If you don't like the taste of your tap water, or you're concerned about contaminants in your drinking water, a home water filter can help. Here are some points experts say to consider when buying a water filter:

  • If you're concerned about more than taste and odor, get a water-contaminant report from your local water utility. Ask for the Municipal Drinking Water Contaminant Analysis Report. This will tell you what's in your drinking water and guide your filter choice. The EPA website makes these reports available.
  • Estimate your water usage. Large families quickly grow tired of filling and refilling pitchers. You might be better off with a faucet-mount or under-sink system.
  • Make sure replacement filters are readily available. One reason to go with a well-known brand is easy access to replacement filters, since you'll need lots of them. Pitcher and faucet-mount filters must be changed every one to three months. Being able to recycle the filters is a big plus.
  • Consider long-term costs. A more expensive water filter may cost less in the long run once you take the cost of replacement filters into account.
  • Water filters don't make great gifts unless you also provide extra filters. Opinion sites are filled with comments from folks dismayed by the cumulative cost of water filters. While the initial investment is small for pitchers and faucet mounts, a year's worth of replacement filters can outpace the initial cost of the unit.
  • Start small. Try using a pitcher or faucet-mount filter before considering an under-sink or whole-house unit. They're usually just as effective at improving taste and odor, the most common reasons for buying a water filter.
  • Home water filters can't help if your tap water is subject to emergency contamination. If your locality experiences tap-water contamination, you still need to boil your water before using it.
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