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Getting eight cups just got simpler.

Drinking water probably comes as a no-brainer, but you may not know that you need to pay attention to not just how much but also the quality of the water you consume. While the liquid pouring out of your tap may look clear, it actually contains small amounts of many substances that you can’t see. Some of them are good for you, like fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay. But there’s also some bad stuff you’ll want to get rid of, such as heavy metals and germs. Don’t worry—a filtration system can easily do that, and the best water filter for you depends on what you want to remove from your water.

There are several types to choose from. The most common one is a carbon filter, which uses activated carbon to soak up impurities in the water and are effective for trapping chlorine, mercury, and pesticides. Reverse osmosis filters, on the other hand, pass water through many filters and strip out a wider range of contaminants in the process, including bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals. You can also get ultraviolet treatment systems, which kills micro-organisms with UV light.

So, how do you find out exactly what’s in your water? You can check the annual water quality report (called a consumer confident report, or CCR) from your local water utility. It details where your water comes from, the levels of detected contaminants, and compliance with water drinking rules. You can search the EPA’s online database to locate your specific supplier and request the document.

Another option is to order a home test kit online and check your own drinking water, says Huma Naz, RD, LDN, the writer and creator of Dose of Nutrition. By dipping strips of colored paper and observing the changes, you can learn whether substances like lead, copper, and bacteria are present, as well as the pH of your water. Don't know where to start? Here are some of the best water filters you can get depending on your needs, chosen by Naz and according to her selection criteria.

The Frizzlife under-sink water filter system is certified by NSF International, an independent organization that develops public health standards for products, for improving the taste and odor of water, as well as removing 50 health-related contaminants. Third-party certification can ensure you're buying a quality product and is something you should look for, according to Naz.

"This has a two-stage filter system that removes chlorine, lead, other heavy metals, and it really improves water taste quality," she says. "The filter also has a lifespan of a year or 1,000 gallon." Plus, you can easily install it to your cold water line and faucet under the sink.

If you need a compact and convenient water filter for a small household, look no further than this Brita pitcher. This can be stored in your fridge without taking up a lot of room. It's also certified by the NSF for removing chlorine, says Naz. "It can reduce the reliance on single-use plastic water bottles. It’s accessible, it's a nice countertop water filter," she adds.

Need a water filter you can take with you on the go? Try this sleek water bottle from Brita. It takes out the chlorine in your water to make sure it tastes and smells great. "The bottle not only filters your water but also keeps your water cold for 24 hours with its insulated design," says Naz.

It's also leak-proof, so you don't have to worry about surprise spills whether you carry it in your purse or backpack while you're hiking.

NSF-certified to reduce 70 contaminants, including harmful substances like lead and mercury, this filter combines activated carbon and ion exchange to purify your drinking water. Since water goes through the filter directly when you turn it on, you can enjoy clean water at a moment's notice.

Also, each filter can deliver up to 100 gallons of water or last three months. When it's time to swap it out, the light display on the side will turn red. One note, though: This won't work with pull-out or hand-held faucets.

While this one is on the pricier side, you definitely get your money's worth. This NSF-certified Waterdrop RO system uses a seven-stage filtration process to effectively eliminate unwanted materials like lead, chlorine, taste and odor, nitrites sodium, and chromium. With a modern and tankless design, this is perfect for small spaces and those who want a water filter that won't cramp their style.

This reverse osmosis filtration system also gets the job done faster—with the ability to give you a cup of clean water in 12 seconds. It also minimizes water waste by 300 percent, which is great for the environment and your water bill.

Did you know coconuts also are not just a delicious snack but also a powerful water filter? The Reservoir is equipped with a filter made with coconut husks, which have a natural micropore structure. That matters because the smaller the pore size of a filter, the smaller the contaminants they keep out. This NSF-certified filtration system can block out 76 contaminants in up to 390 gallons of water.