Whenever there's a problem with the public water supply, the news headlines are huge. No matter the contaminant, concerns run high. This is when many turn to water treatment system options at home to help them ensure the safety and health of their families. But not all treatment systems are the same.

Water systems can be designed to disinfect or simply remove "funny" tastes or odors from water. They can do both as well depending on the system. The best choice will depend on personal water conditions and what the desired effect is for the person making the purchase.

The most common systems include:

Carbon filtration: These can remove most typical organic materials that can cause odors or taste problems. The effectiveness really depends on how much carbon is used and how long water stays in a unit. The problem here is that carbon filters can become bacteria magnets, so it's very important to replace and clean filters as recommended or even more frequently. These can come as faucet-mounted systems or even as "in-line" supply units, which are installed under sinks. There are even point of entry systems that treat all water coming into a house and other options available as well.

Fiber filters: This type of filtration system generally involves a rayon or cellulose filter. It is good for removing sediments. They do not remove all possible contaminants and must also be changed and cleaned on a regular basis. They cannot "purify" water.

Reverse osmosis: These units are fairly effective at removing most unwanted materials and have even been incorporated in many public water systems as well. They involve a number of different treatment processes built into one system - sediment removal, carbon filtering, and another level of membrane treatment. These are expensive and do require proper maintenance to ensure maximum effectiveness. The downside of this kind of system is that beneficial chemicals are removed such as fluoride.

There are many other types of water systems, including softeners, which simply remove hard minerals from the water and even distillers. In general these systems do work as they are supposed to, but it is vital for a homeowner to ensure the systems are maintained correctly.

Filtration systems that aren't kept under close supervision can harbor more bacteria than the average public water system and not also offer the benefit of chemical disinfection.

When purchasing a water filtration system it's important to understand what is being bought, what it can do and what it can't. It's also a good idea to be very certain of recommended maintenance. If someone with an immune system compromise is present in the home, it's also a good idea to discuss water quality with a physician. No matter the filtration system purchased, it might be recommended that drinking water be boiled to ensure maximum safety no matter the system in the home.

Drinking water is a concern for everyone. Inasmuch, it is very important to make smart, informed decisions about the kind you choose to use and give to your family. In general, public water is safe with some exceptions on occasion, but it often carries with it tastes and smells some don't care for. To remove these is fine, but be smart about the process otherwise more harm than good can come of the prospect.