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What Is Hard Water – Everything You Need to Know

Water Research

What is hard water and how does it affect you?

Simply put, hard water is water that is high in minerals.  It contains calcium, magnesium, and trace amounts of other minerals.  It is formed when water gets repeatedly filtered through deposits of chalk, limestone, or gypsum, which are mainly made up of magnesium and calcium bicarbonates, carbonates, and sulfates. The higher the amount of magnesium and calcium in water, the harder it becomes.

The Differences between Hard and Soft Water

Hard water is water that is high in minerals, while soft water has a higher concentration of sodium. Here are the main differences between hard and soft water:

  • Mineral Content – Rainwater is naturally soft; however, when it runs through the ground, it ends up picking deposits of calcium and magnesium, which makes it hard. This is the main difference between hard and soft water. Soft water is water that is treated to reduce the concentration of these minerals.
  • Drinking – Soft water lacks the beneficial minerals that hard water has. Additionally, at times, soft water has a salty taste to it, which makes it unsuitable for drinking.
  • Household Chores/Cleaning – While hard water is beneficial for drinking due to the natural minerals, it’s not ideal for cleaning. It tends to leave spots on cookware and dishes, soap and mineral residue in the shower and tap, and also dulls the appearance of the clothes washed with it. Soft water leaves no such residue behind.
  • Skin – Hard water tends to dry out the skin and might even result in dry, scaly skin over time. Soft water, on the other hand, will not cause any such harm to the skin.

How to Tell If You Have Hard Water

If you are wondering how to tell if you have hard water at home, here are some typical signs of hard water:

  • White, chalky spots or residue on washed dishes – a result of calcium hardness
  • Dull and rough-feeling linens and clothes
  • Buildup of scale on faucets and unsightly stains on white porcelain
  • Flat hair and dry skin – a result of soap residue, as it never completely washes away
  • Clogged pipes, leading to low water pressure from taps and faucets

You can also test the hardness of the water in your home by checking its mineral content. According to the hardness standards set by the Water Quality Association, water is deemed as slightly hard when the mineral concentration of grains per gallon (gpg) falls between 1.0-3.5, while it is deemed as hard when the concentration falls between 7.0 and 10.5. If the concentration crosses 10.5, then the water is deemed as very hard.

You can check the concentration of minerals in water by conducting a hard water test at home. Take a clear and clean bottle with a cap, water from your tap, and a basic liquid soap. Fill one-third of the bottle with tap water and add a few drops of liquid soap. Shake it thoroughly for a few seconds. If the water does not lather and only appears to be milky or cloudy, then you have hard water in your home. Soft water tends to produce abundant bubbles on the surface, with clear water underneath.

You can also invest in a water hardness test kit. These kits are easily available online or in home improvement stores. They will allow you to test the hardness of your water, reveal the chlorine, nitrate, or iron content, and identify the level of alkalinity.

The Effects of Hard Water

When hard water is heated, it tends to form solid deposits of calcium carbonate. This scale or residue can significantly reduce the life of expensive industrial equipment as well as your cookware. Additionally, it raises the cost of heating or boiling water on an industrial scale.

The scale buildup also tends to reduce the diameter of water pipes over time, which leads to less water movement and lower water pressure. With hard water, you might end up with clogged pipes, which will add to your home improvement expenses.

With hard water, soaps also tend to leave behind a film of residue on your skin and washed dishes. Hard water tends to diminish the life of kitchenware such as porcelain and glass dishes as well; it leaves spots and scaly, soapy film on washed dishes. This is because soap reacts with calcium in the hard water to form soap scum. What’s more is that it is incredibly hard to form soap lather with hard water, which leads to increased soap usage and expense.

Hard water leaves behind brittle, white scale buildup on taps, showerheads, and water appliances. It tends to leave behind pesky white limescale marks on water heaters and kettles. It also affects the functionality of dishwashers. It reduces the efficacy of key water-using appliances over time, such as washing machines and water heaters. The stubborn and unsightly scale also builds on kitchen and bath fixtures, such as sink, toilet, shower walls, etc.

What’s more is that hard water tends to shorten the lifespan of fabrics and changes the appearance of your clothes and linen. Hard water dulls the appearance of your clothes and towels and other fabrics feel stiff and course. Hard water also tends to have an effect on your skin; it leads to excessively clean and dry skin.

Is Hard Water Bad for Hair Health?

The high concentration of minerals in hard water can cause some damage to your hair health. Hard water causes the scales in your hair to rise up, which creates a coarse, frizzy, and tangled feel and look. It roughens up the texture of your hair, which makes it easy for mineral deposits to stick to your hair and cause mineral buildup in your scalp. This buildup will eventually cause your hair to become weak and it will easily break, which will result in hard water hair loss.

To fight the damage caused by hard water, you can use a chelating or hard water shampoo.  These shampoos are precisely designed to eradicate heavy hard water mineral buildup from your hair. They come with EDTA that targets these minerals and washes them away.

However, use these shampoos once a week as when used too frequently, they will dry out your hair. Also, pair them with a moisturizing shampoo to retain your hair’s natural shine and glow. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar, mixed with soft water, to deal with hard water mineral buildup in your hair.

The Bottom Line

While hard water is good for drinking purposes, it can lead to a lot of expenses over time, such as clogged pipes and ruined appliances and kitchenware. It can also cause damage to your skin and hair.

Should You Drink Water With Fluoride?

Water Research

Water fluoridation is still a common process in many countries, even though there is a constant debate about whether fluoride is good for your health or not. Fluoride is often found in drinking water as it helps to prevent tooth decay. However, fluoride has various side effects and may not be the best option to consume on a daily basis. Read this article to learn more about adding fluoride to drinking water and how it can affect your health.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride comes from fluorine, an element that is found on the periodic table. Fluoride is a strong mineral that is present in your teeth and bones, but is also found in the air, plants, soil and even rocks. One of the most common reasons fluoride is used is to make teeth stronger. Not only does fluoride protect your teeth from decay but it also helps strengthen the enamel. Fluoride can also prevent cavities.

Since fluoride is essential for your teeth, it is added to public water. However, it is important to keep in mind that extreme exposure to fluoride can result in serious health issues.

Health Risks of Fluoride

Dental Fluorosis

Very low fluoride content is good for your teeth, but if the concentration surpasses 4.0ppm, it can be seriously dangerous for your health. If growing teeth are exposed to high concentrations of fluoride, dental fluorosis can result from a very early age.

In dental fluorosis, specks or white streaks appear on your teeth. These spots don’t affect the health of your teeth, but they play a huge role in discoloration. This is why it is a good idea not to have water that contains fluoride.

Skeletal Fluorosis

Even though fluoride in water is known to make bones strong, too much fluoride can be bad for your bones and can lead to skeletal fluorosis. Over the years, this disease can damage your joints and bones severely. Your bones may thicken, which can increase the possibility of fractures. Over time, skeletal fluorosis can also affect the mobility of your joints.

Thyroid Problems

Too much fluoride consumption can result in thyroid issues since fluoride can directly affect the parathyroid gland. When the parathyroid gland is affected, your bones will lack calcium and the calcium in your bloodstream will increase.

Other Health Problems

Besides bones and teeth, fluoride can also affect various other parts of your body. Too much fluoride can cause adult acne and several other skin problems. It can also cause heart problems like arterial calcification, cardiac insufficiency, high blood pressure and even heart failure.

Extreme exposure to fluoride can also result in reproductive issues like early puberty and even fertility issues later in life. Since fluoride has a direct impact on your bones, it can cause different joint disorders and bone cancer. Too much fluoride can also result in neurological issues like ADHD.

Besides impaired brain development and the risk of cancer, too much fluoride in your water can also result in fluoride poisoning. Fluoride poisoning can result in excessive saliva, seizures, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and muscle spasms. It is important to keep in mind that this will only occur if you consume too much fluoride since fluoride in small amounts can actually be good for your bones and teeth.

How to Remove Fluoride from Water

There are a few ways to remove fluoride from drinking water. Here are some of them:

Reverse Osmosis

If you were wondering how to remove fluoride from water at home, one of the most popular ways is to use a reverse osmosis system. This method is extremely common since it is cheap and effective. Here’s how it works: reverse osmosis uses excessive pressure, which forces the water through a membrane. This membrane only allows water molecules to pass through, which means that fluoride concentration is absent from the water.

This permeable membrane blocks not only fluoride but also other minerals and harmful contaminants. However, it is important to remember that water obtained through this process may have a low pH since it has no chemicals.

Activated Alumina

Another effective way to remove fluoride from your water is by using activated alumina. Activated alumina is also known as aluminum oxide, which can be found in rubies and sapphires. Activated alumina can easily absorb fluoride and other elements like thallium and arsenic. Make sure the water you are purifying has a pH value of 6.5 or lower; otherwise, the aluminum oxide will not be able to absorb any minerals that are present in the water.

Bone Char Carbon / Brimac Char

One of the oldest and effective methods to remove fluoride from water is Bone Char carbon, which is also known as Brimac Char. Bone Char has a very high absorption rate, so it absorbs fluoride and all kinds of elements and chemicals that are present in the water. It has a very rich ionic surface, which makes it a great option for organic and inorganic materials.

A good idea is to use this method for water that is slightly acidic since this will increase the chances of absorption. Bone Char is easily available. It comes in filter cartridges and can easily remove up to 90% of fluoride from your drinking water. Bone Char is a great option to opt for if you want fluoride free water.

Distillation

Another old but effective method is distillation. By the process of distillation, you can remove all kinds of chemicals and contaminants from your water – including fluoride. Distillation works through condensation and evaporation. When the water is heated, the boiling water is condensed on the surface. This condensation is then transferred to a new container where it is free from all elements like fluoride. This water is completely pure and only has H2O.   In short, even though fluoride is used to make your bones and teeth strong, too much fluoride can result in serious health complications. Use the methods mentioned above to remove fluoride from your drinking water.

Is LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Tap Water Safety

The Los Angeles tap water system is made up of several different utilities, primarily centered on local towns and communities within LA proper. The largest provider of tap water is the City of Los Angeles Department of Water & Power serving 4 million residents, with the rest of the population served by 294 other water providers.

In this tap water safety review we will cover the safety of tap water for all LA suppliers above 100,000 residents because smaller supplies are not required to publish as much water quality data.

LA Tap Water Supplier Map. Courtesy of ucla.edu

Los Angeles City Water Dept. Overview

Population Served4,085,000 Residents
Major Water SourcesNorthern CA and Colorado River
Number of Violations7 Total (1 Bacteria)
Contaminants Above Guidance Arsenic
Bromate
Hexavalent Chromium
Nitrate
Nitrite
Trihalomethanes
Uranium
Local Toxic Water Releases1,457,004 lbs (2018)
Local PFAS Detections37 Detections

Click to see other LA water systems tap water safety data

Los Angeles is well known to have water problems due to being located in a semi-arid coastal/mountainous region with few local water sources. This means LA must import almost 90% of it’s drinking water from other regions of the state as well as the Colorado River.

Having to collect this tap water from various sources requires the city to invest heavily in filtration and treatment plants, as well as heavy chlorination techniques. Combine this with the large manufacturing presence in LA city limits (there are more toxic water releases in Los Angeles than 90% of the rest of the country) and you end up with a scary water quality profile.

The LA City Department of Water certifies that the water is safe to drink, but that’s just at their facilities, once it reaches your LA home may be a totally different situation.

WARNING: Water Companies Do Not Test Your Home’s Water Quality

Utilities are only required to test the water that they send from their facilities, there is little to no data on what pollutants and heavy metals tap water can pick up on the way to your home. The only way to be sure you and your family are drinking healthy water is to test what comes out of your faucet.

Check Out Our Pick for the Best Home Water Test Kit

  • SimpleWater Tap Score Home Water Test Kit


  • 2,451 Reviews



  • Tap Score is the only home water testing service with unbiased treatment matching and health risk analysis

    Capable of indentifying more contanimants and measuring to lower levels than the cheap Amazon test strips or Home Depot home test kits

    Build your own test kit tailored to possible local contamination like septic tanks or PFAS

    Easy-to-read summary allows you to quickly identify the adverse health consequences from pollutants in your water supply

    Certified for every US State, Water Utility and Business Sector, expecially useful for home loan requirements

  • Radiation testing is expensive but not necessary for typical home owners
 Test Your Water Today

Why Trust Waterful.org?

Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .

Learn more about our team of water experts

Los Angeles City Water Sources

Upstate California (State Water Project) and the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) supplies the majority of drinking water to LA. The State Water Project is a system of pumps, reservoirs, power plants, and almost 700 miles or pipes and canals that covers almost the entire state of California.

If you were to tap the water at this source, you would taste wonderful spring water free of any contaminants. Unfortunately those long lines of piping and open air aqueducts provide ample opportunity for unwanted pollutants to enter the two LA water systems.

So Can I Drink LA Tap Water?

In order to determine whether you should drink straight from the tap, it’s important to consider two types of contaminants and whether you are comfortable putting them into your body.

The first type are chemicals are those we add to water for certain health benefits, Chlorine and Fluoride. Unfortunately these chemicals may not be as beneficial as once thought.

For example, a recent study in a pediatrics research journal showed that exposure to fluoride (a chemical added to water in LA to prevent dental decay) during pregnancy was associated with childhood IQ declines.

Another example is the addition of chlorine to Los Angeles tap water, a chemical with detrimental effects on human health, including:

  • increases risk of cancer
  • causes cellular damage
  • increases risk of asthma
  • severely dries skin and hair
  • irritates eyes and nose

And these are the chemicals we willingly add to our water!

The next type of contaminants are those that enter the flow in between the water supplier and your home as well as those that regulations say aren’t that bad but research has begun to show should be far more restricted.

When looking for these nastier, lesser known contaminants that could potentially seep their way into the water supply, the LA City Department of Water has consistently tested for seven contaminants at levels that researchers believe are harmful to human health.

Contaminant Health Guideline Health Effect
Arsenic520x higherCancerous (causes 5% of bladder cancer worldwide) and harmful to fetal growth and development
Bromate13x higherCancerous and slows normal brain activities, resulting in sleepiness or sedation occurring quickly after the chemicals enter your body
Hexavalent Chromium43x higher Cancerous, harmful to liver and reproductive system
Nitrate13x higher Cancerous (bladder and skin cancer) as well as harmful to fetal growth and development
Nitrite8.8x higher Cancerous and harmful to reproduction and child development
Trihalomethanes189x higherCancerous (bladder and skin cancer) as well as harmful to fetal growth and development
Uranium7x higherCancerous and harmful to reproduction and child development

We Strongly Recommend Residents Remove These Contaminants Before Drinking LA Tap Water

Heather Burton, Waterful.org Lead Technical Manager

The natural reaction to seeing this data on tap water contaminants is to switch to bottled water. Unfortunately, bottled water regulations are even further behind than public water sources! There are less testing requirements, less stringent quality control, and often times unknown sources with even worse contaminants.

The good news is that all of the LA tap water pollutants are removable by readily available water filters.

Reverse Osmosis is the Best LA Tap Water Filter Type

We strongly recommend a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Filtration System because it is the most affordable water filter system capable of removing each and every one of the substances listed above. RO systems are also easily installed under sinks so whether you have a home or apartment you can still thoroughly protect your health.

Best Overall

  • Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis Filter


  • 249 Reviews



  • Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water

    Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it

    Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals

    Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration

  • Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
 Check Price Now
Runner-Up
 Check Price Now

What About Other Potential Contaminants in LA Tap Water?

If the Flint Michigan Water Crisis taught us anything over the last few years, it’s not only the source of the water that can cause problems, but the infrastructure that brings that water to your home is extremely vulnerable.

Water utilities must adhere to the Safe Drinking Water Act which requires strict monitoring of the water quality. What it doesn’t require is testing along the way to your home. Like in Flint, a slight change of the pH of the water can cause adverse reactions in the pipes where the lead is stripped away and ends up in your home.

Lead in Los Angeles Tap Water

Prior to 1986, lead was a major component in plumbing fixtures, welding solder, and pipe fittings. We all know that it takes a long time for cities to update their infrastructure, including water supply lines, so there is a strong certainty that a large proportion of pipes in every building contain lead. This is especially true for Los Angeles.

So although the New York Water Service has not shown excessive levels of lead in their tests, it takes a long time and a lot of old pipes for the water to reach your home, providing ample opportunity for lead to contaminate your LA tap water.

Fortunately, if you follow our recommendation above, quality Reverse Osmosis water filters are capable of completely removing lead from your water and making it safe to drink.

Arsenic in Los Angeles Tap Water

Arsenic is a naturally element in rocks and soil as well as a number of industrial and agricultural processes. It is also a byproduct of copper smelting, mining, and coal burning. It can enter the water supply from these surrounding rocks and soil, especially when ground water levels drop significantly.

Similar to lead, arsenic does not regularly show up in Los Angeles tap water, but an environmental change like a drought or a new factory starting operations near the water source can introduce a large amount of arsenic into the city system.

Once again though, Reverse Osmosis effectively eliminates arsenic from your home’s tap water.

PFAS in Los Angeles Tap Water

Quickly gaining attention in environmental news, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (aka “Forever Chemicals”) are now being found worldwide, including 98% of every U.S. citizen’s blood.

Unfortunately, regulations have not kept up to restrict the substances from drinking water, including Los Angeles’. In fact, the LA Water System is not even testing for PFAS, chemicals that have shown to negatively impact human health at microscopic levels (we are talking in the parts per trillion range or, an easier way to portray it, one drop of water in 100 Olympic sized swimming pools!!)

Yet there is still hope to avoid consuming PFAS in your LA tap water, Reverse Osmosis is one of the few filtration methods that have been effective at removing these tough chemicals.

Additional Contaminants in Los Angeles Tap Water

I wish I could tell you that’s all the pollutants you have to worry about in LA tap water, but alas there’s more. According the Environmental Working Group, Los Angeles Water System has detected the following contaminants at one point in their water system:

  • 1,4-Dioxane
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium
  • Haloacetic Acids
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrite
  • Strontium

Long Beach City Water Department Tap Water Safety

Population Served478,561 Residents
Number of Violations0 Regulatory Violations
Contaminants Above GuidanceArsenic
Bromodichloromethane
Bromoform
Chloroform
Dibromochloromethane
Dichloroacetic acid
Trihalomethanes
Trichloroacetic acid
Local Toxic Water Releases1,457,004 lbs (2018)
Local PFAS Detections37 Detections

Burbank Water Department Tap Water Safety

Population Served397,026 Residents
Number of Violations2 Violations (Bacteria, Chromium)
Contaminants Above GuidanceBromodichloromethane
Bromoform
Chloroform
Hexavalent Chromium
Dibromochloromethane
Nitrate
Nitrate
Trihalomethanes
Uranium
Local Toxic Water Releases1,457,004 lbs (2018)
Local PFAS Detections37 Detections

Long Beach City Water Department Tap Water Safety

Population Served478,561 Residents
Number of Violations0 Regulatory Violations
Contaminants Above GuidanceArsenic
Bromodichloromethane
Bromoform
Chloroform
Dibromochloromethane
Dichloroacetic acid
Trihalomethanes
Trichloroacetic acid
Local Toxic Water Releases1,457,004 lbs (2018)
Local PFAS Detections37 Detections

Reverse Osmosis is the Best LA Tap Water Filter Type

We strongly recommend a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Filtration System because it is the most affordable water filter system capable of removing each and every one of the substances listed above. RO systems are also easily installed under sinks so whether you have a home or apartment you can still thoroughly protect your health.

Best Overall

  • Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis Filter


  • 249 Reviews



  • Removes solids smaller than 1 micron to purify drinking water

    Introduces calcium, potassium and magnesium into purified water to remineralise it

    Reduces over 74 contaminants, metals, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals

    Targets chlorine and ammonia via carbon filtration

  • Tank needs to be maintained and kept clean
 Check Price Now
Runner-Up
 Check Price Now

Best Countertop Water Filters: 2020 Buyers’ Guide

Reviews

If you are looking for purified water for your home (which you definitely should!), countertop water filters are the most economical and easiest to use options. As long as you go with a high quality option and depending on your local water quality conditions, you may not need any other type of filtration system.

To make sure you get the right countertop water filter, we’ve gone ahead and reviewed the most popular and affordable options below. Clean water is only a small step away!

Our Picks for the Best Countertop Water Filters

#1 Overall

  • AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration System


  • 237 Reviews



  • Only certified reverse osmosis countertop option that removes all priority contanimants

    4-Stage system without any plumbing requirements

    100% satisfaction guarentee

    Twist and seal filters last longer than most (up to 2 years!)

  • Some reports of overtorqueing but customer service has top notch reviews
 Check Price Now
Runner Up

  • Berkey Countertop Water Filter


  • 869 Reviews



  • Light-weight, portable, and easily moved around the counter top

    Removes 99.9999% of viruses, protozoa, TMHs, drugs and other chemicals

    Safe to use, durable and long lasting

    The system has been tested countless times to produce brilliant results

  • The filters are a bit tough to work with

    Needs to be broken in properly to ensure filtering correctly
 Check Price Now
Budget Pick

  • Aquasana Clean Water Machine With Pitcher


  • 1,543 Reviews



  • 10 times stronger filtration than other leading filters in the market

    Fits easily in all fridges

    Offers Bluetooth connection to monitor the device and order replacement filters

    Quick filtration process means you have ready to consume water in minutes

  • The pitcher and lids are not dishwasher safe

    The capacity is limited to 16 glasses of water
 Check Price Now

Why Trust Waterful.org?

Our water scientists and engineers spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers .

Learn more about our team of water experts

Why Do I Need a Countertop Filter?

Though tap water goes through the normal chemical process before getting to our homes, it is not always safe to drink. Statistics show millions of US citizens are exposed to unsafe water every year. Though the problem is prevalent in rural areas, a few cities report such cases from time to time. Some contaminants in tap water make it unsafe for human consumption.

One way in which drinking water gets contaminated is through local land usage. For instance, some of the pesticides that farmers use on their farms tend to leak into water sources leading to contamination. Apart from that, manufacturing processes such as sewer overflows and malfunctioning septic systems also lead to the contamination of drinking water.

Recommended Countertop Water Filters

Now that you’re aware of the dangers of unfiltered water, let’s look at the best reviewed countertop water filters according to our water experts.

Best Budget Countertop Water Filter

Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Water Filter

The Aquasana Clean Water Machine is meticulously engineered for superior water purification.

The large dispenser is capable of holding a gallon of water. The filters are much finer compared to many others that you will find in the market. The electric-powered filtration system forces water through the premium-grade filters for faster flowrate and exceptional filtration.

The filters can remove upwards of 70 pollutants. They can reduce chloramines and chlorine up to 96% and slash neurotoxic asbestos and lead by 99%. The filters are capable of reducing several detrimental substances from your water like heavy metals, pathogens that can resist chlorine (such as cryptosporidum and giarda), organic compounds, herbicides, pesticides, VOCs and pharmaceuticals like ibuprofen and estrone. With the Aquasana you can finally drink fresh clean and pure water rather than a toxic soup of the most deleterious substances.

The unit conforms to several standards and regulations to give you the drinking water quality that you deserve.

Besides tasting delicious and refreshing, your drinking water can now be healthy thanks to the Claryum filtration process that imbues your pure water with magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

The superior filtration mechanism can shift the pH of your drinking water to make it more alkaline and thus healthier for your body.

This is not just another average pitcher that relies exclusively on gravity for filtered water to seep through drop by drop. The unit leverages an electrically driven system to force the water through the filters for fast, efficient and rapid filtration.

The Aquasana takes advantage of catalytic carbon, ion-exchange process, and ultra-fine mechanical filters to cut down on harmful pathogens, organic compounds, heavy metals, and more.

As the unit is slim and compact, it will easily fit in your fridge door. You can place it on your counter and still have plenty of space for other appliances. You can now get refreshing and healthful drinking water with the Aquasana water purification system.

Most Effective Countertop Water Filter

Berkey Countertop Water Filter

The Imperial Berkey has several features worth considering. With its 3.25 gallon capacity, the model is sufficient for the daily needs of up to 4 adults. You can also increase the flow rate of the system by adding extra purification elements. The entire system has a maximum height of 23 inches and is just 9 inches in diameter.

The Imperial Berkey is not just another water filter. It has excellent water purification capabilities since it can remove more than 99.999 percent of viruses and bacteria. The water purification system can, to a great extent, eliminate pathogenic bacteria, viruses, pharmaceutical drugs, heavy metals, and inorganic minerals.

This water purification unit can purify up to 6,000 gallons of water before it needs replacement. You can buy the replacement elements easily from the company to replace the used parts. Not only are the elements long-lasting, but their costs are also relatively low. Each element pair costs merely 2 cents per gallon of water that it purifies.

You can drink your purified water with confidence knowing that the manufacturer subjects the purification system to rigorous testing procedures. The elements display good purification performance even against tough contaminants like PFCs and lead.

You can take this purification system with you anywhere you like. Not only is it highly portable thanks to its lightweight and compact size, but it also does not require any plumbing or electricity to operate.

Since this is a gravity-driven system, you don’t have to worry about having an electrical outlet nearby for this unit to work. Installation is therefore very simple.

The Imperial Berkey is fabricated from high-grade material – AISI 304 stainless steel. The metal has very good corrosion resistance. Therefore, the unit will prove to be very durable and is capable of serving you reliably for a long time without undergoing corrosion. The unit can purify around 4 gallons of water every hour. You can double this figure by having a total of 4 elements.

Best Overall Countertop Water Filter

AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration System

The AQUA TRU Countertop Water Filtration System can purify a gallon of tap water in just under 15 minutes. Since the system is very speedy and efficient, you don’t have to wait for a long time for the purification process to complete, unlike other systems.

One really good aspect of this system is that it goes about its task quietly. Since it does not create any sound, it will not disrupt the peaceful environment of your kitchen.

Since the device is compact and lightweight, you can carry it around anywhere you like. You can place it without any problems on your kitchen countertop and also your office if you prefer.

You can install and detach the filters rapidly with their quick and easy twist action. Since you will likely need to replace the filters around 2 times each year, the cost of operating this device is minimal. It is quite a bargain compared to bottled water. Other cheaper models might need a filter replacement every month.

You can drink with confidence and peace of mind knowing that your water is almost free of plastic and other harmful contaminants. It is a healthier option than bottled water which is laced with plastic.

The unit can remove contaminants from your tap water at the following rates.

  • Lead – 99%
  • Copper 95.2%
  • Chromium – 97.2%
  • Radium – 96.4%
  • Fluoride – 93.5%
  • Chlorine – 96.6%

The device is capable of substantially reducing several other contaminants and pollutants from your tap water. For instance, AQUA TRU is certified to remove dangerous substances like disinfection byproducts, pesticides, herbicides, industrial solvents, fuel additives, rocket fuel, and fracking chemicals. Hence, the unit can remove turbidity, odor and bad taste from your tap water. With this unit, you can perform the same reverse osmosis process that the big bottled water brands carry out. The AQUA TRU will carry out this gold-standard purification process on your countertop. You can also install this product easily and start using it right away since no plumbing is necessary.

Also Reviewed Countertop Water Filters

Santevia Gravity Water System

The Santevia Gravity Water System is a reliable countertop filter that provides high value for money. The economical unit is a cost-effective model for those who cannot more expensive systems. Even though it has a lower price tag, the Santevia Gravity Water System has a wide array of impressive capabilities.

The water purification system is efficient for the removal of contaminants commonly found in city water supplies like chlorine, arsenic, and fluoride. Since this unit is an alkaline water filter, it provides water that is suitable for your health besides having a good taste.

The unit has a high visual appeal that makes an attractive addition to kitchen countertops. Since the system requires minimal installation, you can set it up quickly and start using it almost immediately.

The Santevia Gravity Water System is just what you need for an urban environment. The model can purify, alkalize and add back healthful minerals to your drinking water. The system gradually exposes your tap water to naturally occurring minerals and rocks so that you get water with a natural mineral profile minus the harmful contaminants. This is the closest that you can get to healthy and natural water in an urban landscape. The Santevia Gravity Water System makes this possible.

You can rest assured that the system dramatically reduces the concentration of harmful contaminants like chlorine, pesticides and heavy metals.

Using this water purification system is very simple. You just have to load the system with tap water and then let it take over from there. The Santevia Gravity Water System will prove to be cost-effective in the long run especially when compared to the high cost of buying bottled water in plastic containers. The unit also has a very low operating cost since it does not require any electricity to function. 

Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter

The Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter delivers what its manufacturer promises. It can increase the pH of the water to a range between 7 and 8.5 for mildly alkaline water. The filter can also substantially reduce chlorine concentration and eliminate the nasty taste and odor of chlorine from your tap water.

The system also mimics natural processes by exposing your purified water to naturally occurring minerals and rocks. Healthful minerals can be included in your water through this process.

The company is based in Southern California and has a reputation for making quality filtration systems. 99 percent of the components are manufactured in-house. You can feel good about buying this product since it is almost fully manufactured in the USA.

The Apex Countertop Drinking Water Filter relies on a single filter cartridge for carrying out its purification function.

By making the water alkaline, you get water that can neutralize acidity in your body. It also imparts a pleasant taste to water.

The remineralization system is capable of dissolving magnesium and calcium into your drinking water. Besides adding healthful minerals to the water, the system can substantially reduce the heavy metal content from your water. The system is capable of greatly reducing harmful minerals from your water like lead, mercury, arsenic, chlorine and more.

The unit makes use of a 5-stage filtration system to remove harmful minerals from your water. Here are the details.

MicroFlet Pad – reduces impurities like dust, rust, and sand

5 Micron KDF layer – substantially reduces heavy metals, bacteria, and pathogens

Granular Carbon Layer – removes organic chemicals, chloramine and chlorine thus driving away their foul taste and odor

Alkaline Layer – adds magnesium and potassium to the water

Calcite Layer – adds calcium to the water

The APEX Countertop system is portable since it is not too heavy or big. Furthermore, it does not need any electricity to function nor does it require plumbing for installation. You can, therefore, take it along with you anywhere and install it without much fuss. To get the system running, you just have to connect the adaptor with the faucet and fill it up with tap water. The filter system will then do the rest.

Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser

The Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser has a large water filtration capacity of 18 cups per refill. This dispenser is hence suitable for both home and office use.

Made by one of the most prestigious names in water purification, the Brita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser is effective at substantially reducing the concentration of dangerous pollutants and chemicals from your drinking water.

This dispenser can eliminate most of the cadmium, zinc, copper, mercury, chlorine as well as many other chemicals and elements that are detrimental for your health.

Due to its effectiveness at removing harmful pollutants, the water that you obtain is odor-free and clear. 

The design of the device is such that you can store it in almost all kinds of fridges without trouble.

With design features like a flip-top lid and the easy pour spigot, you can take out the purified water and refill the container conveniently.

The device can carry out effective filtration thanks to the installed mesh screen and the aeration unit. The device also utilizes activated carbon and ion-exchange resin to extend its filtering capabilities. This way, you won’t have to fear tap water anymore.

You can put your mind at ease with the knowledge that the plastic container is BPA-free. Installing the unit is very easy and quick.

This purification system can serve you well instead of bottled water which is far more expensive and not always pure. You can feel good about your decision to install this device since you will not be polluting the environment with plastic bottles. Besides being environmentally-friendly, the device provides top-quality purified water.

You can install the device without hassle on your kitchen countertop or even keep it in your fridge if cold water is what you prefer. Another extremely useful feature of this unit is the filter change indicator, which is a sticker that you can install at the front to keep track of the new filter installation date. You should change the filter every 2 months.

AmazonBasics AMZN-G30CR Filtration System

The AmazonBasics Filtration System greatly brings down the concentration of harmful substances from your water to leave you with safe and clean water. Thanks to its effectiveness at removing pollutants and particles from water, you can drink odor-free water that does not taste bad.

One convenient aspect of this device is that it has a valve installed that you can utilize to divert water that does not need filtering. You can leave this device connected to your faucet and not worry about interference of any kind since the valve provides unrestricted access to tap water for washing and other purposes. 

The high-performance filter can purify up to 30,000 gallons before it needs replacement. The AmazonBasics Filtration System, therefore, has very durable filters that can provide satisfactory and reliable service for long periods. You won’t have to worry about changing your filter that often.

The versatile design of the system means that you can integrate easily with all kinds of faucets in your kitchen or bathroom. You don’t need to worry that the unit will not connect well with your faucet and leak water. The unit has two adapters fitted with rubber O-rings that will fit seamlessly across all kinds of faucets.

The AmazonBasics Filtration System has a 5-step filtering mechanism to greatly reduce particles and contaminants so that you are left with pure and freshwater. Even if you have slightly murky or turbid looking water, you can notice the change easily with the unit since the water will be sparkling clean.

You will have enough water for your needs that looks clear and tastes clear too. You need not tolerate the bad odor and smell of chlorine anymore, nor will you have to fear its side effects since the device can remove chlorine very effectively.

PUR DS1800Z Classic 18 Cup Dispenser

The PUR Classic 18 Cup Dispenser is designed with ease-of-use and convenience in mind. A cursory glance at the purification system is enough to prove this point. The container has an unusually long and narrow shape. Such dimensions allow you to store this nifty container in the door shelf of your refrigerator without any trouble. Although the design may appear unusual at first sight, it is a clever idea for you to have filtered cool water at hand.

As the filters are designed to purify up to 40 gallons of tap water, you will have to change the filters every 1 to 2 months. You should purchase filters from the manufacturer since they are designed to work optimally with the unit.

Although the water supply in your home may appear pure, you should make use of a reliable filter system to remove invisible substances that can harm your health. The PUR Classic 18 Cup Dispenser is one such reliable device that you can trust for the health of your family.

Thanks to water filters that employ ion exchange and activated carbon, you can expect a substantial removal of industrial pollutants, pesticides, copper, mercury, heavy metals, and other toxins.

The PUR water purification system can serve as a cost-effective solution to bottled water since all you need is tap water to refill it. There are no electricity costs nor is there a complex installation process involved.

Just how effective is the filtration system? The filters can eliminate mercury by up to 95%. You can do away with the foul taste and smell of chlorine since the device can remove this harmful substance with similar effectiveness.

The presence of dangerous pharmaceuticals in the water supply is a major cause for concern. You will be glad to know that the PUR filter system can reduce these substances by 96% so that you won’t have to slurp away at a toxic soup of dangerous pharmaceutical drugs in the name of drinking water.

AlcaPure Reverse Osmosis Countertop Water Filter

The AlcaPure Countertop Water Filter is a high capacity water purification device that you can install on many standard water faucets. You can install this versatile device even on your showerhead.

Since the AlcaPure water purification device relies on reverse osmosis, it is the most efficient solution for the removal of PFCs from your municipal water. The AlcaPure also works well for the reduction of several other kinds of hazardous chemicals from your tap water to make it fit for drinking.

The device utilizes a premium-grade RO membrane and carbon filters to perform reverse osmosis.

With its sleek and elegant design, the AlcaPure makes for an attractive addition to any kind of contemporary kitchen décor.

The unit is a very cost-effective solution to minimize the levels of chlorine and other chemicals from your municipal water supply. Since it removes several chemicals, you won’t have to fear drinking foul-tasting water. The device can remove harmful and detrimental substances like pesticides, herbicides, lead, mercury, arsenic, TDS, chlorine, pharmaceuticals and several other chemicals.

Thanks to its design, the unit is easy to maintain, operate and install. There is almost no installation required. You just have to connect the device to your faucet without any need for plumbing and fill up the container with tap water. The device will then work on its own without any need for your intervention.

The device does not wastewater at all. It will process and purify every single drop of water that you put into it without causing any wastage.

The adapter is certified for quality. You just need to plug it into your electrical outlet and let the device take over from here.

Waterdrop RO Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System

The Waterdrop RO filtration system is a sophisticated device for water purification. The smooth contours and elegant design of the unit along with its appealing construction details point towards its high-performance capabilities.

The sleek and compact configuration of this unit lets you install it anywhere you like with ease. The unit saves on space since it does not include a storage tank. With a height of just 5.7 inches, this device is not going to give you much trouble anywhere that you choose to install it.

But don’t let the slim shape of the unit deceive you into thinking that it is light on performance. The filter is an ultrafine RO membrane that can stop particles as small as 0.0001 μm thereby allowing this device to filter out 99% of all pollutants.

There are also 2 displays on the device. One is for showing the water quality level and the other for the total dissolved solids level.

Although you can integrate this model with your fridge, you must have a separate drain ready as well. Besides this factor, installation is a cinch. You can start using the device right away after setting it up quickly.

Filter change is also a very simple process. You just have to twist and turn one of the 3 filters to unscrew it. You can fit in the replacement with similar ease.

One caveat that you must bear in mind is that this model cannot alkalize your water and improve its pH.

This mid-range device may not be the cheapest in the market but with its 3 super-efficient filters, you are getting terrific value for your money.

The high-performance device, despite its compact size, is not short on features. You can get up to 400 gallons per day of purified water. You won’t have to wait for your water as is the case for other cheaper devices.

Kinetico KUBE Advanced Water Filtration System

You can count on the KUBE to remove a myriad of harmful contaminants from your tap water like volatile organic compounds, pathogens, heavy metals, and other toxins. Since the KUBE is so good at removing toxic substances and particulates, you get pure water free of nasty odor and bad taste.

You can install the KUBE quickly and conveniently under just about any kind of sink and integrate it easily with the faucet. You will thus have in place a dependable source that you can rely on for pure drinking water for yourself and your loved ones.

There is an indicator to warn you when the filter is at the end of its service life. This removes any guesswork from the process and gives you an accurate timeframe.

You can get superior quality water of exceptional purity thanks to its advanced filters that are better at removing pollutants than many other models on the market.

Due to its compact size, you can fit this nifty apparatus with ease to get a steady stream of fresh pure water from your faucet.

The system is very cost-effective and the expense works out to be 4 cents for every gallon of pure water. You can install new filters easily without a fuss since removing the old filter is as simple as twisting it free and pulling it out.

Thanks to its key feature, the bypass knob, you can continue to get unfiltered water from the faucet that you can use for cleaning and other purposes besides drinking.

The well-designed plastic tubing and connectors integrate seamlessly with your faucet. You don’t need any professional help to install this device. With just a little DIY, the device is ready for service.

If you are worried about the odor and poor taste of your municipal water, then you should think about installing this device to make your bad experience with lousy quality water a thing of the past.

Brita Ultra Max Filtering DispenserGREATWELL 400 GPD Tankless Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Filtration SystemBrita Ultra Max Filtering Dispenser

The GREATWELL purification system impresses with its ability to deliver around 0.4 gallons per minute which translates to around 400 gallons per day of fresh pure water.

This is far more than what you will ever need for pure drinking water. The biggest benefit of this super quick flowrate is that you won’t have to count in terms of minutes and hours while waiting for pure water.

You know that there can be hardly any complaints with a device that is the winner of the prestigious Deutsch iF design award.

Thanks to its advanced water filtration system, the GREATWELL can greatly cut down on water waste.

The tankless device is modeled with the intent of saving space under your sink – a job that it does admirably well with its 70% space-saving design.

An indicator shows you the due date for a filter change. Thus you will not continue with the old filter when it is due for replacement. Changing the filter is as easy as it gets since you just have to unscrew the old filter and place the new filter in its stead.

Just how good is the 3 stage filtration process of this high-performance RO system? The process can remove up to 99% of hundreds of harmful chemicals and toxins like viruses, giardia, bacteria, asbestos, hormones, arsenic, fluoride, chloramine, chlorine, lead, mercury, heavy metals, and many more substances.

The model includes only FDA-compliant materials and all its components are tested independently to conform to regulations and standards.

At 19 pounds and 15 inches of height, the model is not exactly the most portable or compact, but it certainly is a heavy-duty purification system that delivers superior quality filtration service for domestic purposes.

You can turn your kitchen sink into a well of pure water with the GREATWELL water filtration system.

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Should You Drink Water with Chlorine?

Water Research

Chlorine is added to water because it keeps it clean by killing bacteria and germs. It is quite effective since it disinfects the water and makes it pure again. Chlorine is also quite affordable, which makes it easy to use for large quantities of water. These days, thousands of people drink chlorinated water every day. However, according to research, drinking chlorinated water can increase the risk of cancer by 93%. Learn all about drinking chlorinated water and why it is bad for you by reading this article.

Is Chlorine Water Safe to Drink?

Chlorine is useful in disinfecting water, which is why it is a little hard to recognize the harm that it can do to the body if it is consumed in large amounts. Since most water that is consumed by you has a very low concentration of chlorine, there is no cause for immediate concern. However, over time, chlorine can have hazardous reactions so it is best to stop drinking chlorinated water.

Chlorinated water can also smell or taste like bleach, which entirely depends on your chlorine water filtration plant. You may not always be able to control the type of water you drink outside of your house so make sure to drink de-chlorinated water inside the house.

Why is Chlorine Added to Water?

Adding chlorine to water started in the late 19th century. Chlorine was added to eliminate different kinds of bacteria and germs from drinking water. These germs would further spread diseases like dysentery, typhoid and cholera. When it was discovered that even a small amount of chlorine can completely disinfect water, adding chlorine to water became popular. Today, chlorination is the most popular method of treating water.

Chlorine Health Effects

Consuming chlorine through water can lead to serious side effects. In children, chlorine mostly induces asthma attacks but in adults, it can trigger serious long-term health issues. Here’s how chlorine makes water dangerous: when chlorine is mixed with even a small amount of oxygen (or any organic compound), it releases dangerous by-products like Trihalomethanes. These harmful products can roam freely in the body and can trigger your cells. These by-products are also extremely carcinogenic and if they stay in your system for too long, they can cause serious health complications.

Besides causing cell damage, too much chlorine can also have other effects on your body. It can cause reproductive problems and heart attacks. Constant consumption of chlorine can also seriously damage your immune system and make you more vulnerable to gastrointestinal cancer. Chlorinated water should never be consumed by pregnant women since it can cause heart problems, birth defects and cleft palate in fetuses.

Chlorinated water can also cause an increase in allergies and makes you prone to getting sick easily. This is because chlorine is used to disinfect and kill bacteria in water, but when it is ingested by the body, it does the same to our immune system. A huge amount of chlorine can easily destroy beneficial gut bacteria, which can make you vulnerable to all kinds of diseases. Beneficial gut bacteria protect your body from diabetes, obesity, bowel syndrome, asthma, colorectal cancer and even autism. An unhealthy gut can also cause constipation, bloating, abdominal pain and even diarrhea and gas.

How to Test for Chlorine in Water

There are many ways for chlorination testing. Here are a few:

Using Chlorine Test Strips

Perhaps the easiest method to test the chlorine levels in your water is by using chlorine strips. Just like drug or urine testing, chlorine strips help identify the quantity or presence of chlorine in a substance, in this case; water. You can do this at home – just fill a mug with tap water and dip the chlorine strip in it. Read the strip manual to see how long you need to keep it submerged in the water for accurate results. If the strip changes color according to the chart you have, that means your water contains chlorine.

The benefit of using chlorine test strips is that they are quick to give results, are easily available and are extremely cheap. However, there are better ways to identify chlorine’s presence in water than using test strips.

Using Chlorine Test Solutions

Another way to determine whether you are drinking chlorinated water is by using chlorine test solutions. These come in liquid form in small bottles and can be used very easily. Simply take some water in a mug and add some of this liquid to it. Whatever color it results in, you can use the chart to see whether your water has chlorine or not.

Using Chlorine Testing Tablets

Just like liquid solutions, chlorine testing tablets are very simple to use. Simply fill a small container with some water and then mix the tablet in it. Let the tablet submerge for a few seconds and then use the color test chart to determine whether the water contains chlorine or not. There are four kinds of chlorine testing tablets since they determine different variations of chlorine, so make sure to know which one will help you the most. DPD1 helps you determine whether the water has residual chlorine, DPD2 will tell you if there is any monochloramine present, DPD3 is made for combined chlorine and DPD4 helps determine total chlorine.

How to Get Chlorine Out of Water

After you have made sure that your water does have chlorine, the next step is to remove chlorine from the water. There are a few simple ways to do that. You can fill a huge container with water and then leave it open for 24 hours. This way, all the chlorine will automatically evaporate from the water. You can also boil the water to remove chlorine. However, the most effective way to remove chlorine from water is by filtering your water before you drink it.

It is essential to know if your water is chlorine-free before drinking it. Chlorine is harmful for your health if it is consumed in large amounts. You can use the methods mentioned above to test for chlorine in water and remove it accordingly.

Distilled Water vs. Spring Water

Water Research

It is necessary to drink water if you want all the cells in your body to function properly. Even though most people are aware that staying hydrated throughout the day is essential for them, many do not know the type of water that they are consuming. Since there are several types of water, it can get a little confusing to pick the right one for yourself. Read this article to learn more about distilled vs. spring water and which one is the safest for you and your family to consume.

Distilled Water vs. Purified Water vs. Spring Water

Distilled Water

Distilled water is obtained through the process of distillation. Water can contain many impure or toxic substances, like metals and other inorganic minerals, and contaminants. Since water has a lower melting and boiling point than these minerals, water simply turns into steam through the process of distillation and leaves behind the impure materials. The steam is then captured, contained and cooled, resulting in distilled water. The pH of distilled water should be 7, but since distilled water absorbs carbon dioxide from its surroundings, it becomes slightly acidic and has a pH of 5.8 to 6.

Distillation is not completely safe. Since distillation entirely depends on boiling the water and turning it into steam, it is important to note that various toxic compounds may still be found in water. All of these components and compounds have varying boiling points and while some might stay behind while the water evaporates, some might have a lower boiling point than water. This means that as the water heats up, these toxic compounds boil off with it. This is why distillation can never be the only way to purify water since it doesn’t remove all the toxins. You will have to use other purification methods. Plus, through distillation, you get rid of all the important minerals that your body needs.

Purified Water

Purified water is a term that means purifying water through some method, for instance, filtration or reverse osmosis. Water is purified to remove all the pathogens, impure chemicals and pollutants that can be hazardous for your health. Purified water has a very low level of impurity and can be used as tap water, not bottled water. It is safe to be consumed by humans and animals since it does not contain any harmful compounds that may become a health risk. Purified water also does not have a taste that can be a result of chemicals, organic matter or even metallic plumbing.

Purified water is produced by using tap or groundwater. It is essential to keep in mind that the process of purification does not remove microbes. One of the most common ways to purify water is by using the carbon filter and the reverse-osmosis water filter unit. This will allow the filters to collect only the pure water molecules through the use of a permeable membrane and all the toxic compounds will simply be filtered out. Purification and filtration systems that do not require the carbon filter can be installed in restaurants and even homes.

Spring Water

Unlike distilled and purified water, spring water comes from naturally occurring springs. Spring water rises from an underground basin to the surface. This water is completely natural and is usually found in mountains and valleys. Spring water is mostly found in areas that have a lot of rocks. One of these rocks is limestone, which has a soft texture and allows water to pass through it. Spring water is only produced when there is a lot of water underground, which allows some of it to rise above the ground.

When the water is rising through the rocks, it is naturally filtered. The water that rises is clear and contains various healthy minerals since it is completely clean and pure. Many people prefer drinking it as is but spring water can also contain harmful compounds or particles. Some spring water may also be different in color and should not be consumed without being purified. Bottled spring water needs to be passed through a filtration process before it is consumed. Unlike purified and distilled water, spring water still contains all its natural minerals even after it is filtered, which means your water will never taste unpleasant or have any sort of smell. Spring water has all the minerals your body needs to stay healthy and can be consumed by children and adults.

Distilled Water vs. Spring Water— Which One Should You Choose?

Since spring water comes from an underground source, it is not always purified. It may sound appealing to buy spring water from the store, but distilled water is a much better option than spring water since it has many health benefits.

Distilled water is known for its rigorous filtration process, which removes most of the harmful compounds and contaminants that may previously be in it. Another great thing about distilled water is that you can carry out the distillation process at home, which makes it economically beneficial. Unlike spring water that is not the best to consume, distilled water is pure and has the least carcinogenic chemicals. The only drawback of distilled water as opposed to spring water is that it may lack minerals that you may need.

Distilling your own water is better than buying distilled bottle water since it may not be pure since it is purified in huge amounts in different industries. Distilling water at home also means that your water is fresh as compared to store bought distilled water, which may be sitting in bottles for days or even weeks. It is not the best idea to drink old distilled water since it can easily be tainted by unpleasant odors and its taste can change.   Home-distilled water is the best choice as it contains the least harmful chemicals or compounds. It is best to drink distilled water because it gives you several health benefits and is affordable.