In Louisiana, water safety is a serious concern. For those in Orleans Parish especially, the city’s drinking water may not be safe to consume. Many of our customers are asking: are water filtration systems worth it? Here at Goodbee, we’ll share our expert knowledge so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Advantages of Water Filtration Systems
A lot of us think about the safety benefits of water filtration first and foremost, and that is undoubtedly one of the most significant advantages. But there are many other benefits to consider when deciding if a water filtration system is worth it for your household.
Health and Safety
While city water is treated to meet certain safety standards, it can still contain trace amounts of chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and other impurities. Substances like chlorine, lead, and mercury can sometimes make their way into the water supply.
As in the case of Orleans Parish, there are also instances where municipalities may not be following all standard procedures or investigating issues in a timely manner. According to a 2022 report from the EPA, 27% of municipal water systems failed to meet one or more drinking water standards.
Water filtration systems act as an additional safeguard, significantly reducing or eliminating these contaminants. For families with young children, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems, having clean water can be especially important.
Potential Cost Savings
If you’re choosing between a water filtration system and municipal water, you’re not going to save money. But if you’re already convinced that your city water isn’t fit to drink and you’re choosing between water filtration and bottled water, you could save money in the long run by investing in a water filtration system.
Bottled water, despite its convenience, can add up significantly over time. For a family, purchasing bottled water weekly can quickly become a significant ongoing expense, with annual costs reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
While the upfront cost of a water filtration system can seem high, there are few ongoing costs—usually just periodic filter replacements and minimal maintenance. For many households, a water filtration system pays for itself within a few years compared to what you’d spend on bottled water over the same time.
Environmental Impact
In the U.S. alone, over 50 billion plastic water bottles are used annually, with most ending up in landfills or polluting natural ecosystems. Louisianans are no stranger to environmental issues, and many of us are proud to do our part. By switching to a home water filtration system, you can significantly reduce your reliance on bottled water, helping to cut down on plastic waste. Many water filtration systems are designed to last for years, and the filters themselves are often replaceable and recyclable, making it a far more sustainable solution.
Costs of Water Filtration Systems
Are water filtration systems worth the cost? When it comes to the disadvantages of getting a water filtration system, it really just comes down to price (unless you are a renter, in which case, you may also face limitations in your options for installation). We know this is a major concern for many customers, so we’ll break down what these costs can look like.
Initial Costs
Your initial costs will largely depend on the type of system you choose. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options to meet your needs, from small, budget-friendly solutions to whole-house systems designed for comprehensive filtration. Here are the most common options:
- Faucet-Mounted Filters: These systems are affordable and easy to install, often costing between $20 to $50. They attach directly to a sink faucet and provide basic filtration, removing chlorine, sediments, and some contaminants.
- Countertop and Under-Sink Filters: These offer more robust filtration than faucet-mounted filters, targeting a broader range of contaminants. Countertop filters generally range from $50 to $200, while under-sink systems are often priced between $100 and $500. Installation is usually relatively simple for countertop systems, while under-sink models may require professional installation, generally adding $100–$200 in labor costs.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Known for their high filtration capacity, RO systems typically range from $200 to $600 for point-of-use models (like those under the sink) and $1,000 to $4,000 for whole-house systems. Because installation for reverse osmosis systems is more complex, professional installation is usually required, often costing an additional $200–$500 depending on system complexity.
- Whole-House Filtration Systems: These systems provide filtered water to every tap in the home, covering drinking, cooking, and bathing. In general, whole-house systems range from $800 to $5,000, depending on the brand, filtration type, and capacity. Installation for these systems is more involved and can add around $500–$1,000 in labor costs.
Interested in how these different systems compare? Check out our blog on how water filtration system installation works.
Maintenance Costs
As we mentioned earlier, most of your costs will be upfront. If you can afford to purchase and install a water filtration system in your home, you will likely be looking at much more minimal costs moving forward.
Maintaining a water filtration system requires periodic upkeep to ensure it continues working effectively. While this will also depend on the system you choose, here are a few common maintenance costs to consider:
- Filter Replacements:
- Faucet-Mounted and Countertop Filters: Filters usually need replacement every 3–6 months, generally costing between $10 and $50 per filter, depending on the model.
- Under-Sink Filters: These filters generally last 6–12 months, with replacement costs typically ranging from $20 to $100 per filter.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: In most cases, RO filters need replacement every 6–12 months, with costs often ranging between $50 and $200 annually, depending on the specific filters required.
- Whole-House Filters: These systems often include sediment pre-filters, carbon filters, and in some cases, UV lights. Annual filter replacement costs typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the complexity of the system.
- Repairs and Professional Check-Ups:
- Minor repairs, such as replacing worn parts or addressing small leaks, are usually inexpensive, averaging $50–$200 depending on the repair.
- For more complex systems like RO or whole-house filters, it’s recommended to schedule a professional inspection annually. This usually costs between $100 and $300, ensuring the system works its best and lasts as long as possible.
Get Help with Water Filtration from Goodbee
So, are water filtration systems worth it? That’s a question only you can answer, but we hope that our advice has helped with your decision!
If you want to get a water filtration system for your home, we can help you get the job done safely and efficiently. We provide water filtration system installation and maintenance you can count on.
Call us today at 985-893-1883 to schedule your service!