Water filters come in many types, shapes and sizes.
To help find the best filter for you, "Good Morning America" turned to registered dietitian nutritionist and Berkey Filters spokesperson Kim Rose.
What does a water filter do?
"A water filter reduces or removes undesirable contaminants in your water," Rose explained. "Particle sediments, pharmaceuticals, and other microscopic compounds, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, are some of the impurities which are removed."
What are the different types of water filters?
"There are numerous water filtration systems on the market," Rose said. "A physical filter is the most popular since it removes sediments and some, not all, chemical particles. This type of filter may use activated carbon to absorb lead, copper, and other heavy metals to prevent them from entering portable water."
The second type of filter, according to Rose, is a reverse osmosis filter. "In this system, water crosses a semi-permeable membrane using a high-pressure pump," she explained. "The result is water with no chemicals, bacteria, or minerals, but beneficial minerals such as potassium and iron are also removed."
Another type of filter is a water distillation filter, "where water vapor is collected from boiling water, and returned back into its liquid state," Rose said.
"Collecting the steam leaves you with filtered water that is void of physical and chemical contaminants, but this manner of cleansing also leaves water void of beneficial minerals as well," she added.
What should you look for when buying a water filter?
"Not all water filters are created equal. Some filter out sediments, but not harmful chemicals and solvents. In contrast, other water filters are complicated and require much maintenance," Rose said. "When looking for a water filter, look for one that is simple, environmentally-friendly, and produces great-tasting water that is free of contaminants."
Scroll on to shop 10 water filter products, including straws, bottles and pitchers.
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