My score for water filter systems

We had only been in our new house a few months when we found out we were expecting. We’ve always been environmentally conscious and have done away with plastic water bottles, opting instead for reusable options. But with a baby on board and renovations already underway in our new home, we decided it was time to up our water game with a water filtration system.But finding the right system proved almost as difficult as finding the right house.

The water filtration market is both crowded and complex, making it difficult for Canadians to sort true benefits from marketing spin.

With prices for systems ranging from $50 to $5,000, I created a simple scoring template, factoring price, contaminant reduction level, convenience, taste, PH levels and other health benefits.

Giving a rating on price was simple enough, with inexpensive store-bought options like Brita rating highest, and comprehensive, built-in systems like Kangen rating on the lower end. (brita, fridge 50–150. Berky 300–400. Culligan, Sorso, Kinetico 1300–1700. Kangen 4000–4500)

When it came to contaminant reduction, I afforded higher scores to systems that are both carbon based and use reverse osmosis (RO). Unlike carbon alone, which removes chlorine and improves taste, RO systems remove up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, microplastics, fluoride, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and many more.

In terms of convenience, I looked at a number of factors. First was availability of the water; everyone’s experienced craving a cold glass of water on a hot day, only to find the Brita pitcher near empty, and I didn’t want to have to wait for my water. I also wanted an option that wouldn’t take up counter space or require additional electricity. And I gave bonus points for systems that provide boiling water straight from the tap.

To compare PH levels, I first had to educate myself about what they meant and their health benefits.

Reverse osmosis (RO) does a good job of purifying water, but in the process of removing contaminants,, it also removes a lot of the minerals and electrolytes that are essential to helping our bodies maintain a good pH level. RO systems therefore result in water that is very acidic.The reviews on the Kangen system have also been controversial; this system uses electricity to treat the water, and some nutritionists believe that this process hurts the DNA of the water. Instead, many believe it is better to alkalize the water with natural minerals. I liked the fact that Sorso actually adds back natural minerals to bring the pH level to around 8.5.

Finally, and some might argue most importantly, I considered taste. My wife and I couldn’t agree on which of the systems offered the best tasting water but we did agree that all of them tasted much better than tap water.

After extensive research and deliberation, the winner was… Sorso! While my original plan was to spend a bit less, we chose Sorso Wellness Water. In addition to all of the benefits already considered, I discovered that Sorso also naturally ionizes and hydroboosts water, giving our growing family even more health benefits.

We’re very happy with our choice, and thrilled to be done with plastic water bottles for good!!