AZ Nomad wrote:

I don't really have room for the equipment as it is a townhouse. I'm
considering an undersink unit to avoid trips to the water store, but a
fullhouse unit is out of the question. I could stick a cheap filter unit on
the water heater's inlet, but even that might be overkill as we'll most
likely be living somewhere else in ten years.

For drinking, a tap cartridge filter or pitcher with a filter would
probably do you. I would not worry about water heater. Guy that just
put in my newest suggested turning off cold water inlet, opening a hot
water tap and draining off a couple of gallons from the bottom water
heater outlet every couple of months or so to remove sediment.