Water Filter Advice Needed

I'm looking to purchase and install a water filter/purifier under my kitchen sink. I was hoping to get some advice so I can purchase an adequate one asap without weeks of research.

The water in my area is highly chlorinated and the water tastes as such. I've tried a Brita but that didn't remove the bad taste so we've been on bottled water for some time which is a nuisance. I'd also like to remove the fluoride from my tap water, which unfortunately is present in many brands of bottled water as well.

It seems that the best way to go may be a combined charcoal and reverse osmosis filter but I really don't know much about this topic by any means. I would like to keep the cost of the filter below $500, preferably way below :-) but I'd be willing to spend more if that's what the consensus dictates. Also, I will be having it professionally installed by either a plumber or handyman so ease of installation is not much of an issue.

Thank you too all who reply.

Charcoal and reverse osmosis is the best. Are you looking for a whole home system, or just one sink? Whole home is anywhere between $3-$15K.

Top Water filter Ratings | Water filter Buying Guide – Consumer Reports

I cannot think of the one my brother has. It is a chrome large cylinder tyhat has 3 charcoal filters in it and is supposed to be the best. It does not hookup to the sink. You just put water in it.

We are also going to be installing a whole home filtration system soon, it is around $8K. But well worth it, if you knew what was in tap water. Not even good to shower with.

You'll be fine with a RO system under the sink you can get them online from 300-500 dollars. They are fairly easy to install as well.

Here is a good discussion on home water filters from a couple of months ago.
http://forums.steroid.com/hormone-replacement-therapy-low-testosterone-treatment-anti-aging/530579-home-water-filter-recomendations.html

I plan on picking one of the RO systems from Costco soon.

I have no clue. But hopefully TR will chime in, I recall he is quite experienced in this field.

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Originally Posted by lovbyts

Here is a good discussion on home water filters from a couple of months ago.
http://forums.steroid.com/hormone-replacement-therapy-low-testosterone-treatment-anti-aging/530579-home-water-filter-recomendations.html

I plan on picking one of the RO systems from Costco soon.

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I would skip the Costco brand RO and go with a pro line 5stage as an example. I've installed hundreds over the years.

i boil all my water...

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Originally Posted by austinite

I have no clue. But hopefully TR will chime in, I recall he is quite experienced in this field.

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I actually sent him a PM bc I read a thread a little while back where he seemed to be pretty knowledgeable on the topic - I think it's the thread that lovbyts posted. He recommended the Costco route

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Originally Posted by kronik420

i boil all my water...

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Really? Is your tap water that dirty, or are you just paranoid?

I just got a Brita Complete system at Canadian Tire yesterday. Total cost was $42. Got to tell you guys, the filtration took away the metallic taste our city water has here. So far I'm impressed by Brita.

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Originally Posted by CanadianBeefcake

I just got a Brita Complete system at Canadian Tire yesterday. Total cost was $42. Got to tell you guys, the filtration took away the metallic taste our city water has here. So far I'm impressed by Brita.

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And the taste is ALL it took away.

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Originally Posted by Fllifter

I would skip the Costco brand RO and go with a pro line 5stage as an example. I've installed hundreds over the years.

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Why is that?

Yeah if you are on a budget costco is the way to go. Or even Lowes or Home Depot for around 159-179.00 And they will work fine. The main difference on the 5 and 6 stage is some come with an ultra-violet light tube the water passes thru for extra purification as well as extra taste and odor filtration. But you also pay more for those features. Again the less expensive ones at costco and the like will save you money and do the job. IMO

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Originally Posted by lovbyts

And the taste is ALL it took away.

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Well according to Brita, the charcoal filter removes copper, arsenic and mercury from the water. Makes me feel better and I save money as well not having to buy bottled water anymore.

RO system is awesome. It is the best water I have ever tasted. Better then bottled water! If you have room under the sink it is the way to go!!

I know this post is a little old, but reverse osmosis is by far the best option when deciding to filter your water. There are just too many contaminants in the water to go about it any other way. I know, I have done days upon days of research before buying my first RO unit a few years ago. After reading other posts, it doesn't seem as though people know too much about RO. Don't buy a unit that has a UV stage, as this is useless, as the viruses and bacteria are removed by the pre stages, and couldn't make it past the membrane regardless, so that is an added cost you don't need. Also, the re-mineralization stages are useless as well, as they are synthetic and cannot be absorbed by the body. I would suggest a 5 stage system at least, with 3 pre filters, membrane and final polishing filter. However, for the best water, you want a de-ionization stage as well, albeit after the membrane to ensure the water is alkaline, as the water produced by RO systems is normally acidic.

After all my research, I went with a system from Aquasafe Systems, an online retailer I guess is what they would be as they had systems in my price range. I was also thinking about the systems from Costco and Home Depot, and had read some terrible reviews so decided to go elsewhere. I would suggest taking a look at their 6 stage system, to get an idea of what I mentioned above, as this was the best system setup I had decided upon after researching. I'd post a link, but am not allowed.

Hope some of this helps.