| So you've come up with a list of features you need | | | | A faucet-mounted filter can be installed without any |
| and now you're looking to compare water treatment | | | | tools in just a few minutes. The counter-top types |
| systems to find just the right one for your home. | | | | take a little more work, but they also tend to work |
| Don't be distracted by misleading advertising and | | | | better and can handle more water. The under the |
| fancy technical terms. Follow these simple steps to | | | | counter filters aren't much harder to install. If you |
| compare the most important features of each | | | | need a whole house filter or a disinfection system like |
| system. | | | | a UV system, though, you'll probably need a |
| Find out what the system removes | | | | professional to install. |
| There are several different types of treatment | | | | Ease of maintenance |
| systems and each is designed for a specific purpose. | | | | Some systems are naturally going to require more |
| If you're looking for a disinfection system to get rid | | | | maintenance than others. With a tap filter, you'll need |
| of microbial pathogens like bacteria and cysts, you | | | | to change the filter every three to six months. On a |
| may not need to worry about installation. Unless | | | | whole house system, though, you may only need to |
| you're sure the microbe problem is coming from the | | | | change the filter once a year. For treatment of well |
| groundwater and won't go away, a one-time | | | | water, UV systems tend to be easier to maintain |
| disinfection with the correct water treatment | | | | than chlorine feeds, since all you'll need to do is |
| products will be enough. | | | | replace the filter and lamp once a year. |
| Once you know exactly which type of treatment | | | | Price |
| system you need, you can compare the | | | | While most of us can't ignore the issue of price, it |
| effectiveness of each model. Carefully check the | | | | shouldn't be the first consideration, either. With all the |
| ratings to find out exactly how much of which | | | | low quality systems out there, you could end up |
| contaminants the system will eliminate. | | | | paying several hundred for a system that does little |
| Read the guarantee and warranty | | | | more than filter out chlorine. A good drinking water |
| A quality water treatment system will carry a full | | | | filter will run you from $100 to $200 where as a |
| warranty on parts and labor for at least a year and | | | | whole house system will be close to $1000. |
| some even offer five-year warranties. For the longer | | | | Remember to factor in the cost of the filters, too. |
| term warranties, you may not get full coverage, but | | | | For UV treatment systems, you'll pay a few hundred |
| you should at least get a pro-rated warranty on the | | | | for a single unit and around $700 for a whole-house |
| parts. | | | | system. Chlorine feeds are similarly priced, depending |
| Having a good warranty isn't enough to protect you, | | | | on the type of contaminants they reduce. |
| though. You also need to make sure you don't do | | | | When you know how to compare water treatment |
| anything to invalidate that warranty, like having an | | | | systems accurately, you have a much better chance |
| unqualified plumber install your system. Many | | | | of getting exactly the system you need at an |
| manufacturers also offer a 30 or 60 day money back | | | | affordable price. Pay close attention to the ratings |
| guarantee, but keep in mind most of those | | | | and certifications, read a few independent reviews of |
| guarantees are only valid if the product is in re-salable | | | | the systems, and choose based on your needs |
| condition when you return it. | | | | instead of the advertisements. |
| Ease of installation | | | | |