The benefits of filtered tap water

Water, vital source of hydration for our cells and our body as a whole, is at the heart of our well-being. But do we really know what is in the water we drink? This article examines the importance of filtering tap water and the benefits of this practice.

Drinking tap water in France, although it is treated and monitored, can still in some cases present health inconveniences. In addition to natural contaminants like bacteria, it may also contain chemical residues.

To improve the quality of the water consumed daily, more and more households are choosing to install a filtration system. Choosing the best tap water filter helps reduce certain undesirable contaminants, improve the taste of the water, and enjoy more pleasant drinking water while retaining its essential minerals. Depending on the technologies used, these solutions can meet different needs for domestic water purification.

Elimination of contaminants and reduction of heavy metals

Thus, water filters can eliminate a variety of contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and certain microorganisms like bacteria and parasites. This helps improve water quality and reduce health risks.

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic are often the result of industrial pollution and can cause significant damage to the human nervous system. The presence of these metals in drinking water is particularly concerning as their consumption can lead to serious health problems. To counter this issue, the use of appropriate filtration systems is essential.

Filtration using GAC (granular activated carbon) is particularly effective at removing these contaminants. Indeed, it has been shown that this method completely removes metals like silver and mercury.

Also read: Activated carbon for filtering tap water: advantages, limitations, and effective alternatives

Filtered water = Elimination of chlorine

As we just mentioned, filtering your tap water will help eliminate one of the chemicals commonly used in water treatment in France (and more specifically for its disinfection): chlorine.

This chemical compound, while useful in the water treatment process, has its, and even its downsides.

A chlorine-filtered water for skin and hair

Are you wondering why your skin is so dry and your hair seems as lifeless as a plastic plant? Chlorine could be the culprit. This chemical compound can dry out the skin and hair, leading to itchiness and irritation.

Respiratory issues related to chlorine

Chlorine can react with other substances in water to form compounds such as trihalomethanes. These pollutants can pose long-term health risks, particularly to the respiratory tract. If you have ever felt a burning sensation in your throat after drinking chlorinated water, you are not alone.

Risk for sensitive populations: Beware of the most vulnerable

Individuals with pre-existing health issues, children, and the elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of chlorine. In some situations, chlorine can even interact with medications, which can be particularly concerning.

A chemical cocktail: Chlorine, a trouble aggregator

Chlorine can react with organic impurities in water to create potentially dangerous by-products. We are talking here about the infamous chloramines and the trihalomethanes already mentioned.

While studies on their toxicity are still ongoing, some suggest an increased risk of bladder cancer with prolonged exposure (Source: https://francais.medscape.com/voirarticle/3605588)

Ecology and environment: Chlorine does not stop at your tap

When released into the environment, chlorine can also impact aquatic wildlife. Its propensity to kill bacteria and microorganisms does not stop at the doors of your home.

Filtered tap water, odorless and better tasting water

If your water tastes like a municipal pool, look no further. Chlorine is often public enemy number one. Not only can it make your water less pleasant to drink, but it can also affect the taste of your food and beverages prepared with this water. Chlorine-filtered tap water will eliminate the need to buy expensive plastic water bottles, which are also catastrophic for the environment.

To go further: How to eliminate chlorine in tap water?

 

Purified water and elimination of bacteria

Many bacteria, such as E. coli or legionella bacteria, can be present in unfiltered tap water. Their ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal disorders, for example.

As we have seen, in France, drinking water is disinfected by adding chlorine. However, this process does not guarantee the elimination of 100% of bacteria and other microorganisms. Furthermore, water can be contaminated after treatment, for example due to aging pipes or poorly maintained tanks.

Monitoring water quality in your municipality

If you want water as free from bacteria as possible, you may consider additional purification methods at home. However, no method is 100% foolproof. Water filtration systems vary in their effectiveness at removing different types of contaminants, including bacteria. We will discuss the different water filters later in this article.

It is therefore important to know the water quality in your municipality and to take additional measures if necessary. You can usually find information about water quality in your area through public reports or private testing.

Learn more: Quality of tap water in France: everything you need to know

Elimination of other contaminants

In addition to bacteria, chlorine, and heavy metals, our water can be contaminated by pesticides, medication residues, and other chemicals. The cumulative effects of these contaminants are still being studied, but their elimination is clearly beneficial for health.

The health benefits of purified water are therefore numerous. However, installing a filter to treat your water goes beyond your well-being, as we will see.

To go further: Pesticide residues in tap water: How to protect yourself?

Cost reduction and convenience: A sustainable and economical approach

Save money with filtered water

One of the most immediate advantages of filtering tap water is the significant long-term cost reduction. While the initial purchase of a filtration system may represent an investment, the savings from avoiding regular bottled water purchases accumulate quickly.

This simple figure is quite telling: the liter of tap water in France is 300 times cheaper on average than a liter of bottled water (Source: https://www.cieau.com/le-metier-de-leau/usages-consommation-conseils/pourquoi-les-francais-boivent-de-plus-en-plus-de-leau-du-robinet/).

Filtering tap water: an ecological solution

It is estimated that a household could save between 300 and 900 euros per year by consuming only tap water.

Moreover, the environmental impact of plastic bottles is increasingly concerning. According to various reports, up to 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans each year, harming marine wildlife and flora (https://www.liberation.fr/planete/2019/11/14/chaque-annee-8-millions-de-tonnes-de-plastique-finissent-dans-les-oceans_1763117/).

By opting for a domestic filtration system, not only do you reduce your ecological footprint, but you also contribute to the overall reduction of plastic pollution.

It’s convenient!

The convenience is another undeniable advantage. Having a water filter at home eliminates the need to store water bottles, freeing up space in your home and saving you the hassle of transporting packs of water from the store to your home. A constant source of clean water is now at your fingertips, accessible at any time of the day, whether for drinking, cooking, or any other domestic use.

In summary, drinking filtered tap water is not only a more economical option, but it is also more convenient and ecological. It is a wise choice that offers multifaceted benefits, impacting health, finances, and the preservation of our planet.

How to filter my tap water?

Now that we have covered all the benefits that purified or filtered tap water can provide you, here are some effective filtration methods.

It is important to note that not all water filters are equal. Some are more effective at removing certain types of contaminants than others. Before purchasing a filter or water purifier, it may be helpful to have your water tested to identify the specific contaminants that may be present. This will help you choose the type of filter that best suits your needs.

Tap Filters

These filters are directly attached to the faucet and filter the water as it comes out. They are generally easy to install and cost-effective, but they tend to have a more limited filtration capacity compared to other systems.

Filtration method: These filters often use a combination of mechanical filtration and activated carbon to remove sediments and chemical contaminants such as chlorine.

Under-sink filters

As their name suggests, these filters are installed under the sink and are directly connected to the water supply. They generally have a superior filtration capacity and can use multiple stages of filtration, such as reverse osmosis.

Filtration method: These systems can be quite sophisticated and usually employ a combination of methods such as mechanical filtration, activated carbon, and sometimes even reverse osmosis for more comprehensive filtration.

 

 

 

Filtered pitchers

These pitchers are equipped with a filter that the water passes through when poured into the pitcher. They are portable and do not require installation, but their filtration capacity is often lower than that of other types of filters.

Filtration method: Most pitchers use activated carbon to improve the taste and odor of the water, although their effectiveness in removing contaminants is generally more limited.

To learn more, see our article on the limitations of filtered pitchers: https://lavie.bio/fr/blog/avis-alternative-carafe-filtrante/

 

Countertop filters

These are placed on the countertop or on your work surface and are connected to the faucet via a hose. They often have better filtration capacity than pitchers and faucet filters, but take up more space.

Filtration method: These filters can use a variety of methods, including activated carbon, mechanical filtration, and sometimes additional steps such as ion exchange or ultrafiltration.

Also read: Faucet water filter: What to choose?

Refrigerator filters

Some refrigerators are equipped with a built-in water filter that purifies the water used for the water dispenser and ice maker.

Filtration method: These filters generally use activated carbon, although there may be variations depending on the model and brand of the refrigerator.

 

 

Gravity filters

These filters use gravity to pass water through one or more filtration elements. They are often used for camping or in emergency situations.

Filtration method: They traditionally use ceramic or activated carbon filtration elements, and sometimes a combination of both. Some more advanced models may also include an ion exchange step.

Travel and portable filters

These are compact and lightweight devices, usually in the form of a water bottle, designed for on-the-go use.

Filtration method: These filters generally use some form of mechanical filtration to remove particles, and some add a layer of activated carbon or even a UV filtration step for more comprehensive purification.

Shower filters

These filters are designed to be installed on a showerhead to filter contaminants such as chlorine, generally for aesthetic reasons or for the health of skin and hair.

Filtration method: These filters primarily use activated carbon or KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion, a copper and zinc-based filtration method) to remove chlorine and other contaminants that may affect skin and hair.

UV filters

A new option available for obtaining tap water filtered from common contaminants is UV-A purification, a natural approach to sanitize tap water. This system uses ultraviolet lamps to eradicate contaminants from tap water, without the addition of chemicals.

Filtration method: The latest generation of water purifiers uses an advanced UV filtration system: chlorine photolysis by UV-A radiation. This treatment process is effective in minimizing the presence of chlorine and its by-products. It is also effective in removing chemical compounds such as pesticides and pharmaceutical residues, in addition to unpleasant tastes and odors often found in tap water.

It should be noted that chlorine photolysis by UV-A radiation is a patented technology by LaVie and is used in its water purifiers as well as its purified water fountains.

This purification system produces results of exceptional quality, allowing users to permanently abandon the purchase of bottled water.

To learn more about chlorine photolysis by UV-A radiation: Our technology

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Also read: Testimonials: what users of LaVie water purifiers tell us!

Complete filtration systems for the home

These systems are installed where water enters the home, thus filtering all the water used in the residence. They are often more expensive and require professional installation, but they offer a comprehensive solution for the entire house.

Filtration method: These systems can be very comprehensive and use multiple filtration methods in series, including mechanical filtration for sediments, activated carbon for chemical contaminants, and sometimes even more advanced methods like reverse osmosis or UV filtration.

Ultimately, investing in a water purifier or a filtered pitcher is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from consuming clean and healthy water.

To learn more, see: 5 solutions to filter tap water

Pure and healthy water: the multiple benefits of eco-friendly home filtration

In summary, filtering tap water is not just a matter of taste or convenience; it also represents a major public health and environmental issue. Eliminating contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, and chemical residues, including chlorine, can significantly reduce health risks in the short and long term.

Moreover, using a home filtration system is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than resorting to bottled water, which generates significant plastic consumption.

It is crucial to consider the quality of water in your area and to choose a filtration system suitable for the specific contaminants you wish to eliminate. The various options available, ranging from faucet filters to complete systems for the whole house, offer solutions tailored to every need and budget.

Let us not forget that water quality has a direct impact on our overall well-being. Investing in purer water is investing in our health and that of our loved ones, while also contributing to environmental preservation.

Also read:
Is the filtered pitcher a good idea?