Aquasana or Brita?

Are you looking to purchase a water filtration system for your home? There are a lot of systems out there, and they all do different things. First, to establish your filtration needs, you should have your water tested. If you have a well, there are plenty of companies that will test a sample of your water. If you get your water from your town, you can call the town office and ask for a water analysis. They should provide you with paperwork about what is in your water. Once you know what is in your water, you can be educated in your choice when picking a water purification system.

Aquasana and Brita

Two popular companies that make water filters are Aquasana and Brita. Aquasana filters are manufactured by a company called Sun Water Systems. They started making their line of filters in 1997 and are located in Texas. They offer countertop systems as well as under-the-counter systems.
Brita GmbH was started in 1966 and has factories in Switzerland, Germany and the U.K. Their line of products includes countertop systems, pitchers, water jugs and kettles. The active ingredient in their filters is activated carbon, and they get it from the shells of coconuts.

Water Filter Regulations

There are no federal regulations for water filters. They do not have to meet any kind of standards for effectiveness or design, and there are no federal tests perform. Four of the 50 U.S. states do regulate the quality of water filters sold and distributed within the state. California, Massachusetts, Iowa and Wisconsin require companies to renew certifications and licenses. Companies are subject to regular testing, and must follow up on any complaints from customers. This makes it very hard to judge the quality of water filters. Each company posts statistics about their filtration devices on their website that contradict the other websites. But there are certain things about each company that might help you decide.

Aquasana Pros and Cons

The Aquasana system attaches right to your faucet. The water goes through the multiple stages of filters as you turn on the tap, eliminating impurities. The system can be turned on and off with the push of a button so that you don't have to waste filtering power on water for non-drinking purposes. Aquasana estimates that a gallon of filtered water costs 9.6 cents, and the entire system costs $72 for every 750 gallons of filtered water. Aquasana's countertop system can produce 30 gallons of filtered water per hour while filtering out VOCs, lead, giardia, MTBE and cryptosporidium. Aquasana filters are also said to filter out 99% of chlorine. Filters only need to be replaced every 500 gallons. They are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Aquasana offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

The Aquasana filter system costs more to get started and the filters cost more to replace. The unit costs around $100 to start. The Aquasana filter does not filter asbestos, mercury, toxaphene, PCBs, chlordane or turbidity.

Brita Pros and Cons

Brita offers several types of filtration. Their countertop system that attaches to the faucet retails for around $30. The filters are NSF certified and remove 99.9% of asbestos, 87.5% of toxaphene, chlordane, turbidity, chlorine, lead, VOCs,and more. When you turn on the tap, you can choose from filtered water, a spray, or steam. The water comes out at a rate of .58 gallons per minute, which is slightly faster than Aquasana's system. The electronic filter life indicator shows you when it is time to change your filter. Their alternative pitcher system is convenient and fits right in the refrigerator, keeping water cold and right at your fingertips.

Brita's countertop system costs $112.50 for every 750 gallons of filtered water. This comes out to 15 cents per gallon, which is more expensive than Aquasana. Brita's filters do not remove mercury or PBCs, but neither does Aquasana. Brita offers the shortest satisfaction guarantee of 30 days. Brita pitcher filters need to be changed at least every two months, or after 40 gallons of filtered water, otherwise they can develop mold inside. If you choose the pitcher system, the pitcher needs to be cleaned and cared for on a regular basis. The activated carbon inside the filter has been known sometimes to make its way into the drinking water.

In conclusion, there are good and bad things about both Aquasana filters and Brita filters. The Brita filters cost more to run in the long run when compared to Aquasana, but Brita offers more filtration choices. Brita's counter-top system dispenses water in several different flows, while Aquasana's filter can be turned on and off with the touch of a button. Brita's filters remove more toxins, but there is a chance that the activated carbon from the pitcher filter can end up in your drinking water. And Brita filters need to be changed every 40 gallons, while Aquasana filters last for 500 gallons.

Make sure you take into account long-term costs as well as short-term costs when purchasing a filtration system, not forgetting Aquasana offers. Also make sure to contemplate which type of system will be most convenient for your living situation. Pick a system that will match your kitchen d(C)cor while also filtering out the greatest amounts of toxins from your drinking water. Drinking water is an important part of everyday life, and it is important to have clean water in order to ensure your good health.