Spring is finally here, bringing with it new grass, blooming flowers, warmer weather, and for many, the urge to spring clean. As you dust and scrub (preferably with natural cleaners), it’s also a great time to ensure your water source is as clean as possible.
Clear Water Isn’t Always Clean Water
Water quality concerns are widespread globally, including in Canada, where many First Nations communities face ongoing water crises. Hopefully, your area doesn’t require bottled water for safety, as bottled water isn’t always regulated. Even if your local tap water is considered safe, you can take steps to make it even better.
These are some common water contaminants, which vary depending on your location. Ideally, your water should mostly contain hydrogen and oxygen—just H2O. While water is a key source of minerals, it’s crucial to ensure it’s free of unnecessary chemicals, especially since we should be drinking 2-3 liters (8-12 cups) of filtered water daily.
Fortunately, there are ways to purify your water and eliminate some of those unwanted chemicals!
Water Filters: A Simple Solution for Cleaner Water
There are many water filter options to suit different needs and budgets. A good starting point is a water-filtering pitcher for your fridge, which also keeps your water nice and cold. These pitchers primarily remove chlorine, improving taste, though they don’t catch all contaminants.
When picking a pitcher, look for BPA-free options and remember to change the filter regularly.
What About Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters?
Reverse osmosis systems are top-of-the-line home water filters. They connect directly to your plumbing, providing filtered water at your taps. While they remove nearly all contaminants, I don’t recommend them because they strip water of all minerals, resulting in a flat taste. If you choose RO, consider adding remineralizing drops or tablets.
Though pricier, RO systems are long-lasting and relatively easy to install. Visit your local hardware store for advice, but note they might not be my top choice.
Is Spring Water an Option?
While hiking in the Austrian mountains, I discovered a spring with the best-tasting water I’d ever had. Fresh springs are available around the world, and Find A Spring can help locate them in the US or Canada. However, be cautious of potential contamination from nearby agricultural runoff.
How About Countertop Systems?
I particularly like the Berkey countertop system. It’s effective at removing contaminants and produces great-tasting water. It’s a bit bulky for my kitchen, but my parents use one and love it.
What Do I Use?
After extensive research, we settled on a Watermart system from Toronto. Our 4-stage filter removes 99% of contaminants, including fluoride and arsenic, but keeps essential minerals. Installation was straightforward, and the water tastes fantastic! Remember to let it run initially each day to clear any absorbed contaminants. You can use my discount code: JOY for a 15% discount, but note this isn’t a sponsored suggestion—I just love my filter and want to share a deal!
Don’t Forget About Your Bathroom
Water filters aren’t just for drinking water. We absorb chemicals through our skin, so consider installing a filter in your shower. We use a Kinetico filter, installed via Costco, that removes chlorine and ammonium from our home’s water supply. It has improved dry skin and irritation issues significantly.
What are your spring cleaning plans this year? Feel free to share in the comments below!
Hello Joy! Fantastic article! We’re considering a water filter for our home to prioritize our child’s health. We recently heard about chloramine and trihalomethanes in drinking water, which aren’t removed by most filters. Do you have any advice?
Warm regards,
E
Which shower filter do you recommend? Do they reduce water pressure?
Are built-in fridge filters effective?
Hi Kerry,
Great question! Santevia offers a good shower head filter, though I’m unsure about its effect on water pressure. I find built-in fridge filters to be of lower quality, and people often neglect to replace them.
Happy hydrating!
Heather – Joyous Health Team
Hi Elaine! Excellent question. Some countertop filters remove both chlorine and chloramine—Santevia is one option. For a more significant investment, consider a reverse osmosis system or Berkey filter.
Heather – Joyous Health Team
I’m very pleased with this blog; it’s brilliantly written. Thank you!
When it comes to reverse osmosis filters, some worry about losing minerals. Are remineralizing tablets necessary, and which ones do you suggest?
Yes, I switched from an RO filter back to a regular one about 8 months ago, and water tastes much better. For remineralizing tablets, check with your local health store.
Hi there! Even though this post is a bit old, I’m curious which water filter you use, Joy.
I have a simple under-counter filter from Amazon. It removes most contaminants but not all fluoride, which only reverse osmosis can achieve.
Thank you, Joy. You mentioned Kinetico earlier—could you specify which model you have? I’m looking into whole-house systems.
I have a whole-home filter that removes chlorine and ammonium, plus an additional filter under the kitchen sink. Explore more about it.
Lastly, I’m interested in your thoughts on Kangen water. Have you tried it, and what are your impressions?
