Buying a drinking water filter system can be really confusing. When you see prices for the basic water filters which range from just over $20 all the way up to and over $400, you wonder what can explain this huge variation. Take a minute and read the information we have here. At least it will help you get started.

The functions that you need a drinking water filter to perform will depend on the source of the water in your local area. For example, a reverse osmosis or RO drinking water filter system is very expensive but unnecessary for most of us.

If you are serviced by a public water system, then what comes through your tap has already been through a number of different processes. Often reverse osmosis is one of the processes used. RO mainly removes particles, minerals and can be used for removing salt from sea water or brackish wells.

One of the treatments used by utility companies is chlorine to destroy bacteria and algae that can accumulate in the water supply pipes. Another way to treat this problem is to employ ultra violet techniques at the plant, but this will not cover the pipes leading to your home. The taste and smell of chlorine are the two main reasons why people decide to purchase a drinking water filter.

All filtering systems remove chlorine. Many have underwriter’s laboratory or some other independent certification and yet there is a four hundred dollar price range. Why?

As mentioned above the reverse osmosis method is costly and so it is no surprise that these are the $400 models. Also in the $400 bracket are filter systems available at local retailers who rely on a substantial markup over the wholesale price to cover their overhead expenses. The cheapest water filters are pitchers and screw on types which tend to be less effective and also need to be replaced more often.

Basically, the drinking water filter system that provides the best value for the money sits on the counter and costs about $125. It comes direct from the factory and removes the bad, while leaving the good elements still present in the water.

Hugh Harris-Evans writes on water purification technology and is an enthusiastic advocate of the benefits of pure drinking water.