Other Home Water Filter Methods

There is really only one method of home water filtration that is less expensive then on-tap ; that would be the filtered pitcher.  Typically around $25, the most popular manufacturers are Pur and Brita.  The drawback to filtered water pitchers include small volume capacity, short filter life (one or two months) and the biggest drawback, they tend to filter only a limited number of contaminants.

        Brita Pitcher                 PUR Pitcher                Culligan Countertop             OmniFilter Countertop

There are two other method, which are both much more expensive. The counter-top water tap, which installs via hose to the faucet, or the undercounter system, which may require professional installation, unless you're very handy with the wrench.  These types of filter systems are sold by Kenmore (at Sears), Culligan, Aquasana, Brita, and a host of others.

A good, but more expensive alternative to a filter is a home water cooler.  However, the advantages are:

• Capability to drink spring water in your home (not just filtered city water)
• Your water is always chilled.  Many coolers also will heat your water.

See http://watercoolerhome.com for information about buying or renting your own water cooler for home.