Best Water Filter Buying Guide | How to Choose a Water Filter

[@emcsquare62]

From the east coast, I thank you for your videos and priceless information you share. It's been a great help!

[@waterfilterguru]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching 🙂 the best way you can support my work is by sharing this video with someone else who would also find it helpful! 🙏

[@AnnClaire]

hmmm. now considering whole home system 😂

[@waterfilterguru]

What contaminants did your water test show?

[@amy8049]

I'm trying to sort thru the videos-- which one to watch that covers filters you don't have to plug in? thanks!

[@waterfilterguru]

Check out this one about countertop filters - these don't require invasive installation, perfect if you're in a rental situation kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHLIg5anm72hiNE

[@stephenlatz1675]

Here's a big shoutout to Brian Campbell, the Water Filter Guru, who helped me make sense of what's wrong with my water, which of the commercial whole-house filtration systems would address the issues and why it was worth doing. His $99 consulting fee to analyze my TapScore water test report was worth every penny. Brian was especially helpful after the fact, when the local plumber recommended a Clack system (not a brand I'd ever heard of). Brian put my mind at ease. Thanks again, Brian!

[@waterfilterguru]

Thanks Steve, it was a pleasure assisting you!

[@sebjohann5200]

Hi, Could you give us a comparison between the two filtration systems from Waterdrop (TSA Under-Sink Water Filter System, 3 stages of High Capacity Water Filtration, NSF/ANSI 42 certified) and FRIZZLIFE (TW10 Under-Sink Water Filter System, NSF/ANSI 53 and 42 certified components). Many thanks to

[@waterfilterguru]

Thanks for the request! I'll add these two to our list to look into and see about comparing in a future project

[@WhitJohnson7]

Any good systems to filter out whole house that gets ride of pfa bfa heavy metals flouride chorloine and such. We are on well water. So over having the water tested and trying things to not help much. We have high iron and our well is shallow lirk 15 ft deep and were about 200 ft from a littoe river reservoir

[@waterfilterguru]

Sounds like you'll need multiple pieces of equipment to treat a complex water situation. I can help waterfilterguru.com/consulting/

[@AnnClaire]

I just googled and my water apparently isn't as good as i thought. they say it's safe but i also see that it's exposed to a lot of cancer causing elements and is becoming increasingly salty. Long Island waters come from Aquifers so is that like well water...?

[@waterfilterguru]

I recommend lab testing a sample of water taken from the home itself

[@davidt1621]

Have you ever tested your tap water with a menopause test strip to see the level of estrogen in it? You'd be surprised if you didn't know - it's full of it.

[@waterfilterguru]

I have not, but this is a great idea to start incorporating into my testing projects!

[@jgn2112]

I just discovered this channel and absolutely love it! Water is critical, obviously. So I truly appreciate the integrity of your test, analysis, and processes. I can't say enough about that. Sub'd for sure! Keep them coming! As an aside, I'd love to see tests on camping filter systems like Survival Filter Pro, Katadyn, Grayl, and especially Platypus. Thanks so much...your work is hugely important!

[@waterfilterguru]

Hey thanks for your comment and kind feedback. Really glad to hear it, this is what keeps me motivated! 🤙 I've noted down your requests of backpacking/ camping filters to test.

[@Alien2799]

@@waterfilterguru Could you test First Need XLE please? Thank you

[@waterfilterguru]

@@Alien2799 I'll look into it, never heard of that one. Thanks for the request

[@Alien2799]

@@waterfilterguru I hope you do. Thank you very much. It is not one of the "mainstream" water filters for backpackers. I assume that maybe because it is heavier (1lb) and balkier than others? I do not know however it is an excellent one that is supposed to take out everything, including water discoloration which many filters do not. Which is OK for clear mountain streams but not that great for lowlands. The filtered water from it has been excellent. I love your YT channel BTW!

[@LaurenValli-v5o]

Have you tested Multipure brand?

[@waterfilterguru]

We have not yet

[@zimmy_love]

Have you ever tested the Express Water RO system?

[@waterfilterguru]

Not yet

[@yazars]

What kinds of prices are people seeing/using for water testing services? If the testing is expensive enough, it could make sense to just choose a robust system and go. Our surface water reports have been consistently good, but we want to play things safe. Our TDS at the tap is 70 to 80. I'm too risk averse to direct plumbing RO and risking a flood, so we're going with a countertop RO, the APEC ROCT-plus (family really wanted instant hot feature). I've seen hardly any information about that compared to, say, Waterdrop, so I'm probably going to record a little video after I get it to share the info with other folks. Before this, we used Brita for the taste and Zerowater too.

[@waterfilterguru]

I always recommend using data to guide your purchase decision - lab testing data is the only way to get the full picture of the water quality. If lab testing is out of budget, you can use your water provider's consumer confidence report (CCR) as a starting point, but it won't provide the full picture of how the water is at your home since testing for these reports is done at the treatment facility before the water enters the distribution system where it can become recontaminated. Additionally, TDS can be a good indicator to water quality, but a TDS reading alone will not tell you if water is safe and healthy or not. For example, some impurities that contribute to TDS (calcium and magnesium) are actually healthy for us to consume, while others (like PFAs) are not detected by a TDS meter at all. This video explains all about what TDS meters do and do not measure kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3nZlYyNjc6JsKs

[@IronBenny]

@@waterfilterguruwhat do you think of the big life straw community filter? Hold like 13 gallons. What do you think of the filter like to know your thoughts

[@cherylwilliams4738]

​@@IronBenny me too. I hope he shares his thoughts about LIFE STRAWS 👍🏼

[@racheljohnson4266]

@@cherylwilliams4738he's done a video on life straw i believe or another big water guy has. it was one of the worst water reviews they've done to date, surprisingly.

[@ModernSurvivalSense]

Have you come across any water filtering systems/methods which are guaranteed to filter chemicals from water?

[@waterfilterguru]

Water filters that are performance certified for the reduction of specific contaminants by the NSF, WQA, or IAPMO are the best guarantee they will perform as advertised

[@2Hesiod]

Better to use a distiller.

[@waterfilterguru]

It depends. While distillation is indeed one of the best methods to purify water, it might not be a viable option for everyone. Distillation takes massive time and energy inputs to distill a relatively small volume of water. For example, it takes 6-8 hours on average to distill just one gallon of water.

[@rhouz8689]

Agreed, distillation by far the best. I run ours about 4-5 times a week while sleeping and use distilled water for coffee, tea, water consumption and use britta for cooking pasta, veggies and pets. Tap is for laundry, dishes, bathing and yard. So much gunk in the distiller, not inside my family. Cost is not even noticeable, maybe $0.30 each time I run it for 3000ml / 0.75 gallons. Beats bottled or delivered water by far. Store distilled or delivered is about $1.25 - $2.00 per gallon in plastic.

[@mkmason2002]

Numerous people have commented on the Super Sterasyl Water Filter By EcoAqua, stating that it filters faster. Is that a good thing? Does that show that the filter isn't as dense and less effective? These filters are much cheaper than Berkey. Thank you!

[@waterfilterguru]

Doulton is actually the manufacturer of the Super Sterasyl brand filters - I do have these on my list to test in an upcoming project! They are the only filters for large stainless steel gravity-fed units that actually have a few performance certifications, which is very reassuring

[@angelinaverhulst4766]

which filter is best for on the counter that filters for aluminium, chlorine, arsenic, sulfate and hardness?

[@waterfilterguru]

Check out this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHLIg5anm72hiNE It should have what you're looking for

[@ee7369]

Isn’t there a filter I can just buy now on Amazon that takes out the bad stuff from it without having to test my water?

[@waterfilterguru]

Without testing and knowing exactly what water issues are present, you may or may not end up purchasing a water filter capable of addressing your needs. It's like shooting in the dark. This is why we always advocate for testing first, then using the lab test report to guide your purchase decision.

[@Banditxam4]

Using a ro + uv + uf solves all of your issues... And don't forget to use a external water softener

[@waterfilterguru]

But it might be overkill for some situations - which is why its so important to always test your water first and use the data to guide your decision

[@lilab4055]

Will you please test the Hydroviv tailored under the sink Water Filter.

[@waterfilterguru]

Got it on the list! Thanks for the request

[@bandithow123]

Hi , can you review eSpring water filter system? Not sure isit good or not

[@waterfilterguru]

Hi thanks for the request, I can add it to our list to look into

[@americanfreedom1777]

Hmm , using medical grade UV . For any bio problem.

[@waterfilterguru]

Sorry, is this a question?

[@sebjohann5200]

Hi and thanks again for all your excellent videos. We hope one day to see tests for under-sink filtration systems (one system or multi system with 3 filters for example). Thanks ;)

[@waterfilterguru]

Hi thanks for your feedback, happy to hear my videos are helpful! Stay tuned, I'm in the process of testing a few different under sink systems (RO and non-RO)!

[@ee7369]

Why did it feel like the whole video talks about the need to test the water to buy the right filter

[@waterfilterguru]

Because leveraging testing data to guide your purchase decision is the best way to ensure you end up with a product capable of addressing your specific needs. Water quality varies drastically from place to place, and there is no 'one size fits all' water filter.

[@maryanngrove6403]

More of a question than a comment. Since it seems most gravity filter systems are so similar and filter elements interchange (at least size wise), what are the best replacement filter elements (candles) for municipal water or untreated water? Seems a person could purchase a less expensive filter system, then upgrade to higher quality filters as needed. Just trying to stretch the dollar without having bad water. Great videos and reviews, keep it up.

[@waterfilterguru]

Are you referring to the large stainless steel gravity filters specifically? Because most water filter pitchers are also gravity-fed but have unique cartridges that are not interchangeable.

[@AnnClaire]

Ive heard of people switching out their Berkey filters for a ProOne filter

[@believer7217]

Have you ever tested SimPure? I’m wondering if it’s better than Aquatru?

[@waterfilterguru]

Not yet, I've got the Y7P model on my list to test next

[@believer7217]

@@waterfilterguru I’m looking forward to your review of it! I’m trying to decided between that one and aquatru!

[@Nicole-zc8pi]

what about the LIFE STRAW???

[@waterfilterguru]

What about it? Are you referring to the OG lifestraw, or one of their newer systems like the pitcher?

[@Jim_the_london_look]

Please can you review the Aarke water purifier

[@waterfilterguru]

I've got it on the list, thanks for your request!

[@miaudottk9080]

Any idea how dangerous it is to drink soft water (w/o enough Ca and Mg)? These water softener "filters" are perfect for your washing machine, but drinking that water can get you sick or even dead. As for drinking, simply recommend a carbon filter which filters only the water you're going to drink/cook with.

[@waterfilterguru]

Softened water is generally safe to drink for most people. The softening process removes calcium and magnesium and replaces them with sodium, so the water is not demineralized. The bigger concern for some might be the added sodium. If you're on a low-sodium diet, it's best to consult your doctor about drinking softened water. As for filters, a simple carbon filter can improve taste and remove some contaminants (depending on what's present) but its by no means a one-size-fits-all solution. Basic carbon filters are not a good solution if you have some metals like arsenic and inorganics like fluoride, for example.

[@miaudottk9080]

@@waterfilterguru Soft water, under 5 German deg. will slowly deplete your minerals, cause arrhythmia and possibly even death. In other words, not safe to drink, but perfect for washing clothes as there's no more Ca and Mg to bind the detergent or clog the washing machine. Adding other minerals, like i.e. phosphates will cause, in time, kidney stones. Phosphate dispensers can prevent the building of "stone" in washing machines -it's cheap Calgon-, but, I repeat, don't drink water from them. Therefore, there are only 2 kinds of filter I can recommend for drinking water: - particle filters, as fine as you wish, for the whole household to protect the water taps from sand - carbon filters to improve taste, remove organic-chlorurates (these could in time cause cancer), some dissolved F and Cl. But keep in mind they'll deplete quickly and need refurbishment (typically heating at temperatures specified by the manufacturer) or replacement. I can't think of any other kind of water treatment that can safely help in a residential setting.

[@miaudottk9080]

@@waterfilterguru Softened water is NOT safe to drink for humans. The softening process removes calcium and magnesium and replaces them with sodium, so the water is lacking Ca and Mg, letting them deplete in time from your body, causing arrhythmia and possibly even death. As far as I know the minimum drinking water hardness is 5 German degrees. A carbon filter will remove some of the carbon-chlor compounds (these can produce cancer and taste bad) , Cl and F, but it'll clog up its pores rather quickly, thus is suitable for drinking water only, no dish washing. Needs often replacement or heating to re-activate. A particle filter will prevent sand from entering your pipes and grinding at your water valves. To summarize, for home I'd recommend: -a fine particle filter right after the water meter. -if the water is hard, a phosphate dispenser for the washing machine to prevent "stone" deposits and the need to buy expensive anti-plaque agents like Calgon. -if the budget is fine, a carbon filter near the kitchen sink for the drinking water.

[@HexOptimal]

Lol why does my county list everything except the CCR

[@waterfilterguru]

It might be the municipality, not the county, where the CCR is listed. You could also try searching for 'water quality report'

[@HexOptimal]

@@waterfilterguru Well I was looking on the EPA site. For whatever reason they have a column for links to CCR website but they don't actually put anything in those columns. I went to the local company's website and they want you to call for the CCR information. Sus

[@salehabdulla9177]

so what's your top 3 for villa and kitchen? appreciate your help. I would like to have pure water.

[@waterfilterguru]

It all depends on what's in your water. Have you had it tested by a certified lab yet?

[@salehabdulla9177]

@@waterfilterguru no ofc so what's safest way to add new filter? I'm thinking to add 1 for kitchen and taste water if it's better I'll keep it

[@waterfilterguru]

@@salehabdulla9177 Check out the video again about finding out what's in your water starting at 0:30 This is the first step to take before buying any water filter - without knowing what's in there you may or many not end up buying something capable of addressing the issues at hand. Like shooting in the dark.

[@salehabdulla9177]

@@waterfilterguru EEEH I WON'T

[@ethimself5064]

My water supply is quite good and there are a couple of newer concerns: 1. Plastic pipes/condo. 2. Organic Chlorine byproducts. Been using a Brita Pitcher here for 15 years and looking for removing or greatly reducing the mentioned. Although I'm not sure if PVC pipes leech very much. Looking for a Pitcher again, any ideas? If the Brita removed or greatly reduced these it would be good enough

[@waterfilterguru]

I'd confirm what type of plastic the plumbing is made of - whether its truly PVC or rather PEX which is very common and is certified to NSF/ANSI 61 for materials safety www.nsf.org/knowledge-library/fact-sheet-on-the-safety-of-pex-plumbing-products While neither the Brita basic or elite filters have specifically been tested or certified to reduce disinfection byproducts, the Elite filter is certified for the reduction of a number of other VOCs.

[@ethimself5064]

@@waterfilterguru We have used PVC in Canada in the past - My condo was finished in 1988

[@waterfilterguru]

@@ethimself5064 Have you considered testing to find out exactly what contaminants are present?

[@ethimself5064]

@@waterfilterguru I have checked my city water reports from time to time and they always exceed Health Canada's guidelines by a wide margin. Our source of water is from a larger mountain stream. My only concern are the Chlorine based organic compounds and any leakage from our PVC building pipes.

[@ethimself5064]

@@waterfilterguru Forgot - Microplastics also. Thanks