Why is filtered water not safe for drinking?

Author: Elouise Johnston  |  Last update: Saturday, November 15, 2025

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.

Is it bad to drink filtered water?

Generally, yes, filtered tap water is safe for humans to drink in many parts of the world, especially in developed countries with robust water treatment infrastructure.

Can water filters cause health issues?

Health Risks: Drinking from an old filter can expose individuals to harmful chemicals and heavy metals that the filter was initially designed to remove. This can lead to health issues, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

What are the side effects of filter water?

There are no inherent side effects or disadvantages of water purifier. The harm that comes from water purifiers is mainly due to oversights by users. Some water purifying methods such as activated carbon water purifiers use blocks of carbon to remove contaminants.

Is filtered water 100% free from germs?

In fact, most of the health hazards that exist in water (aka waterborne pathogens) are microscopic, meaning they're invisible to the naked eye. Some of these hazards are so tiny that traditional water filters aren't effective at removing them.

How Bad Is Tap Water for Health? | Dr. Andrew Huberman

What is the healthiest water to drink?

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.

What happens to your body when you start drinking filtered water?

But many contaminants found in tap water can put a strain on these vital organs and even cause long-term damage. Drinking filtered water reduces exposure to these harmful substances, lessening the workload on your kidneys and helping to keep them functioning effectively for longer.

Do water filters build up bacteria?

Sometimes filters can cause more harm than good. Dr. Nguyen's research revealed that if water sits in a faucet or under-sink filter for a long period of time, such as overnight, it can actually pick up more contaminants, including lead and bacteria.

What are the pros and cons of filtered water?

Water filters can reduce microplastics in the water by up to 99%, making them an effective way to reduce your environmental impact. Plus, they're convenient, cost-effective, and easy to use. On the downside, they may not filter out every contaminant and can require frequent maintenance.

Do we really need a water purifier?

The public water supply in India is contaminated with chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. A water purifier helps remove these contaminants and deliver pure and safe water.

Why doesn't filtering water make it safe to drink?

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.

What is the healthiest type of filter water?

Reverse osmosis filters will remove some types of chemicals from water, including lead, copper, chromium, chloride, and sodium. These filters may also reduce arsenic, fluoride, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, and phosphorous. Check the filter's label for the specific chemicals it can remove.

What is the truth about Brita filters?

The Brita Standard and Elite filters are both certified under NSF/ANSI 53 for reducing certain heavy metals, including mercury and cadmium, in drinking water. The Standard filter is also certified under NSF/ANSI 42 for reducing zinc (to address taste, color, and odor issues), and under NSF/ANSI 53 for reducing copper.

Is it better to drink filtered water or bottled water?

Although both filtered water and bottled water can provide healthier, better-tasting water, the cost-effectiveness and smaller environmental impact of filtered water beats out bottled water at every turn.

Does PUR actually filter water?

Filters water over natural minerals for a crisp, refreshing taste. Reduces lead and removes 99.9% of microbiological cysts (cryptosporidium and giardia), while leaving beneficial fluoride in the water. Removes over 99% of trace levels of pharmaceuticals and reduces chlorine (taste and odor).

Does filtered water dehydrate you?

Filtered water helps prevent dehydration because it encourages people to drink plenty of water. This option is healthier, cleaner, tastes better and smells better! For many people, bottled water is an alternative to a whole-house water filter or reverse osmosis water system.

Should I get filtered water or not?

Water filters can provide extra protection against potentially harmful contaminants such as parasites (giardia and cryptosporidium cysts) that can sometimes survive the disinfection process (town water) and potentially cause severe illness.

What is the best water to drink?

7 Healthiest Water to Drink
  1. Spring Water. Spring water is considered the healthiest water to drink because it contains essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. ...
  2. Mineral Water. ...
  3. Distilled Water. ...
  4. Purified Water. ...
  5. Alkaline Water. ...
  6. Reverse Osmosis Water. ...
  7. Structured Water.

Do BRITA filters remove fluoride?

No. BRITA water filters are not designed to remove fluoride. Some fluoride is naturally present in tap water, whilst some water companies add fluoride to the water. If you are concerned about the presence of fluoride in your tap water, check with your local water supplier.

What kind of water is considered undrinkable?

Drinking untreated water such as bore water, river water or spring water (including mineral springs) can lead to illnesses such as gastroenteritis and diarrhoea. Gastrointestinal illnesses can be particularly severe for the very young, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Can filtered water upset your stomach?

By filtering out excess minerals, a water purifier delivers water with a more neutral pH, making it easier to digest and less likely to cause stomach discomfort. This can be particularly beneficial for those with conditions like acid reflux, as filtered water is less likely to aggravate symptoms.

Do filters really clean water?

A water filter is a system that removes sediment and contaminants from water so that it looks clearer, tastes and smells better, and is healthier to drink and use for other activities like bathing, cooking, and washing dishes.

What are the disadvantages of drinking filtered water?

There really aren't any health disadvantages of filtering tap water, although the system itself and price of future replacements should be considered.

What's the healthiest way to drink water?

EWG's Guide to Safe Drinking Water
  • Tap Water: Learn what's in it. ...
  • Filtered Tap Water: Drink it, cook with it. ...
  • Filters: Change them. ...
  • Bottled Water: Drink filtered tap water instead. ...
  • On the Go: Carry water in safe containers. ...
  • While Pregnant: Stay hydrated with safe water. ...
  • Infants: Use safe water for formula.

What sickness do you get from drinking unfiltered water?

Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Absent, inadequate, or inappropriately managed water and sanitation services expose individuals to preventable health risks.

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