"It is a common assumption that the pitcher filter is a “catch all drinking water system which removes everything from water"

Before you use any filtration system, ensure that it is applicable for the water source you are putting into the reservoir. Many people use these devices on water that it was never designated for and are then disappointed in the results or are left with a sense of water quality that is generally incorrect.  

"There are far too many contaminants to effectively regulate, test and provide 100% safe drinking water from every tap."

As there is an increase in conducted research, new findings are becoming apparent regarding the potential for new or emerging contaminants in water posing risk to human health. No one really knows what actually lies in our drinking water, and no single test exists to test for every possible contaminant. 

The average Canadian citizen is not aware of the potential risks to water quality outside of city limits where little regulation and testing are conducted. This is where the role of proper water treatment equipment is crucial.

The general public has developed a neutral disinterest to the multitude of water warnings and often dismiss them as “not in my backyard”. Water is called the "universal solvent" because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid. It is important to every living thing on earth and wherever water goes, it takes along chemicals, minerals, and nutrients it has encountered along the way.

Over the years I have experienced many interesting situations with water quality and testing. This example is most definitely at the top of the list and raises serious concerns about water safety. As part of routine water testing, I showed up to take a sample for bacterial analysis. After running the tap for a couple of minutes, there was a distinct chemical smell which did not diminish as the tap ran. 

What you flush is out of sight and mind for most people. The impact of what goes down the drain is an elephant in the room in dire need of attention. Every water source large, small, municipal or rural has come in contact with some level of contaminant.  The argument can be made that there is no "pure" water source left in the province, country or planet anywhere human interaction has taken place. 

Toilets are Flushed in Ontario almost 25 Billion Times a Year.