When settling into a new home, countless considerations arise, from interior design choices to landscaping decisions. However, one aspect that deserves careful attention is the quality of the water you and your family will consume and use daily. With growing concerns about water contaminants and their potential health impacts, the question arises: Should your new home have a water filtration system?

Do I Need a Whole House Water Filter?

Whether or not your new home should have a water filtration system depends on several factors, including the quality of your water supply, your personal preferences, and any specific concerns you may have about water contaminants.

Water Quality: Assess the quality of your water supply. If you are on a municipal water system, you can request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that provides information on the water quality in your area. If you are on a private well, consider getting your water tested in a lab.
Common Contaminants: Research common contaminants in your area.
Health Considerations: If you have specific health concerns, such as a weakened immune system or sensitivity to certain chemicals, a water filtration system may provide an added layer of protection by removing potential contaminants and ensuring safer water for
consumption and everyday use.
Taste and Odor: Some people prefer the taste and odor of filtered water over unfiltered water. If you find that the taste or smell of your water is unpleasant, a filtration system can help improve it.
Lifestyle and Convenience: Consider your lifestyle and convenience factors. If you prefer the convenience of having filtered water readily available without the need to buy
bottled water, installing a whole-house or point-of-use filtration system can be beneficial.
Budget: Evaluate your budget for purchasing and maintaining a water filtration system. The cost can vary depending on the type of system, the level of filtration required, and ongoing maintenance expenses such as replacing filters.

The Most Common Contaminants Found in Public Water Supplies

Here are some of the most common contaminants found in public water supplies and how they can be removed. The list can help you choose the right water filter for your needs.
TTHMs
Number of People Served: 296,115,661

TTHMs, or trihalomethanes, are chemical compounds that can form when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. These compounds are considered disinfection byproducts and may have potential health risks if present in high concentrations. Here are a few methods commonly used to remove TTHMs from water:

1. Activated Carbon Filtration: Activated carbon filters are effective at removing TTHMs from water. The porous structure of activated carbon absorbs and traps the TTHMs, reducing their concentration. This method is commonly used in point-of-use or point-of- entry water filtration systems.

2. Ion Exchange Resins: Ion exchange resins can remove TTHMs by exchanging the chloride ions in TTHMs with other ions present in the resin. This method is commonly used in water softening and can be effective for TTHM removal.

Manganese
Number of People Served: 263,778,298

To remove manganese from water at home, you can consider the following methods:

1. Oxidation and Filtration: Manganese in water is often present in its dissolved form (Mn2+). By oxidizing it to its solid form (MnO2), you can then filter it out. You can use oxidizing agents like chlorine, potassium permanganate, or hydrogen peroxide to convert dissolved manganese. After oxidation, you can use a sediment or carbon filter to remove the solid manganese particles from the water.

2. Water Softener: If the manganese in your water is accompanied by hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium, using a water softener can help. Water softeners typically use ion exchange resin to remove minerals, including manganese, by replacing them with sodium ions. However, keep in mind that water softeners may not be as effective for removing high levels of manganese.

3. Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis is a filtration process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water. RO systems are effective in removing manganese, as well as other minerals, contaminants, and impurities. The water is forced through the membrane, which blocks the passage of manganese and other unwanted substances.

Chromium 6
Number of People Served: 250,692,436

Removing chromium 6, also known as hexavalent chromium, from water at home can be challenging. However, there are a few methods you can consider:

Activated Carbon Filtration: Activated carbon can effectively remove some chromium 6. However, it’s important to note that the efficiency of activated carbon for chromium 6 removal may vary, and it may not be as effective for high concentrations.
Reverse Osmosis: An RO membrane removes chromium 6 very well.
Ion Exchange

It is crucial to consider that treating chromium (VI) at home requires careful attention to the specific removal method, the quality of water, and the concentration of chromium (VI) present. In some cases, the assistance of a water treatment professional or laboratory testing may be necessary to ensure proper removal and to determine the most suitable treatment method for your situation.

Nitrate
Number of People Served: 236,944,533

Removing nitrate from water can be achieved through various methods. Here are some commonly used techniques:

Ion Exchange
Reverse Osmosis
Activated Alumina: Activated alumina is a porous material that has an affinity for adsorbing nitrates from water.

Arsenic
Number of People Served: 108,260,504

Removing arsenic from water is crucial as it is a toxic contaminant. You can use:

Hybrid Adsorbent Media: Certain media combine various adsorbents such as iron oxide, activated alumina, and ion exchange resins to enhance arsenic removal capabilities.
Reverse Osmosis

1,4-Dioxane
Number of People Served: 90,430,003

Here are a few options that can be considered:

Activated Carbon
Reverse Osmosis

PFOS/PFOA
Number of People Served: 28,071,844 (PFOS)

Number of People Served: 24,356,620 (PFOA)

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are collectively known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). They can remove from a water supply using:

Activated Carbon Filtration
Reverse Osmosis
Ion Exchange

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to install a water filtration system in your new home is a personal one. It’s recommended to assess your water quality, research local contaminants, and consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision. Consulting with water treatment professionals can provide additional insights and help you select the most suitable filtration system for your circumstances.

Chris and I have a whole-house water treatment system on our well water, and we are very pleased with it. We feel safe about the water we are drinking and using for our food. Be sure to have your water tested! You cannot be too safe.

Thank you for reading should your new home have a water filtration system. Let us know if we can refer anyone to help with your home maintenance. Contact us to help with any of your real estate needs.

Chris & Karen Highland
eXp Realty – 301-301-5119, broker supervision – 888-860-7369

🏡Search for Homes for Sale in Frederick County

What’s My Home Worth?