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Tap water purifier - Our opinion on the different types!

Water is a central part of our daily lives: we drink it, cook with it and wash with it. But it's not enough, tap water can sometimes contain unwanted impurities. This is where the tap water purifier. In France, 2.5 million units were sold in 2022 (this figure includes filter carafes)! We're going to take a look at the different types of water purifier, and get a little wetter (hoho) by also giving our opinion on each of them.

What is a water purifier?

A water purifier is a device designed to eliminate potential contaminants from the water.tap water. Depending on the size and function of the filter used, it can eliminate bacteria, chlorine, heavy metals and other impurities that could alter the quality of the water. quality of your water.

Why filter tap water?

Although we often hear that "tap water is perfectly safe to drink", it can sometimes taste of chlorine, or contain residues of medicines and other undesirable contaminants. A water purifier guarantees you drinking water free of harmful substances. That's already a very good reason to buy. But it also saves money by reducing the need to buy bottled water! Finally, it also helps to reduce plastic waste.

The different types of water purifier and our opinion :

The carafe filter

The most widespread and least expensive solution in the short term. It's easy to use and requires no installation. On the other hand, you have to change the filters regularly, otherwise you run the risk of drinking water of worse quality than tap water! The problem with this solution, and all those that require a physical filter to be changed, is that the quality of the water diminishes over time. And psychologically, we're always wondering whether it's time to change the filter by analysing the taste of the water we drink every day!

The water filter on the tap

Directly attached to the tapWith this type of filter, you can quickly obtain filtered water. Please note, as above, that filters need to be changed frequently!

LAVIE water purifier

With installation in a matter of seconds and no no maintenance, no physical filters - since its technology purifies water using UV-A emitting lights - a revolution in the world of water treatment. water purifiers.

The under-sink water purification filter

A discreet solution that fits directly under your work planThis guarantees optimum filtration. It requires the intervention of a professional and regular maintenance, as these are physical filters, greatly increasing the overall cost.

Portable water filters

On paper, they look ideal for travel, or for slightly extreme hikes, as they guarantee a high level of comfort. drinking waterwherever you are. Often in the form of a flask, these filters are the stuff of dreams. You imagine taking water from ponds, lakes or streams and being able to remove all those harmful elements.

However, they are not all designed in the same way. Some can allow bacteria, viruses and other undesirable particles through!
That's why it's essential to find out all you can about the product and read the reviews and certifications before making a purchase.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance...

What's more, regular maintenance and filter replacement are essential to ensure that your water is safe and drinkable.

In fact, it always comes down to the same thing: if, as an extreme adventurer, you need a solution to keep hydrated away from civilisation, these can do the job! But you have to bear in mind that they have a limited lifespan, and require regular maintenance.
Their water flow rate is potentially low. They are often expensive, and many people find that they affect taste, as well as limiting filtration at cold water temperatures. Finally, they are obviously not practical for the home.

Note that the LAVIE solution is very easy to transport on holiday and filtration takes 15 minutes for 1 litre, provided you have electricity (with a derisory electricity cost: €1.5 for 1000 litres of purified water).

Water softener

It reduces water hardness by eliminating the minerals responsible for limescale formation. But beware, the problem has been displaced, see this article on the subject water softeners.

How do I choose a water purifier/filter?

Your choice of purifier will depend on your needs:

Volume of water consumed If you're a large family consuming an average of 10 litres of water a day, you'll need a purifier with a large filtration capacity, unlike a single person who consumes 2 litres of water a day.
Quality of your tap water In regions where the water is hard or full of limescale, you will often be advised to opt for a purifier with a water softener or a specialised filter to remove limescale. If you live in an area where the water contains chemical contaminants, look for a purifier with activated carbon filters or a UV-A technology. to neutralise them.
Available space : For those who have a work plan A small tap water purifier, which fits directly onto the tap, might seem ideal if you didn't have to change the filters regularly. If you have space under your sink, you could consider a under-sink water purifierA LAVIE purifier, which is generally larger and offers greater filtration capacity, but comes with the same constraints as above, as well as a higher price tag. Here again, a LAVIE purifier has the advantage thanks to its aesthetic appeal and the small space it takes up in the kitchen.
Filter function and service life Some filters have a pre-filtration function that removes larger particles before the main filtration. This can be useful if your water contains a lot of sediment. What's more, while a standard filter can last around 3 months, some high-quality filters, such as those from BerkeyThese can last up to 6 months or a year.
LAVIE's solution does not pose this problem as the UV-A filter is incorporated into the system and is guaranteed for at least 3 years (thanks to a simple subscription to the newsletter)!

What type of physical filters are there?

Filter carafes use a combination of materials to remove contaminants from water. Here are the main materials used in the filters of these carafes and why it's crucial to replace them regularly:

Activated carbon Activated carbon: This is one of the most commonly used filter elements. Made from coconut shells or other carbonaceous materials, activated carbon is treated to make it highly porous. It can adsorb (attract to its surface) and remove impurities such as chlorine, certain organic chemicals and particles. However, over time, the pores of activated carbon can become saturated, rendering the filter ineffective.
Ion exchangers These resins eliminate calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for water hardness, and replace them with sodium ions. If the resin is not replaced regularly, it may no longer eliminate ions effectively, affecting the softness of the water.
Micro-filters Some filters use a fine membrane to remove particles and micro-organisms. If these filters are not changed, they can become clogged or degraded, allowing contaminants to pass through.
Silver Some carafe filters contain small amounts of silver, which acts as an antibacterial agent to prevent the growth of bacteria inside the filter. If the filter is not changed regularly, the concentration of silver can decrease, which can lead to bacterial overgrowth.

What to do with used filters

Note This paragraph does not need to be read if you opt for a LAVIE purifier that does not use a physical filter.

Regular replacement of water filters is essential to ensure optimum filtration. Used filters should be recycled in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Do not drink water that has been sitting in the purifier for a long time. And clean your appliance regularly to prevent the formation of bacteria.

How much does it cost?

Le price a tap water purifier varies according to model and function. Obviously, when the filtration system includes a physical filter, you need to factor in the cost of changing it over time. However, despite the initial investment, you'll make savings over the long term by reducing your purchases of bottled water.

With a LAVIE water purifier, you'll save between €300 and €900 a year!

Recent innovations in water purifiers

With environmental and health concerns on the rise, water purifier technology has evolved considerably in recent years.

LAVIE: a step forward in water purification

In this panorama of solutions, the patented and awarded (CES in the US) LAVIE stands out for its technical features and attention to detail.

A modern, functional design

Without compromising filtration quality, LAVIE has incorporated a modern design that makes it suitable for any type of kitchen. The shape, colour and size have been designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Health first and foremost

Water filtered by LAVIE is not only free from contaminants, it also retains its essential minerals. Healthy water for everyone, from adults to children.

Easy to install and use

Where some purifiers require complex installation, LAVIE is designed to be simple. And this spirit of simplicity is also reflected in its everyday use.

Long-term cost reduction

The economic benefits of LAVIE The savings are considerable, thanks in particular to the reduction in the purchase of bottled water (savings of between €300 and €900 a year!).

Comparison with other brands

Although Culligan, Berkey, Brita and others are effective, they each have their advantages and disadvantages. The products of LAVIE have found the perfect balance between performance, design and price.

The ecological footprint

Choose a water purifierIt's also good for the environment, especially if it's unfiltered! Fewer plastic bottles, no more waste and responsible consumption.

With all this information, we hope you've been able to get a better idea of what you need to purify your water! And rest assured, whatever you choose, you'll be better off in the long term than buying bottled water, and you'll have the satisfaction of making a positive contribution to the environment! You'll enjoy a better everyday life, better health and guaranteed savings.

Article written on 27/07/2023 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.