Laura Bourland
Under Sink Water Filter
Under-counter water filters deliver delicious water, free of toxins, directly to your tap. They filter toxins from the water, like benzene, cadmium, chlorine, lead, zinc, copper, mercury, and even VOCs. Compared to countertop and whole house purification, under-counter water filters offer a mid-range price point for a more advanced filtration system. It is best to have the under-counter water filters installed professionally beneath the sink, with a separate water faucet installed above. Reverse osmosis water filtration systems can be found in select under-counter water filter brands and have gained popularity recently. These filters help reduce fluoride, nitrate, lead, and copper.
There are various under-counter water filters on the market that can fit your home's specific needs. By understanding the different filter options available, you can select the best choice for issues such as calcium-rich water, chlorine, VOCs, or even sediments. Once you know which filtration system will suit your home best, ensure that the selected product will fit beneath your sink. Some under-sink water filters are bulkier than others and will require additional space.
Once you have selected the water filter that fits your needs, check to see if the product has been certified through groups like NSF International (NSF) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI). And, as an added benefit, look for a warranty that protects the owner from manufacturer defects.
Under-counter water filters help the household remove targeted toxins from the local water supply before they reach the tap. This feature, while beneficial to the home, does not necessarily make it more sustainable. As part of maintaining the system, it will be necessary to replace parts, thus adding to household waste generated occasionally. But suppose you were relying on bottled water or countertop water filters as your primary water source. In that case, you may be reducing your overall waste with the proper under-counter water filter.
Greek scientist Hippocrates invented the first known water filter in 500 B.C. Hippocrates called the filter a Hippocratic sleeve, which operated using a basic cloth back filter.