If you think that nature and its remarkable abilities are ideal for your drinking water, then you will want to pick a diatomaceous earth filter for your water. Diatomaceous earth filtration is a process of purifying water that uses natural resources of sedimentary rock that crumbles off to a fine white powder. The rock consists of fossilized remains of algae and serves as an excellent source of filtration. It is also doesn't leave any taste or smell in the water, making it an ideal product for the job. Water that filters through this process is the most common method for water purification. Most likely, the reason for this is because it can remove pollutants such as algae, cysts and even asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency has also approved D.E. filters as a safe method of water purification.
If you are the type of person who believes that science provides the best answers, then there is a choice for you as well - reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis filters out impurities and water that contains too much fluoride. The water recycles itself under pressure to provide the filtering effect. Reverse osmosis typically consists of an unit attached to your tap which can clean the water before dispensing it. It utilizes two types of membrane that are organic, but also require disinfection to prevent bacterial growth. It isn't the kind of filtration system you can use in a pitcher though. An RO system will cost you quite a bit initially to have it installed in your home. It will come through its own faucet so that you can choose which water to use.
You can simulate the effect of a D.E. filter with a bottle, some fine and large grain sands, charcoal and a bit of diatomaceous earth. Pour your water through it and it will be fine to drink. If you don't want to go to all the trouble, you can just pick up a diatomaceous filter for $50 or less in the shops, however, it isn't so much fun.
The filters of the RO system will need to be replaced at certain increments of time which can be rather costly. The store that installed the unit typically keeps track of your last cartridge installation and can gauge if it is time to replace the old filters.
The choice is all yours; do you go with the system that uses a natural process to accomplish its task? Or do you go with the scientifically duplication of nature to purify your water? If you are on a budget then the diatomaceous filtration process will be the choice for you.