i totally recommend using a water filter. the water in USA is not tested very well (in my opinion), the standards are too low, etc. where i live, our water comes from underground acquifers, so the chemicals people put on their lawns today may end up in our water supply in the future. NYC gets their water from a watershed, and water picks up lots of things along its path-
i use a britta water filter. it's decent. the best water filters i heard are the reverse osmosis ones. im not sure exactly what they are but i have a feeling theyre a few hundred dollars, and ill probably buy that when i get a job.
good luck.
i so wish we could have dairy (milk). i hate half and half or cream!