The EPA regulates over 80 contaminants—including arsenic, e-coli, cryptosporidia, chlorine, and lead—that may be found in drinking water from public water systems. While the EPA says that 90% of US public water systems meet its standards, you may want to use a water filter to further ensure your water's safety.
Although filters can be helpful in removing harmful chemicals from our water, they sometimes strip away beneficial minerals too. These include magnesium and calcium, as well as iron and manganese, which are eliminated to make water softer and prevent discolouration, respectively.
In summary, if you're in an area with reliable water quality and no known issues, tap water is typically safe to drink without a filter. If you're unsure, it's best to consult your local water authority or consider using a filter for peace of mind.
Filtering tap water can be beneficial in certain situations, including when the water is hard. Hard water refers to water that contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. While hard water is generally safe to drink, it can have some drawbacks, including a buildup of limescale.
Water filters can help improve the taste of your water, the safety of your water, or both. Test your water and choose a filter that removes the harmful germs or chemicals you are concerned about. If your tap water does not contain harmful germs or chemicals, you may not need a filter.
Although water filters can be a great way to improve the quality and safety of your drinking water, there are some drawbacks to consider. For instance, water filters can be expensive to install and maintain, and they can require a lot of energy to run.
Alkaline water may be one of the healthiest waters to consume. The pH level of regular drinking water is a neutral 7. Alkaline water has a pH level of 8 to 9.5. It contains properties that may even protect your body from free radicals, which are often linked to inflammation and many chronic diseases.
Microscopic Dangers
Waterborne viruses that cause disease in humans include rotavirus, norovirus, and Hepatitis A. Bacteria are one of many microscopic dangers that can be present in clean-looking water. everywhere on earth. Some bacteria help humans, while others are the culprits for many waterborne diseases.
The Value of Whole House Water Filtration Systems
The benefits of improved water quality extend beyond just better-tasting water; improved water quality can also enhance the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances by reducing the buildup of minerals and chemicals.
Filtered boiling taps provide instant boiling water, improve kitchen efficiency, save space, and enhance safety, but they are costly and require regular maintenance. Filtered boiling taps, also known as 'hot taps' or 'boiling water taps,' have become essential appliances in many households and commercial settings.
Brita filters are highly effective at improving the taste and smell of tap water while significantly reducing common contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and mercury.
EWG has named reverse osmosis as the most effective filtration system. These systems can also be installed under specific sinks or for a whole house. Best for: Arsenic, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, nitrates, and perchlorate.
Unfortunately, the answer is no, boiled tap water is not the same as filtered water. This is because boiling water will only kill off viruses and bacteria. A water filter is needed to remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, calcium and odour.
While a whole house filter provides clean water throughout your home, a point-of-use filter ensures the best water quality right before you drink it. Discover why using both is the ideal solution for clean, safe water at every tap, from your shower to your drinking glass.
Some of those concerns are merited: NRDC reports have shown that millions of people in the United States get their water from systems detecting lead. And other health-harming contaminants, such as PFAS, atrazine, and nitrates, have also been found to be common in drinking water supplies across parts of the country.
Water filtration basics
You don't need to filter the water unless you have a taste preference, health condition, or water quality issue specific to your home (such as lead leaching into the water from your home plumbing).
It all comes down to whether you want one. If you don't like that taste or smell of your home water, if you have hard water, or if you fancy a little sparkling water on tap, then yes, you probably do want a water filter!
Purified water is of significantly higher purity than spring water, tap water or ground water. There's no right answer. Still, to put it simply, spring water and purified water can come from the same source, but purified water undergoes a more rigorous purification process.
Key points. Rainwater is not necessarily safe to drink without first removing germs and chemicals from it. Regularly test your rainwater for germs and chemicals if you drink, cook, or bathe with it. How you set up your collection system and proper maintenance can improve the quality of your rainwater.