The Home Water Treatment Question

As an Applications Engineer for industrial and commercial industry for over 20 years I have often been asked the question: What do you use in your home for good tasting safe water? Most of the inquirers assume that my answer will be Reverse Osmosis because that is what I specialize in. But my answer is often not what they expect.
There are only two different sources for all of our drinking water. But water quality can vary tremendously from one water source to another depending on the location. Water comes from surface or underground sources. But how this water gets to our homes also makes a big difference in quality. If you live in a city or county your water will be treated by a public water treatment facility. The Public water company’s job is to treat the water supply to be sure it does not exceed established levels for contaminants, bacteria, and viruses. If you live in a small community your water may come from your small community water treatment system, or simply from a community well and pumping system. These facilities also follow guidelines for safe drinking water. And if you live somewhere that is not served by a public water system it is likely that obtain you water from your own well.
I live in a locality served by a very large public water treatment facility. Raw water is obtained from a very deep well and then treated for the removal or reduction of unsafe levels of contaminates bacteria, and viruses. Most of urban and sub-urban dwellers obtain potable water that way. Most public water treatment plants do a very good job and provide us with good drinking water. The biggest complaint from consumers seems to be taste and order. “How can you drink the water from your tap” is frequently heard in South Florida where I reside. The truth is the water from my tap is quite good. Why? This is what I do. I have installed, under my kitchen sink, twin filter housings each containing a carbon filter cartridge. Carbon cartridges remove the chlorine that the water treatment plant adds to the finished water to prevent bacteria growth in the water as it travels through miles of underground pipe to get to your house. Once chlorine is removed the water it becomes clear and taste great. The housings and filters might initially cost less than $100. The cartridges should be replaced about every 6 months. They cost about $5.00 each. You can get them in your local hardware store.
I don’t believe anything more elaborate is necessary. However homeowners relying on well water for their potable water needs should have their well tested for conformity to safe drinking water regulations. If known contaminates are present in high levels or if there is any doubt at all then a reverse osmosis system and/or other technologies may be needed.