You are looking for a drinking water filter system because the stuff that comes out of your tap tastes terrible and you wish that you could stop buying bottled water.  At least, that's why most of us look for one.  The thing is that there are a lot of impurities that you can neither taste nor smell.  So, relying on taste alone could be a hazardous decision.

There are several companies that sell a drinking water filter system that only removes chlorine and odor.  So, it tastes better and smells better, but is it safe?

Any time that disinfection is accomplished by way of chlorination, a by-product called trihalomethane or THM is produced.  It is illogical that a company would produce a drinking water filter system that does not block chlorine and THM, but there are many that do. 

You see, THMs have been found in cancer tumors in numerous studies.  They are not sure yet if the THMs contributed to the cancerous growth or if they were just stored there for some reason.  But, they do know that at certain quantities THMs cause nerve damage and are "suspected" of causing cancer.

The maximum allowable content of THMs is 80 parts per billion, according to Environmental Protection Agency standards.  So, facilities test and if the level is under that amount, the water gets a passing grade.  Public facilities have no way to remove THMs, anyway.  It is just supposed to be a kind of fail-safe.  If the level is too high, they are supposed to advise the public to only drink from the tap, if you have an additional drinking water filter system.  But, that never happens.

According to reports from the Washington Post, a respected and trusted newspaper, municipalities around the country lie about results in order to get a pass.  We are supposed to be able to turn to those reports to find out what is in the water-supply, but if the numbers cannot be trusted, then what are we to do'  A good drinking water filter system is the only answer.

Even if you trust the authorities at your treatment center, you should be aware that the "safe" standards are based on the maximum that would be safe for a 175 pound person to consume.  If you weigh less or if you have children, there is no protection.  Parents have a lot to worry about.  A drinking water filter system gives us a little peace of mind.

THMs and chlorine are not the only undetectable problem.  In many cities, lead has seeped in to the drinking-water because of aging pipes and joints.  Many environmentalists and consumer groups cry for their replacement, because the problem is worse in areas where incomes are generally low.  In other words, the families cannot afford to protect themselves with a home drinking water filter system.

If you are concerned about lead, you can have your water tested by an independent laboratory or you can by a do-it-yourself kit at the local hardware store.  For my family, the best decision was to buy a drinking water filter system for our home that was certified to remove all possible contaminants.  It could be the best choice for yours.