This is the place to start. We've include this appendix as a simple guide to explain the complex.

• Click here for Filter Types
   
• Click here for Filtration Methods
   
• Click here for more FAQ
• Why do I need a water filter? As the world population grows, and pollution and toxic emissions increase, more waste is released into the atmosphere. Rain, snow, and other precipitation captures these impurities. The contaminated water then returns to the earth and becomes part of the water supply. As waste emissions increase, the water quality will decrease.
• Most people today realize that tap water doesn't smell right, and tastes even worse. But what about what you can't see or smell? Lead, volatile organic chemicals, industrial pollutants, pesticides and protozoan cysts are all tasteless and odorless - You can't see them! Just look at the news headlines and you'll see that they are a real threat.
• Why can't I just buy bottled water? Bottled water is very expensive and you really don't know where it's coming from. How do you know what your getting? The water is heavy and it picks up the plastic taste from the bottle. Generally, people use bottled water for drinking, but what about the water used in cooking, juices, soups, icemakers & instant hot taps? Lastly, why should you pay bottled water companies, to (supposedly) filter water that you can filter yourself?
• What type of filters are out there and how do I choose? It seems that anyone from vacuum cleaner manufacturers to your next door neighbor has a water filter to sell you. There are several things to look for:
• How long has the filter manufacturer been in business? Will I be able to get replacement cartridges in 5 years?
• Is the filter NSF certified? And if it is certified, to what class and standard.? This is very important. This is usually what separates one filter from another.
• Who are you buying this filter from? Is there a person you can talk to about any problems that may occur. Does this company really care about the choice you make, or just about making the sale? Do they care about getting your return business or is this just a one time sale?
• Is it a muli-level marketing company? How many people are making money from your one filter? Who is your sales person? Is he/she knowledgeable and experienced enough to sell you the right item for the right job? Will your sales person be around next year, or will they try to sell you encyclopedias next?