The top 5 whole house water filter systems for 2022 and which is best for clean, mineral-rich water for kitchen, laundry, and bathing.
Most of us, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, are consuming water that contains the residue of treated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, fluoride, disinfectants, and their byproducts, as well as storm runoff. Growing awareness of the problem is why more consumers are seeking whole house water filter options.
For those on municipal water, about 80% of Americans, the water is treated in most instances with a variety of chemicals such as disinfectants like chlorine, chloramines, as well as acid neutralizers and more. These chemical disinfectants also cause the creation of disinfection by-products known as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA).
In addition, most of the country (210 million Americans), now have their municipal water fluoridated without the consent of the homeowner. Fluoride is a nasty chemical derived from the fertilizer industry as a waste product from its manufacturing process. All of these chemicals have been shown to have deleterious health effects including reduced IQ in children.
Wells vs City Water
For those on private well water, like my family, the situation can be even more problematic. Wells are often the source of water contaminated with modern agricultural products including fertilizers, glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup and pesticides. It can also contain high levels of bacteria such as E-coli, can have excess calcium and magnesium contributing to hard water, rust that discolors laundry and bathrooms, and be very toxic with heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury and more.
That’s the bad news.
The great news is that excellent water filtration technologies do exist today that empower you to take charge and start making your home a better place for you and your family to gain true peace of mind. Some water technologies and solutions are better than others, however!
The best water filter solutions are known as Whole House Water Systems or Point-of-Entry Systems. They are perfectly suited for those looking to address water problems before the water enters the home. Thus, all water is cleaned whether for cooking, drinking, laundry, bathing, or watering the vegetable garden. This means that every faucet in the home (and even outside faucets) delivers clean, safe, great-tasting water!
5 Whole House Water Filter Options
Following is a discussion of the various whole house water filtration choices available to you today including the advantages and disadvantages of each. The best option is discussed at the end.
Sediment Filters
A budget-friendly unit that most homes would benefit from as it physically removes particulates from the water before entering your home’s plumbing.
Advantages: Inexpensive and easy to install for those with lots of sand, silt or dirt in their water.
Disadvantages: Ineffective in removing chemicals, bad taste, odor or any other contaminants.
Softeners
For those homes with hard water, a salt-based softener can mitigate the effects. However, these systems are limited in that they do not provide any removal or filtration of chemical contaminants. Many people find a water conditioner to be superior to a softener because a conditioner requires no salt, no backwashing, no electricity, and no maintenance.
Advantages: Both softeners and conditioners are effective in addressing concerns with high levels of water hardness caused by excesses in calcium, magnesium or iron.
Disadvantages: Softeners are ineffective in removing chemicals, bad taste or odor. They can contribute to high levels of sodium or potassium to the water. They also require regular maintenance.
Granular Activated Carbon Filter
A basic, entry-level whole house water system utilizing a single type of filtration media.
Advantages: Effective in removing chlorine and chlorine byproducts as well as eliminating bad taste and odor.
Disadvantages: Ineffective in removing many chemicals including chloramines and fluoride. It does not lessen the effects of heavy metals.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
RO Systems purify water through multiple stages usually including sediment filtration, ultraviolet light, deionization and the use of pre- and post-carbon filters in conjunction with the use of a reverse osmosis membrane.
Advantages: Effective in removing a wide spectrum of contaminants to produce very pure water.
Disadvantages: Very expensive. It requires lots of space. Wastes water. Takes out valuable minerals. Not optimal for fermentation or making kombucha or water kefir.
Mixed Media Filtration System (BEST Whole House Water Filter)
A mixed media whole house system utilizes a blend of highly effective and well-tested types of water filtration media typically formulated within a single cylindrical tank. It connects directly to the incoming plumbing to affect the entirety of your home’s water.
This whole house system is my vetted pick for the best quality!
For those also looking for the optimal in kitchen water purification, you would pair the whole house water filter with this biocompatible purification system.
Advantages: Effective in removing chlorine, chlorine by-products, heavy metals, fluoride, and bad taste and odor, all within a single tank. It can be customized to address special issues with well water. It will last for many years (up to 1,000,000 gallons) and is maintenance-free.
Disadvantages: More of an investment but well worth it in the long run especially since it is maintenance-free.
Do You Have a Whole House Water Filter Yet?
What are your water concerns based on the area you live? Have you installed a whole house water system yet? Is your water fluoridated? Are you concerned about pharma drugs and gut destroying glyphosate residues in your water like I am? What’s your story?
Ted Art
I’m wondering why I see no replies to the legitimate questions asked here. I am interested in buying the best maintenance-free whole house filter and would like to know where to purchase from a reputable licensed dealer who honors and fulfills warranty.
Sarah
Ted, the company I recommend that is reputable is linked in the post and will answer your questions if you contact them.
Teresa Metrejean
I am looking for a good whole home filtration system
Gordon Payne II
I am interested in learning more about your system and the possibilities of installing one.
Cliff
Hi Sarah,
A very balanced evaluation of the filter types available. l would only add that filter systems which employ the highly effective Active Ceramics type of filter media may also be of interest to those researching the most suitable filtration method.
This media will remove chlorine, toxins, heavy metals, hormones and fluoride (which many filters do not). This filter type is also highly effective at killing and containing bacteria in water such as E-coli, Pseudomonas etc. The system uses a unique filtration method using a patented active ceramics blend, so it has 4 different active ceramics which treat the water in a different way and is completely unique.
Unlike other whole house water filter, Active Ceramics water filter systems add antioxidants and minerals back into the water after filtering and additionally makes water more alkaline by raising the chlorine, toxins, heavy metals, hormones and fluoride, usually increasing the pH to around 0.5 a point (however this could be more or less depending on a number of specific variables).
The only apparant disadvantage is their initial high cost, however as most will go three years before requiring a change, they actually work out highly economical. Worth checking out.
Adam K
Hello S. Smith,
Our municipal water treatment systems are going to effectively remove heavy metals, chlorine, chloramines, volatile organic compounds, biological/chemical contaminants, and pharmaceutical drugs. It will also treat the healthy minerals being calcium and magnesium so as that they lose their ability to form scale within and on your plumbing fixtures. It is a great comprehensive all in one solution for your household drinking, bathing, cooking, cleaning and laundry.
Our systems also come with 20 year bumper to bumper warranties that protect you, the buyer incase anything goes wrong. If anything ever goes wrong, we will send out a replacement part in exchange for the defective item.
Gregory Faughner
Where can I find a reputable dealer who sells and installs NFC certified mixed media whole house filtration systems along with a biocompatible system for the kitchen? Can you recommend a dependable brand?
Denise
I am interested in purchasing a whole house filtration system. Do they filter the water enough to produce high quality drinking water. I am reading that these system are good at removing large particles and sediment but not smaller ones. It is recommended that I also purchase and install a point of service system. If I want high quality drinking water as well as filtered water throughout my home, do I need to purchase two systems. Thanks.
S Smith
I’m sorry if this is a repeat, I clicked to post my comment but it disappeared and this screen came up again. Please disregard if you already received this.
I have been looking for a high quality whole house water filtration system and came across a new system that is on the market. Wayde King (of Tanked TV show) has developed a water filtration system that seems like it meets all of the benefits that you have listed on your blog, but it has a 20 year warranty, which is really appealing to me. Can you take a look and give me your thoughts? Thank you for your post. It was very helpful! I live in the southwest and our tap water quality leaves much to be desired.
Steven
I like to know about the water system .
Keith Thompson
What kind of water purification system do you need in a third world country to turn untreated water into drinking water?
Sarah
It would depend on what the water is contaminated with. If you have water tests available, you can contact the company linked to in the post and they can size the proper water system for that individualized need.