pH Prescription vs Basic Filters | Complete Water Filtration Comparison

Single-Purpose vs Multi-Stage Filtration

Basic filters address one problem at a time. pH Prescription systems provide comprehensive, layered protection.

Basic Filters

Single-Purpose Approach

Basic filters target one specific contaminant or problem - usually chlorine or sediment.

Typical Basic Filter Types:

Pitcher Filters: Carbon cartridge for chlorine/taste only
Faucet Filters: Basic carbon - removes sediment and chlorine
Under-Sink Single Stage: One carbon filter - limited contaminant removal
Refrigerator Filters: Designed for taste/odor, not comprehensive safety

Reality: You may feel like you're filtering, but 95% of tap water contaminants pass right through.

pH Prescription

Multi-Stage Comprehensive Approach

We use six distinct filtration stages, each targeting different contaminant categories.

Our Six-Stage Process:

Stage 1 (Sediment Pre-Filter): Removes particles, rust, and sediment down to 5 microns
Stage 2 (KDF-55): Removes chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, hydrogen sulfide
Stage 3 (Brimac Carbon): Removes fluoride, PFAS, VOCs, pharmaceuticals, pesticides
Stage 4 (Gemstone): Removes fine particulates, restructures water clusters
Stage 5 (Mineral Supplementation): Adds magnesium and trace minerals for alkaline pH 8.0-9.5
Stage 6 (Hydrogen Infusion): Infuses molecular hydrogen for antioxidant benefits

Result: Up to 99% reduction of contaminants across 15+ categories in a single system.

What Basic Filters Miss

The dirty truth about single-stage filters and pitcher filters

Dangerous Gaps in Basic Filtration

Basic filters are designed for taste and odor - not safety. Here's what they don't remove:

Heavy Metals

Lead (neurotoxin)
Mercury (toxic accumulation)
Arsenic (carcinogen)
Cadmium (kidney damage)
Chromium-6 (cancer risk)

Modern Chemical Threats

PFAS ("forever chemicals")
Pharmaceutical residues
Pesticides and herbicides
Industrial solvents (TCE, PCE)
Microplastics

Fluoride & Other Issues

Fluoride (added to tap water)
Nitrates and nitrites
Uranium and radium
Bacterial contaminants
Viral particles

Water Quality Problems

No pH adjustment
No water restructuring
No beneficial minerals added
No molecular hydrogen
No antioxidant properties

The Hidden Cost of "Good Enough"

When you use basic filters, you believe you're drinking safer water - but you're not.

What Happens Over Time:

Heavy metals accumulate in your body (bioaccumulation)
PFAS build up - they don't break down in nature
Fluoride exposure continues daily
Pharmaceuticals in water affect hormone levels
Pesticides expose your family to endocrine disruptors
Years of drinking contaminated water compounds health risks

A false sense of security is dangerous.

pH Prescription Removes All These

Our six-stage system doesn't just remove chlorine - we remove:

99.99% of lead, mercury, and heavy metals
Fluoride (where municipal water supplies contain it)
PFAS at 98%+ removal rates
Pharmaceutical residues
Pesticides and herbicides
Microplastics and fine particulates
Radioactive isotopes (uranium, radium)
Bacterial and viral contaminants

Plus we add back beneficial minerals and create alkaline, hydrogen-rich water.

Comprehensive Protection Comparison

What each filtration type removes - side by side

Contaminant/Feature	pH Prescription (Multi-Stage)	Pitcher Filters	Faucet Filters	Basic Under-Sink
Chlorine	99.9%	80-90%	70-85%	85-95%
Lead	99.99%	0% (No removal)	0-30%	30-50%
Mercury	95%+	0% (No removal)	0-20%	20-40%
Fluoride	95%+	0% (No removal)	0% (No removal)	10-30% at best
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")	98%+	0% (No removal)	0% (No removal)	0-20%
Pesticides/Herbicides	98%+	50-70%	40-60%	60-80%
Pharmaceuticals	90%+	0% (No removal)	0% (No removal)	20-40%
Microplastics	99%+	50-60%	40-50%	60-75%
Uranium/Radium	85-90%	0% (No removal)	0% (No removal)	0-10%
Bacterial Contaminants	99.9%+	20-40%	30-50%	50-70%
Alkaline pH Creation	Natural mineral-based	None	None	None
Molecular Hydrogen	Naturally generated	None	None	None
Water Restructuring	Yes - reduced cluster size	No	No	No

Technology Comparison: Deep Dive

Understanding the differences in filtration approaches

Pitcher Filters (Brita, PUR, etc.)

How It Works:

A simple carbon cartridge sits in a pitcher. Water slowly passes through, and gravity does the work.

The Truth About Pitcher Filters:

Only removes chlorine and improves taste/odor
Contact time is only 5-15 minutes per pitcher
No heavy metal removal (despite marketing claims)
Does NOT remove fluoride, lead, or PFAS
Cartridges often clogged with bacteria between uses
High cost per gallon over time
Better than nothing, but provides false security

Faucet Filters

How It Works:

Screws onto your kitchen faucet. Water passes through a single carbon stage as you pour.

The Limitations:

Only removes chlorine, sediment, and taste/odor
Very short contact time (seconds)
No meaningful removal of heavy metals or fluoride
PFAS passes straight through
Only filters water you actively pour (not shower/bath)
Moderate cost per gallon
Quick but ineffective filtration

Basic Under-Sink Filters (Single or Two-Stage)

How It Works:

Installed under the sink. Water is pressurized through one or two filter stages, usually carbon and sediment.

What You Get:

Better than pitcher filters (more contact time and pressure)
Removes chlorine and some sediment effectively
Limited heavy metal removal (depends on filter quality)
Fluoride removal: minimal to none
PFAS removal: 0-20% at best
Only filters one faucet/drinking water line
Lower cost per gallon than pitchers
Better than pitcher, but still incomplete protection

pH Prescription Multi-Stage Systems

How It Works:

Four distinct stages work together. Water passes through KDF-55, specialized carbon, gemstone media, and mineral cartridges in sequence.

What Makes It Different:

Up to 99% reduction of contaminants across 15+ categories
Each stage targets specific contaminant types
Extended contact time and pressure-driven filtration
Removes everything basic filters miss (fluoride, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals)
Water restructuring reduces cluster size for better absorption
Natural alkaline enhancement with beneficial minerals
Molecular hydrogen generation for antioxidant benefits
Available for whole-home or point-of-use systems
Lowest cost per gallon - pennies per gallon
True comprehensive protection, not marketing

Long-Term Value Comparison

Cost of ownership and effectiveness over time

Factor	pH Prescription	Pitcher Filters	Faucet Filters	Basic Under-Sink
Initial System Cost	Contact for quote (systems for every budget)	Low upfront cost	Low upfront cost	Moderate upfront cost
Filter Replacement (Annual)	Affordable maintenance (professional service available)	Frequent replacements (cartridge every 2-3 months)	Regular replacements (cartridge every 3-4 months)	Periodic replacements (2-4 cartridges per year)
Lifespan of System	10-20+ years	Indefinite (pitcher) Cartridges every 2-3 months	Indefinite (faucet) Cartridges every 3-4 months	5-10 years before replacement
10-Year Total Value	Best long-term value (investment pays for itself)	Ongoing expense (adds up over time)	Ongoing expense (limited protection)	Moderate ongoing costs (still misses key contaminants)
Cost per Gallon	Pennies per gallon	Higher per gallon	Moderate per gallon	Lower than pitchers
Contamination Coverage	Up to 99% across 15+ categories	Chlorine & taste only 5% coverage	Chlorine & sediment 10% coverage	Chlorine, sediment, some metals 30-40% coverage
Coverage Area	Whole home or point-of-use	Drinking water only (limited to pitcher use)	One faucet only	One faucet only
Maintenance Required	Replace cartridges every 6-18 months	Replace cartridge every 2-3 months	Replace cartridge every 3-4 months	Replace cartridges every 6-12 months
Health Protection Value	Comprehensive protection from all major contaminants	False sense of security misses dangerous contaminants	False sense of security minimal protection	Partial protection still misses PFAS, fluoride, pharma

The Real Story

While pitcher and faucet filters have lower upfront costs, when you factor in:

Frequent cartridge replacements (every 2-4 months)
Limited protection (missing critical contaminants)
False security (thinking you're protected when you're not)
Health costs of long-term contamination exposure
Cost to replace systems every 5-10 years

pH Prescription systems deliver superior value: comprehensive protection at a lower cost per gallon, with replacements needed only every 6-18 months, protecting your entire home or providing whole-system drinking water.

Upgrade Your Filtration Today

Stop settling for false security. Get truly comprehensive water protection.

Why Wait for Better Health?

Every day you drink water with fluoride, lead, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals, these contaminants accumulate in your body.

With pH Prescription, you get:

Clean water with up to 99% of contaminants reduced
Naturally alkaline water with beneficial minerals
Hydrogen-rich water with antioxidant properties
Better absorption thanks to water restructuring
Protection for your entire family
Peace of mind with true comprehensive filtration

Plus: Our professional maintenance service means our technicians handle all filter replacements for you.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Our water experts will assess your specific needs and recommend the perfect system for you.

Get Free Water Assessment Call (772) 220-8789

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm ET

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