The home plumbing system is something we take for granted. This is largely because we expect to turn on the faucet and have clean and usable water. We only see it once it comes out of the faucet, and the rest of the pipes and other plumbing essentials are largely hidden away.
But have you ever considered where your water comes from and how it gets to your home?
All domestic water supplies originate as ground water in reservoirs, lakes, or other bodies of water and are sometimes transported considerable distances by pipes. Along the way, the water will enter a treatment plant where it will be filtered and treated so that it is safe to use, but how do you know the water that comes out of your faucet is safe to drink?
It’s a sensible question to ask and is the reason why many people fit additional water filters in the home to ensure the least chance of contaminated water. Let’s look at how water can be contaminated and why you might want to consider a countertop water filter.
Why Use a Water Filter?
As mentioned above, water comes from many different sources before it finally reaches your home. While it has been treated, there are some possible contaminants that might slip through the process. There is also the possibility of contamination in the trip between the treatment plant and your home, especially in areas where the pipes are older.
Contaminants in your water may include the following:
- Heavy metals that occur naturally in the earth and are often found in the watercourse
- Fertilizers and pesticides that have been used in agricultural settings and seeped into the water
- Chemicals from industrial plants
- Particles and possibly bacteria picked up in the pipes
Each of these may be invisible yet can also be harmful in small doses. This is where your countertop water filter comes into the equation, and also why you need to know if there is one to fit your type of faucet.
Water filters work by finely filtering the water after it comes into the home by way of a combination of systems, and you can find out more detail at waterfilterbase.com, which offers excellent information and advice on the different types of water filters you can buy. They vary in type, size, and capacity and also in cost, so you’ll be able to find something that suits your budget among the models listed there.
Choosing a Water Filter
Does the title ask the question: do countertop water filters work for all kitchen faucets? The general answer is yes, although when you get into more detail, there are considerations that need to be considered.
One of these is the capacity of water that can be cleaned by the water filter before the filtering system needs to be cleaned or replaced. The filters themselves do not last a lifetime and will need cleaning or, in the case of some, replacing with new ones, so it’s worth factoring this into the cost.
Some examples: in the review, we mentioned there are filters that can handle 3000 gallons before the filters need changing, as well as models that can handle 750 gallons. We’re sure you’ll agree that’s quite a wide difference, so it will likely have an influence on your decision.
Furthermore, some of the filters are more sophisticated than others and considerably larger, so you may also need to think about the space you have available on your countertop. We recommend checking with your local water authority in case they have a recommended model that will work best with your type and source of water, and also asking local friends if they use a filter.
If you are unsure whether the filter you are considering will work with your faucet, you should talk to the retailer or the manufacturer, as they will be able to advise you on the most efficient model for the location and the usage from your faucet.
Conclusion
Although the CDC carries out regular water quality tests across the USA to keep on top of water quality, it is not unusual for contaminants to be in the water you use. Many of these will be harmless, but they may still change the taste of your water. The filter will help by removing any contaminants that pose a danger or sour the flavor of the water, and as the filter is attached to one faucet, you know that outlet is the one to use for the safest and cleanest water in the home.
To be on the safe side, check out the range of water filters available for countertop use right now, and you’ll soon have peace of mind your water is as clean as it can possibly be.
