What I look for
California water is hard, often chloraminated, and worth filtering. Here are the 8 systems I'd install — under-sink to whole-house.
The picks
1. Waterdrop G3 Reverse Osmosis System
Best tankless RO. Premium product.
View on Amazon →2. APEC ROES-50 Reverse Osmosis 5-Stage
Best traditional RO. Reliable, simple.
View on Amazon →3. Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000 Whole House Filter
Best whole-house. 10-year filter life.
View on Amazon →4. iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House
Best mid-range whole-house. Easy install.
View on Amazon →5. SpringWell Salt-Based Water Softener
Best water softener for California hard water.
View on Amazon →6. Waterdrop Lucid 10-Cup Pitcher
Best pitcher for renters.
View on Amazon →7. Berkey Big Berkey Gravity Water Filter
Best off-grid + emergency filter.
View on Amazon →8. Filtersmart Whole House Chloramine Filter
California-specific — many CA cities use chloramine.
View on Amazon →Installer note: Need this professionally installed in California? Book Zomg The Handyman →
Frequently asked questions
Best whole-house water filter for California?
Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000 for general use, Filtersmart Chloramine for cities using chloramine (LA, San Diego, Bay Area).
Reverse osmosis vs filter — which is better?
RO for the cleanest drinking water (under-sink). Whole-house filter for shower/laundry water quality. Most homes need both.
How long do water filters last?
RO membrane: 2-3 years. Carbon: 6-12 months. Whole-house: 5-10 years for the tank.
Need this installed in California?
Book Online →