Filter Your Drinking Water Better Using Countertop Water Filters
A countertop water filter may seem like an unnecessary expense, especially in the city where water must past a minimum standard. However, even city water contains microscopic impurities that may or may not affect the water’s clarity or taste. A water filter will usually remove these impurities leaving only fresh clear water for drinking or cooking.
A countertop water filter is often the most convenient and trouble free. Unlike filtering pitchers, the countertop water filter has instant access to pure water 24/7. There is no waiting for water to pass through the filter since the filtered water is ready to be dispensed. Installation usually takes minutes and no special tools are needed. Simply remove the aerator and screw the attachment in its place. The filtering unit usually rests next to the sink, out of the way.
Countertop water filters work by running the water through a series of filters before returning to the faucet. Because of the amount of time the water is in the filter, a greater amount of contaminants are removed.
Countertop water filters do not remove everything from the water. Desired minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are not filtered out. These add taste to water. But harmful chemicals such as algae by-products and other organic chemicals, chlorine, lead and a host of other contaminants are removed.
Most countertop water filters have replaceable filters. These get clogged with contaminants. The more impure the water, the quicker the filters will reach their life expectancy. If the filter is not replaced, the efficiency of the system will break down. Each model is different so it is important to check the owner’s manual to learn when this should be done. It is also good to keep a spare set of filters on hand so that when the filters need to be replaced, this can be done without interruption to the fresh supply of filtered water.
Countertop water filters have several advantages. In spite of the cost of replacement filter(s), the overall savings over bottled water is significant. Also, the convenience is a great selling point. Flip a lever and fresh filtered water for cooking or drinking pours from the faucet. Flip it back, and unfiltered water is available for washing.
The best line of counter top water filters we are aware of is the Berkey Filter. Plus, they have the added benefit of looking like a piece of furniture rather than an addition to your tap. Whether you choose their Imperial Berkey or another model, each set of filters they ship with can be re-cleaned to purify up to 6,000 gallons of water.
