Fresh, clean water is a necessity for every household. However, not all water is created equal. If you live in a hard water area, you might be experiencing issues with water taste, mineral build-up, and possible contaminants. As such, you might be considering installing a kitchen faucet with a built-in filtration system. But what kind of filtering tap is the best for hard water areas? This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive look at your options and guide you to make an informed decision.
Choosing a Faucet Water Filter System
A faucet water filter is a convenient and cost-effective way to filter your drinking water directly from the tap. These filters are easy to install, often requiring no tools and can be switched on or off as needed. But, when it comes to hard water, you need to be extra careful in choosing the right one.
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Hard water is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can lead to build-up (also known as scale) in your sink and appliances. Faucet water filters with a built-in scale inhibitor can help reduce this problem.
Moreover, you should look for filters that are tested and certified to remove a broad range of contaminants including lead, chlorine, pesticides, and other harmful substances.
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Flow Rate and Filter Lifespan
When choosing a faucet filter, consider the flow rate and the filter’s lifespan. The flow rate indicates how quickly the filtered water flows out of the faucet, and it’s measured in gallons per minute (GPM). A faucet filter with a high flow rate means you’ll get filtered water faster, but it might also mean the filter won’t last as long.
Filter lifespan depends on the quality and quantity of water that flows through it. Some filters need to be replaced every 2-3 months, while others can last up to 6 months. Look for filters with a longer lifespan to ensure consistent water quality and lower maintenance costs.
Best Faucet Filters on Amazon
There are numerous faucet filters available on Amazon, offering different filtration capabilities and designs to fit your kitchen decor. Here are a few options that are well-rated and highly effective for hard water areas:
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PUR PFM400H Chrome Horizontal Faucet Mount with 1 MineralClear Filter: This faucet filter offers superior filtration, removing over 70 contaminants, including lead and chlorine. It also features a CleanSensor Monitor, which shows filter status, ensuring you always have the cleanest water flowing from your tap.
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Brita Tap Water Filter System: Brita is a well-known brand for water filtration. Their tap filter system is easy to install and reduces lead, chlorine taste and odor, and other harmful contaminants. Plus, the filter lifespan is about 4 months (or 100 gallons).
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Waterdrop WD-FC-01 NSF Certified 320-Gallon Long-Lasting Water Faucet Filtration System: This is a reliable tap filter with a long-lasting filter that can provide up to 320 gallons of clean water. It is also tested and certified for its effective filtration performance.
Always remember to check the product details and customer reviews before making a purchase, ensuring it fits your specific needs and preferences.
Filtered Water Pitchers: An Alternative Solution
If a faucet filter system isn’t your cup of tea, or you’re looking for a portable solution, a filtered water pitcher could be a great alternative. They work by filtering water as you pour it into the pitcher. These pitchers are typically equipped with activated carbon and ion-exchange resin filters, which are effective in reducing contaminants and softening hard water.
One of the best filtered water pitchers on Amazon is the ZeroWater ZP-010 10-Cup Pitcher. It features a 5-stage filtration system that removes 99.6% of total dissolved solids, providing you with pure-tasting water.
The Taste Test
Regardless of the type of water filter you choose, the ultimate test is in the taste. After all, one of the primary reasons to filter water is to improve its taste. Once you’ve installed your faucet filter or started using your filtered pitcher, take a sip. If the water tastes clean and fresh, you’ve likely made a good choice.
Remember, no filter can entirely remove all contaminants, and the effectiveness of a filter depends on the quality of your source water. It is always a good idea to have your water tested to know exactly what you’re dealing with and choose a filter accordingly.
In conclusion, the best kitchen tap with built-in filtration for hard water areas is one that suits your needs, taste preferences, and budget. Whether it’s a faucet filter system or a filtered water pitcher, the goal is to ensure you have access to clean, healthy water straight from your kitchen.
Considering Under-the-Sink Water Filters
If you’re not a fan of faucet-mounted filters or pitchers, an under-the-sink water filter system might be right for you. These filters are installed directly into your water line under the sink, providing clean, filtered water straight from the tap. They are more efficient, long-lasting, and have a higher filtration capacity compared to faucet-mounted filters.
Under-the-sink filters come in different types, including activated carbon, ceramic, and reverse osmosis filters. The reverse osmosis filters are particularly effective in treating hard water as they use a semi-permeable membrane to remove most of the minerals and contaminants. However, they do waste some water during filtration, which might be a concern for conservation-conscious households.
Among the best under-the-sink water filters on Amazon is the iSpring RCC7AK 6-Stage Superb Taste High Capacity Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System. It features a 6-stage filtration process and an alkaline remineralization filter that restores healthy minerals and produces a balanced alkalinity in the water.
Countertop Water Filters: A Convenient Option
Countertop water filters are another excellent option for filtering hard water. These filtration systems sit on your countertop and directly connect to your faucet. They are easy to install and don’t require any drilling or plumbing changes.
Countertop water filters usually use activated carbon or ceramics to reduce contaminants, but some advanced models also use reverse osmosis. They are highly effective at improving water taste and reducing harmful substances.
One of the top-rated countertop water filters on Amazon is the APEC Water Systems RO-CTOP Portable Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System. It removes up to 99% of contaminants including chlorine, lead, fluoride, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses and more.
Conclusion
Water quality is a matter of great importance, and investing in a water filter for your kitchen can greatly improve the taste and safety of your drinking water. The type of filter best suited for you depends on your specific needs, the quality of your tap water, and your budget.
Whether you choose a faucet-mounted filter, an under-the-sink system, a filtered water pitcher, or a countertop water filter, the most important thing is to select a filter that combats the issues you have with your water. Always check product reviews, certifications, and the product’s ability to remove the specific contaminants present in your tap water.
So, invest in a good filtration system and enjoy the taste of clean, sweet, and healthy water every day. After all, the best kitchen tap with a built-in filtration system for hard water areas is the one that ensures you and your loved ones have access to safe and tasty drinking water.