Everyone needs water in order to survive, but it must be clean. When we want a drink of water, we typically get a glass and take water right from the kitchen faucet. However, even city water is likely to contain impurities. These impurities are so small we cannot see them and they’re so slight that we cannot taste them. Nevertheless, they are present. One way to rid ourselves of these impurities in our water is by installing a countertop water filter.

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.

A countertop water filter sends unfiltered water through a series of filters and then back to the faucet. The extended time in contact with the filtering chemicals results in greater effectiveness in cleaning the water.

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.

The best line of counter top water filters we are aware of is the Berkey Filter. Plus, they have the added benefit of looking like a piece of furniture rather than an addition to your tap. Whether you choose their Imperial Berkey or another model, each set of filters they ship with can be re-cleaned to purify up to 6,000 gallons of water.