Module 8

Water Filter Recommender

Get a personalized water filter recommendation based on your needs and budget

Which contaminants are you concerned about?

All filter types

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing contaminants down to 0.0001 microns. The gold standard for comprehensive filtration.

LeadChlorine / ChloramineFluoridePFAS (forever chemicals)ArsenicNitratesBacteria / ParasitesMicroplasticsPesticides / HerbicidesPharmaceuticals

Cost: $150–$500 (under-sink); $50–$150/yr filters

Maintenance: Replace filters every 6–12 months; membrane every 2–3 years

Activated Carbon (Block / Granular)

Carbon adsorbs organic compounds and chlorine through chemical bonding. Block carbon filters more effectively than granular. Found in most pitcher and faucet-mount filters.

LeadChlorine / ChloraminePFAS (forever chemicals)MicroplasticsPesticides / HerbicidesPharmaceuticals

Cost: $20–$80 (pitcher); $100–$300 (under-sink)

Maintenance: Replace filters every 2–6 months depending on usage

UV Purification

Ultraviolet light damages DNA of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, rendering them unable to reproduce. Does not remove chemical contaminants.

Bacteria / Parasites

Cost: $100–$400; $30–$80/yr for bulb replacement

Maintenance: Replace UV bulb annually; pre-filter sediment

Ceramic Filter

Porous ceramic material filters particles and bacteria through tiny pores (0.2–0.5 microns). Often combined with activated carbon for chemical removal.

Bacteria / ParasitesMicroplasticsPesticides / Herbicides

Cost: $80–$300; low ongoing costs

Maintenance: Clean or replace ceramic element every 6–12 months

Ion Exchange

Resin beads swap harmful ions (lead, nitrates, arsenic) for harmless ones. Often used in water softeners and specialized contaminant removal.

LeadFluorideArsenicNitrates

Cost: $200–$600; $50–$150/yr for resin replacement

Maintenance: Regenerate or replace resin as recommended by manufacturer

Distillation

Boils water and collects the steam, leaving contaminants behind. One of the oldest and most thorough purification methods.

LeadChlorine / ChloramineFluorideArsenicNitratesBacteria / ParasitesMicroplasticsPesticides / HerbicidesPharmaceuticals

Cost: $100–$400; electricity costs ongoing

Maintenance: Clean boiling chamber regularly; replace carbon post-filter

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