Is filtered water really better than tap?

Can you tell the difference between filtered water and tap water? Some people swear they can. Why? A distinct taste of 'chemicals' or an odor that some find offensive. For others, their filter use is connected to a perception of bacteria or other nasties in their local supply. It's unsurprising, then, that water filters have never been more popular. But are they really necessary? They tend to strip water of its minerals, which are vital compounds the body needs to be and stay hydrated. 

Curious? Click on to learn if filtered water really is better than tap.

Water: essential for life

Around 60% of our body is made up of water, and it's crucial for many bodily functions. It helps lubricate the joints, deliver oxygen to our cells, and prevent kidney damage.

Types of water: tap water

Tap water has gone through a screening to remove sediments. It is treated with chemicals, making it safe for human consumption. Depending on where you live, fluoride is sometimes added.

Types of water: distilled water

This process extracts all impurities and minerals from the resulting cooled water. Distilled water is available at many grocery stores.

Types of water: purified water

Purified water is treated to remove microbes, either by distillation or by a process of reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis filters water through a material (called a membrane) to physically remove contaminants.

Unsafe to drink?

Despite this, when the non-profit Environmental Working Group polled 2,800 people living across the US, half said their tap water was unsafe to drink.

Filtering

In the US poll, nearly 35% of people responded that they filter their water. This falls short of the 54% of Londoners who claim to use a water filter.

Water treatment

In the UK, water is filtered for multiple rounds, and undergoes ultraviolet disinfection and chlorination before arriving at a tap.

Municipal water vs. residential issues

However, even if water is safe to drink at a municipal level, it doesn't take into account wear and tear to residential water supply equipment that can affect the end quality.

Hormones and medications

What's more, even after water has been extensively treated, the remnants of some medications have been found to be present in water supplies. These include the contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy residues, and psychotropic medications.

What about boiling?

Boiling water helps kill any remaining microbes in the tap water. However, it doesn't remove heavy metals, or residual PFAs, hormones, or medication from the water—if they're present.

Does filtering help?

In one study, it was found that reverse osmosis and two-stage filters, installed under the sink, were capable of removing almost all the PFAs evaluated.

What about minerals?

Although filters can help remove potentially harmful trace material from water, they also strip beneficial minerals from the supply.

Remineralization

Reverse osmosis filters are so effective at removing everything from water, that they are sometimes sold with remineralization cartridges.

Mineral consumption

However, it's also true that we should really get the majority of these beneficial minerals from a varied, nutritious diet.

Maintenance

These kinds of filters must be maintained properly, to avoid negating their benefits. It's also advised to flush your water filter for at least 10 seconds before drinking from it first thing in the morning, to remove any overnight bacteria buildup.