Editorial Standards & Voice Guide

Mission Statement

Filter Tested exists to help consumers make informed decisions about water filtration. We publish clear, evidence-led product evaluations based on transparent research. No fluff, no marketing speak, no hidden agendas. Every article answers a specific question with specific facts.

Voice & Tone

Our writing is clear, direct, and evidence-led. We explain technical concepts in plain language without dumbing them down. We respect the reader's time and intelligence. Every sentence should convey information or guidance; filler sentences are removed during editing.

We write for homeowners, renters, and small business owners who need practical, trustworthy guidance on water filtration. We do not write for industry insiders or technical specialists unless the topic specifically demands it.

Prohibited Phrases & Patterns

The following phrases and writing patterns are explicitly prohibited in Filter Tested content. They add no information, waste the reader's time, or signal low-effort AI-generated text:

• "In today's world" or "In today's fast-paced world"
• "It's important to note"
• "Delve" (use "explore" or "examine")
• "Navigate the landscape"
• "Unlock the potential"
• "At the end of the day"
• "Boils down to"
• "Game-changer" or "Revolutionary" (unless directly quoting a certifiable innovation)
• Overly enthusiastic adjectives: "amazing," "incredible," "unparalleled" (unless supported by specific data)
• Generic introductions that state the obvious: "Water is essential for life..."

Editors enforce these prohibitions during the review process. Articles containing prohibited patterns are returned for revision.

Evidence Requirements

Every factual claim in a Filter Tested article must be traceable to a specific source. This includes:

• Contaminant reduction percentages must cite the certifying body or lab report
• Price references must include the date checked and the retailer
• Technical specifications must cite the manufacturer's official documentation
• Health claims must reference EPA, CDC, or peer-reviewed research

When a claim cannot be verified, we say so explicitly. We do not present speculation as fact.

Review Process

Every article passes through a four-stage process before publication:

1. Research: Collect manufacturer specs, certification data, user feedback, and comparative products. All sources are logged.
2. Write: Draft the article following voice guidelines and evidence requirements.
3. Fact-check: A second reviewer verifies all technical claims, certification references, and data points against original sources.
4. Publish: The article is formatted, optimized for readability, and published with a "Last Updated" date.

Correction Policy

Errors are taken seriously. When an error is identified by a reader or editor, we:

1. Verify the reported error against original sources
2. Correct the content within 48 hours of verification
3. Document the change in the article's changelog
4. Notifiy readers if the error was material (affected a rating or recommendation)

Readers can report errors via our contact page.

Update Frequency

Product reviews are updated every 90 days as a standard cycle. Individual articles may be updated sooner if:

• A product is discontinued or recalled
• New certifications are earned
• Significant price changes occur
• Safety issues emerge from user reports

Every article displays a "Last Updated" date at the top of the page.