Whether you use a water filter for cleaner water or tastier water, you have lots of options. But Consumer Reports’ latest tests show that some filters are clearly better than others.
Consumer Reports tested more than 40 water filters, including ones for under the sink or on the counter, as well as faucet-mount, reverse osmosis, and carafes.
Testers run water that has been spiked with lead and harmful organics through the filters. They then analyze samples to see how well each filter removes the contaminants. Sensory experts also evaluate the water for taste.
Reverse osmosis filters remove the widest range of contaminants, including arsenic. But for every gallon of water they filter, they waste 3 to 5 gallons! And they can cost more than $1,000. The tests found that you could spend far less and still get cleaner, better-tasting water.
