Water is for more than just drinking to keep you hydrated and functioning, you’re also using it to cook and clean yourself and your house with.

Many of us start small when making improvements to our water quality, you may start with the Berkey and a shower filter, which are both powerful and cost effective options. But when it comes to whole house filtration, meet your #1:

REVERSE OSMOSIS

The Benz, Tesla and Maserati of water filtration (I know nutrition, not cars!), a RO system hooks up to the plumbing in your house so that you will have filtered water coming straight out of whatever tap you hook the system up to! A reverse osmosis system uses a process that reverses the flow of water in the natural process of osmosis, the water will pass from a more concentrated solution to a more dilute solution through a semipermeable membrane.

Reverse osmosis systems have a very effective in removing:

• Viruses (Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Rotavirus, etc.)
• Bacteria (Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, etc.)
• Protozoa (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, etc.)
• Heavy Metals, Nitrates, Prescription Medications, Hormones, Chemical Fertilizers, Pesticide Runoff
• Common chemical contaminants: sodium, chloride, copper, chromium, lead, arsenic, fluoride, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus

Reverse osmosis filters are definitely pricier, but they last for years, and are relatively easy to install, even if you’re not a professional plumber. If this is the option for you, have a chat with the staff at your local hardware or home improvement store as they will be able to advise you on all your options.

• Shower Filter
• Reverse Osmosis Filter

TOP 5 REASONS TO LOOK AT A WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER

#1 YOU’RE INHALING MORE CHLORINE IN A 10-MINUTE SHOWER THAN YOU’RE DRINKING IN A DAY

When you take a hot shower or bath, not only are you absorbing chlorine through your skin, but you’re also inhaling it! Researchers have found an increase in chloroform breath concentration of 6-21 micrograms/m3 after a just a 10-minute shower. Since warm water also further opens your pores, a combination of what your skin absorbs and what you inhale during a 10-minute hot shower is more chlorine than what’s found in the recommended eight glasses of water. It’s time to hook-up your shower with a filter! (filter life span: up to 6 months)

#2 YOU’RE BUYING ORGANIC, BUT USING TAP WATER FOR COOKING?

In addition to negatively affecting your health, cooking with unfiltered tap water can change the taste of everything that you prepare in the kitchen! If you’re spending money on organic, but washing your fruits and vegetables with tap water that contains pesticides and herbicides - this may be slightly counterproductive.

#4 IT HELPS ON LAUNDRY DAY

Looking for softer, brighter and longer lasting clothes? With a whole house water filter, you’re removing the chlorine and other chemicals from the water as it enters your house. That means none of these are being used in the washing machine! Less chemicals being embedded in your clothing can work to increase the lifespan while adding more vibrancy favourite textiles!

#5 LET’S FACE IT. YOU STILL DRINK TAP WATER

Even if you have a filtration system - you’re probably still going to be using the tap for a glass here and there, and for your cooking, coffee and tea making. Not only will a home filtration system drastically reduce any plastic waste, but you can confidently and conveniently use the water straight from your tap. It’s first nature to turn on the tap on for water - make sure that water is clean and filtered!