This compact dual-filtration system uses one carbon block and one activated carbon filter to remove asbestos, chlorine, cysts, lead, mercury, MTBE, pesticides and VOCs. It has an electronic monitor that beeps and turns colors when filter cartridges need to be changed, which is either every six months or 500 gallons, depending on local water quali- ty. The 0.6 gallons-per-minute flow rate is on par with the Omni and Pur models. Culligan, 800-634-1455, www.culligan.com. $180
a lot of punch for its small size. The small sin- gle-canister unit filters more pollutants than any unit except the eSpring, including MTBEs, cysts and VOCs. The downside of a single-can- ister design, however, is a trickling-slow flow rate of only half a gallon per minute. The sys- tem can be installed easily and a performance indicator not only monitors gallons used, it beeps after you've used 750 gallons when Omni recommends changing the filter. Omni, 800-937-6664, www.omnifilters.com, $179
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The Pur removes all the usual suspects, but not much else. The unit, however, is conven- ient to install, has a monitor that measures filter life and is the most affordable unit reviewed. The Pur also has a respectable flow rate of 0.79 gallons per minute. But at $30 each, buying replacement filters (filter life is only 200 gallons) will quickly increase costs. This system is good for someone who wants only to remove a few specific contami- nants 01" improve water taste without shelling out buckets of money. Pur, 800-787-5463, www.purfilter.com. $90
