Do I Need A Water Filter?

How to Choose the Right Water Filtration System for Your Home

Quick Answer: Do I Really Need a Water Filter?

For many households, yes.

Even though municipal tap water is treated and regulated, it is not designed to remove every contaminant, especially newly recognized ones like PFAS, microplastics, and certain chemicals that can affect long-term health. A quality water filtration system can reduce these contaminants, improve taste and odor, and give you greater confidence in the water you give to your family to drink, and cook with every day. 

Most of us turn on the tap assuming the water is clean and safe, and in many ways, it is. Municipal water systems work hard to meet regulatory standards and protect public health. But “safe” does not always mean “optimal,” and it doesn’t necessarily mean free from substances you may prefer not to drink.

This is why more homeowners and renters are asking a simple but important question: Do I need a water filter?

For many families, the answer is yes—not because municipal water systems are failing, but because they are limited by design.

Contents in this post:

• Why Municipal Water Has Limitations
• Contaminants found in tap water
• Signs you may benefit from a water filter
• Understanding water filtration options

 

Why Municipal Water Has Limitations

Municipal water systems treat enormous volumes of water every single day, and there are over 2.2 million miles of pipes throughout the U.S. bringing water to the consumers homes and businesses. On average, municipalities process up to 120 gallons per person per day. In a city like New York, that adds up to roughly 1.3 billion gallons of water each and every day. However, less than one percent of that treated water is used in your home for drinking or cooking. Because systems must supply water for everything from fire protection and industrial use to consumption,municipalities are not designed to provide highly refined drinking water at every tap. As a result, treatment methods focus on broad public safety rather than removing trace or emerging contaminants. This means water may not be as clean as you would like it to be.

 

Common Contaminants Found in Tap Water

Even treated tap water can contain substances introduced at the source, during treatment, or through aging infrastructure. Some of the most common include:

• Chlorine and chloramines
• Lead
• PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Arsenic
• Pesticides and Herbicides
• Microplastics

Many of these are present at low levels, but growing research suggests that long-term exposure, even in small amounts, may be linked to health concerns, particularly for children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Filtering drinking water is one way to reduce daily exposure to harmful contaminants and take a more proactive approach to health.

 

Signs You May Benefit from a Water Filter

You don’t need lab equipment to know whether filtration might help in your home. Some common indicators include:

• A chlorine taste or chemical odor
• Cloudy water or visible sediment
• Don't like the taste of tap water
• Living in an area with older plumbing
• Personal concerns from news reports about specific contaminants

Even if your water looks clear and tastes fine, it can still contain invisible contaminants. Water filtration isn’t just about improving taste; it’s about improving quality and confidence.

 

Understanding Your Filtration Options

Not all water filters work the same way. The best choice depends on your concerns, your budget, and how you use water at home.

1. Pitcher and Faucet Filters

These are often the first step people take.

Pros:

• Low upfront cost

Easy to install and use

Cons:

• Limited contaminant reduction
• Frequent filter replacements
• Not ideal for long-term or serious water concerns

2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Reverse osmosis systems force water through a series of filters and a membrane to reduce dissolved solids in the water.

Pros:

• Effective at reducing many contaminants

Cons:

• Removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium
• Wastes 1–4 gallons of water for every gallon produced
• Limited output due to storage tanks
• Often requires electricity and multiple filters

3. Whole-House Filtration Systems

Installed where water enters the home, these systems treat all household water.

Pros:

• Improves water for bathing and household use

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Limited filtration capability due to high flow rate of water into home
• Often not designed to address contaminants like lead, PFAS, or arsenic

4. Carbon Block Filtration Systems

Carbon block filtration is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for improving drinking water quality.

Pros:

• Excellent reduction of chlorine, VOCs, PFAS, lead, and more
• Preserves beneficial minerals
• No wastewater or electricity required
• Affordable and simple filter changes once a year

​Cons:

• ​Initial purchase of system is more than pitchers and faucet mount

 

What to Look for in a Water Filtration System

With so many products on the market, it’s important to look beyond marketing claims.  

1. Third-Party Certification

Choose systems certified to NSF/ANSI standards. Independent certification confirms the product reduces the contaminants it claims to remove.

2. Specific Contaminant Reduction

A quality system clearly lists which contaminants it reduces and by how much. Be cautious of vague terms like “take all contaminants out of your water”.

3. Long-Term Value

Consider filter lifespan, replacement cost, maintenance needs, and warranty. The cheapest option upfront often costs more overtime. 

4. Everyday Convenience

Filtered water should be readily available for drinking, cooking, and washing produce, without waiting, rationing, or worrying about running out.

 

Where Multipure Fits In

For people looking for high-performance drinking water filtration without unnecessary complexity, Multipure is often considered.

Multipure is a family-owned company with more than 50 years of experience specializing in solid carbon block filtration. Unlike loose carbon filters, carbon block technology allows for longer contact time, which improves contaminant reduction while keeping beneficial minerals intact. 

Multipure systems are independently tested and certified by NSF for the reduction of the widest range of contaminants, including lead, PFAS, microplastics, arsenic, and more.  

Unlike reverse osmosis systems, carbon block filtration does not waste water or require electricity, making it an efficient and practical option for daily use. 

Multipure offers under-sink and countertop systems designed for homeowners, renters, and travelers, making clean drinking water accessible in many living situations.

 

Final Thoughts: Do You Need a Water Filter?

If you care about what you and your family drink every day, filtering your water is a smart and proactive choice.

Municipal water treatment plays a vital role, but it is not designed to address every concern at the tap. A quality water filtration system helps reduce exposure to unwanted contaminants while improving taste, confidence, and peace of mind. 

Not all filters are created equal. Choosing a system that is independently certified and built to last can make a meaningful difference in the health and hydration of your family.

Clean water isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation of everyday health.