Part II. Your Perfect Filter Setup (And What I Use on the Daily)

THE WATER METHOD TO WELLNESS

Splash of the Week

Part II: Which Filter Should I Actually Get?

Before we dive in, let me answer a question I get all the time:
“Clouds, what filter do you use?”

Here’s my honest answer: I mostly eat my water. Fruits for breakfast, salads, carrot snacks.I have been inspired by The Water Secret many years ago. I also mindfully sip sparkling water with freshly squeezed lime juice, I just like it, delivered in glass bottles from Wenlock Spring by my milkman Milk & More.

At home, I fill a 1.5L glass jug once a day and keep it in the fridge. It’s got a binchōtan charcoal stick inside, which I replace every three months. I use that water for tea, coffee, smoothies, soup.

This simple jug method has worked well while traveling a lot and is the easiest way to get started. But now in a new apartment, I’ve just ordered a faucet filter from Puure.

Cass and I spent months researching plastic-free faucet or countertop options. Lots of reading. Lots of waiting for customer services to respond. This is the first one we found that checked our boxes — and I’ll tell you all about it next week.

Filters I’ve Tried — and Why I Moved On

• Distillers: Tried it, didn’t last. It used too much energy, took forever, and was annoying to clean (those mineral crusts need harsh chemicals). The water was flat, even after adding minerals back in. Too much work. Too much countertop space.

• Phox Jug Filter: I wanted to love it — it had a glass body — but the black plastic parts were a dealbreaker. When I learned that black plastics are often non-recyclable and more likely to leach harmful chemicals, this one had to go. Plus, the anti-slip sleeve got slimy and gross.

• Aarke Purifier: Haven’t tried this one yet, but it’s glass-based and has refillable filter cartridges. I’m curious about it as a better-looking jug option. If anyone has tried it, let me know.

So… Which Filter Should You Get?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best filter depends on:

• Your water source (how bad is it??)

• Your lifestyle (how much do you need??)

• Your kitchen setup (how much space do you have??)

Let’s break it down.

Filter Setup Comparison

There are 5 setup options for you:

• Jug. Portability, small spaces, budget. No plumbing, low-cost.Limited capacity, slower flow.

• Faucet. Quick install, everyday use. Instant filtered water, affordable. Can affect pressure, not universal.

• Countertop. Faster flow, larger volume, deeper filtration (for some). Takes up counter space, needs cleaning. Some are connected, some need refills.

• Under-sink. Clean look, strong performance. Hidden, reliable, high capacity. Requires installation, higher cost, doesn’t always fit the space. Check before you order.

• Whole-home. Full-house treatment (also your shower water). Filter modules for everything (ceramics + GAC + RO + Structuring/Vortexing). Costly, overkill for some, worth it in your own home.

Remember last week’s post: most filters are based on activated carbon.

Recap Filter Media 101: What’s Inside Counts

• Ceramic Filters: Great for blocking bacteria and sediment. But they don’t remove chemicals or dissolved contaminants.

• Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC): Loose carbon particles are good for taste and smell (removes chlorine). Faster flow, but less effective than block carbon.

• Solid Block Activated Carbon (SBAC): Densely packed for slower, deeper filtration. Removes chlorine byproducts, pesticides, and some pharmaceuticals. Remember the microns.

• Reverse Osmosis (RO): The gold standard — removes nearly everything: microplastics, fluoride, heavy metals, nitrates, PFAS. But it’s slow, wastes water (up to 4:1), needs energy, space, removes healthy minerals, and often requires professional installation. You also get a treated water storage tank, and there is a risk of contamination. Maintenance is key.

Next week, I’ll review the Puure faucet filter, why there is no one filter that does it all, and share my filter shortlist of favourite plastic-free options — plus tips on making your setup more sustainable.

Until then, drink well.
— Clouds

P.S. If you’re enjoying this series, reply and let me know! It helps me keep going.

The Essentials

YOUR HYDRATION EDIT

Each edition, we handpick the top stories, trends, and insights that align with our Water Method philosophy—covering everything from the source of your water to how you move, restore, and live around it—plus the latest in wellness-real-estate, the fastest-growing sector in the wellness industry.

Visionary Voices

What people who think deeply about water ask before buying a filter.

Not all filters are created equal. And not all questions are worth asking. Here’s how to approach your filter journey:

Capacity & Flow. Does this match how I actually use water?
If you’re filtering for one cup of tea a day, fine. If you’re making broths, smoothies, and hydrating a family — check how much it delivers, and how fast.

Inflow Style. Do I want to refill something, or forget it exists?
Gravity systems and jugs are easy to start. Plumbed-in filters under the sink disappear into your life. Both have their place.

Wastewater (RO only). Do I want it?
RO systems reject around 40% of input water as wastewater. That needs to go somewhere. These systems are a priority for salty water.

Final Water Quality. What’s left in the glass?
Some filters leave you with mineral-rich, soft water. Others strip it bare. Consider taste, balance, storage, and bioavailability. Not just what’s removed.

Filter Changes. How often does this ask something of me?
Look at lifespan, cost, and whether replacement parts are easy to find. A filter is only as good as your ability to maintain it. And they all need maintenance.

Cleaning & Maintenance. Will I take care of this?
If it sits on your counter, you’ll notice buildup. If it hides under the sink, you might forget to check it. Choose accordingly.

Certifications. Who says this actually works?
Look for NSF, WQA, or independent lab results. If the brand can’t show you the data, it’s just marketing.

Fit for Life. Does this make water feel good again?
A good filter should earn its place. Through clarity, simplicity, and water you look forward to drinking. That’s the whole point.

☁ Want to share your setup?

We’re collecting real stories. Hit reply if you have a filter you love (or regret). We’ll feature a few in upcoming editions.

FOLLOW FOR MORE DAILY INSIGHTS →

The Playbook Edit 

WAIORA RITUALS

Hydration isn’t just about how much you drink. It’s about how you relate to your water. These everyday tools bring ease, clarity, and a touch of ritual to your routine. No trends, no tech. Just timeless practices that work.

A Final Note

NOTES FROM THE MEADOW

Until next time, Step into flow.