So you have the basics already, you’re either going to use a filter, or you're going to use an R/O system, which also uses filters plus an R/O membrane and tank. This leaves installation and maintenance to consider.

I was looking at Hydroviv as well - it removes toxins and PFOAs, and whatever your regional water supply data indicates as problematic, fits under the sink cabinet, doesn’t alter your plumbing permanently, and it filters the (cold) water before it reaches your existing faucet. Maintenance is filter replacement (average is every 6 months), checking the cartridge O rings and replacing if necessary, and occasionally cleaning the cartridge housing with a damp cloth.

Just like not all filters remove lead, not all R/O systems remove toxins. You have to also know the rating if you want it to remove lead and chromium 6. R/O systems require professional installation (your plumbing will change, as will possibly your counter), use filters and membranes, and feed a dedicated drinking faucet from a reservoir/tank. They require filter changes every 6-12 months, a membrane change every 12 months, and a regular sanitization of the reservoir/tank every year, usually when you swap out the membrane. You have to be diligent about this or you can ruin your R/O system without knowing it.

A filter system will likely be less expensive to install, own, and operate. I don’t like not knowing when filters ought to be changed (e.g., for a family of 4 vs. someone living alone) but I like the fact that with a filter when you do change it you are golden, whereas with an R/O system if you wait too long to change your prefilter, you’re drinking tap water again without knowing it.

@enduring

How it works is that EPA requires a water company to test, report and mitigate down to a certain level, a list of pollutants. (Primary Drinking water regulations)

It's not every possible thing that could be in the water, but it's a pretty good check list. Of course there will be people who may think the list isn't comprehensive enough.

There's also a list of non-health related regulations that don't have to be met (secondary regulations) and a list of contaminants that are on a "watch list" orContaminate Candidate List or CCL. I'm oversimplifying - but you get the idea. It's the process of how contaminates become regulated in drinking water.

A good quality carbon filter will remove taste, odor, chlorine, PFAS and many other things like many VOC's and pharmaceuticals. They are the right answer for someone who has municipal water but wants it to taste and smell better - and wants general assurance that they cleaning up much of the other stuff.

if your water provider uses chloramine instead of chlorine for disinfectant, you need a carbon filter that is catalytic carbon to remove that. Yours uses chlorine though.

There are specific things that a carbon filter will will not remove - lead, nitrates and some others - but unless you have an issue with lead pipes in your home, those aren't going to be an issue for most people with municipal water. However, If you have an older home, particularly if you have children, have your water tested for lead.

This all assumes that your municipal water company is adhering to EPA regulations. There are situations where they don't - specifically where a utility is severely distressed. We saw it in Detroit, in some minority counties in Mississippi and I've seen in some tiny rural utilities that couldn't get nitrates under the limit.

So, yes a Brita pitcher will do most of what you want it to do. So will any one of a million under-sink carbon filters. These don't need to be expensive or complicated. You do have to change the filters regularly.

I use a standard filter holder and then I can install any one of dozens of carbon filters from various suppliers. But you can also use a specific brand if you wish. As I often say - this is commodity technology, there's no "special sauce" here.

Good, I think you will be happy with that system.

About the rabbit hole of pure water: Presumably none of us are a large team of epidemiologists, chemists, biologists, medical doctors, with access to large data sets, peer review, etc. that we would need to really weigh the risk / cost / benefit of various chemicals. And you CERTAINLY won't find that on a website selling water treatment. Those people exist in universities, the EPA, Health Departments, etc.

People are very bad about weighing relative risk: I once had a co-worker who was going on about residual chemicals on the apple I was about to eat. Of course I had washed the apple off, and I do recognize that we want to minimize exposure to that - but this co-worker was a smoker.

Her smoking was hundreds of times worse for her than whatever was left on that apple.

Same with the automobile example: That "new car smell" is off-gassing from dozens of chemicals from the plastics, foam, paint, fabrics, sealants, coatings etc. The interior of a new car is a "huffing bag" with a stereo and comfy seats. Actually driving someplace is statistically very dangerous. And lord help us on a motorcycle.

We tend to downplay the risks where we think we have control, such as driving. We also downplay risks based on their reward. We accept the risk of driving because it gets us to work and the grocery store. We elevate risks we don't understand - such as chemical residue.

There are very boring things that we can do to dramatically improve our health and live a long active life: Stop smoking, lose weight, be more active, improve our diets, dramatically reduce alcohol use, and get guns out of your home - particularly if you have children, young adults or middle age or older men in the home. Fluoride in the water is not on the list anywhere... but that, and things like it, is what distracts our attention from the real risks.

This is Kompy. I was around 30 when I joined Gardenweb way back when!! I turn 60 in June. Wow how time flies! Since then I got divorced, remarried, sent a kid off to college, had same kid decide to skip on college and start his career...but through it all have stayed a happy go lucky person...and I still love my job as a kitchen designer, going on 40 yrs! Me and new hubby are friends with old hubby. Stopped by his house yesterday with my son after the amazing OHIO Eclipse! I still come on Houzz everyday while I eat my lunch at my desk...which is what I did 30 years ago on GW! I've learned so much from all the pros here as well as the homeowners! I miss GW still...it seemed more close-knit and kind.

I started out as a new kid on GW and i learned so much there i became a crusty curmudgeon at houzz 🤣 Some of my favorite kitchens are on photobucket! I mean they WERE on photobucket.

I discovered GW around 10-11 years, so that is considered new compared to many of you!

I wondered if anyone knows what happened to Mamagoose? I miss her! I often wonder how she is. I have not seen her post in a really long time.

But why? I always hang my towels on the line so they are NOT soft. I love the abrasive absorbent quality and literally hate soft towels.

I'm still here. Reading new comments as they come. Shared this entire discussion with the wife. Let's see what she says.

Well gee!! wheeeeeze?? Who knew LOL

On a more serious note? It's both your money and we will send prayer for a better kitchen minus that pantry : ) ...............you're lurking at least. Encouraging.