The best water filter for home – With growing concerns about water quality and the presence of harmful contaminants in tap water, more and more UK households are turning to water filtration systems. Whether you’re concerned about heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, or simply the taste of the water coming from your tap, investing in a good water filter can make a significant difference.

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about choosing the best water filter for your home, including types of filters, their benefits, and top-rated products available in the UK.

Why Filtered Water Matters In The UK

Although the UK’s tap water meets the basic safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and other government authorities, many people still find the taste unpleasant or are concerned about specific contaminants. Hard water, heavy metals like lead, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, and even microplastics can be found in varying levels depending on your water source. While the water supply is legally safe to drink, filtered water often tastes better and offers peace of mind.

UK tap water often contains limescale and chlorine, both of which can affect the taste of the water and potentially irritate sensitive skin. This makes investing in a filtration system not just a matter of taste, but of health and well-being too.

Why Is Drinking Unfiltered Water Considered Bad?

There are several reasons why UK tap water may not always be ideal:

1. Hard Water: High levels of calcium and magnesium make water “hard,” leading to limescale build-up and poor soap lathering.
2. Chlorine and Chloramine: Used to disinfect the water, these chemicals can affect the taste and smell.
3. Heavy Metals: Ageing pipes in some areas may still leach lead or copper into the water.
4. Pesticides and Pharmaceuticals: Trace amounts can find their way into the water system from agricultural runoff.
5. Taste and Odour: Even if safe, tap water may taste metallic or have a chlorine aftertaste.

Benefits Of Using A Home Water Filtration System

Using a home water filtration system offers multiple advantages:

• Cleaner Water: Removes harmful contaminants like heavy metals, chlorine, and bacteria.
• Great-Tasting Water: Enhanced taste makes drinking water more enjoyable.
• Health Benefits: Reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
• Environmental Impact: Cuts down on plastic waste from bottled water.
• Cost Efficiency: Over time, filtered water is cheaper than bottled water.

Types Of Water Filters Available

1.Pitcher-Style Filters:

• Popular brands: Brita pitcher, Aqua Optima.
• Pros: Affordable, easy to use, no installation.
• Cons: Limited capacity, slower filtration process.

2.Faucet-Mounted Water Filters:

• Attach directly to your tap.
• Good option for small households.
• Lower water flow and may not fit all taps.

3.Under-Sink Filters:

• Installed beneath the sink, out of sight.
• Often include reverse osmosis filters or activated carbon.
• Provide a dedicated water dispenser.

4.Countertop Water Filters:

• Easy way to get filtered water without installation.
• Some use carbon filtration or multi-stage systems.

5.Whole House Water Filtration System:

• Filters water at the point of entry into your home.
• Ideal solution for hard water and large families.
• Handles a wide range of contaminants.

6.Reverse Osmosis Systems:

• Use a semipermeable membrane to remove 99% of contaminants.
• Include sediment filters, carbon filters, and post-filters.
• Require professional installation and routine maintenance.

7.Water Softeners and Conditioners:

• Use ion exchange process to reduce hard water.
• Often used in combination with whole house filters.

What To Look For When Buying A Water Filter For Your Home

• Type of Filter: Match the filter to your water type and household needs.
• Specific Contaminants: Check test results or use a test sample to identify contaminants in your water.
• NSF Certification: Ensures the product meets safety and performance standards.
• Water Flow & Pressure: Make sure the system does not significantly reduce water pressure.
• Storage Capacity: For pitcher filters and dispensers, check how much water they hold.
• Ease of Use: Consider the installation process and user-friendliness.
• Maintenance Requirements: How often will you need replacement filters or replacement parts?
• Annual Cost: Consider the cost of replacement filters over time.
• Initial Cost: Factor in your budget and whether the system provides value for money.

Best Rated Home Water Filtration Systems In The UK

iSpring RCC7 5-Stage Reverse Osmosis System

• Type: Under-sink model
• Removes over 1,000 harmful contaminants.
• Exceptional performance and taste improvement.
• Widely available at Home Depot and online.

Pros – Installation not too difficult.

Cons – Quite a bulky piece of equipment. More expensive than other filters.

Brita Glass Water Filter Jug

• Type: Pitcher-style filters
• Activated carbon and ion exchange resin.
• Water filter jug made of borosilicate glass.

Pros – Cheapest option if you don’t have a large budget.

Cons – Needs refills often and these are made of plastic.

Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter

• Type: Countertop filters
• Large size, ideal for families.
• Removes a wide range of contaminants including VOCs.

Pros – Filters need replacing every 11 years.

Cons – Quite bulky to be on a worktop. More expensive than other cheaper water filters.

Aquaguard Water Purifiers

• Advanced filtration process using RO and UV.
• High filtration accuracy for heavy metals and bacteria.

Pros – Not too expensive.

Cons – Doesn’t remove fluoride. Needs replacing yearly. Not very easy to install.

Express Water ROALK10DCG

• Type: Reverse osmosis filters with added alkalinity.
• High-end features with elite filter components.

Pros – Filter water to the entire house.

Cons – Expensive to buy initially and it’s quite bulky. Needs replacing every 6 months. Not easy to install.

Water2 Pod 2.0 Starter Kit

• The Water2 Pod 2.0 Starter Kit is a UK-developed under-sink water filtration system.
• Designed for easy installation and effective contaminant removal.
• Utilising a proprietary blend of activated carbon and ultrafiltration technology.
• It filters particles down to 0.1 microns, targeting substances such as lead, chlorine, microplastics, bacteria, arsenic, selenium, and pesticides.
• CE certified and has undergone third-party laboratory testing to validate its performance.

Pros – Very simple to install and will let you know when it needs replacing.

Cons – Quite expensive and needs replacing yearly. It also has an add on if you want to filter fluoride as well as chlorine.

Santevia Bath Filter

• Filters 99% chlorine, a chemical disinfectant that can worsen eczema and other sensitive skin conditions.
• Adds essential minerals like magnesium and zinc to nourish your skin.
• Perfect for sensitive skin.
• Tested to NSF standards 42 & 53 for water quality and the reduction of chlorine.
• Organic cotton with a silicone-backed velcro strap to add extra grip and friction, keeping your bath filter securely attached to the faucet.

Pros – Very cheap to purchase and installation takes seconds. Adds minerals to your bath water.

Cons – Needs replacing every 2 months.

Top Brands Available In The UK

• Brita
• Aqua Optima
• Santevia
• iSpring
• Water2
• Berkey
• Aquaguard
• ZeroWater
• PUR

Environmental & Health Considerations

Filtered water not only benefits your health but also contributes to environmental protection. Reducing reliance on bottled water lowers plastic waste and carbon emissions. Using a water filter is one of the easiest ways to promote sustainability in everyday life.

In addition, drinking more clean water at home helps ensure you stay hydrated with safer, great-tasting water. With concerns raised by the U.S. Geological Survey and reports from Consumer Reports and the EWG’s nonprofit mission, having your own water treatment systems provides peace of mind.

Choosing The Ideal Solution

Choosing the best water purifier for your home involves understanding your water supply, identifying specific contaminants, and matching your needs to the type of filter. Whether you opt for under-sink filters, whole house systems, or pitcher filters, there’s a solution to fit every home and budget.

A good water filtration system ensures water purity, better health, and environmental benefits, while also offering exceptional taste and ease of use. From the initial cost to the annual cost and maintenance requirements, weigh each factor carefully before making a decision.

Ultimately, the best whole house water filters or point-of-use filters provide cleaner water, peace of mind, and a significant improvement in the taste of the water — a worthwhile investment for every household.

Sources & Further Reading

• Gov website (Water Quality Reports)
• Environmental Protection Agency (UK)
• U.S. Geological Survey Reports
• EWG’s Nonprofit Mission
• Consumer Reports (Water Systems)