There is only so much that a public water filtration system can do. They protect us from diseases like typhoid. They remove mud, dirt, raw sewage and other more offensive things like dead animals that fall into reservoirs and lakes. They remove heavy metals, rocks and a lot of minerals. They test the water to make sure that the level of contaminants is not, or should not be, toxic. But, there are problems with the public water filtration system that can only be solved by a "point of use" or "in the home" unit.



First, most of them use chemicals to kill bacteria and to provide disinfection. Chlorine is most common, but others may be used. The chemical disinfection process releases by-products that are hazardous to a person's health. In the case of chlorine, the by products are referred to as THMs. They are known carcinogens. That means they cause cancer.

Environmental Protection Agency standards limit the THM content or total trihalomethanes to 80 parts per billion. Beyond that level, THMs are considered toxic and can cause nerve damage and other health conditions. You see, the public water filtration system cannot remove the by-products. They can only test the water to see if their level is too high.

That brings us to the second problem. Just because something is tested by our public officials doesn't always mean that things are good. You might be thinking, "okay, so since they test before they send it out, then we're safe without a home water filtration system, right?"

Well, the "safe" level does not take several things into account. One is that the toxic level is for an adult that weighs 175 pounds, so if you weigh less, there is a greater threat. Two, while most facilities are surely doing their job correctly, there have been reports of inaccurately reporting the test results, in order to pass. Three, the test is performed before the water enters the pipes that lead to your home, so the concentration of the by products could be higher by the time it reaches you.

Scary? Particularly if you have kids, there is no way that you can go without a good point of use water filtration system that removes chlorine and blocks THMs. But, you have to shop carefully, because some are advertised as purifiers, when all that they do is block chlorine and odor. There would be no protection from THMs, in that case.

When you look for a water filtration system, you should ask for performance certifications and other industry standards. Certifications are not mandatory, but the better companies have them done. They should also have a data sheet that lists THMs and other pollutants, such as VOCs and cysts. Pesticides and herbicides should be listed, as well, but you may not recognize the names. Benzene and lindane are the most common in the United States. The best value for your money is one that removes everything. There are only a few that do the whole job.

Hopefully this has helped you understand what an in-home water filtration system should do and why you need one. Happy shopping!