If you’re trying to improve the water in your Tampa Bay home, you’ve probably seen terms like filtered, purified, and reverse osmosis water. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they don’t necessarily mean the same thing. 

Understanding the difference can help you choose a water treatment system that makes sense for your home, your water quality, and your family.  

What Is Filtered Water? 

Filtered water has passed through a filter designed to reduce specific contaminants or improve characteristics such as taste, odor, or appearance. 

Different filters target different things. Depending on the technology, filtration may reduce sediment, chlorine, certain chemicals, or other unwanted substances. 

The key takeaway? Not every water filtration system removes the same contaminants. The type of filter and its certifications matter. 

We have several systems depending on what suits your home. Most homeowners choose a whole-home water filtration system. These treat water where it enters your home. That means, ALL your taps, showers, and appliances get filtered water. Whole-home filtration is perfect for families who are looking for a safe and reliable solution to filter water in their entire home. 

You’ll experience: 

• Cleaner water throughout the home 

• Reduced scale buildup 

• Improved appliance performance 

• Great tasting water out of every tap 

What Is Purified Water? 

“Purified water” generally refers to water that has undergone a treatment process designed to remove impurities. The term can describe water treated through several different technologies, including filtration, distillation, or (one of our favorites) reverse osmosis. 

That means “purified” doesn’t necessarily tell you how the water was treated. If you’re shopping for a water treatment system, it’s important to look beyond the label and understand what the system is actually designed to remove. 

Another popular option are our carbon filtration systems. These activated carbon filters remove chlorine, improving tap water taste and odor. Keep in mind: They are usually employed in conjunction with other filtration techniques to obtain the best results. And, you may even opt for a water softener as part of the mix to target hardness minerals, which help reduce scale and improve the feel and performance of water throughout the home (like showers and appliances). 

We say the best water filtration systems Tampa has to offer are the result of what you and your family need for water quality. Keeping your budget in mind, we’ll look at your home size, water uses, and unique options when we walk you through the job. 

Find out what you need to filter! Get a FREE water test and start your path to low-tox living, and better water throughout everyday life. 

What Is Reverse Osmosis Water? 

Tap water in Tampa may include minerals, disinfectants, and trace pollutants that create a taste or clarity issue. Reverse osmosis (RO) is a specific water treatment technology that uses a semipermeable membrane to reduce a broad range of dissolved contaminants. 

RO systems are commonly used for drinking and cooking water because they can provide a high level of purification at a dedicated faucet. Depending on the system, additional filtration stages may be used before or after the RO membrane. The result: crisp, clean water that tastes noticeably better for drinking and cooking. 

Remember, even if your drinking water appears to be in compliance with local regulations, we suggest you still look out for: 

• A chlorine taste or smell 

• Cloudy appearance 

• Metallic aftertaste 

• Kettle or coffee maker build up 

A professionally installed reverse osmosis system all but eliminates these problems, delivering pure water straight to a special faucet in your kitchen. 

Which Is Right for Your Tampa Bay Home? 

There isn’t one solution that’s right for every household. Your home’s water source, existing water quality, concerns about specific contaminants, and how much water you want treated should all factor into your decision. 

Think of It This Way: 

• Water filter: Targets specific contaminants depending on the filtration technology used. Leaving you with cleaner water at the tap.  

• Water purification: A broad term describing processes designed to remove impurities from water. A combination of water treatment systems can lead to lower toxins overall.  

• Reverse osmosis: Takes out the most impurities! These use a specialized membrane to reduce a vast range of dissolved substances, typically for drinking and cooking water. 

In many local homes, these technologies can actually work together rather than compete with one another. A whole-home water softener or filter can address water concerns throughout the house, while a reverse osmosis system can provide an additional level of treatment for drinking and cooking water. 

The right combination depends on what is actually present in your home’s water. At One Green Filter, we believe the best place to start is by understanding the make up of your water. A water test can help identify what you’re dealing with before you invest in a water treatment system. 

Take the Plunge with One Green Filter 

Cleaner water starts with knowing your water. One Green Filter helps Tampa Bay homeowners explore water filtration and purification options designed around their specific needs. 

Ready to find out what’s in your water? Ask our water experts about a FREE water test and take the plunge toward cleaner, better water for your home.