If you read the marketing hype about tap water filtration systems many companies would have you believe that they remove all the pollution.
That's not true, although the vast majority does a reasonable job of eliminating some of the contaminants; they are not as efficient as the makers would have you think.
The reality is removing the pollution from your tap water is extremely difficult.
To filter out more than 99% of the contaminants requires a highly effective technology.
The figure to aim for is 99% anything less just won't do.
Although this figure might seem easy to achieve, in practice it is very difficult.
The problem arises from the fact you are dealing with more than one contaminant, and also several types.
For example lead, chlorine, cysts, THMs, VOCs, pesticides and herbicides.
If you're thinking that any tap water filtration system has to be a jack of all trades then you are right.
The secret is to tackle one pollutant at a time.
Even so, first let me just say a word about your water supply.
It will be very unlikely that you have extremely large numbers of chemical and organic pollution in your tap water.
The amount and type depend to a great extent on where you live.
For example, if you reside in farming or agricultural areas then it's highly probable that your water will contain pesticides and herbicides.
Therefore, it is important to know or have a good idea of the contamination that is present in your immediate vicinity.
In this way, you can look for tap water filtration systems that will eliminate these; however, there are certain chemicals that are in everyone's water.
Good examples of these are chlorine and chloramine.
Whereas the other pollution is to a large extent the result of careless behavior on the part of industries or individuals, these two chemicals are deliberately introduced into your water supply.
Their primary use is to disinfect your water to remove bacteria.
Many people are under the impression that they also eliminate chemical pollution.
This is not true.
Whilst they are an effective method opposing the majority of pathogens, there is one, which is resistant to these chemicals.
This is known as cryptosporidium and is fatal to the young and elderly.
Fortunately there are other ways to remove this deadly bacterium.
Unfortunately, the use of chlorine and chloramine does result in by-products.
These are Haloacetic acid (HAA), Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs).
These can be responsible for liver, kidney and central nervous system problems.
So it is crucial that your tap water filtration system effectively removes these three at the very least.
Where do you start in your search for a tap water filtration system? Well, whichever model you look at be sure to read the manufactures data sheet.
This will contain vital information regarding which pollutants it removes and by how much.
Remember you are looking for 99% elimination on each contaminant.
Try not to be misled by marketing hype or an enthusiastic salesperson, take your time.
If you are anything like me, you are always looking for ways to save money.
If you purchase directly from the manufacture it's inevitably cheaper than your local store.
Here is a head start, have a look at the active carbon filters.
You might be pleasantly surprised at their cost and efficiency.