Pitcher filters, faucet filters, or just plain old bottled water - which works best on a budget?

Question

I'm not looking to get into a debate of whether or not tap water in the US is safe or not! Please don't reply to tell me the water is ok...

I live in central PA and they're switching their water systems from using chlorine (which I wasn't thrilled about to begin with) to "chloramine".. Now all I drink is tap water and because of the medicine I'm on, I drink a LOT of it! We're also looking into having children and it would be an EXTREMELY high risk pregnancy, so It's really important to me to have out all excess chemicals as much as possible. (Heck I'm more worried about the chemicals than the bacteria now, thanks to the water company!)

However, we're also on a budget! What's the cheapest EFFECTIVE way to filter water- the kind that attaches to a faucet, the pitcher type, or is my best bet to stick with bottled water for drinking instead of playing with filters?

Answer 1

If you're going to be drinking LOTS of water then I'd go with the filter you attach to the faucet. It works great and they don't cost an arm and a leg. I have the Brita. The pitcher filters work ok, but it's a pain having to refill the pitcher all the time and then wait for it to filter through so you can drink it. The very best filters are usually the under the sink type, but they also cost the most.

Answer 2

There are different methods, one is taking your recycled water bottles and have them refilled at your local grocers.
You can boil your water let it sit and bottle it as it will be sterile.
you can buy large bottles at your grocers like 5 gallon jugs and have those filled for nearly less then half the price and it is distilled water. If you drink that much water that would be the way to go. usually when you buy the jugs the first fill comes free and the jug belongs to you to take where ever you go.

Answer 3

you have real concerns.... and a real problem.... standard filters don't remove everything you want gone outta your water....read here ...(this is just one site I found.. I'm sure others would say other stuff)

http://organicovertune.com/carbon.html

... but... it's still true...what we do at home cannot match what is done in a big 'factory'.... if I were you, I"d go to bottled water.... and research the cost of having one set up in my home and filled by someone weekly or so..... it's probably comperable to buying gallons at the grocery... and you really DON"T know where the grocery water comes from, either... at least with a bottled water company, you'd know who to yell at if you had THEIR water tested and found contaminates in it!!... and I suggest that you do have it tested... don't rely on what they SAY, get proof... if it's that important, it's worth the cost!!!....

Answer 4

I'd use the tap filter as well. Quick, easy, and aside from changing the filter itself, a one-time investment.

Happy, healthy, baby and family to you!