7 Best Whole House Water Filters for City Water (*Update 2024)
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Jan 31, 2024
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Top Pick: What’s the Best Whole House Water Filter for City Water?
The best whole house water filter for city water in 2024 is the SpringWell CF, because it protects your home and family from contaminants for up to 1 million gallons of water. It further improves water taste and smell, is easy to install and maintain, fast (9-20 gpm), and backed by a satisfaction guarantee and limited lifetime warranty.
Although city water gets treated at the water utility, it isn’t perfect. That’s where whole house city water filters come into play. They filter your home’s entire water supply so that you have access to clean water at every faucet, shower, etc.
But with so many products on the market, both good and bad, how do you find your ideal system? Well, you came to the right place, because we’ve done all the legwork for you. We evaluated 42 different models (and counting) creating this guide which will help you choose your ideal whole house water filter for city water with ease!
Contents
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No Time to Read? Check Our List of the Best Whole House Water Filters for City Water!
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
 Best Overall for City Water: SpringWell CF |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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Price: $$ Type: Catalytic Carbon + KDF Flow Rate: 9-20 gpm Filter Life: 1 Million gal Annual Cost: ~$40 Read Review: Click Mike’s Video Review: Click |
 Best for City Water with Lead or PFAS: PIONEER |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Type: Activated Carbon + Ionic Binder Flow Rate: 4.51-8.00 gpm Filter Life: 100,000 gal Annual Cost: ~$400 Read Review: Click |
 Best for Chromium 6: USWS Purely EZ |
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
|
Price: $ Type: Sediment + Carbon Flow Rate: 15 gpm Filter Life: 6-12 Months Annual Cost: ~$320 Read Review: Click |
 Best for Fluoridated City Water: Crystal Quest |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Type: Bone Char Flow Rate: 9-13 gpm Filter Life: 750,000-1,000,000 gal Annual Cost: ~$115-140 Read Review: Click |
 Best for Nitrite/Nitrate: USWS Matrixx Whole House City Water Filter |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
|
Price: $$$ Type: Cation Exchange Flow Rate: 7-15 gpm Filter Life: Several Years Annual Cost: ~$50-100 Read Review: Click |
 Best for Arsenic: Crystal Quest |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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Price: $$$ Type: Iron Oxide-Based Media Flow Rate: 9-13 gpm Filter Life: 750,000-1,000,000 Gallons Annual Cost: $40-60 Read Review: Click |
 Best for Pathogens: SpringWell SPRW-UV-15gpm UV Purifier |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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Price: $$ Type: UV Purification Flow Rate: 15 gpm Filter Life: 12 Months Annual Cost: ~$110 Read Review: Click |
Whole House City Water Filtration System Reviews
Our Top Picks
- SpringWell CF – Best Overall for City Water
- PIONEER – Best for Lead + PFAS
- USWS Purely EZ – Best for Chromium 6
- Crystal Quest – Best for Fluoride
- USWS Matrixx – Best for Nitrite/Nitrate
- Crystal Quest – Best for Arsenic
- SpringWell SPRW-UV-15gpm – Best for Pathogens
1. Best for City Water in General (Chlorine/Chloramine, Disinfection Byproducts & Organics): SpringWell CF
In our opinion, the best whole house water filter for city water in 2024 is Springwell’s CF filtration series.
It is tailor-made for purifying municipal tap water containing chlorine and/or chloramine, and other water contaminants typically found in city waters like disinfection byproducts (haloacetic acids, MBTE, and trihalomethanes).
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SpringWell CF Whole House City Water Filter |
|
| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Method: | Catalytic Carbon + KDF |
| Water: | 9-20 Gallons Per Minute |
| Capacity: | 1 Million Gallons |
| Annually: | ~$40 |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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|
Mike’s Video Review
Mike, one of our inhouse video content producers, has ordered, installed, and tested the SpringWell CF Whole House Water Filter in his own home – including lab testing for contaminant reduction rates. You cannot get more hands-on experience than that! Mike has documented the entire process and shares his findings the video below:
Other Specs
- Model: CF1, CF4, CF+
- Last Price: $1,016.44-$1,737.21
- Filter Stages: 2
- WxHxD: 9-13″x52-58″x9-13″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-80 psi
- Fitting: 1″-1.5″
- Warranty: Lifetime (Limited)
Key Features & Pros
- The first filtration stage uses a 5-micron pre-filter to sequester sediment and prevent clogging of the later filter stages.
- A KDF media bed then greatly reduces common water impurities such as chlorine and heavy metals, as well as controlling the growth of algae, viruses, and bacteria.
- At the heart of the system is high-end catalytic carbon media to adsorb a wide range of common contaminants like VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, as well as chlorine/chloramine.
- 3 different configurations are available:
- CF1 features a 9-gallon per minute flow rate and can accommodate 1 to 3 bathrooms.
- CF4 has a 12 gpm flow rate and can provide water to 4 to 6 bathrooms.
- CF+ offers an impressive 20 gpm flow rate and can deliver water to 7+ bathrooms.
- Installation is simple and can be completed yourself if you’re handy with DIY.
- A bypass valve, 1-inch elbow fittings, and detailed installation instructions and video come included.
- An optional installation kit with all necessary plumbing components can be purchased separately.
- The system is low maintenance and only requires the 5-micron pre-filter to be changed every 6 to 9 months. Yearly filter replacement costs are approximately $40.
- Springwell guarantees the system will reduce chlorine/chloramine below detectable levels for 1 million gallons or 6 years.
- A 6-month money-back guarantee is offered if you’re not satisfied.
- Limited lifetime warranty on fittings, tanks, filters, housings, valves, and bypasses.
- Excellent and responsive customer service.
Cons
- Included fittings are plastic rather than brass or copper. These are more prone to cross-threading and leaking.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
Springwell’s CF is best for homes with municipally supplied water that needs a high-quality, low-maintenance system with excellent chemical removal.
→ Read Full SpringWell CF Review
2. Best for City Water with Lead and/or PFAS: PIONEER Whole House Water Filter
If your city water contains lead and/or PFAS, the PIONEER whole house water filter is your ideal choice.
|
PIONEER Whole House Water Filter |
|
| Price: | $$$ |
| Filtration Method: | Activated Carbon + Ionic Binder |
| Water: | 4.51-8.00 Gallons Per Minute |
| Capacity: | 100,00 Gallons |
| Annually: | ~$400 |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: LCR-1
- Last Price: $1,554.98
- WxHxD: 8″x40″x8″
- Water Temperature: 34-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-125 psi
- Fitting: 1″
- NSF Certifications: Standard 53, P473
- Warranty: 1 Year to Lifetime (Limited)
Key Features & Pros
- Springwell’s PIONEER is the only whole house filter certified and tested to NSF Standard 53 for guaranteed lead removal. It removes both soluble and particulate forms of lead – which requires both an ionic binder and a very fine filter.
- Removes 99.62% of particulate and soluble lead.
- Carbon-based.
- The system is also certified to deal with PFOA/PFOS (97.9%, NSF P473) and cysts like Giardia and Crypto (>99.95%, NSF 53)
- The system will also greatly reduce chlorine and chloramine, some heavy metals aside from lead, and foul tastes and odors, making it ideal for treated municipal water.
- The flow rate is 4.51 gallons per minute with a peak rate of 8 gpm. This will provide water for 1 to 3 bathrooms, depending on your usage level.
- The PIONEER whole house city water filter uses an easy-to-read LED system to monitor both the flow rate and give you a color-coded notification of the filter status. Green means the filter is good, yellow means the filter has less than 10% life left, and red indicates the filter needs changing immediately.
- Installation can be performed yourself provided you have basic plumbing and DIY skills.
- The kit ships preassembled and includes a bypass valve and 1” fittings as well as detailed video and printed installation instructions.
- Replacing filters is simple and doesn’t require tools. The filter capacity is 100,000 gallons or 1 year.
- The unit comes with a 6-month satisfaction guarantee.
- Lifetime warranty on the system tank.
Cons
- Cost is fairly significant.
- The 8-gallon peak flow rate may not be enough to accommodate large homes.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 4.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
Springwell’s PIONEER is ideal for anyone on city water looking for an NSF-certified whole house lead removal system.
→ Read Full PIONEER Water Filter Review Here
3. Best for City Water with Chromium 6: US Water Purely EZ Whole House Triple Filter System
This whole house water filter system is laboratory tested to remove 85% of chromium 6 from your home’s city water supply.
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USWS Purely EZ Whole House Triple Filter System |
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| Price: | $ |
| Filtration Method: | Sediment Filter (1-Micron) + Powdered Activated Carbon + Radial Flow Carbon |
| Water: | 15 Gallons Per Minute |
| Capacity: | 6-12 Months |
| Annually: | ~$300-650 |
|
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
|
|
Other Specs
- Model: Purely EZ
- Last Price: $599.00
- Filter Stages: 3
- Water Temperature: Up to 100 °F
- Water Pressure: Up to 90 psi
- Fitting: 3/4-1″
Key Features & Pros
- The 3-stage filter combines a sediment pre-filter with two different carbon filer types to achieve an impressive level of contaminant removal.
- Stage 1: A 1-micron pleated polyester pre-filter removes sand, sediment, silt, and other large particulate matter.
- Stage 2: This stage uses a sub-micron filter with both powder-activated carbon and Agion Silver. Chemicals, chlorine, heavy metals including lead, various pharmaceuticals, as well as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cysts are removed during this stage. The Agion silver is embedded in the filter media and works to prevent biofouling and extend the filter’s lifespan.
- Stage 3: Lastly, a radial flow carbon filter removes excess chemical contaminants leaving you with clean, great-tasting water free of unpleasant tastes/odors.
- In addition to the chromium 6 removal, the system will remove or reduce arsenic 5, cadmium, VOCs, chlorine, BPA, PCBs, and more.
- The system offers an impressive 15-gallon per minute flow rate (20 at peak), which is more than enough for most households (4 to 6 bathrooms).
- Ships with a filter wrench, mounting bracket, and screws.
- Installation is not complex and can be completed just as easily as other cartridge-based whole house systems.
- Filter cartridges are simple to replace.
Cons
- The replacement filters are expensive and will run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $320 annually.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Life: 4.0/5.0
- Price: 4.5/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 3.5/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Best for
The US Water Purely EZ is best for whole house city water filtration with chromium 6 reduction.
4. Best for Fluoridated Tap Water: Crystal Quest CQE-WH-11630 Whole House Filter
In our opinion, the Crystal Quest CQE-WH-11630 Whole House Filter is best for fluoridated tap water.
The system is tailor-made to filter municipal water containing inorganic fluoride. And it will function effectively over a wide pH range.
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Crystal Quest CQE-WH-11630 Whole House Filter |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filtration Method: | Bone Char |
| Water: | 9-13 Gallons Per Minute |
| Capacity: | 750,000-1,000,000 Gallons |
| Annually: | ~$115-140 |
|
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: CQE-WH-11630, CQE-WH-11640
- Last Price: $1,665.00-$2,083.00
- Filter Stages: 3
- WxHxD: 10-12″x52-54″x10-12″
- Water Temperature: 35-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-60 psi
- Fitting: 3/4″ or 1″
- Warranty: 1 Year
Key Features & Pros
- The system features a mineral tank filled with fluoride-reducing bone char filter media. The bone char is based on granular activated charcoal. This offers the benefit of both a carbon surface area and a hydroxyapatite lattice surface for better efficiency.
- The filter removes 90-95% fluoride through adsorption as well as a chemical reaction.
- It will also help to remove lead, arsenic, and mercury.
- A copper-zinc alloy additive prevents microbial growth inside the mineral tank.
- The first filter stage is a 5-micron sediment pre-filer that traps sediments, silt, rust, and other large particles so they don’t clog the later filter stages.
- Additionally, a 5-micron coconut shell carbon block post-filter will remove leftover chemicals and contaminants and improve the water’s aesthetics.
- Whole house city water filter uses backwashing to prolong life of filter media.
- 2 different sizes are available:
- A 1.5 cubic foot filter media with a 750,000 gallons lifespan and a 9 to 11 gallon per minute flow rate (1-3 bathrooms).
- A 2 cubic foot filter media with a 1-million-gallon lifespan and a 10 to 13 gallon per minute flow rate (4+ bathrooms).
- The system comes standard with a fiberglass tank casing but can be upgraded to a stainless-steel casing for greater durability.
- Installation is not overly complex and detailed instructions are provided.
- The sediment pre-filter will last up to 2 years while the carbon post-filter will last between 12 and 18 months. The bone char media will last between 8 and 10 years depending on the level of usage.
- Annual maintenance costs average between $115 and $140 depending on which sized model you’ve selected.
- Comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons
- Up-front costs are fairly high.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The Crystal Quest CQE-WH-11630 is best for fluoride removal from city water at the point of entry.
5. Best for Nitrite/Nitrate: USWS Matrixx Whole House Filter for City Water
If you are facing elevated levels of nitrogen in your city water, the USWS Matrixx Nitrate Removal System is what you need. It contains a special kind of resin to attract and bind nitrates.
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US Water Systems Matrixx Nitrate Removal System |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filtration Method: | Cation Exchange |
| Water: | 7-15 Gallons Per Minute |
| Capacity: | Several Years |
| Annually: | ~$50-100 |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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Other Specs
- Model: 080-MXX-NT
- Last Price: $1,706.36-$2,066.36
- WxHxD: 9-12″x48-54″x9-12″
- Brine Tank Dimensions: 15″x35″x15″
- Weight: 100-160 lb
- Water Temperature: 39-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-125 psi
- Fitting: 3/4″ or 1″ MPT
- Warranty: 10 Years to Lifetime
Key Features & Pros
- Made in the USA with NSF-certified components for the highest quality!
- Special resin inside larger tank eliminates nitrogen on contact. How? The resin beads hold electrically charged sodium ions. As water flow through the system, nitrates are attracted to said beads replacing the ions.
- System utilizes salt to regenerate the resin, similar to a water softener.
- You can choose between:
- MXX-NT-100 with 7 gpm water flow (1 cubic feet resin) for 1-2 bathrooms.
- MXX-NT-200 with 15 gpm water flow (2 cubic feet resin) for 3+ bathrooms.
- By eliminating channeling of the filter media, the Vortech tank improves flow rates and also saves you water and salt (up to 70%) while backflushing.
- Easy installation; DIY-ready.
- Detailed instructions from A to Z + images.
- Built-in bypass.
- Tank protector wipes clean easily.
- You get a free bottle of ResKleen. It cleans the resin for improved longevity.
- Simple programming and valve real-time monitoring with smartphone app thanks to Bluetooth connectivity.
- Just download the Legacy View app (free).
- Alternatively: Use onboard buttons.
- Lifetime warranty on tank and resin, 10 years on valve + electronics + internal parts.
- Satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
- Only works with soft water of under 5 grains per gallon hardness. Above 5 gpg and you need to pre-treat your water using a water softener.
- Resin may degrade in the presence of chlorine/chloramines above 2 parts per million. So if your city water is over 2 ppm you need to pre-treat using a carbon filter.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The USWS Matrixx is best for whole house filtration of soft city water containing nitrate.
6. Best for Municipal Water Containing Arsenic: Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01147
If you need a whole house city water filter system for arsenic removal, the CQE-WH-01147 by Crystal Quest is your best bet. Arsenic reduction: Up to 99%!
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Crystal Quest Arsenic Whole House Water Filter |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Filtration Method: | Iron Oxide-Based Filter Media |
| Water: | 9-13 Gallons Per Minute |
| Capacity: | 750,000-1,000,000 Gallons |
| Annually: | $40-60 |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: CQE-WH-01147, CQE-WH-01148
- Last Price: $2,389.00-$2,862.00
- Filter Stages: 3
- WxHxD: 10-12″x52-54″x10-12″
- Water Temperature: 35-100 °F
- Water Pressure: 20-60 psi
- Fitting: ¾”-1″
- Warranty: 1 Year
Key Features & Pros
- The system uses a 3-stage filter process:
- The first stage is a sediment pre-filter to remove sand, silt, and other large particles that could clog the later filter stages.
- The second stage is Crystal Quest’s proprietary arsenic-reducing mineral tank. This stage removes up to 99% of arsenic from your tap water using a combination of adsorption, solid-state formulation, and adhesion. This includes both forms of arsenic occurring in water (arsenite and arsenate).
- Finally, a solid activated carbon filter cartridge removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and industrial solvents, while improving overall water taste and odor.
- 2 different sized units are available:
- A 1.5 cubic foot resin system with a 750,000-gallon lifespan and a 9 to 11 gallon per minute flow rate (1 to 3 bathrooms).
- A 2 cubic foot resin system with a 1-million-gallon capacity and a 10 to 13 gallon per minute flow rate (4 to 6 bathrooms).
- The system is available either with a fiberglass tank casing or a stainless-steel option for greater durability.
- Crystal Quest offers several optional filter stages as add-ons.
- A water softener to reduce water hardness. The arsenic filter media may increase water hardness, so an ion exchange resin softener helps return your water to a softer state – which helps prolong the life of household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
- A SMART water filter which uses a combination of coconut shell granular activated carbon (including catalytic carbon) and two forms of KDF media as well as anion exchange resin. This filter will remove or reduce heavy metals, chlorine/chloramine, pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, ceramic and tourmaline balls are used to balance the water’s pH level.
- Instructions are clear and installation can be completed yourself provided you have some DIY experience.
- Maintenance costs are low when compared with other whole house city filter systems. Just $40 to $60 annually for filter replacements.
- One-year limited warranty.
Cons
- The unit is costly when compared to other whole house water filter systems.
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The Crystal Quest CQE-WH-01147 is best for anyone looking for whole house water filtration of city water that’s highly effective against arsenic.
7. Best for City Water with Bacteria, Cysts, Viruses: SpringWell SPRW-UV-15gpm UV Water Purification System
SpringWell’s SPRW-UV-15gpm is a bit different. It’s a UV water purifier used to kill microorganisms.
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SpringWell SPRW-UV-15gpm UV City Water Purification System |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Filtration Method: | UV Purification |
| Water: | 15 Gallons Per Minute |
| Capacity: | 1 Year |
| Annually: | ~$110 |
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Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on effectiveness of filtration, flow rate, filter life, our testing, user ratings, customer support, product warranties, cost, and other factors.
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|
Gallery
Other Specs
- Model: SPRW-UV-15gpm
- Last Price: $1063.45
- UV Dose: 30 mJ/cm²
- Lamp Power: 50 Watts
- Width: 4″
- Height: 20″
- Water Temperature: 36-104 °F
- Water Pressure: 10-150 psi
- Fitting: 1″ MNPT
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Key Features & Pros
- The whole house UV water purification system is extraordinarily effective (up to 99.99%) against all forms of waterborne pathogens. This includes bacteria, viruses, cysts, fungi, and algae – think commonly found pathogens like E. coli, giardia, and cryptosporidium.
- The UV bulb generates 30 mJ/cm² – more than double the UV dose required to kill most typical waterborne pathogens.
- As the bulb is overpowered, it will have no issues dealing with E. coli, for instance, which only requires 6 mJ/cm² to eradicate 99.99%.
- System offers an impressive 15 gallon per minute flow rate – making it more than capable of providing water to 5 bathrooms.
- NSF-certified lead-free components.
- Full-color splash-proof LED screen gives you a clear description of system performance as well as any fault messages and diagnostics.
- An optional UV sensor module can be added to monitor the bulb intensity.
- Easy to install.
- Bulb replacement should be completed annually. This translates to $110 per year, which is not much compared to other whole house systems.
- 6-month risk-free satisfaction guarantee.
- Lifetime system warranty.
- Springwell customer service is responsive and top-notch.
Cons
- The system must be used with a sediment pre-filter or else the warranty is void. This is not a major issue though, as sediment pre-filters are required for UV filters to work effectively.
- Like other UV systems, the following water conditions will require pre-treatment for the system to work correctly:
- Hardness ≥ 7 gpg
- Manganese ≥ 0.05 ppm
- Turbidity ≥ 1 NTU
- Iron ≥ 0.3 ppm
- Tannins ≥ 0.1 ppm
Our Rating
- Filtration Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price: 4.0/5.0
- Maintenance Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
In our opinion, the SpringWell SPRW-UV-15gpm is the best whole house water filtration system for city water containing pathogens.
More Reviews:
- The Best Whole House Water Filter Reviews
- What Is the Best Whole House Water Filter Cartridge?
- Best Three-Stage Whole House Water Filter | Reviews
- What’s the Best Whole House Water Filter for Well Water?
- Best Whole House Sediment Filter Systems
- Whole House Carbon Filter Reviews
- Best Whole House Water Filters for Hard Water
- Whole House Alkaline Water Filter Reviews
- List with All Whole House Water Filters Featured on BOS
Comparison List
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Model | Price | Filtration Method | Water | Capacity | Annually | Warranty | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpringWell CF Whole House City Water Filter | $$ | Catalytic Carbon + KDF | 9-20 Gallons Per Minute | 1 Million Gallons | ~$40 | Limited Lifetime | |
| PIONEER Whole House Water Filter | $$$ | Activated Carbon + Ionic Binder | 4.51 to 8 Gallons Per Minute | 100,000 Gallons | ~$400 | 1 Year to Lifetime (Limited) | |
| USWS Purely EZ Whole House Triple Filter System | $ | Sediment Filter (1-Micron) + Powdered Activated Carbon + Radial Flow Carbon | 15 Gallons Per Minute | 6-12 Months | ~$300-650 | ? | |
| Crystal Quest CQE-WH-11630 Whole House Filter | $$$ | Bone Char | 9-13 Gallons Per Minute | 750,000-1,000,000 Gallons | ~$115-140 | 1 Year | |
| US Water Systems Matrixx Nitrate Removal System | $$$ | Cation Exchange | 7-15 Gallons Per Minute | Several Years | ~$50-100 | 10 Years to Lifetime | |
| Crystal Quest Arsenic Whole House Water Filter | $$$ | Iron Oxide-Based Filter Media | 9-13 Gallons Per Minute | 750,000-1,000,000 Gallons | $40-60 | 1 Year | |
| SpringWell SPRW-UV-15gpm UV City Water Purification System | $$ | UV Purification | 15 Gallons Per Minute | 1 Year | ~$110 | Limited Lifetime |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Whole House City Water Filtration System That’s Best for You
The following are key features worth considering when shopping for a whole house water filter for city water. They will help you choose the right on for your needs and budget.
The Contaminants in Your Water
First and foremost, before you consider purchasing any filtration system, you’ll want to determine the contaminants contained in your water. This will allow you to tailor your water filter to remove the precise contaminants present – rather than simply guessing blindly.
For municipally sourced water, several publicly available resources will give you an indication of which contaminants you’re dealing with. Namely, the EPA’s safewater or the EWG’s Tap Water Database will both give you an analysis of the contaminants found in your public water utility.
But remember: While these public resources are useful at giving you an idea of what you’re dealing with, they don’t offer a precise reading. This is especially true in homes with older plumbing which can have an issue with lead leaching.
For a more precise contaminant analysis, you can either order a home test kit or have your water professionally tested. Home test kits are relatively inexpensive and provide instant results, but they are limited in the types of contamination they can test and results aren’t always reliable.
Professional testing on the other hand will give you an in-depth analysis of all contaminants in your water, along with accurate contaminant quantities, but at higher cost.
Whole House Water Filters for City Water – Types
When it comes to whole house city water filters, there are several different types – each targeting specific contaminants.
Filters for Chlorine/Chloramine
Chlorine and chloramine are both commonly used chemicals in municipal water treatment for killing microbial contaminants. Unfortunately, they also give water a poor taste and odor among other side effects.
Whole house activated carbon filters excel at removing chlorine from water – but most aren’t very effective at removing chloramine. Catalytic carbon filters, on the other hand, are highly effective at removing chlorine plus chloramine. These filters undergo a special chemical process to enhance their ability to remove chemicals such as chloramine and hydrogen sulfide.
Carbon filters – both catalytic and regular activated carbon – will also remove a variety of other contaminants including VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, and poor tastes and odors.
Filters for Lead
When you’re dealing with city water lead contamination can be a serious concern. This is especially true for older homes with lead plumbing or service lines.
Lead can be removed using specialized ionic and particulate filters. As there are two forms of lead present in homes with lead service lines – particulate and soluble – both need to be removed to have completely lead-free water.
Filters for Chromium 6
Chromium 6 – also known as hexavalent chromium – is a contaminant that can enter the water supply through discharges from dye/pigments, wood preservatives, and chrome plating waste. It can cause serious health effects when ingested.
Good news is, there are a few different whole house water filter systems capable of removing chromium 6 from city water.
Filters for Fluoride
Fluoride is often added to drinking water during municipal water treatment. It can be removed using a variety of filtration techniques, including reverse osmosis and bone char.
Filters for Nitrates/Nitrites
Low levels of nitrates or nitrates in drinking water are not an issue for most adults – but can be harmful to infants. High levels can cause cancer, increased miscarriage risk, and fatigue/dizziness in people of all ages.
Nitrates and nitrites can be effectively removed using ion exchange and other specialized resin media filters.
Filters for Arsenic
Activated carbon filtration, ion exchange, and activated alumina all remove arsenic from water and can be used at the point of entry.
Filters for Bacteria/Cysts/Viruses
Generally speaking, municipal water treatment excels at eliminating microbial contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and cysts. However, if you want to be 100% sure your water is free of microbes, a UV filter is the best option.
These filters pass your water through a tube containing a high-powered UV bulb to eliminate over 99% of microbes. While the UV light doesn’t actually filter these microbes out of your water – it does kill them – rendering them harmless.
NSF Testing/Certifications
The NSF is an independent organization that conducts testing and issues certifications on a variety of consumer products including water filters. While whole house filtration systems don’t typically come with NSF certifications, if you do find one, you can be completely confident that the contaminant reduction claims made are accurate.
From the above list, the Springwell PIONEER is NSF-certified for lead, PFOA/PFOS, and cyst removal.
Water Flow Rate
A system’s flow rate refers to its flow capacity – meaning the quantity of water that can flow through the system at one time. When referring to a whole house system, this number is of particular importance, as it will determine how much water you will be able to run through the system from all the faucets in your home.
The flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (gpm), but most manufacturers will also give you the corresponding number of bathrooms the system is capable of providing.
For a large home with 4 to 6 bathrooms, you’ll want a system with at least 10 to 15+ gpm. Installing a system with too low of a flow rate will result in pressure issues when running multiple outlets at once. Too high of a gpm will mean you overpay for an oversized system.
Filtration Capacity
Filtration capacity refers to how long the filter cartridges or loose filter media will last. Tank-based filter systems tend to have much greater capacities than cartridge-based systems, which means fewer filter changes. This often translates to a higher up-front cost for tank-based systems but lower costs in the long run due to less frequent filter changes.
Installation
Most whole house water filter systems can be installed on your own provided you have a little DIY and plumbing knowledge. Most manufacturers will include detailed installation instructions as well as the necessary bypass valves to complete the installation.
Completing the installation yourself will also save you money from not hiring a plumber/contractor – although this is always an option if you feel the job is beyond your skill level.
Maintenance
Most whole house water filters for city water don’t require too much maintenance other than occasional filter changes. Cartridge systems will require more frequent filter changes than tanked systems, but even these filters take just minutes to replace.
More on Whole House Water Filters for City Water
Further Reading:
What Is a Whole House Water Filter for City Water?
A whole house water filter for city water refers to any point-of-entry water filtration system which will remove contaminants found in city water.
Whole house systems – as the name suggests – filter all of the water flowing into your home. They are installed at the main water supply line.
How Does a Whole House Water Filter System for City Water Work?
The specific filter operation of a whole house water filter for city water varies depending on the filter type you’re referring to, but all systems will treat all of the water coming into your home. As a result, all of the water outlets in your home will have filtered water flowing through them inducing the kitchen, bathroom, appliances, and sometimes outside. This can extend the lifespan of appliances in some cases, particularly if your water filter removes water hardness.
Many filter systems will feature some form of preliminary particle filter to remove sand, silt, and other large particles. This will help with water aesthetics, and can also help extend the lifespan of household appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are whole house water filters for city water worth the investment?
While municipal water treatment is very effective at removing certain contaminants – namely harmful microbes – they are far from perfect, and can’t remove everything. While a whole house water filter isn’t cheap, it will give you targeted contaminant removal for all of the water in your home. Whether or not it’s worth the investment is an individual decision. - Where are whole house city water filters installed?
These filters are typically installed at the main line where water enters the home. - How long does a whole house water filter last on municipal water?
This varies widely depending on the specific filter type. Whole house filtration systems can last 10+ years on municipal water as long as they are properly maintained with regular filter changes. Individual cartridges may only last 12 to 24 months before they need replacement.
Additionally, how long a given filter will last depends on how much water you run through it, your water quality, and the filter type. - How much does a whole house filter for city water cost?
Once again, this will depend on the filter in question, but typically your looking at -200 for a basic sediment filter to several thousand dollars for a complex multi-stage system. - How often do you need to maintain a city water filter?
A filter’s maintenance schedule will depend on the type. Cartridge-based systems typically require annual filter cartridge replacement, while tank-based systems will last for 5+ years before needing your attention.
How We Chose and Tested the Best Whole House Water Filters for City Water (Why Trust Us)
Here is a basic idea of how we went about and found whole house water filters which, in our opinion, are best suited for city water treatment:
- We identified 21 critical criteria to check each product for.
- We collected 42+ different systems for review.
- Using manuals, descriptions, warranty conditions, lab reports, and NSF certifications, we narrowed the list down to 15 contenders.
- We gathered feedback from real users and other third-party sources, eliminating 8 more products.
- We ordered and tested some (not all!) of the remaining whole house filters, measuring contamination reduction rates with the help of test kits, and considering installation difficulty, maintenance needs, water pressure/flow, water aesthetics, and other factors – each filter would operate for at least one month.
- The final step was to prepare all information and present it in a user-friendly format.
Our buying guide is 100% independent, unbiased, and fact-checked. The evaluation of claims to reduce contamination, assigned as a significant responsibility to Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS, included online verification of NSF standards.
About Our Ratings
We evaluate whole house city water filters based on: Contaminant reduction rates tested against NSF standards (30%), upfront and annual maintenance cost (25%), our testing plus third-party feedback (20%), filter life (15%), support & warranties (10%).
We’ve rated each system on a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating.
Questions? Ask away!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.