Many people are dissatisfied with the quality of their water, whether from city supplies or from wells. More and more people are turning to water filtration systems of one type or another. Which is the best water filter system for a homeowner depends on what problems the present water supply presents, and on the price one is willing to pay for a quality water supply.

Though cost is usually a factor, it is not the only factor in choosing the best water filter. Some inexpensive units filter out heavier particles suspended in the water. More expensive units claim to remove microbes as small as .01 microns (.00001 mm) in diameter. The most common technique used for such fine filtration is reverse osmosis technology.

Bacteria is another and often a more serious problem in water supplies. The best water filter systems deal with this, usually through ultra-violet light. If bacteria is a problem, a homeowner should not settle for a cheap filter system that only deals with sediment.

Naturally, the more a filter system promises, the more it will cost. But cost should not necessarily be the bottom line. Microbes can affect the taste, odor, and appearance of the water, as well as its safety. The best water filters provide the safest water. So to choose what is the right system, it is best that all sources of water used for drinking or cooking be tested. City water must meet a minimum standard for particulates. But well water also needs to be checked.

Peace of mind is often a factor in choosing the best water filter for a particular location. Some just feel better drinking filtered water no matter what. Others want the purest water possible for the least cost. It is even possible that a water source is so contaminated with bacteria that no filter system can make it safe. If this is true of a well, some have been able to clean it by pouring bleach into it, then pumping it out. For others, a new well will probably have to be sunk.

The best water filters use a combination of filtering and bacteria removing technology. An adequate filter removes contaminants of .4 microns or more. Units that also kill bacteria usually use electricity as well. Water containing excessive iron may also have a sulfur smell. Filtering alone may not remove this odor from the water.

Water softeners remove minerals in water that make it work poorly in cleaning. But softened water passing through a water filter may extend the life of the filter cartridge itself. What is the best water filter system? The answer to that can only be determined when the water is evaluated, and the minimum acceptable levels of contaminants is established.

Berkey Filters are the best line of activated charcoal filters we are aware of. Check out the Big Berkey Water Filters or another model. One amazing feature is that each set of filters they ship with can be re-cleaned to purify up to 6,000 gallons of drinking water.