According to the Water Defense organization, the best tap water in the US can be found in states like Oregon, Hawaii, and Vermont, while states like New Jersey, California, and Michigan struggle to comply with EPA standards. Access to clean and safe drinking water is one of the most important things for maintaining proper health. Contamination awareness continues to increase each year, as people pay more attention to cloudy tap water and the integrity of their local water supply.
While the quality of our water might be beyond our control, the good news is that there are plenty of water filter options out there. To help you discover which one is the best fit for you, we’re diving into coming drinking water concerns and different filters you might want to consider.
And while you're shopping for that perfect water filter, be sure to invest in product protection right along with it. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for your water filter and all you your online purchases under the same product protection plan, which means you won't have to worry if your filter breaks or gets damaged.
Understanding common concerns around drinking water
Dirty water doesn’t just taste bad, it can be full of harmful pollutants, bacteria, heavy metals, and viruses, that you don’t want in your body. Exposure to these contaminants can lead to gastrointestinal problems and even long-term health issues.
Although municipal water treatment facilities typically remove contaminants from the water supply, it’s always a safe choice to add another layer of protection with a water filter.
Is distilled water safe to drink?
In short, yes. Distilled water is completely safe to drink, but it’s also stripped of any mineral value that water typically provides.
Choosing the right water filter
When it comes to buying a water filter, you’ll never run out of options, so the first thing you need to decide is what type of delivery system you want, and then you can investigate the specifics of different filter types.
From pitcher filters and sink attachments to more sophisticated devices, there are a range of choices for every aesthetic and budget.
Reverse osmosis filters
These filters work by trapping impurities in a semi-permeable membrane. They are capable of removing harmful contaminants including viruses, heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, and more. Considered to be one of the most effective methods for filtration, it’s worth investing in a full under-the-sink system for the best performance.
That said, they can be quite expensive, with options on Amazon starting around the $200 range.
Activated carbon filters
If you’re looking for a water bottle with filter compatibility, the LifeStraw water bottle uses an activated carbon filter and receives rave reviews on Amazon for $38.87. Activated carbon filters help remove organic matter, chemicals, and even bad tastes and odors from your water.
Ultraviolet (UV) filters
UV filters can disinfect water and remove harmful microorganisms using ultraviolet light. They protect you from waterborne pathogens to help you avoid diseases like salmonella, giardia, and E. coli. Many filter systems use UV light in conjunction with other filtration methods for comprehensive cleaning.
There are a range of different types of UV filters at many different price points, so finding the best one for you depends on your needs and how much filtration you want.
Ion exchange filters
If you ever pick up a water filter that is built with ion exchange filters, these are going to remove certain heavy metals and minerals that often get into the water supply. If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll reap the most benefits, as the filter will remove things like lead, copper, and other contaminants.
As with UV filters, these come at many different price points, however you'll likely have to pay at least a few hundred dollars to get a reputable ion exchange filter.
Gravity filters
Gravity filters are perfect as a portable option for those who spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities. They use gravity to pull your water through a combination filtration system, usually comprised of carbon, ceramic, and sediment filters. You can always keep these on hand for emergencies, like in your car or with camping supplies.
These are fairly cheap, with many options starting at around $40 on Amazon.
Ditch the dirty water!
You have every right to question the integrity of your local water supply system. However, depending on where you live, you might be exposed to unavoidable contamination. To play it safe, invest in a reliable water filter system that fits your needs and budget.
You can subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited for access to the best product protection for any water filters you’re considering, all for an affordable monthly price. Make sure you're protected, and your products last for years to come.
