What with the flaming tap water and the ecological problems with bottled water, we're seriously thinking about investing in a water filter. But most countertop water systems are awfully ugly. Need something more in line with your design sensibilities? Take a look at these water filtration systems from Aquaovo.
Aquaovo was started by a brother-sister team in Quebec who felt that if they created a filter that looks beautiful, something you'd want on your countertop, it would change the way you think about water. We're not sure if we entirely agree with that, but we don't have any qualms about saying these are the most beautiful water filters we've ever seen! We'd put this on our countertop for sure. And perhaps that would indeed motivate us to drink more water and value our water more.
We do prefer cooking with filtered water, too — and of course it's far better to use filtered water for tea and coffee.
But like other highly designed products, of course, this does come with a price tag. The systems cost somewhere in the range of $700, and although the creators go to some trouble to provide a detailed cost breakdown of the savings between this and bottled water, it is a little pricey.
What do you think? Would you put one of these on your countertop?
• Find out more about Aquaovo and their products
Related: Product Review: PUR Water Filter
(Images: Aquaovo)





Red-and-Pink-Stripe...

It's Eva!
I've seen them in a couple of restaurants in Montreal. I fell in love with them.
However, I have a Brita and can't justify the expense.
I am familiar with this product and while the Brita has just one filter (carbon) the OVOPUR uses three other filtering methods.
It is expensive but if you think about how much money one spends on bottled water a year, it's actually comparable. Great for piece of mind too!
I don't buy bottled water and filtering already potable water three times is overkill, imho.
but eeevaaaa is pretty.
Gorgeous! There's no way I'm ever paying that kind of money for a water filter though.
I bought one of these more than one year ago and I have to say that it has been worth every single dollar ever since! I fell in love with the design at first sight (you should see the real thing!) and the love kept growing when I experienced the filtration performances. I was also truly impressed by the filtration cartridge (glass cartridge!) replacement program that allows us to return the old cartridge for reuse and recycling.
Eeevaaa!!! ; )
I think they look like beetles.
Stunning. Love the unit's design (I think they are up for an Interior Design Magazine award this year) and the culture of this company. As far as design objects is concerned, this is a steal...less than $1,000 for an art object that actually does something meaningful...outstanding!
Have seen these dotted around my city and love them! I plan on contacting them directly to get one for a friends wedding - there are 4 of us chipping in. The couple is really into sustainable living (as we are). Who knows, I might just get one for myself too. The expense is probably equal to my buying a $2.75 latte a day so it really is worth it. And after a year it's all mine and paid for! As art, what a conversation piece. I truly can't wait for my friends to open this wedding gift up !!!
Actually I'm the brother of the brother/sister team who created AQUAOVO and I'm also the designer of the OVOPUR water filtration system.
I just wanted to let you know that I was glad to find my baby here and that I like to read all your comments! Keep writing!
Some of you seem to thinks that the price point is a little high but I'm sure you'd change your mind once you'd seen and touch the thing. This piece is 100% handmade from noble materials like porcelain, blown glass and metal. It's a water filter, a beverages dispenser and a fine art piece all in one and it was designed following the guidelines of sustainable developement.
I heard it was just officially introduced in the design objects collection of The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts... Great!
By the way I just launched - O -, a new design blog presenting sustainable and sexy water designs. http://www.o-aquadesign.com/
Wow, those are nice but SO VERY expensive!
I have a different brand-- a ceramic counter top water filter by Epic Water Systems (it cost around $200). I've had it for 8 years, and it's the BEST investment I ever made. I don't like using plastic (like brita), so ceramic was a great option. And it looks great sitting on the counter.
I replace the filter once a year, and when I call the company to order one, I talk to the same guy who is always very helpful. I love dealing with them.
I bought a water crock for my sister and her husband for their wedding as well.
beautiful! the whole website is filled with gorgeous stuff!
This thing may look nice and have a pretty filter but while I was cleaning this stupid thing, the glass slipped on the rubber that holds the filter in place and because the filter isn't that much smaller than the base it hit the side and literally shattered in my hand leaving me with 7 stitches it literally took a 1/4 inch of skin from my hand, leaving me with what will be a permanent scar.
When looking at the filter after it broke it looked like little icicles.
I don't recommend anyone to use this. It's expensive and dangerous. There has to be a better way!