Marcus Chen
Water Quality Analyst
Marcus spent eight years in municipal water treatment before turning to consumer product journalism. He combines hands-on experience with EPA compliance and NSF testing protocols to evaluate home water filters against real-world contaminant data, not just marketing claims.
B.S. Environmental Engineering, UC Davis. Former water treatment plant operator (T3 certified). 3+ years writing water quality product reviews.
Areas of Expertise
Articles
Best Portable Water Filters & Purifiers (2026)
We compared the best portable water filters and purifiers for hiking, travel, and emergencies. Sawyer, LifeStraw, Katadyn, Grayl, and MSR, and how to tell a filter from a purifier.
June 19, 2026
Best Reverse Osmosis Systems for Home (2026)
We ranked the best reverse osmosis system options for home against NSF/ANSI 58 certifications, GPD output, and waste ratios. Tankless, tank, and countertop picks.
May 30, 2026
Best Under-Sink Water Filters (2026)
The best under-sink water filters compared on NSF/ANSI 53 and 58 certs: carbon-block, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis picks that fit real cabinets.
June 2, 2026
Best UV Water Purifier Bottles (2026)
We compared the best UV water purifier bottles by kill rate, battery life, and what UV-C actually does. LARQ, CrazyCap, and SteriPen, plus the honest limits of UV.
June 18, 2026
Best Water Filters for Chlorine & Chloramine (2026)
The best water filter for chlorine and chloramine, tested across whole-house, under-sink, faucet, pitcher, and shower picks, with NSF-certified options.
June 20, 2026
Best Water Filters for PFAS Removal (2026)
The best water filters for PFAS removal, tested against NSF certs and EPA limits. Reverse osmosis and certified carbon pitchers that remove forever chemicals.
May 28, 2026
Best RV Water Filters (2026)
We tested the best RV water filter picks for inline, dual-canister, and softener setups so you can trust any campground spigot you connect to.
June 18, 2026
Best Water Softeners (2026)
We tested the best water softener picks for hard water: salt-based ion-exchange units and salt-free conditioners, plus honest grain and GPG sizing advice.
June 21, 2026
Best Whole House Water Filters (2026)
The best whole-house water filters compared on flow rate, capacity, and certified chlorine reduction. Point-of-entry picks that protect every tap.
June 11, 2026
Filtered Water Bottle vs UV Purifier Bottle: Which Do You Need?
Filtered bottles catch sediment, chlorine, lead, and PFAS but miss most viruses; UV purifier bottles kill pathogens but leave chemicals behind. How to choose, and when to carry both.
June 23, 2026
How Long Do Water Filters Last? (2026 Guide)
How long do water filters last? A type-by-type breakdown in gallons and months, plus the signs your filter is spent even when the water still tastes fine.
June 22, 2026
How Reverse Osmosis Works (And When You Need It)
How reverse osmosis removes lead, PFAS, fluoride, and 95%+ of dissolved solids. RO stages, waste ratios, and when a simpler filter is enough.
June 8, 2026
How to Install an Under-Sink Water Filter (Step by Step)
Step-by-step guide to installing an under-sink water filter yourself. Tools, shutoff valves, tubing, flushing, and when to call a plumber.
June 12, 2026
NSF Water Filter Certifications Explained (42, 53, 58, 401)
NSF 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 certifications decoded. Learn which NSF standard covers lead, PFAS, chlorine, and more so you buy a water filter that actually works.
June 8, 2026
Reverse Osmosis vs Carbon Block Filters: Which Do You Need?
Reverse osmosis removes 95%+ of dissolved solids including lead, PFAS, and fluoride; carbon block targets chlorine, taste, and VOCs with no waste. How to choose.
June 15, 2026