How to Make Your Drinking Water Safe
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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.
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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 and 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 the best deal on Berkey filters (better than I can offer as they give a lifetime warranty).
You can also find Berkey here.
Berkey Buying Tips
- If you still wish to use the Berkey anyhow, I highly recommend that if you go with a Berkey, you purchase at least 1 size larger than you think you need. That’s the #1 complaint I hear from people–that they wish they’d bought a larger unit.
- If you’re going to get a Berkey despite my concerns, Irecommend 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 it’s a great idea to get this.
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 does leave 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?
Reading the info you’ve posted regarding the Pure Effect water filtration system. My question is, are the filters incased in plastic. Looks as if that’s the case. I looked up their system and read that they mention they use BPA free plastic but for me, plastic is plastic and made with chemicals.
Hope you’re still responding to questions regarding this systems. Currrntly, I’m filling gallon size glass containers with ionized water from a machine at the Earth Fare store in Charlotte but have been reading that drinking ionized water long term is not good for me.
Hi there. Good question. Hmmm.. I can find out but is there another option? Is the machine you get your water from plastic free? I don’t have an issue with chemicals…it’s toxins that I have a problem with.
Hi Adrienne,
Thanks so much for doing all this research so that the rest of us don’t have to!
This is a very basic question, but how does one get an under-the-counter unit like the Pure Effect installed? Are regular plumbers familiar with how to do it? I live in Manhattan and we’re not used to having to employ contractors!
Thanks,
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
You are so welcome. I know — it’s all so much work!
My husband and son did it. My husband is not handy but my youngest is and the owner is available for help so in that sense it’s a good idea to install it during business hours.
Hope that helps!
what do you think about the filters that ionize the water like Kangen? the ph of the water is amazing according to what ive seen. im looking to drink water that is good and not out of plastic. Thank you!
I haven’t seen real evidence that it is worth the money. Seems like a scam to me. Do you have any info?
How can a water filter device filter out numerous unwanted substances yet allow certain minerals to pass through… I’m very suspicious.
Hi Ella. Good question. It appears to be that it is dependent on the size of the molecule and minerals are smaller than the impurities. For example a filter that removes impurities of greater than or equal to 1 micron will remove cryptosporidium and giardia but will leave Ca which is 231 pm (picometers) in size. I hope that helps.
Thoughts on this . . . I’m considering buying the AquaGear . . . “”Almost all pitcher-style filters use GAC or “granulated activated carbon” as the filtration medium. Typically, GAC is coconut husks that have been heated to a high temperature in the absence of oxygen and then granulated. These filters do remove some chlorine and hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs odor) — but are not effective at removing VOCs, metals, pesticides or fluoride. Overall, they are not very effective water filters. One exception that I’ve discovered is the Aquagear Water Filter. This filter has been certified by ISO 17025 accredited labs tests to remove lead (97.5%), fluoride (90%), chlorine (99.99%), chromium 6 (99.87%), mercury (99.6%), trihalomethanes (99.99%) and DDT (98.8%). This filter costs about $70 and it’s available on Amazon.””
I just peeked at the negative reviews on Amazon and they are disconcerting. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Hi,
I was wondering if you still like Pure Effect as the best filter. Anything you do not like about it?
How do we know that the filter really does what the owner says that it does? Is it certified by an independent, reputable third party like NSF?
Thank you for your help.
Hi there. YES I love the filter.
NSF is very pricey (about $40,000 per filter) so the company chooses other methods of verification so that it can invest the money back into its product. But here are the test results so you can see them for yourself. Following is the information from the company:
Each cartridge has media that has been already certified by their bulk suppliers before they manufacture and put it in the cartridges.
1. The Carbon in SuperBlock has NSF42 and 61 Cert
2. The Media in FluorSorb is NSF61
3. The Filter housings are NSF Pressure tested and certified for material safety.
4. The heavy metal reduction media is KDF55 and is NSF42 Certified.
5. The Zeolite is a new innovation we made, and NSF doesn’t even certify that yet for radiation, however, it’s been used in the nuclear industry for 40 years.
Also, here are some independent tests we’ve done with our systems using some of the most difficult to remove contaminants:
1. Chloramine:
https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/Chloramine_ULTRA.pdf
2. Fluoride:
https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/Fluoride_Test_Results_ULTRA%28FSM%29.pdf
3. Radioactive Uranium:
https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/Uranium_Removal.pdf
4. Heavy Metals (Data from our KDF55 media supplier):
https://kdfft.com/success_metal.htm
5. Comprehensive Analysis showing no contaminants leaching from the system:
https://www.pureeffectfilters.com/Output_Water_ULTRA.pdf
Do you have any info on Turapur pitcher?
I see that it hasn’t been tested for the removal of fluoride. From what I know about water filters, it would be unlikely that this kind would do that. Fluoride is toxic and is especially bad for the thyroid. Hope that helps.
Adrienne, I knew I could count on you for a deliciously complex article about water filtration after you helped me sort through the essential oils mess 🙂
And deliciously complex it is! Let me make sure I understand. You are no longer using Mr. Franks’ reverse osmosis filters and are instead using the Pure Effect filters? I am about to move into a new home and would like to have both whole house and drinking water filtration in place ASAP. Thanks again for your guidance, you are an indispensable resource!
Hi Jennifer. Too funny of a comment – deliciously complex. Love it!
Yes, that is correct. I really love the filters and the owner. I HIGHLY recommend getting the Gallon Meter to keep track of how much you use. I didn’t get it when we first bought the filter and had to buy it separately.
I just got off the phone with Igor. Yes, what a great guy! I’m gonna get the ultra disinfect with the gallon meter today! Turns out my PayPal Credit line got extended, so I’m treating myself to healthy water 🙂
Yes, he is amazing! That is a fabulous treat! You will love it.
Wow! We must be related somewhere down the line! LOL! I’m a “researcher” too. I use a faucet mounted Pur filter and I add a dash of Real Salt (google realsalt.com), which I use exclusively for flavor, as well as to enrich our food. We live in an old house with old pipes and I’m pretty sure the pipes running from the local water plant that have been buried under the ground for heaven-only-knows how long have equally dicey health concerns.
Keep up the good work! Just found your blog and LOVE it! 🙂
So fun – perhaps we are. And I would love that b/c I don’t have many relatives. So let’s dig into the family tree and find out :).
Another great post. (I just found your website today and am learning a lot.).
I really appreciate how you include separate updates in your posts and don’t delete the originals. It is really helpful for me to see your own learning processes as we can all learn from them, as well. At least I do. Thanks!
You are too kind. It’s hard to not make it all cluttered but I’m trying! Thanks again :).
You’re welcome! 🙂
I forgot to mention this before…I too LOVE that you include original article and all updates. Very rare and for us “OC” researchers, its wonderful!
Thank you!!! You continue to be a blessing to me today. 🙂
Question….about to buy a Pureffect filter…which specific model do you recommend?
Hi Kimberly. Are you thinking about countertop or under the counter? We did the under the counter since I value my counter space. I ended up getting the one w/ the UV option. We haven’t used that part of it yet but it’s nice to have the option.
what do you say to the other thought that minerals in the water get stored in the joints and that is why distilled water is best? there is a school of thought that believes in this
thanks
I don’t know. Who is saying this again? Is there research on it or is it just a hypothesis?
I don’t think you should be afraid of distilled water. The minerals in water are not usable by the body anyway. Get your minerals from fruits and vegetables.
I appreciate that but this report gives me pause: https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/nutrientschap12.pdf
Hi, I love that you did all this research and could explaib it to us. Because I have been concerned about my water quality for a couple years and have been following the alkaline movement. Since, I moved my concern started again because the faucet water still taste strange in my Brita filter and after boiling or using my coffee filter. So I buy a lot of water at the store and pay extra for the alkaline brands. I currently just rent but I was fortunate to have an under the sink filtration at my other apartment. This one doesn’t offer that so I would rather have a system that we can take with us when we move again and preferably alkaline benefits to heal the body.
Which do you recommend? Of the three systems you recommend which one is alkalizing?
Thanks so much!
Hello there. Can you tell me which 3 systems you are talking about? I know you could take the Pure Effect filters with you – the under the counter one will take a little more effort but you could do it. Let me know and I will do my best to help.
Hi, it sound like the Pur and the Pure Effects were different and then the Berkey.
Hi there. I am not sure I understand your question.
Thanks for all your research. We have a Berkley system. I was wondering if you could direct me to the information about testing the pH of the water and its significance?
This might be of assistance. https://ecofriendlymamausa.com/2015/09/29/berkey-fluoride-filter-test-results/
Thank you for this helpful article. You did all the research for us! That is truly appreciatd. What pure effects filter would you recommend for a family that moves every three years?
Hi Liz. You are so welcome. So we got the under the counter version. My husband isn’t very handy but he put it in w/ my youngest (who is) and they were able to do it. I think depending on your desires you could do that or the on the counter one. I like having it hidden. If you don’t mind taking it out and putting it back in every 3 years you will be fine. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! I hope to write more about these filters – they are amazing.
is this RO unit?
No, it’s the PureEffect filter — it’s mentioned in the post.
Are you saying that our drinking water in California is contaminated with Fukushima radiation? Can you clarify what you meant? Also, how do we know the minerals that are being added back in are free of contaminants and radiation? Let me know your thoughts please.
I’m saying that water drifts from west to east so the Fukushima water moves towards the US with CA being on the way. There are no minerals removed with the filter that I use now (the final one on the list). Hope that helps!
So the water filters that remove everything, such as Zero Water are actually harmful? I kind of wondered about that after I bought it…
I was just asked about this filter the other day. Does it remove minerals? What I did check is that the cost per gallon is way higher than the cost of the system that I just went with. The one that I bought comes out to about 26 cents per gallon. The Zero Water one depends on TDS (total dissolved solids) in the water and at the best case scenario it’s about 40 gallons per filter. I think the filters are about $15 a piece (I couldn’t figure out which filter went with what but that is the first price I saw on Amazon) so at 40 gallons per that is a cost of 38 cents a gallon. At the middle of Zero’s estimation that would be 46 cents a gallon. So I think with the better filtration the brand that I have is superior b/c of the cost factor as well – does that help?
Thanks for all the info. Trying to educate myself as we’d like to get one for our family of 7. I’m honestly completely overwhelmed! Did you by chance do any research into the Radiant Life RO 14-step system? Someone told me about that. Does the PureEffect system have a UV light enclosed in glass or plastic? Plastic breaks down under UV exposure and can leach chemicals into water then. Just curious. For the whole house system does that make all the water everywhere as the safetesf drinking water or do you still add an additional unit under kitchen sink for better purity?
I’m getting confused!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Hi Erin. Yes, I did look at that system but I finally felt it was overkill and the Pure Effect one was less expensive for better products. I am an affiliate at both places, just so you know.
Here is the owner’s response about the UV light and the whole house system:
I hope that helps. Feel free to ask more if needed.
Thanks so much for the response!
I think this is going to be our Christmas gift this year! So romantic! ?
You are so welcome.
I think it’s TOTALLY romantic. What better than something to really improve your health? Good water filtration is basically Number 1 on my list of what to do for health.
Here’s a lite-question for you (not calling d-u-m-b) but do I have to put in a whole new faucet when we install the Pure Effect Ultra under counter purifier? I can’t tell from the webpage.
There is a place in most sinks where you can just remove a plug and put the filter in right there. Does that make sense? The filter comes with the faucet that goes through that hole.
Thanks. I will look into it further. I really like the faucet we have.
You keep the faucet that you have. It’s a small circle that’s plugged up that it on your sink. Under your sink you can see how you remove the plug to put the new filtered water faucet in there. Does that help?