Deciding which system works as the best water filter in a home will largely be a matter of opinion. However, when making the decision, knowing what to expect from a water filter can help to make tht decision more educated. The type of water filter one chooses will also depend on the type of problems one is having with the water and the quality of water he is willing and able to pay for.

Many inexpensive units simply remove particles from the water. In general, the more expensive a unit, the finer the particles it will filter out. The best water filter systems in this class use reverse osmosis technology, and claim to be able to remove microbes as small as a hundred thousandth of a millimeter in diameter.

Bacteria is another and often a more serious problem in water supplies. The best water filter systems deal with this, usually through ultra-violet light. If bacteria is a problem, a homeowner should not settle for a cheap filter system that only deals with sediment.

Naturally, the more a filter system promises, the more it will cost. But cost should not necessarily be the bottom line. Microbes can affect the taste, odor, and appearance of the water, as well as its safety. The best water filters provide the safest water. So to choose what is the right system, it is best that all sources of water used for drinking or cooking be tested. City water must meet a minimum standard for particulates. But well water also needs to be checked.

For many people simply having a water filter through which water is run before drinking can provide comfort in believing their water is free of contaminants. For others getting the best water filter money can buy will be a necessity. In cases where the well or water supply is heavily contaminated with bacteria, even the best water filter may not be able to handle the dangerous microbes in the drinking water.

Odor in drinking water, often caused by excessive iron in the water, may or may not be a health threat. Simply filtering that water often will not remove that odor. Whether or not odor is a problem, an adequate filter will remove contaminants of .4 microns or more. However, the best water filters treat both sediment and bacterial threats.

Water softeners that soften the water before it is filtered can help extend the life of the filter cartridge as well as provide cleaner, softer water for drinking and cooking. The best water filter for the individual user can only be determined once the condition of their water has been analyzed.

Berkey Water Filters are the best line of activated charcoal filters we are aware of. Check out the Travel Berkey Water Filter or another model. One amazing feature is that each set of filters they ship with can be re-cleaned to purify up to 6,000 gallons of drinking water.