Are Point of Use Water Filters Better?
Point of Entry (POE) is a term used to describe a filter system that filters water at the point it enters plumbming lines or tanks. Good examples are whole house filters and under-counter filters. Point of Use (POU), by contrast, is a water filter system that filters the water as it is being used. A Portable Water Filter, Shower Filter, or Water Bottle filter is a good example of a POU filter.
Point-of-entry systems are beneficial in that they provide filtered water to all baths and showers as well as other water appliances. By filtering all the water going into your home you improve not only the healthfulness of the water, but you greatly improve the indoor air quality by removing chlorine and other chemicals that vaporize and get into the indoor air.
However, Point-of-Use systems are by far the best way to ensure the highest quality water since many water-borne contaminants come from the plumbing in your house, especially lead and vinyl chloride from the piping. By filtering water at the point-of-use you remove contaminants just prior to consumption, eliminating the chance of recontamination.
