City water officials say filtering might enhance the taste of Detroit water, mainly by removing chlorine, but it isn't needed for safety. Support for that comes from the Denver-based American Water Works Association, representing the nation's public water systems. Its data of city water systems nationwide show Detroit's water is some of the purest around. Far more vulnerable to purity problems are private wells. Experts say well owners should periodically have them tested.
Testing can determine whether filtration or bottled water are worthwhile investments.
They should ask their doctors whether they need bottled water or filters to remove parasites that sometimes occur in drinking water, say advisories from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Finally, some people simply dislike the taste of their tap water. Whatever your situation, you'll find ideas here to help you quench a springtime thirst. You'll add to the cost each time you replace the filter cartridge, which needs changing after filtering about 40 gallons of water. On PUR's models, the top of each filter has a monitor that shows when to change the filter.