Each year the EPA provides a Consumer Confidence Report, or CCR. This report informs each community on the quality of the water. This lets people know exactly what contaminants if any, are in their drinking water, as well as how the contaminants may affect their health. To find the CCR for the town you live in, visit the EPA's website. Once you have the information about any contaminants that may be in your water, the next step to take is to figure out which water filter is right for you and your family.

Carbon filters are among the most common filter to be used to filter water. They help solve problems such as the taste, smell, or look of the water. Carbon filters may also remove contaminants such as Chlorine, Pesticides, Herbicides, Radon, Trihalomethanes (THMs). Some carbon filters are also able to reduce lead content, however it is advised to check the certification rating of the filter prior to buying it.

If you are looking to remove larger particles as well as inorganic chemicals such as salts, metals (including lead), nitrates as well as some organic chemicals a Reverse Osmosis System may be the direction you need to go. Reverse Osmosis System filters are connected directly to your plumbing and are located beneath the sink. These systems will store a small amount of clean water, while any tainted water will drain out through an additional line that is connected to the drain.

Ultraviolet or UV Water Purifiers, use UV light, just like sunlight, to remove many containments found in water. UV water Purifiers typically cost more than other water filter options, however they do remove some viruses, bacteria, microorganisms, as well as the taste and odor of your water. Though they are effective against the previously mentioned contaminants, UV Purifiers are not effective against contaminants that carbon filters often times remove. This is why many UV Water Purifiers will be used alongside a carbon filter.

Finding and replacing a refrigerator's water filter can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Especially since there are so many different filters available, which look extremely similar. This is why we have created our refrigerator water filter replacement guide, which will guide you through finding and replacing your water filter. If you don't know which filter you need or are having trouble locating where your filter is in your fridge, check out our water filter finder. For further assistance, please reach out to our experts at 800-860-3577.