Millions of people in the UK may be spending money unnecessarily on water filters due to misconceptions about their tap water, according to Julie Dolman, who leads the technical department at Doulton Water Filters.
Dolman stated that while UK drinking water adheres to strict standards, regional variations in harmless minerals, such as limescale in hard water areas, or air bubbles can be mistaken for contamination. She advises homeowners to investigate their local water supply characteristics before investing in filtration systems, as many standard pitchers may not resolve the issues consumers complain about.
"Water can vary from one part of the country to another," Dolman said. "UK drinking water has to meet strict standards, but that doesn’t mean every household receives water with exactly the same characteristics."
Potential Water Concerns
Dolman outlined five points to consider regarding tap water:
A persistent change in taste, smell, or appearance does not automatically indicate a safety issue. However, Dolman advises against ignoring noticeable or ongoing changes, especially if they are new. Normal reasons for variations in taste or smell can include the use of chlorine in water treatment, naturally occurring minerals, or water that has been sitting in household pipes. If a significant or continuous change is observed, contacting the local water supplier is recommended over assuming a filter will solve the problem.
If water tastes different or causes rapid limescale buildup after moving to a new house, it may not signify a problem but warrants monitoring. Differences in taste or limescale are often due to variations in the water source and local geology, affecting mineral content and hardness. Checking the local water supplier's reports online can help identify if the water is simply different from what one is accustomed to.
Occasional cloudiness or a milky appearance is often caused by trapped air bubbles, particularly after pressure changes or maintenance. These bubbles typically dissipate if the water is left to stand for a few minutes.
However, persistent cloudiness, especially when accompanied by changes in color, taste, or smell, should prompt a call to the water supplier. Dolman emphasized that not every change in water appearance requires filtration.
Choosing the Right Filtration
Dolman cautioned against assuming a filter will resolve every water quality change. Different filtration technologies target specific issues, making it crucial to first understand the root cause of any perceived problem. Before considering filtration, one should determine whether the concern relates to taste, odor, water hardness, or a specific contaminant.
For those considering filtration, Dolman recommended examining manufacturer performance test data and certifications like NSF or WRAS to verify what the filters are designed to address. The priority, she stated, is understanding the specific water issue rather than making a blanket assumption that a filter is the solution.
Finally, Dolman urged consumers to take time to understand their local water supply. Knowing the characteristics of the water, including hardness, natural minerals, and treatment processes, can help explain observed variations. This knowledge also provides a better basis for deciding if filtration is necessary and what type would be most effective.