Beginner’s guide to water filters: How they work & what to choose

Nowadays, we are concerned about our food, skincare, and hygiene, but how often do we ask ourselves: what is actually in our water? 

We place too much trust in the quality of our water. How? We think that it’s safe without ever checking what’s actually in it. So, about a year ago, I moved into a new apartment. New building, new fixtures, new furniture, new everything. Soon, I noticed white stains forming on my beautiful new forks. It made me ask a simple question: what is in my water? 

In this post, I’ll cover what I installed to improve my water, how to maintain it, what it costs, and why every household should consider filtration. 

Why Bottled Water Isn’t Enough 

Many people assume that buying bottled water makes them “water conscious.” But water isn’t just something you drink; it’s everything. There is water in your cooking, your cleaning, and your appliances. Running a water filtration company in Armenia called Aqua Standard has shown me that once you understand what’s really in your water, you can’t go back. 

Understanding Water Filtration: Think Like a Doctor 

The easiest way to understand water filtration is to imagine water as a human and the filter as a doctor. 

When you go to a doctor, they don’t just take medicine for everything; they treat a specific problem. Headache? Take an Advil. Stomachache? Take stomach medicine — and in the correct dosage. 

Similarly, not all filters are created equally. You need to first know the problem in your water, then choose the right solution and dosage.

The Four Main Categories of Water Contaminants 

For simplicity, contaminants can be grouped into four categories: 

1. Suspended particles – these are visible particles, from leaves to sand. 
2. Dissolved solids/substances – invisible elements like salts, minerals, or heavy metals. 
3. Disinfectants – chemicals like chlorine and chloramine or other, used to kill bacteria. 
4. Pathogens – bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illness. 

Each category requires a specific type of filtration. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. 

Tip: Before buying a filter, test your water! Even a basic home test can reveal if your water is too hard or has high chlorine — this helps you choose the right filtration system from the get go. 

Testing Your Water 

Before choosing a filter, you need to test your water. The two main tests are: 

1. Hardness Test – measured in German degrees or ppm. Hard water has a high mineral content, which can cause white stains and affect appliances. Soft water is below 4 degrees; above 7 is very hard. In my apartment, the water tested at 10 German degrees, which is very hard. (EPA regulations) 
2. Chlorine Test – chlorine disinfects water but can be harmful at high concentrations. Levels vary with temperature, often higher in summer. My test came back at 0.8 ppm, still within the acceptable moderate range but worth reducing. (WHO guidelines)

Why New Apartments Need Filters 

Even if your building is new, a water filter is essential because: 

1. New piping – metals can leach into water. 
2. Construction debris – pipes still carry residues. 
3. Low water circulation – creates conditions for bacteria to develop. 

My Water Filtration Setup 

Step 1: Three-Stage Point-of-Entry Filter  

• Stage 1: Removes large, suspended particles. 
• Stage 2: Captures smaller particles like dust. 
• Stage 3: Reduces chlorine depending on concentration. 

This is a must-have for any apartment. 

Step 2: Water Softener  

• Reduces hardness by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium. 
• In this video, I do mention some prices for installing this system.

Why It’s Worth the Investment 

1. Protect your home – no more white stains, longer appliance life. 
2. Better skin and hair – hard water dries skin and hair. 
3. Laundry benefits – clothes stay whiter; towels fluffer, less detergent needed. 
4. Home love – guests get clear water and ice, which is only possible with proper filtration. 
5. Health – supports body as a whole.
6. Taste – to me, filtered water often tastes better which encourages more hydration. 

My Drinking Water: Reverse Osmosis 

For drinking, I use reverse osmosis water: 

• Input TDS: 165 ppm 
• Output TDS: 7 ppm 

This system removes most contaminants, including minerals. I supplement minerals through my diet, but some systems allow mineral addition if desired. 

Dos and Don’ts 

• Do consult a professional before purchasing. 
• Don’t buy from sketchy brands or without water analysis. 
• Don’t assume all filters work the same. 
• Do maintain your system regularly. 
• Do check certificates as not all filters work the same 

Where to Get Filters 

If you live in Armenia, you can visit our store Aqua Standard check a specialized water treatment shop aqua standard. Otherwise, find a certified supplier online or locally. Always confirm that replacement cartridges or spare parts are available; otherwise, the system becomes useless. 

 Who is this for? 

You would love this read if you’re moving into a new apartment or house and want to protect their pipes, appliances, skin, and health.

Final Takeaway 

Stop focusing only on food — your water matters too.

• Understand contaminants – Heavy metals, chlorine, salts, and microbes affect health, appliances, and taste.
  
• Test your water – Even new apartments can have hard water or residual chemicals; testing guides the right filtration.
  
• Choose the right filter – Not all filters solve the same problems; match the system to your water issues.
  
• Maintain your system – Replace cartridges and service regularly to ensure safe, clean water.
  

Result: Healthy water improves your body, home, and overall quality of life.

P.S. Check this water intake calculator based on your body needs!

If you want help choosing the right filter based on your actual water test, send us your results,  we can guide you or you can check out this video where I cover a breakdown of my new home filtration system as well as the prices for each.

FAQ

1. Is 0.8 ppm chlorine safe?

Yes, it’s considered safe to drink.
But many people can smell or taste chlorine even at low levels, which is why a simple filter instantly makes water feel cleaner.

2. What’s the difference between TDS and hardness?

TDS is the total amount of dissolved minerals, salts, and metals.
Hardness is just calcium and magnesium.
So, high TDS affects taste, while high hardness affects your skin, hair, dishes, and appliances.

3. Do new apartments need water filters?

Surprisingly, yes — even brand-new ones.
Water still passes through old city pipes and rooftop tanks before reaching your tap, so filtration gives you a clean, final step.

4. Are carbon filters enough for drinking water?

They help a lot with chlorine, smell, and taste.
But they can’t fix everything, so if your water has high TDS or other contaminants, you may need a more complete filtration setup.

5. What happens if you don’t maintain your filters?

They clog and stop doing their job.
In the worst case, an unmaintained filter can actually make your water dirtier — so changing cartridges on time is key.

6. Why does my water leave white stains?

Because your water is hard — full of calcium and magnesium.
It’s harmless, but it builds up on faucets, dishes, and shower glass unless you soften or filter the water.

7. Does bottled water mean “better water”?

Not always. It’s just processed water in a plastic bottle.
Filters often give you the same or better quality without the cost or plastic waste.