How To Choose The Right Water Filtration System?

When my family and I moved from the city to a rural home it was a huge change. One of the biggest changes was no longer having access to the city water supply.

The house had a cistern, which is a large underground concrete water storage tank.

This meant that we had to get our household water delivered from a large tanker truck. We also decided to collect rain water as a way to save on the cost of water.

This also meant we had to take responsibility for the safety and quality of our water supply. 

Having proper water filtration isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. 

But with so many options out there, choosing the right filtration system can feel overwhelming. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best system for your home depends on where your water comes from— in our case, a cistern, and what your goals are for using it.

Let’s start with the basics. 

💧 1. Municipal Water

If your home is connected to the city’s water supply, your water is treated with chlorine and other chemicals to improve the clarity, before it reaches your tap—but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. While it keeps bacteria away, it also affects taste and smell. Chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, forever chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides and contaminants are still present in municipal tap water.

For city homes, carbon filtration for the whole house or reverse osmosis systems for drinking water are excellent choices to improve taste, remove chlorine, and give you clean, refreshing water every day.

💧 2. Cistern Water

Cisterns are a great way to collect and store water, but they come with their own challenges. Organic matter, viruses, bacteria, algae and bad smells  can develop over time, especially if the water sits untreated. 

In this case, a UV disinfection system—often paired with sediment and carbon filters—helps ensure your stored water stays safe, clear and odour free.

💧 3. Well Water

Well water comes straight from the ground, bringing with it a unique mineral profile. Iron, manganese, high calcium and magnesium content (hardness), sulphur and bacteria can be present in the water, depending on your area. Because every well is different, testing your water is the first step.

Based on the results, your system might include an iron filter, water softener, ultra violet disinfection and an optional reverse osmosis system for drinking water.

What’s Next?

🌿 Think About Your Water Goals

Do you want to filter all the water in your home—for bathing, laundry, and cooking—or are you mainly focused on drinking water quality?

 A whole-home filtration system ensures every tap delivers clean water, while a drinking water system targets one faucet for pure, great-tasting water. Your goals and lifestyle help determine which setup fits best.

💬 The Bottom Line

The right water filtration system depends on your water source and your priorities. Whether you’re dealing with city water, a cistern, or a well, a professional water test is the best way to understand what’s really in your water—and how to make it better.

✨ Ready to find the perfect system for your home? Contact us today for a free water assessment.