First, get a water test kit from your local hardware store—or just check your city’s annual water quality report online. If you see high levels of lead or nitrates, go reverse osmosis. If your water just tastes “off,” a faucet-mount or pitcher will do the trick.
Consider your budget, your ego, and your landlord. There’s no shame in starting small; I used a Brita pitcher for years before I got fancy. The best system is the one you actually use, not the one that looks cool on YouTube.
Oh, and one more thing: don’t forget to flush your filters according to the manual. That “new filter” taste is just carbon dust, and it goes away after a few minutes of running water. You’re welcome.
So whether you’re team under-sink, team countertop, or team “I’ll just boil everything,” the goal is the same: water that doesn’t make you question your life choices. Your taste buds—and your dog—will approve.
