Home Water Treatment Systems

Most home water treatment systems will improve the aesthetic qualities of tap water, such as hardness, odor and taste.
The Water Authority doesn't recommend any particular brand or model. However, we provide Consumer Reports® ratings of several brands and types of systems. Request a copy of the report.

Aesthetics vs health

Although home systems can improve the taste of your drinking water, the municipal water supply is treated to meet all state and federal water quality standards. Home water treatment systems may be appropriate for individuals with specific medical conditions; those individuals should discuss options with their physicians. It's important you maintain your home water treatment systems, or you can reduce the quality of your drinking water.

Activated carbon filter systems

An activated carbon (AC) filter can improve taste, odor and color problems associated with organic chemicals in water. These filters reduce taste and odor associated with chlorine. An AC filter does not remove hardness minerals, sodium, microbes, nitrates or fluoride.

An AC filter works by attracting and holding certain chemicals as water passes through it. Types of AC filters include carafe-style units, faucet-mounted filters and under-sink models. You also can install AC filters along the water line leading to ice makers and refrigerator water dispensers. Over time, an AC filter loses its ability to remove contaminants because it becomes clogged with material. A general rule of thumb for high-volume AC filters is to change the filter after six months of use or 1,000 gallons of filtered water (check the guidelines provided by the manufacturer).

Reverse osmosis

Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems can reduce levels of natural substances that cause foul tastes, smells or colors and substances that may cause adverse health effects in some susceptible populations. RO units generally remove fluoride and the minerals associated with hard water.

RO involves the movement of water through a membrane with microscopic openings that allow water molecules to pass through. Some RO membranes have an electrical charge that helps reject some chemicals at the membrane surface. Many of these units waste several gallons of water for each gallon they produce.

RO systems are usually installed below the kitchen sink. The systems consist of the pre-filter, RO membrane unit, a pressurized storage tank for the treated water, a post-filter and a separate delivery tap for the treated water supply.

Fluoridation

The Nevada Legislature mandated fluoridation of water in Southern Nevada beginning March 1, 2000. Some filtration systems reduce fluoride. To find out if yours does, contact the company you purchased the product from or call NSF International at (800) 673-6275.