Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated: Sep 15, 2023
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Compared to other impurities, fluoride is harder to remove from water.
However, there are a few ways to do it without spending too much money.
Read on as we explore the various methods available for fluoride removal and see whether they are budget-friendly or not.
So, how to remove fluoride from water cheaply?
Key Takeaways
For starters, below are the common and effective methods used to remove fluoride from water:
One of the most common methods to remove fluoride is bone char filtration. This method works by passing water through a filter filled with bone char made from cattle bones. The fluoride ions in the water will then bind to the bone char, leaving the water fluoride-free.
The only downside to this method is that it can be pretty costly, especially if you need to process large amounts of water. For example, the Crystal Quest Whole House Fluoride Water Filter Cartridge based on bone char costs $276 apiece and lasts for about 20,000 gallons.
Activated alumina is another popular method used for fluoride removal. The method uses a type of aluminum oxide with a high surface area, making it ideal for adsorbing (binding to) contaminants like fluoride.
This method passes water through a bed of activated alumina beads. The fluoride ions will bind to the beads, and the water will come out free of fluoride.
Activated alumina filter media is slightly more affordable than bone char. For example, some under sink water filter are available for less than $100.
Reverse osmosis is a process that uses pressure to force water through a semipermeable membrane. This membrane will allow water molecules to pass through but block out impurities like fluoride ions.
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective ways to remove fluoride from water, but it can be expensive due to the higher initial cost of the equipment and the need for regular replacement filters.
The most affordable RO systems start at around $100, but we recommend investing at least $200. For annual maintenance, expect to pay another $100-200.
If electricity was free, perhaps the most affordable way to remove fluoride from water would be to distill it. This process involves boiling water and collecting the resulting steam – a rather simple process.
The steam will then condense back into the water, but since fluoride has a higher boiling point than water, it will be left behind and will not be present in the distilled water.
Distilling 1 gallon of water costs about $0.35-0.50.
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is an herb that is known for its ability to remove fluoride from water. To use this method, simply boil a bunch of holy basil leaves in water for about 20 minutes. Let the mixture cool down and then strain it before drinking.
While the process itself is easy and affordable, holy basil may be hard to come by. It is native to India but not widely available in other parts of the world.
Also, this process is not suited to be used at scale.
Using filters is a common way to remove fluoride from water – plus, it’s cheap! There are different types of water filters available, but we’ll make it easier for you by compiling a list of our recommended filters to use for fluoride removal. Let’s dive in!
Side note: We definitely recommend point-of-use water filtration here. It’s far more affordable than removing fluoride from your home’s entire water supply.
Regular Price: $90
If you’re looking for a powerful water filter pitcher, look no further than the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher (more info).
This is the only one on the market NSF-tested to remove fluoride (99.5%), lead, and over 365 other contaminants.
Regular Price: $65.00
Clearly Filtered also offers a water filter bottle (more info) which is perfect for when you’re on the go.
It uses a filter cartridge to remove fluoride and 220 other contaminants.
What’s more, the brand offers three options for the casing: stainless steel, glass, and Tritan plastic.
Regular Price: $387
The Big Berkey Water Filter (more info) is one of Berkey’s bestsellers, and for a good reason.
It is a portable countertop unit that uses gravity filtration to provide high-quality water.
It is certified to remove fluoride and many other contaminants, including lead and bacteria.
Regular Price: $449.00
Based on our testing, the AquaTru Countertop RO System (more info) remains at the top for fluoride removal using reverse osmosis.
It has a proven fluoride reduction rate of 93.5% and boasts multiple NSF standards.
The cherry on top is that it is quite easy to install. Just place it on your countertop and plug in the power cable.
Current Price: $279
The Megahome Water Distiller (more info) comes in different casings, but the inside material is made of stainless steel or glass, to prevent potential recontamination. Like all water distillers, this one doesn’t come with NSF certification because the process itself effectively removes most impurities. However, it is UL-listed for safety.
So, what’s the cheapest way to remove fluoride from water?
Well, the ideal fluoride filtration process for you depends on a few factors:
Fluoride can be found in other sources aside from your water supply. If you want to reduce your fluoride consumption, follow these tips.
Many processed foods contain fluoride, especially those that are made with fluoridated water. Although it is difficult to avoid processed food altogether, you can reduce your intake of such products to limit your exposure to fluoride.
Organic fruits and vegetables are less likely to be contaminated with fluoride than non-organic produce. This is because some fluoride pesticides are used on crops.
Most tubes of toothpaste contain fluoride, but there are brands that offer fluoride-free options. However, remember that fluoride is good for your teeth. Consult your dentist first before making the switch.
Some pharmaceuticals may contain fluoride. If you take these supplements regularly, consider switching to a brand that does not contain fluoride. Always check the labels to be sure.
No, boiling water does not remove fluoride. Rather, it may do the opposite and increase the level of fluoride in water. This is because when water boils, it evaporates and leaves behind any impurities, including fluoride.
While fluoride is considered safe in small doses, too much of it can be harmful. It is known to cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, leading to stiffness, pain, and damage to the teeth and bones. In extreme cases, it can even lead to disabilities.
Excess fluoride ingestion is also associated with cognitive impairment in children, such as reduced IQ and attention deficit disorder.
Lastly, too much fluoride can affect the thyroid gland and lead to thyroid problems.
If you have any questions about the cheapest way to remove fluoride from water please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
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