The Best Water Purifiers
As with air purifiers, the best water purifiers fit a number of criteria. First, however, the consumer must know what his needs are in a water purifier. When selecting a drinking water treatment device, consumers can rely on the standards developed by NSF International. NSF is an independent organization that has instituted tests and standards for water treatment devices. In addition to helping the consumer compare the contaminant reduction performance of a drinking water system, NSF standards also give you vital statistics you can use to compare products, such as the capacity of a unit or the flow rate of a unit.
Whether considering a small or a large-scale water purifier, tests of the water must be done to assess what sort of contaminants are in the water. Contaminants present will largely dictate the type of filtration system you need. The EPA certifies many water labs per state which can test the water on your land accurately and quickly. However, if you get your water from a municipal source rather than a private well, it's likely that your water has been treated by the city you live in. A home water kit will allow you to test your drinking water to see if you have safe, pure water.
Factors in Choosing a Purifier
Points to consider when looking for the best water purifiers for you are as follows: Has the unit been tested and certified by NSF International or by your state's department of health services? What contaminants is the device certified to remove from the water? What is the flow rate of water coming from the unit in gallons per minute? How often will you need to change the filter and what is the cost of the replacement filter? Does the manufacturer or distributor provide a customer satisfaction guarantee and/or product warranty?
Once you have considered all these issues, you can begin to consider water purification systems based on price, consumer reviews and ratings, and your own needs. It's important to try and test a water purifier before you buy it, especially if you're planning to use it for drinking water: some filtered water can have a "chemical" taste, so make sure the dealer offers you a sample of water to taste. Also, read reviews and ratings by independent sources, not just on dealer sites. This will give you an objective picture of the shortcomings and strengths of your potential purchase.
