Ask the Insider: Water filters—a waste of money?

Q: What’s the deal with PUR or Brita water filters? Are they any good for tap water?

Dr. Micozzi: While these and other filters can remove contaminants and additives that should not be in drinking water—including chlorine, some heavy metals, and excess fluorides—they don’t add healthy electrolytes and minerals that should be in our water.

There is no real substitute for water from  artesian wells and natural springs. For optimum health, drink this type of water—and not tap water that you have to filter.

And make sure to buy this water in home-dispenser tanks or glass containers—stay away from plastic bottles that can harm you and the environment.