Urban Blog

Water quality doesn’t just vary around the world, but can actually vary from state to state, city to city and even neighborhood to neighborhood. Recently high profile water problem news stories, such as the problems with the water supply in Flint, Michigan, help to underscore just how important it is to purify and safeguard one’s own water. The bottom line is that water is simply too important to your overall health to not take proactive measures.

Like air contamination, water contamination is often overlooked when it comes to health and safety, which is a shame. Water contamination stories are becoming more and more common. Industrial and agricultural runoff, ineffective sewer treatment facilities that were not designed to remove drugs excreted into the water supply and other sources of contamination do find their way into the water and food supply.

While there are many reasons that local water supplies are being contaminated, ranging from aging infrastructure to fracking, industrial and agricultural runoff and more, what can’t be denied is that the average person needs to purify their water, especially their drinking water.

In this article, we’ll examine a few of the best water purification options on the market. We will go beyond the simple water pitcher purification options that so many people rely upon for their clean water. While often better than no water purification option, these water pitchers unfortunately often fail to provide truly effective water purification. This is especially true in problematic regions of the world. Water purification systems can be extremely expensive, however, our look at water purifiers focuses on easy to install, easy to use and maintain and relatively affordable options.

Option One- Water from Air Systems

The priciest option on the list is the water from air system, also known as an atmospheric water generator or AWG. These systems extra moisture from the air, purify it and turn it into drinking water. This option can be a good fit for those living in areas with questionable water supplies or water supplies that have experienced problems in the past. There are several options on the market with some options featuring reverse osmosis and even UV sterilization.

Once purchased the per gallon cost is low, usually around just $0.20. If you are looking for a way to avoid ground water contaminants, fluoride, lead from old pipes and other water contamination issues, then a water from air system is definitely something worth considering.

What can make this option problematic to implement is that there are many options on the market, using many different, often patented, technologies. Some opt for ozone purification and others do not. That stated, an AWG has the sizeable benefit of always providing a consistent water source. The systems not only allow users to bypass heavy metals and fluoride but also viruses and bacteria as well. Atmospheric water generations can cost several thousand dollars.

Option Two – Countertop Water Purifiers

On the other end of the pricing spectrum is the vastly more affordable countertop water purifier. One of the best countertop water purifiers, priced around $100, is the New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System. The unit is far from perfect, however, the price point, ease of use and quality of water help to make this unit a standout. Whereas, AWG units can cost $3,000 or more, the New Wave Enviro 10 can usually be found for under $100, but there are drawbacks to this approach. Countertop units means that you can see the unit. With some effort, the New Wave Enviro 10 can be mounted under the sink, as can other countertop units.

Another problem is that the New Wave Enviro 10 doesn’t always attach to the faucet with ease and filter replacement can be difficult, as filters are not easily labeled to indicate which direction is down and should interface with the main unit. With that fact stated, however, the unit is an overall winner due to its price and effectiveness.

While it will never win any beauty contest and the hose-faucet design can be cumbersome and probably even irritating, this low cost, high results solution is worth investigating. The ten stage filter can remove everything from heavy metals to bacteria, virus, pesticides, cancer causing chemicals and more. Best of all, no new plumbing is necessary, and the unit can filter about 1,500 gallons of water annually depending on the level of contamination in your water. However, it is very important to note that this unit will not filter out fluoride.

Option 3 – Berkey Water Filters

Another, slightly more expensive, bulkier and more cumbersome water purification option is the Big Berkey Water Filter System. The Big Berkey usually costs around $300, is a little on the large side and sits on top of the counter. Water is poured into the top of the stainless-steel unit, is purified slowly and then comes out of a spout at the bottom.

While the Berkey units aren’t super streamlined or easy to use, they have undergone considerable testing, and the results have been good. Also, if you are looking to remove fluoride from your water, then you’ll want to consider this option.

Berkey water filters have been shown to remove VOCs, heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides and more. The units are portable and can be taken on camping trips which helps add to their value. Units can produce several gallons per day and provide hundreds of gallons before filters must be replaced.

These three options vary in price and approach. Ultimately, where water is concerned, one of the most important steps one can take is to test one’s water and the water purification system that you choose.

When it comes to water, it is essential to think about more than just taste. Some harmful elements are completely tasteless and odorless. Also just because your water has never made you sick in the past doesn’t mean that it couldn’t potentially have long term consequences. The best approach is to stay proactive and make sure your family’s water supply is protected.