Many Americans first realize they need a home water filtration system because they notice something off about the taste, smell, or appearance of their tap water. Many opt for a standard water filter, such as a common pitcher or faucet-mounted carbon filter. These improve taste and odor, but they do not target complex contaminants.
Whether it’s lead from aging home pipes or PFAS — man-made “forever chemicals” — standard filters are insufficient when you want to remove a broader, more dangerous range of contaminants.
Not All Filters Are the Same
When you purchase a “basic” filter, this can mean limited coverage.
Most commonly, these standard water filters are pitcher-style home water filtration units. They are effective at removing chlorine and improving the taste and smell of drinking water. The issue is that they aren’t effective at removing significant health-related contaminants. These gravity-based filters serve as a basic first step for purer water.
Anyone seeking a more advanced solution will need a high-level water filtration solution. One option is to invest in an under-sink filter. This solution connects directly to the water line under the kitchen sink. When you install an under-sink filter, you benefit from high-flow, high-volume filtered water on demand.
The level of filtration will depend on the system you choose. For example, a 3-stage under-sink filter will remove chlorine, lead, rust, VOCs, and dirt. Explore all 2- and 3-stage under-sink filtration systems.
When you opt for a 4-stage filtration system, you benefit from reverse osmosis (RO) filtration. There are also 5-stage solutions. Learn more about the RO filtration process here.
Why Basic Water Filters Fall Short
One of the most significant drawbacks of basic water filters is their limited ability to reduce contaminants. While effective at reducing chlorine, sediment, and some unpleasant tastes, basic filters rarely remove dangerous contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, or total dissolved solids (TDS).
In addition, these standard water filters have low capacities. For example, a basic pitcher water filter may treat only 100 gallons — or less — before you need to replace it. In comparison, a system like the Brio PRISM Tankless RO Undersink Filtration System 600GPD will filter 600 gallons per day. Depending on usage, you won’t need to replace the filter for 6-12 months, sometimes longer, depending on the filter (composite vs. RO).
While basic filters are cheap to buy, they need frequent replacements, leading to higher maintenance effort and costs over time. It is also not uncommon to see overhyped marketing claims for basic filters. Many filters claim to "purify" water, but they don’t provide proof to back those claims. Independent testing proves what a filter actually removes. Check for certifications and be mindful of wording. For example, “Certified to NSF Standards” doesn’t mean the same thing as “NSF Certified.”
How to Choose a More Advanced Option
If you’re ready to invest in a more advanced home water filtration system, think about what you to change about your tap water. Are you most concerned about the taste and odor of your tap water, but you also want to ensure access to healthy, clean water on demand? If so, you’ll want to focus on targeted filtration. For example, an under-sink carbon filter would be the best option for taste, odor, and ease of installation. However, when positive health is the primary objective, you’ll want to invest in a more advanced RO system.
If you want the broader peace of mind you get from a solution that improves taste and removes contaminants, you should go with a multi-stage or RO system. You have many options based on other variables, such as space limitations and capacity.
While there are several excellent under-sink and RO filtration systems available, they are not your only option. For some, a water cooler or dispenser system makes more sense, especially when seeking greater convenience. These can provide greater flexibility, come with lower upfront costs, and can be installed instantly, making them great options for offices, apartments, etc.
You can get water dispensers, including ice dispensers, and even countertop dispenser units. Bottled coolers are also available for those seeking a highly portable solution.
Which Brio System Fits Your Goal?
The best Brio water filtration system depends on your desired capacity, preferred installation, and water quality concerns. When seeking a whole-house system, you can choose from four options: multi-purpose, anti-scale, heavy metals, and iron/manganese.
There are advanced under-sink tankless reverse osmosis (RO) systems for targeted, high-purity drinking water, as well as a range of solutions known for their ease of installation, such as the Brio Q20 Countertop RO Water Dispenser.
Here are some examples of the best systems based on varying goals:
Goal: Protect plumbing and appliances from hard water
If you have high calcium and magnesium levels causing scale buildup or fixture damage, select a Brio Anti-Scale system.
The best choice? The Brio 3-Stage Whole House Filtration System (Anti-Scale).
Related: Choosing the Perfect Fit: 3-Stage Whole House Filtration Systems for Your Water Needs
Goal: Improve overall water quality
The best option will depend on your water supply. For water that tastes, smells, or looks poor but doesn't have significant heavy metal contamination or hardness, a multi-purpose system is ideal, such as the Brio 3-Stage Multi-Purpose Filtration System.
If you want to take this one step further and remove heavy metals and other major contaminants, invest in a tankless RO system like the Brio SIMPL Tankless Reverse Osmosis (RO) Undersink Filtration System.
Goal: Ease of installation & no plumbing
When you want a convenient, easy-to-install option, the Brio Q20 RO Countertop Water Dispenser is a great choice, especially for rentals, apartments, or shared spaces.
Related: Comparing Brio Water Coolers: Which One Is Right for You?
Still unsure which option is best for you? Contact the Brio team to discuss your needs.
