unparalleled control and awareness
over their water purity.
This user-friendly function guarantees that checking your water’s quality is a
simple process rather than a daunting one. Aside from its smart features, the G3P800 has a filtration capacity
of 800 gallons per day, ensuring a rapid flow of one cup of pure water in just 6 seconds.
This huge capacity makes it an excellent choice for households with higher water
consumption requirements, as it provides a consistent and dependable supply of purified water. The sleek and
tankless design of the G3P800 not only delivers exceptional performance but saves up to 70% of under-sink space.
Its stylish appearance complements modern kitchens, offering a space-efficient
solution that consistently produces pure water for all your daily needs. The Waterdrop G3P800 integrates
advanced technology, efficiency, and style to create a superior water purification experience.
The Aqua-Pure 3M Water Filter System AP904
- Best For: Best Whole House Water Filtration System
- Water Capacity: Gallons per minute
- Installation Type: Wholehouse
- Purification Units: Sediment, Carbon Filter
- Other Features: Easy Filter Replacement, Rapid Purification
It remains a smart option for your whole-house water filtration needs. This system
combines a perfect balance of affordability, efficiency, and user-friendly features. The moderate price point
and effective carbon filtration make it the top pick. The filter uses carbon media to reduce chlorine content
and improve the taste and odor.
It also blocks various pollutants in both well and municipal water sources. The
three layers of filtration remove the dirt, particle matter, rust, and scales. One of its unique features is the
high pressure it maintains, with flow rates of up to 20 gallons per minute. This makes it a perfect option for
your home, good enough to produce purified water instantly without sacrificing its performance.
Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System
- Best For Well Water Filter System for Home
- Water Capacity: NA
- Installation Type: Wholehouse
- Purification Units: Prefiltration, Rhine Filter, Activated Carbon, UV
- Other Features: Upflow Dual Tank
This Well Water Filter System is unique in the water filtration industry for its
innovative up-flow twin tank design. The revolutionary design decreases tank clogging while increasing water
contact time with the filtering mechanism to achieve effective filtration. It also prioritizes water quality
from beginning to end, thanks to its thorough six-stage filtering process.
It also has a post-filter that eliminates any remaining sediment, and the UV filter
is the final line of protection, killing germs, viruses, and cysts. Even for those who do not use well water,
this system is an excellent option because it effectively removes chlorine. The higher capacity reduces the need
for filter changes, which increases cost efficiency.
Although the Aquasana system is known to deliver excellent filtration, some
maintenance requirements are needed to keep it running. If you want the best performance, you must change the
filter every two months, which adds to your overall expenses.
3-stage Under Sink Ultrafiltration Stainless Steel Water Filter System Waterdrop TST-UF
- Best For: Affordable Under Sink Water Filtration
- Water Capacity: . Gallons Per Minute
- Installation Type: Undersink
- Purification Units: UVF, CT Filter
- Other Features: Stainless Steel Housing, Long Life Span
The Waterdrop TST-UF 3-stage Under Sink Ultrafiltration Stainless Steel Water
Filter System is your best buy if you’re interested in a high-quality water purification system that uses a
stylish and user-friendly process. It is made up of lead-free 304 stainless steel, which makes it highly
resistant to corrosion for long-term performance.
The cap’s sturdy sealing ring is another feather to its cap, ensuring high
reliability and zero potential leaks. This filtration system can remove dangerous substances larger than 0.01 μm
in six stages. Its precise ultrafiltration membrane removes chlorine, heavy metals, chemicals, and other
contaminants, leaving water that is both clean and tasty.
It also has an environmentally conscious design and recyclable stainless-steel
housing, which means there’s no need for frequent replacements. Only the inner filters need replacing, with the
PP filter lasting 6-8 months, the UF filter for 12 months, and the CT filter offering an ultra-long life of up
to 24 months. This reduces replacement frequency, saving both money and minimizing environmental impact. With a
stable flow rate reaching up to 1.59 GPM, the system ensures faster water flow, enhancing user experience. The
installation is also easy; you can directly connect it to your home faucets without countertop drilling.
6. Pentair Water Treatment and Disinfection System
- Best For: UV Light Sterilization
- Water Capacity: NA
- Installation Type: Wholehouse
- Purification Units: UV
- Other Features: Days Replacement Notice
The PENTAIR PUV-14 Whole House Water Treatment & Disinfection System is a good
option for anyone seeking a UV-enabled whole-house water filtration. It provides reliable protection against a
wide range of waterborne pathogens throughout all faucets in the house. It uses intense UV light to eliminate
E.coli, waterborne pathogens, fungi, viruses, and bacteria.
The system’s exterior is stainless steel, providing additional longevity protection
by preventing rust and corrosion. This design allows it to have a longer filter life. The UV lamp also has a
simple indicator that gives a 30-day notice for replacement and another indicator that illuminates when the lamp
needs to be changed. The major downside is that PENTAIR PUV-14 is designed to disinfect rather than remove silt
or heavy metals. So, if your water requires further filtration for these components, you may need to install a
supplemental filtering system.
Conclusion
The Waterdrop G3P800, with its high-quality and efficient features, is our top pick
for the best overall water filtering system. It offers an ideal filtration system for anyone with its huge
capacity of 800 gallons per day, efficient 3:1 pure-to-drain ratio, and additional UV sterilization.
However, for those looking for a low-cost choice, the Waterdrop TST-UF stands out
with its three-stage ultrafiltration system built in sturdy stainless steel. This under-sink system offers good
filtration, is simple to maintain, and is a low-cost option for budget-conscious homeowners.
FAQs
Which type of water filter is best for your home?
The ideal water filter for you and your home depends entirely on your needs and
preferences. If you want to maximize efficiency, the Waterdrop G3P800, with its 800 GPD capacity and UV
sterilization, is a great option. The Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System also stands out in terms of
efficiency due to its 6-stage filtration that removes many impurities.
What filtration system is most effective?
The effectiveness of a filtration system relies on its ability to target and remove
a wide range of contaminants. Again, the 800 GPD Tankless RO System with UV Sterilizing Light - Waterdrop G3P800
is our top pick for this. Alternatively, the Aquasana Whole House Well Water Filter System also excels. With its
up-flow dual tank and six-stage filtration, including a UV filter, it efficiently removes impurities and
pathogens.
What water filter lasts the longest?
The Waterdrop WHF21-PG 5 Micron 2-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System is our
top pick for a water filter that will last a long time. It works fine for eliminating particles and pollutants
with its 5-stage filtration process that includes a PP filter and a GAC filter. Its longer filter lifespan,
combined with the sturdy stainless-steel structure, make it an ideal option if you want a long-lasting water
filtration system.
How can I filter my water naturally?
Filtering water naturally involves using materials that can remove impurities
without the need for chemical treatments. Here are some natural methods:
Sand and Gravel Filtration: This method mimics the natural filtration process found
in the ground. Water passes through layers of sand and gravel, trapping particles and some pathogens. This is
effective for removing sediment and some microorganisms but may not remove all pathogens or chemical pollutants.
Charcoal or Activated Carbon: Activated carbon, often made from charcoal, is
effective at removing certain chemicals, improving taste and odor, and reducing chlorine. It can also remove
some heavy metals and parasites but does not remove all types of contaminants.
Ceramic Filters: Ceramic filters can remove bacteria and protozoa from water. Some
are treated with silver to enhance their antibacterial properties. However, they cannot remove viruses or
chemicals.
Boiling: Although not a filtration method, boiling water is a natural way to kill
bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, it does not remove chemical contaminants or improve the water’s taste
or appearance.
What is the most effective water filtration method?
The most effective water filtration method depends on the contaminants you need to
remove. Reverse osmosis
systems are among the most comprehensive, capable of removing a wide range of pollutants, including
bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals. However, they can be expensive and produce a lot of wastewater.
Multi-stage systems that combine different methods, such as mechanical filters, activated carbon, and reverse
osmosis, can provide thorough purification.
Is boiled water the same as filtered water?
Boiled water is not the same as filtered water. Boiling water kills biological
contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, it does not remove chemical pollutants, heavy
metals, or sediment. Filtered water has had various contaminants removed through different processes, depending
on the type of filter, but not all filters remove biological contaminants. Therefore, for the safest water, if
you’re unsure about the water’s quality, you might need to both filter and boil.
Contaminants Detected in Fruitland Water
Special
Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES
30 Total Contaminants in Your Water
Water Provider
Fruitland Water Special Service DistrictPopulation Affected
120,000Water Source
Ground waterExceeds Guidelines
Others Detected