Fecal Matter In the Water? There’s a Filter for That

When we first decided to be world-travelers, we had this romanticized idea that we would train our  immune systems to handle unfamiliar foods and water like the locals. We figured our bodies would adjust and get to the point where they could digest the foreign bacteria without any adverse side-effects. When we first moved to American Samoa, we decided to start by eating the local foods and buy filtered water, then we would slowly introduce the tap water, so our bodies wouldn’t be completely shocked.

My mind was immediately changed the first time I went to a water-filling station here on the island. There, posted front and center, was a notice that local, unfiltered water contained all kinds of contaminants, including fecal matter. Once I saw those two words, I couldn’t get the imagery out of my mind.

We began making regular trips to the water filling stations. It was fun at first, each of the kids begged to be the one to help. Very quickly, though, the novelty wore off and it became yet another chore.

Time for a Filtration System of Our Own

We decided to search for an alternative. At the time, I wrote a post about our dilemma and received a lot of great recommendations for water filters. As it turns out, there are so many water filtration options available on-line! It can be dizzying. Depending on what your budget is, there is everything from an under-the-sink reverse osmosis system to a straw that filters water as you drink through it.

We started researching the best system for our family. That one perfect system that would satisfy our needs without breaking the bank. Then one day, when we were fed up with the chore of making yet another water run, we got a little impulsive and headed down to Ace (our local hardware store). We were determined to choose one from what they had to offer. There weren’t many options…

Standing in the store, we did a quick review search on-line and found that the PUR Classic Faucet Filtration System was our best bet. It fit within our price-range and seemed like it would do the job. Now, six months later, we stand by our choice.

What We Like About the Filter

On the box, it says “Easy 1-click installation” and it’s true. There were four adapters in the box– one for pretty much any kind of faucet. Once the adapter is in place, the filter mounts with a simple squeeze. That’s it! You’re ready to filter fecal matter out of your tap water.. So simple that even our six year-old, Holden, can easily take it off and put it back on. And Kip, our four year-old can turn it on and off, helping himself to clean, drinking water without any help.

There’s a small LED light on the side that let’s you know when the filter needs to be changed. The light goes from green, to yellow, to red. New filters shouldn’t break your budget, either. They’re reasonably priced and we’ve only had to change it one time in the six months that we’ve been using it (and we didn’t even let it get to red!).

The PUR Classic Faucet filtration system is compact and inexpensive. Even with our higher island prices, we only paid $34. You can find them for much less on-line. With our traveling lifestyle, this PUR filtration system can easily fit into luggage or a backpack. We love the ability to have clean water anywhere we travel.

It comes in two different colors: white and black. Making it easier to fit the decor of most kitchens. Or, for about $15 more, you can get one in either chrome or stainless steel.

What We Don’t Like

Having the filtration system installed takes away 2” of clearance under the faucet. Which can be a pain, but it’s easily removable and replaceable. Long story short, we’ve learned to make it work.

The warning light on the side has gone from yellow, back to green. If we open the filtration system when the light is yellow, it will change back to green when we close it up again, even if it still has the old filter in it. Fortunately, even when the light is red, it doesn’t mean the water is not being filtered. It just means that the filter is full enough that it will affect the water pressure. Still, since we are dealing with some seriously contaminated water (remember the words fecal matter?), we don’t want to take our chances.

While I haven’t noticed a difference, Nate says he prefers the taste of the water from the water filling stations. Whether that taste is from the filtration system or just from the water coming through the pipes, I couldn’t tell you. So, every once in a while, he’ll fill a gallon of water for his own personal drinking pleasure. Again, I haven’t been able to tell a difference, but there you go.

Water Filter in Summary

The PUR Classic Faucet Filtration System is affordable, dependable, and easy to use. It can take up valuable real estate in your sink and may slightly change the taste of your water. For the price, it’s a great option for families on a budget. Whether you live in Suburbia and are looking for an added measure of peace of mind, or in a developing country where clean drinking water doesn’t run from your tap, you should give the PUR Classic Faucet Filtration System a try.

Let me know if you’ve used one. How did you like it? Have you found a better option? Either way, I’d love to know.

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