A countertop water filter may seem like an unnecessary expense, especially in the city where water must past a minimum standard. However, even city water contains microscopic impurities that may or may not affect the water’s clarity or taste. A water filter will usually remove these impurities leaving only fresh clear water for drinking or cooking.

A countertop water filter is often the most convenient and trouble free. Unlike filtering pitchers, the countertop water filter has instant access to pure water 24/7. There is no waiting for water to pass through the filter since the filtered water is ready to be dispensed. Installation usually takes minutes and no special tools are needed. Simply remove the aerator and screw the attachment in its place. The filtering unit usually rests next to the sink, out of the way.

Countertop water filters work by running the water through a series of filters before returning to the faucet. Because of the amount of time the water is in the filter, a greater amount of contaminants are removed.

Countertop water filters do not remove everything from the water. Desired minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are not filtered out. These add taste to water. But harmful chemicals such as algae by-products and other organic chemicals, chlorine, lead and a host of other contaminants are removed.

Most models of countertop water filters require that the filters be replace periodically. After all, if they are doing their job, they will eventually clog with contaminants. It is best not to try to wash them but instead to replace them with fresh filter inserts. In fact, many like to have a spare set of filters on hand so that their supply of fresh filtered water is not interrupted.

Countertop water filters have several advantages. In spite of the cost of replacement filter(s), the overall savings over bottled water is significant. Also, the convenience is a great selling point. Flip a lever and fresh filtered water for cooking or drinking pours from the faucet. Flip it back, and unfiltered water is available for washing.

Berkey Water Filters are the best line of countertop water filters we are aware of. In addition, they have the advantage of looking high class rather than an add-on to your faucet. Check out the Royal Berkey or another model. One amazing feature is that each set of filters they ship with can be re-cleaned to purify up to 6,000 gallons of drinking water.

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