How to Make Your Drinking Water Safe
This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. Learn more in our disclosure.
We should all be drinking lots of water every day, meaning it's crucial that it is as clean and pure as possible. Here's information about how to make your tap water safe plus my choice for water filtration.
In yesterday's post, I gave you a lot of information showing that the drinking water coming out of your tap may not be as safe as you thought.
Today I am going to talk about water filtration choices and will share my Current Recommendation for purifying your drinking water and doing so on a budget.
Our history with water filtration is a long one. It started years ago when my husband and I first married.
Note: Read to the end of this post. I have tried a lot of methods, and I'm so happy with where I am now. There are pros and cons to all of these systems–what you choose is up to you.
I phoned the manufacturers of various pitcher-type and faucet-mount water filtration systems to determine what to buy. Since we were renting at the time, the cost of installing a unit didn't make sense at the time. We later ventured out to other installed options, which I'll cover here too.
Water Filters We Tried
Faucet Mount Water Filter
When we were living in IL, soon after marrying, my research eventually led me to purchase PUR brand's faucet mount filter. It brought with it a nice set of credentials as it apparently had been endorsed and was used at the time by the U.S. Navy if memory serves me correctly.
My husband was a part time youth minister at the time and one of the youth volunteers was married to a man who was a chemical engineer. When I shared with him the conclusion that I had come to about purchasing our PUR filter, he echoed with enthusiasm what a great filter it was, stating that he had seen the research and thought it was the best filter on the market.
PUR Counter Top
When my husband and I lived with his parents for a two-year period just before our oldest son was born, we recommended that they buy PUR's counter-top model instead of the faucet mount. The faucet-mount filter unit had proven itself to be heavy for some faucets, causing problems with leakage and other issues, and additionally the counter-top model was less expensive to use.
We bought the PUR Counter Top Model and loved it. Looks like they don't make it any longer….
Multi-Pure Carbon Filter
However, after moving to Oklahoma for my husband's first tenure-track job as a professor, I became aware of Multi-Pure carbon filters. They were more expensive initially, but the cost per gallon analysis showed that the Multi-Pure was a clear winner.
After again doing extensive research into the amount of and types of contaminants that various filters on the market, we made a change.
Multi-Pure had a great deal at the time wherein we pre-purchased 10 filters (10 years' worth) and the filter housing was then provided for free, resulting in significant savings. So we were locked in for 10 years, but I felt confident in our choice.
Three years later, our oldest son was diagnosed with autism and I was having some troubling health issues. I'd been reading on and off about reverse osmosis, distillation and alkaline water, but was really confused about what the best type of water was.
So I spoke with “experts” in field and perused the internet and researched more.
I already felt that I was a bit excessive in taking my “super-duper carbon-filtered water” with me everywhere in a stainless steel bottle, but I really wanted to the best filter I could find.
There are many articles and resources that I could point you to, but here's the “distilled version” (pun intended).
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis filters were the fourth step in our water filtration journey. However, there are a lot to choose from.
We looked at the pros and cons of the system that Pure Water Products sold versus some others, but we went with the Pure Water one due to feeling we could really trust them. In fact, I was considering a salt-free water softener as well, but Gene at Pure Water talked me out of it!
We purchased a reverse osmosis system that uses our multi-pure carbon filter as one of its filters (we had already pre-paid for these and Gene said that they were a great filter and we should save money and keep them) and then we put a remineralizing cartridge on the filter as well.
We additionally purchased a whole house filter to remove chlorine and sediment as the negative health effects of chlorine in water are something that I wanted to avoid.
Costco also carries some reverse osmosis units that Mr. Franks said were worth considering, but some of those have expensive replacement cartridges.
Anyhow, you would have thought that at this point we had reached the final conclusion in our “Search for the Best Water Filter”, however the journey wasn't over yet.
Concerns About Removing Minerals from Water
One of the factors to consider when choosing a water filter is, do you want to remove minerals or not?
It's a very complicated topic. I prefer to leave the minerals intact, but here are some opposing viewpoints on this issue.
1. One is here that mentions the dangers of drinking distilled water. In a nutshell, the article mentions that distillation removes all minerals from the water, and removing these minerals can lead to health concerns and imbalances.
2. The second article is written by Gene Franks, the owner of Pure Water Products. He discusses reverse osmosis technology and compares it with distilled water in a no-nonsense manner. His thinking is that removing minerals isn't such a big problem.
Berkey Filters
Berkey Filters are the top choice for a lot of frugal natural-minded people and for good reason. Their filters are inexpensive and retain minerals in the water. However, I have some concerns about these filters.
We moved to the Berkey after reading about reverse osmosis systems removing beneficial minerals from the water. We had a remineralizing cartridge on our RO system, which puts some minerals back into the water, but felt I wanted to go more in the natural direction and just not remove the minerals at all.
Berkey Concerns: Fluoride, Bacterial Contamination, and More
Do Berkey Filters Remove Fluoride?
Berkey became my choice for a portable water filtration system and can be great in-home if you have monitored the pH of your water. Unfortunately, Berkey's fluoride filtration system isn't dependable unless your pH is in the optimal range. The problem is that I have read varying reports about what that optimal range is, so I encourage you to do your own research.
Bacterial Growth in Berkey Filters?
Furthermore, you really need to clean the reservoir out regularly. This is the case with any filtration system that holds the filtered water.
Standing water grows bacteria and when it stands in your filter, that is no exception.
We did end up going with Berkey for awhile, and it's a great portable option for water filtration that apparently can even filter really dirty water (think emergency situations). I love that you can take this with you easily on a trip or camping and you can easily bring it with you if you move. This smaller unit is a great size for camping. And for a REALLY portable option, these Sport Berkeys filter right as you drink!
Heavy Metals in Berkey Filters?
In 2021, there was a report made by a consumer about heavy metals being detected in Berkey filtered water. The report seems to be legitimate, but of course anyone can report anything. It's important to keep an open mind and find out the real data as much as possible.
If you feel still would like a Berkey after reading this (and a lot of people do trust them), here's where you can likely get a great deal on Berkey filters.
You can also find Berkey here but for the better warranty, buying direct from this Berkey site is best.
Berkey Buying Tips
- If you still wish to use the Berkey, I highly recommend that you purchase at least 1 size larger than you think you need. The most common complaint I hear from people is that they wish they'd bought a larger unit.
- I also recommend the sight spigot and the Berkey primer. The sight spigot allows you to see the water level in the filter without removing the top. The primer allows you to prime the filters without using a water faucet. The priming can be pretty messy so the primer is definitely worth it.
My Favorite Water Filter
PureEffect Water Filters
PureEffect Water Filters are possibly the BEST filters out there. They raise alkalinity and remove: Radiation, Fluoride, Pharmaceuticals, Microorganisms, Heavy Metals - VOC's, Chloramine/Chlorine, THM's, HAA's, NDMA, PFAS, Pesticides/Herbicides, Sediment/Particulate, Nano and Micro Particles/Plastics, Bad Tastes/Odors
I LOVE PureEffect filters. We've been using them for quite a few years and the water tastes amazing and the owner is extremely detail oriented. He set out to make the best water filter possible, and he might have done just that.
What These Filters Remove
- Radiation
- Fluoride
- Pharmaceuticals (Drug Residues)
- Microorganisms (Bacteria, Viruses, etc.)
- Heavy Metals
- VOC's (petrochemical byproducts)
- Chloramine/Chlorine
- Disinfection Byproducts (THM's, HAA's, NDMA)
- PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, etc.)
- Pesticides/Herbicides
- Sediment/Particulate
- Nano and Micro Particles/Plastics
- Nitrates and Nitrites
- Bad Tastes/Odors & More!
For complete results you can see PureEffect Water Filter test results on their site.
You can get extra UV protection as well.
The owner can walk you through installation if needed, doesn't try to “upsell” you, and the filters are very reasonable.
We chose an under the counter model, but you can go with the countertop as well.
My husband isn't that handy (sorry, honey–well, he'd tell you that himself), but he and my son installed the PureEffect Filter by themselves.
No Minerals Removed
No minerals are removed using the PureEffect filters. You can read more about the potential health problems from removing minerals from your drinking water here.
Radiation Removal
You can even get a radiation filter with this unit–amazing and very helpful especially for people on the West Coast of the US (in the wake of Fukushima).
With PureEffect, you can get either an over or under the counter filter that removes just about everything, but it leaves the natural minerals intact.
Can You Filter Softened Water with PureEffect Filters?
The answer is yes. Sodium is naturally occurring so it bypasses the filter.
Do PureEffect Filters Remove Glyphosate?
According to the EPA, glyphosate is removed effectively using activated carbon. Since the PureEffect filters have a lot of this in their filters, one should expect that glyphosate is removed using their filters.
What PureEffect Filter Should You Buy?
We bought the Under the Counter Ultra UC Disinfect. We actually haven't used the UV light yet but wanted it in case we needed it. If you need to save money, I would go without that.
I really love this filter system and if we didn't have a whole house chlorine filter already, I would be purchasing one of those as well.
Do You Need a Shower Filter?
The answer is a resounding YES!
Who wants things like chlorine running all over your body?
I mean, you can use a Swim Spray after showering, but that doesn't take care of the problem of chlorine that you inhale while showering.
Thankfully, PureEffect has a great shower filter too.
It removes Chlorine, Chlorination Byproducts, VOCs, Hydrogen Sulfide, Radon and more, and it does all of this at a great price.
Where to Buy a Tub Filter
This Bath Ball Water Filter is great quality and pretty affordable per gallon. It filters out:
- chlorine / chloramine
- chlorine and chloramine byproducts
- odors
- perfluoroalkyl polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
- iron oxides / rust
- sediment and more
and filters up to 2500 gallons before needing to be replaced.
So while there are a lot of toxins that you really don't want in your water, there are a lot of great ways to remove the junk and enjoy truly clean water for your whole family!
How have you chosen to make your tap water safe?
If you haven't already, what do you think you will do?
Your water post and links have been the most informative and easiest to understand. I’ve gotten my children to like drinking clean water. Buying bottled water wasn’t the long-term plan. A few months ago, I was looking for a water filter for my kitchen. Then started reading about water ionizers. Then about reverse osmosis. It became very confusing thing. There was so many brands too. I haven’t gotten a thing yet. Thank you for writing this!
Thanks. This was an old post and I felt it really needed to be redone. But thank you!
I was wondering if anyone knows a good place to get your water tested besides the state. I thought Dr Mercola had one on his site but I looked and couldn’t find it.
Not sure – I had mine tested by Pure Water Products but I don’t know what all testing options they have.
Hi Adrienne, thank you for this post. I’ve been looking into water filters also and am overwhelmed by all the options, so thank you for doing the research!
Regarding remineralization – I’ve read the arguments against distilled water, but I’ve also read that the minerals in water are so trace and readily available in a normal diet that it shouldn’t be of concern. What are your thoughts on that?
Thank you again! I’m glad to have found your website.
I’ve heard the same things. For right now I am content w/ the RO w/ remineralization. I am looking at another option as well, but am just not sure. I think we just have to pick one and be good for it for now.
Mmmm…thanks for your note, but I am only one person, so the cost of $3 per week is way less than I’d ever spend buying and maintaining the system. The plastic jugs are a “7” (number on the bottom) Of course I’d rather use glass but I can’t lift them. I have Aquasana filters on the shower. The thing that escapes me is how do I filter the bath water? A does not make a one-size fits all spigot filter. Hmmmm….
You could fill up the bath w/ your shower head :-). I think you might be right on the expense of the system. You could always call Pure Water Products and ask what they think. They are very honest there and won’t try to sell you anything you don’t need. 🙂
I purchase RO water at a local health food store for 39 cents a gallon. I have two 3 gallon plastic jugs which sit in a stone crock on the counter. I’ve been doing this for about 7 years. The store is conveniently located and I think keeping the water in plastic for a few days before I drink it (some of the time it’s sitting int the crock) is reasonable. It’s filtered right there as it goes into the customer’s bottle.
Just a note – I would make sure you are using OK plastic for storing your water as some is 1 time use only plastic and can leach BPA. Also, I think my RO cost (for replacement of membranes) is only about 11 cents per gallon so it might really be worth it for you to get a filtration system in your home. :-).
My husband and I have been researching this exact issue since moving to our new home. There is chromium 6 and barium in our water here and I have a toddler and am looking to become pregnant again soon. We looked into the RO with remineralization, however we were unable to find one that was NSF or otherwise certified so that I was confident that it didn’t put other unwanted substances back into the water after the RO took them out. Another concern that I have with remineralization is that often times there are only 3-4 minerals it adds back in. However, there are far more trace minerals that our bodies need. So, for now, we are drinking very expensive bottled water that contains minerals and comes in BPA free bottles. I would much prefer to find a good filter to remove the specific things we have, while keeping our minerals. Doulton was another option, but alas when we asked for certification or proof that they removed the barium they were unable to provide us with this. This is the first blog I have ever posted on, but this is truely a frustrating topic.
Hello Wendy.
I encourage you to stick around. I didn’t ask for certification of RO but I understand your concerns and I was concerned about the remineralization myself. One idea is mineral drops added to the water. I wonder about that. I also am looking into another filter so stay tuned :-). I’ll check into the barium. Good detail work!
You know, I just realized that I subscribed to your RSS feed a bit back and it doesn’t come through…would love to get your new posts! I’ve read many of your older ones to my husband and we both enjoy them and appreciate the incredible research you’ve done and are willing to share with us to help us on our way! Looking forward to your e-book on soaking…do you still soak? Still thinking about that one…:) I have to be very careful! Thank you, Cheeryshirley
Shirley, I haven’t written since this past week due to a ton of issues going on here……I hope to have a post up on Wed and my linkup will go live tomorrow and I will have a post live on Thurs as well. That might be why you aren’t getting anything in the feed? Just check to see if there are posts and if those aren’t showing up in your feed then we can try to figure that out. Yes, I do still soak, but personally I am off grains now. So I am soaking my nuts and seeds. I am soaking grains for the rest of the family. I think it is very important. I’ll be writing more about it in the future.
Oh dear! I didn’t mean your writing was disturbing…it was the facts! I am so very weary of being “duped” and not knowing who to trust or where to turn! Tired of being poisoned with “food grade” water/food/products/lotions, etc! We will be talking to Mr. Franks soon and will definitely let you know what he says. Thank you for always taking the time to help us out! 🙂 Anxious to know if Aquasana is O.K.! Cheeryshirley
I didn’t think you meant that….I just remembered that that post needs some attention :-).
Adrienne ~ Just read this disturbing post! Sigh. We are currently using Aquasana and having the carbon filters mailed to us every 6 months. We, like you, researched extensively and this came within our price range. Previously, I did have a reverse osmosis, but the upkeep was high and it did not taste very good…but, that was back in the late 80’s. I, also, had a huge distiller…loud, humid, and couldn’t put out enough for my “drinking habit”! 🙂 How much are the reverse osmosis machines now? Are they high up-keep? I do not even remember how they worked 🙁 But, with my insecticide poisoning and my husbands Multiple Sclerosis, water is very important to us! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to just turn on the faucet? Sigh. I wonder if Aquasana’s filtering system is adequate? Thanks for all your work and research! Cheeryshirley
Hi Shirley! Sorry that this post isn’t the greatest. I really need to redo it. Anyway, I would call Mr. Franks at Pure Water – he’s really good with this stuff. His are very reasonable and there is another from Watts that is reasonable, but Mr. Franks said you need to be careful b/c some of the Watts ones are “no waste” water (which makes the rest of your water even dirtier) and some have really expensive cartridges. The water passes through membranes. I love it and have a remineralizing cartridge on the end. I think it was about $275. He would know about the Aquasana I would think. He can also tell you the upkeep price. We have a carbon filter on our (maybe he could do the same w/ your Aquasana) and so we only replace the RO filters every 2 years. If you remember I’d love to hear what he says.
Thank you for your interesting and practical blog. I have a question about the class of water filters using carbon filters (like the Berkey water filter I’ve seen reviewed on similar health and whole foods blogs). Can you share the pros and cons of this type of water filter vs the reverse osmosis?
Hi. I have been meaning to re-do this post for awhile — and I will. In a nutshell, the Berkey and other carbons will not take out everything. They significantly reduce contaminants, but they do not completely remove them. One of the contaminants that I am really concerned about right now is Chromium 6. I contacted Berkey and they do not know if their filter removes it or not. It is a very problematic cancer-causing chemical. RO is, in my opinion, the best choice, but you need to add minerals in on the back end. I hope that helps.