A reader wrote to ask what I’d recommend for someone concerned about water quality while renting a home. Here’s my advice for when a more permanent solution isn’t on the cards.
Here’s the reader question from John:
We are moving home to be closer to family and will be renting a small house to test things out before deciding to buy. This means we can’t invest in a whole house water filtration system, but want to be vigilant about water quality.
We want something better than a Brita, what would you recommend?!
John
Is there a better option than a Brita pitcher? Absolutely.
Here’s what I’d do in John’s situation:
- Install a whole home water filtration system.
No, seriously. Even renters can install a whole home water filter system, assuming they’ll be staying put for awhile.
Why install a whole home water filter system
Many of the best whole home systems are actually quite easy to move when you move home. That means they are far and away the best investment, unless you don’t have the space or budget, or you’re leaving the country and really can’t schlepp a larger system with you.
Furthermore, your landlord may appreciate you installing a whole home system.
Why?
Because a good filter system can protect against damaging sediment and scale build-up in washing machines and dishwashers.
You may even be able to negotiate with your landlord to purchase the filter system from you when your tenancy ends. If they’re not into that idea, you can promise in writing to restore the original plumbing set-up before you leave.
When a whole home system just won’t work
If you really don’t want a whole home system, or it just doesn’t work in your situation, here’s what I’d do as the next best solution:
- Install an under the sink, inline filtration system for the kitchen
- Use in-line or countertop filters for other faucets where you might drink the water
- Install a shower filter
- Fill your bath with shower water where necessary.
Some of these steps require a little DIY installation and minor modifications. You can also get a professional plumber to help with in-line installation, especially if your landlord is wary of your plans.
The bare minimum
If an in-line system is expressly forbidden by your landlord, or just beyond your current capacity, this is the bare minimum set-up I’d suggest if you have any concerns over water quality. Look for an NSF 53 certified:
- Countertop water filter for the kitchen
- Faucet attachment or countertop filter for wherever you use for drinking water or brushing teeth
- Shower filter (and use showerhead to fill the bathtub if you have one).
Things to think about
Whether you’re thinking about a whole home system or not, the best approach to water filtration will depend on the following things:
- Specific water quality concerns where you live – you should be able to get a recent water quality report from your water utility (if you’re on a private system, you can do a test yourself, through a credible lab)
- How much space you have to install a system or individual components
- Any restrictions in your lease or strata that prevent you modifying plumbing
- Your comfort level with basic plumbing modifications
- Your budget (consider how much the initial set-up costs and costs for new filters)
- Your water usage (if you use a lot, you need a system that isn’t slowwwww to filter).
My top picks
Whole home water system
Aquasana Rhino
Highlights: The best, most comprehensive whole home water filtration system available. Easy installation, low-key maintenance.
- 5-stage filtration process including carbon filters
- NSF Standard 42 media filtration
- UV Sterilight filtration
- Filters all the water for use everywhere in your home
- Reliable, longstanding company
- Filter changes are easy and maintenance is minimal
- Customizable – you might not need all the pieces in the full system
- Involves more intensive plumbing modifications
- Takes up a lot of space
- Requires some ongoing maintenance and filter changes
- Expensive for the whole set-up
- Won’t necessarily work in every home, so not necessarily portable if you move
In-line under-sink system
Aquasana SmartFlow™ Reverse Osmosis Water Filter
Highlights: High-efficiency RO system with a 99.99% removal rate for 90 contaminants. Filters out fluoride, arsenic, chlorine, and lead, as well as PFAS.
- Very effective filtration for wide range of contaminants
- Certified to remove what it says it removes
- Reliable, longstanding company
- Easy filter changes
- Easy installation if you have basic plumbing skills
- Quite bulky, so you’ll need decent size space under the sink
- Does require minor plumbing modifications
Countertop RO filter for cooking and drinking water
ZeroWater 40 Cup Water Dispenser
Highlights: Certified to NSF Standard 53, this attractive glass countertop water pitcher filter can reduce heavy metals, undesirable chemicals, and 99.6% of total dissolved solids.
- NSF Certified
- Large capacity – great for bigger families
- BPA free, glass dispenser
- Beats the Big Berkey and at a better price
- Looks great!
- No installation needed
- Portable and inexpensive
- Made in the USA
- Doesn’t take up much room (diameter is 9-inches)
- Uses both activated carbon and ion exchange to filter
- Strips out essential minerals
- Not an RO filter
- Slow filtration rate (0.03 gallons per minute) – takes 15 minutes per half gallon (or more than 1 hour to fill the whole dispenser)
Showerhead filter
ProOne ProMax
Highlights: US-made shower filter and showerhead with NSF 42 and NSF 53 certifications (creates drinking water quality water for your shower! WaterSense certified and comprises robust, durable materials.
- Carries important NSF 42 and NSF 53 certifications
- EPA WaterSense certified
- Removes or reduces over 200 potential contaminants
- Made of stainless steel and BPA-free ABS plastic
- Made in the USA
- Easy installation and easy filter changes
- Filters are long-lasting (6-9 months) and replacements are inexpensive
- Wall-mount and wand styles available
- Five spray settings (massage swivel shower head option)
- Good flow rate of 2 gallons per minute (GPM) – won’t slow shower speed
- No fiddly plumbing – fits standard 1/2-inch NPT, ISP and BSPT pipe threads
- Features a more durable (not plastic) 48-inch stainless steel flex hose
- You might have to change the filters quite often if your water is heavily contaminated
- Stainless steel version is pricier than the plastic and chrome options
- No black finish option (so doesn’t fit all bathroom aesthetics)
In closing
In closing, renters may be able to install a whole house water filtration system with less effort than they think. Absent that, there are some low impact alternatives to consider.