| Reading household water filter reviews may not | | | | of the States. Filters certified by them are also of |
| be your best source of information for buying | | | | good quality. |
| one. I have looked at numerous comparison | | | | If a water filter seller provides certified product |
| websites and some of their recommendations are | | | | performance data, it should list the contaminants |
| not really the best choice in terms of contaminant | | | | that the filter will remove and the amount of |
| removal, filter life or price. | | | | reduction. |
| Why pay $300 for a purifier, when you can get | | | | Bear in mind that not all contaminants have a set |
| one that does the same job for around $125? | | | | level by which they must be reduced. Ever-pure |
| $300 is the cost of the Ever-pure under counter | | | | for example, states that lead is reduced to levels |
| H-300. That's easy to remember, because the | | | | below the "Federal Action Level" (FAL). This level |
| price and the model number are the same. | | | | is an arbitrary figure established by the EPA. |
| Ever-pure is one of the products that are | | | | When public treatment facilities report that the |
| recommended by National Geographic's household | | | | level is higher than the FAL, they are required to |
| water filter reviews. I love National Geographic | | | | make efforts to address the problem, although |
| and I make every effort possible to live a "green" | | | | this requirement is not actively enforced. |
| life. But they only compared seven brands in their | | | | Of course, even if one consumes small amounts |
| survey, when there are hundreds on the market. | | | | of lead over a period of time, death won't be |
| The consumer's best guide to selecting an | | | | sudden but it could pose serious health risks. Lead |
| effective home purifier is to compare | | | | is particularly hazardous for pregnant women and |
| certifications and product performance data. The | | | | children. |
| best systems are certified by the National | | | | One of the top filtration systems on the market |
| Sanitation Foundation (NSF). This organization | | | | costs around $125 and can remove lead, chlorine |
| verifies that a filter's claimed contaminant | | | | and synthetic contaminants. It is also certified to |
| reduction capability is accurate. | | | | NSF and California health standards and provides |
| Water purification systems that are also certified | | | | complete product performance data. |
| by a reputable independent lab like the | | | | Getting a home water filter is a no-brainer. |
| Underwriter's Laboratory, can also be trusted. | | | | Ultimately, you are doing yourself and the |
| There is a third source for certification; the | | | | environment a favor, by filtering all of the water |
| California Department of Public Health. California | | | | that comes into your home, so that contaminants |
| has the most stringent water filtration testing in all | | | | do not end up back in the environment. |