The reality is tap water is one of our home’s most important — and least understood — necessities. Think about all the tasks we use tap water for every day: when showering, cooking a meal, washing clothes, cleaning floors or simply to quench our thirst. Knowing how to filter tap water ensures your family is getting the best quality H2O every time they turn on a faucet.
How to Filter Tap Water On a Budget
The best method of filtering your tap water depends on several factors including your budget, the contaminants that are in your water, and the method of installation. Below are some different options as well as pointers to be aware of.
Boil Your Water
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), boiling your water is the most effective way to kill bacteria, viruses, parasites and other organisms that cause disease. If your water is cloudy, allow it to run through a coffee filter, paper towel, or cloth that is clean. You can also let the water sit so the debris settles to the bottom.
Then use a rolling boil for one minute to remove contaminants from the clear water. If you live at elevations higher than 6,500 feet, boil your water for three minutes.
Because boiled water can have a flat taste, you can pour it back and forth between two containers and then let the water rest for a few hours before drinking it. Another strategy is to sprinkle a pinch of salt into each liter or quart of boiled water.
Countertop Models
If you’re on a budget, you’re probably most concerned with the tap water your family drinks and cooks with. A simple countertop filtration system seems like it would be a good solution for a family who is watching their budget carefully.
In most cases, a countertop model provides quick, convenient and affordable access to filtered tap water. However, many of these types of filtration systems rely on activated charcoal to remove unwanted contaminants. While some pollutants such as mercury, asbestos and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are filtered out, other contaminants like fluoride, nitrate and arsenic are not.
There is the additional inconvenience of having to wait for the filtration system to do its job. This can be a major source of frustration when serving water at meals or other occasions when large amounts are needed at one time. Even though you are giving your family filtered water to drink, they still wash their clothes, bodies and dishes in the contaminated water that comes from the tap.
Filtered Water Pitcher
Similar to the Countertop Models, filtered water pitchers are great for homeowners looking to filter the water they’re drinking or cooking with. Most filtered water pitchers use an activated carbon filter that works to eliminate the taste and odor of chlorine from tap water.
However, they don’t remove nearly as many contaminants as a whole home filtration system. Another downfall is waiting for the water to pass through the filter inside the pitcher. And, of course, a filtered water pitcher doesn’t provide you with clean water throughout your home. It’s just from the pitcher.
Filtered Water Bottle
Great for travel and easy to use, a filtered water bottle is an efficient way to filter your water. This is an especially great option for people constantly on-the-go. Not to mention the money you’ll save by cutting back on the plastic water bottles you get from the grocery store or vending machines.
And because filtered water bottles are rising in popularity, it’s becoming easier to find an affordable option for everyday use. With time, these bottles have gotten even better at removing toxins from water. In fact, you can find options that remove bacteria, viruses, and microplastics while reducing chemicals floating in your H2O.
However, a filtered water bottle obviously can’t provide filtration throughout your entire home. In most cases, it also can’t provide you with as much filtered water as a pitcher or countertop model. It is, however, a good first step toward achieving healthier water.
Learn More About Your Water For Free With ONIT
Taking steps towards enjoying clean and healthy water at home doesn’t have to be expensive. Here at ONIT, we provide families with comprehensive free water tests that will help you understand what contaminants are in your water. Our team of knowledgeable experts will explain the results with you. Then we’ll review the steps you can take to get clean water. And with ONIT’s Smart Choice Financing, a whole home water filtration system can stay within your budget.
Our reverse osmosis systems provide you with clean water throughout your entire home. They also play a huge role in saving your family money. For example, let’s say you’re opting to purchase bottled water to ensure that your family has access to clean water. Whole home filtration will reduce your reliance on plastic. Whole home water filtration systems are powerful and strong enough to eliminate up to 99.8% of contaminants of water toxins.
Request a free water test today to get started!
ONIT Home is offering bundling deals you can’t resist. We’re offering bundled purchases with a $1,500 voucher to use on water filtration, solar panels, or security systems. Or, you can receive a $2,000 security system for only $1,000 with the purchase of a water filtration system. If you’re ready to get rid of your electric bill and go solar, we have a two week installation with a free home security and water filtration system. Whatever your needs are, we’re ONIT. Visit us online or call us at 1-833-433-0331.