Practically everyone focuses on eating right.  Health conscious people know that anything they take in affects the way that they function and feel.  Yet, many people overlook the importance of what they drink.

It's something that you cannot live without, but do you know how many ailments are related to low fluid intake.  Severe dehydration is easily recognizable, but the symptoms of moderate or mild dehydration may be overlooked or attributed to something else.  Headaches, back pain, high blood pressure, arthritis and even asthma are all believed to be connected to constant mild dehydration.

These are just some of the reasons that a water purification system is so important.  You need the cleanest water that you can possibly get, in order to stay in the best health.  Bottled is not particularly good for you.  Distilled lacks necessary trace minerals.  The right water purifier will balance mineral content and pH levels, while removing all contaminants that could possibly come through your tap.

In order to determine which water purifiers are up to the job, you have to look at product performance data, check for certifications and look at the water purification technology used in the unit.  That's hard to do if you are staring at a shelf in a store.  The internet makes it easier.

Any top rated water purifier will remove chlorine, to some extent.  Most water purifiers remove lead, a heavy metal, as well.  There they stop being so similar.

Public water purification facilities do a lot for us.  They remove large particulates and control bacterial and algae growth.  There are just a number of contaminants that elude them.

Cysts, for example, are microscopic organisms during a very early stage of life.  They are resistant to chemical disinfection attempts and if they are consumed, they can make you very ill.  One very popular pitcher style water purifier does not block cysts.  It's a very inexpensive unit, which accounts for it's popularity, but if it's not protecting your health, then what's the point?

Kenmore water purifiers, on the other hand, are quite a bit more expensive than the pitchers.  So, you might think that they perform better.  They do block more different contaminants than the pitchers, but still do not use the technology that it takes to remove cysts.

THMs are another thing that large water purification systems cannot get rid of.  That's because THMs are by-products of chemical disinfection.  Without disinfection, there would be outbreaks of cholera and typhoid.  It seems like a catch-22, situation, but there are home water purifiers that can filter out THMs. 

Why do we care'  THMs have been linked to breast and rectal cancer.  They are known to cause nerve damage and other health problems.  The EPA regulates the amount that can be present at the treatment facility, but that has nothing to do with what comes out of your tap.  Only the best water purifier systems remove the threat.

Water purification systems are big business, so companies that will sell anything, sell them, too.  Your best choice is a company that specializes in drinking water, rather than bleach.