
If you are considering which water filter removes the most contaminants, it is important to know that there is no one-size-fits-all filter. In order to consider what you might need, it is important to know what you are trying to remove according to Popular Mechanics.
In addition, you may need to consider your budget. Popular types of water filter systems include:
- Under-sink filters
- Countertop filter units
- Faucet attachments
- Refrigerator dispensers
- Stand-alone dispensers
- Pitchers
Other factors that may help you make your decision include how quickly the filter can ensure clean water is dispensed and how many people may be using the filtered water. For example, a two-liter pitcher may be fine for a couple but may not be the best option for a family with several children. There are also costs to consider related to replacement, upkeep, and possibly installation.
Understanding the Types of Filters Available
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, various types of water filters has different pros and cons. Some popular filtering methods include:
Activated Carbon Filter
This type of filter works for:
- Taste and odor issues
- Organic compounds
- Lead and copper
- Chlorination byproducts, cleaning solvents, and pesticides in some cases
Limitations of this type of filter include an inability to remove nitrates, bacteria, and very small contaminants such as dissolved minerals.
Ion Exchange Unit
These units may repair “hard” water by removing minerals, including calcium and magnesium. They may also remove fluoride, and some will filter out radium and barium. However they do not work well with some types of water, so you may want to discuss this with someone who has knowledge of your local water supply before you invest.
Reverse Osmosis Unit
This type of unit may help you deal with poor taste, smell, or color. In addition, it may filter out:
- Dissolved inorganic and organic compounds including nitrates and sodium
- Some pesticides
- Other chemicals including dioxins, chloroform, and petrochemicals
However reverse osmosis units cannot remove all inorganic or all organic contaminants. It is important you look at the exact contaminants that worry you and compare them to the product you may be considering.
Distillation Unit
A distillation unit may help remedy hard water and fix foul smells or tastes. It may also kill bacteria and removes:
- Nitrates and sodium
- Dissolved solids
- Organic compounds
- Heavy metals
- Radionuclides
The limitations of this type of unit include:
- Some types of volatile organic contaminants
- Some specific types of pesticides
- Volatile solvents
Know What Your Risks are Based on Your Water Source
Every year you should consider having your well water checked, or you may receive information from your municipality about the state of your local water. This should include information about contaminants and how your water stacks up to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. This may help you look for the best water filter that removes the most contaminants based on your water.
The NSF has a database that may help you do research on a filter. In addition to potentially helping you find a filter that removes chlorine and other bad tastes, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants, you may also check boxes to help you find a filter that reduces per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals produced by industrial manufacturers and used in non-stick cookware, firefighting foams, and other products. These chemicals, once in the body, may build up and persist over time. They may be present as contaminants in drinking water.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the negative health impacts of PFAS may include:
- Cancer (bladder, blood, kidney, liver, pancreatic, prostate, testicular, thyroid)
- Low birth weights
- Preeclampsia
- Thyroid (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s, Grave’s, Goiter, thyroid nodules)
- Ulcerative colitis
In 2019, several states including New York filed legal action against DuPont, 3M, and other PFAS manufacturers because these man-made toxins made their way into the water supply according to Bloomberg Law.
Speak to Someone About Your Potential PFAS Exposure Today
If you believe PFAS exposure may have played a role in an adverse medical outcome, a member of the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm team may be able to discuss your case with you for free. We know what to look for and can evaluate the potential merit of your case. If we believe you have a strong enough case to join others taking legal action, we may be able to handle your case with no up-front cost to you.
You should not have to pay for your treatment or suffer other additional losses as a result of contaminated water. The companies who caused the contamination should pay for your related expenses, not you.
Call (800) 788-4155 to discuss your case with a representative from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.