Good Questions: What's the Best Water Filter Solution?

Hello AT,

Does anyone else have a filter dilemma? I want one, but which one? I used to have a Brita pitcher filter in college, but it was such a pain. Waiting for the water to filter because we never remembered to fill it up, and I never felt like I could get the corners of the pitcher clean enough. A faucet-mounted filter is a nice idea, but I think they're ugly...

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And the kitchen faucet is the only fixture I've bought for that room. I love it and I don't relish the idea of covering it up. Solution #3, the under-sink filters I've seen are pricey and would require a plummer. *sigh* In the meantime, I'm getting sick of hauling bottled water in and out. Plus I feel guilty about using more plastic bottles than necessary. Anyone have another idea I've overlooked? Eh, maybe it's just time to stop whining and get a pitcher filter.

Thanks, Candice

Dear Candice,

Pardon us for lifting your question from Last weeks Cure post, but we really wanted to see what the larger circle of readers would say. This was our response:

I totally know your water filter dilemma. We've done them all (except for the undercounter system). Right now we're back to the Britta pitcher, and it is *fine* but not great. I'd do the undercounter system, but we don't have the room under there and it is labor intensive. However, I would say that if you put in the effort to do it, you'll probably be really happy you did it and wonder why you waited so long. If it really bothers you, then go for the best solution and check it off your list!

Anyone else?

Comments (2)

I hate to break it to *you* Molly, but before you decide to lecture people, you should really understand what you're talking about. I know being all preachy and condescending is fun, but really...

Of course bottled water is the same as tap water. Around here, the bottles even say "from municipal water supply". What you don't understand is that 1) tap water at out of the municipal supply is not the same as tap water out of the faucet in your home, and 2) the fact that tap and bottled is the same has *nothing* to do with how good the water is.

As to 1, home/building plumbing can be a source of nasty contamination. As many others have pointed out, this can render the water undrinkable, if not unhealthy.

As to 2, tap water still contains chlorine, fluorine, minerals & metals. These may or may not be a direct health hazard (I think much of the hysteria is overblown), but they do in fact have an effect.

For example, if you keep a salt water aquarium, you learn real fast that "clean" tap water is full of stuff that is plain outright toxic to a lot of the stuff in your tank (coarls, certain sensitive fish). I know this first hand, with my very clean municipal water.

And go to talk to someone with hard water how much fun that is.

They say the water in New York is some of the best drinking water in the country, but I have to agree that the pipes in your own home can cause a potential hazard. Yet, you can have your water tested, and this probably makes the most sense before putting out money for a filter you may not need.