You are considering purchasing a filter jug to improve the taste and quality of your tap water, but you have questions about the effectiveness and functioning of this type of product?
For several years, various scientific studies, such as those from ANSES or the association “Que choisir,” have expressed a more than reserved opinion on the health benefits of filter jugs (bacteria concentration in filters, acidity of water, microplastics…).
Their ecological impact is also called into question: non-recyclable cartridges must be replaced every 3 to 4 weeks, generating a significant amount of plastic waste.
In this article, you will find our opinion (unfiltered!) on the usefulness of these jugs and their filters. We will also discuss the various disadvantages associated with their use. Finally, we will see that there are many healthier, more effective, and ecological alternatives such as the LAVIE filter jug.
The functioning of a filter jug
A filter jug (some may call it a “filter pitcher” or “filter coffee maker”) is a means to improve the taste and quality of the tap water in your kitchen. It works by filtering certain impurities that can be found in your household tap water.
But beware, not all jugs are created equal! To learn more, we compare the LAVIE purifier to classic models like Brita in our article on the best filter jugs.
A simple use
Using this type of filter allows you to access cleaner drinking water with a better taste, without the additives or the additional cost of bottled water.
It is true that a jug requires no complicated installation and is easy to use. You simply need to fill it with cold tap water and let it sit for a few minutes. You can then enjoy newly filtered water of better quality.
The device consists of a dual-reservoir container. Its upper part is designed to hold the water to be filtered. The lower part stores the filtered water. Finally, the device is equipped with a cartridge containing the actual filter.
The composition of the jug’s filter
The filter or filter cartridge of the jug represents the nerve center of the device.
Inside, you will find white beads, ion-exchange resins, and black beads, made of activated carbon. Activated carbon is a material obtained after the carbonization and activation of organic materials rich in carbon, such as coconut shells or wood. Its porous structure allows it to capture impurities, such as chlorine, pesticides, and organic residues, by adsorbing them to its surface.
Finally, everything is wrapped in plastic and enriched with silver particles to prevent bacterial growth in the filter.
Thus, the water you pour into the top reservoir of the jug will flow by gravity through these beads (this takes several minutes and must be done in several batches) into the lower reservoir.
Filter jug or LAVIE purifier? The video test
Before presenting the main disadvantages of classic filter jugs and the alternatives to prefer, a simple test conducted with methylene blue easily calls into question their filtration effectiveness.
Here, we compare a classic model with the LAVIE jug with UV-A technology (thus, without a filter!), which destroys bacteria, viruses, and other undesirable contaminants in just a few minutes.
The disadvantages of filter jugs
An environmental impact
The filter cartridges of jugs, like coffee pods, are very difficult to recycle. The process is specific and costly due to the mix of components and the low value of the materials.
Cartridges therefore produce numerous plastic waste, which have a significant environmental impact. Moreover, the pollutants concentrated in these filters that will never be recycled (at best burned in an incinerator, at worst thrown into an open landfill) will return to the environment, creating a vicious cycle!
So, no, the jug and its filters made of ion-exchange resins and activated carbon do not represent an ecological solution.
A low capacity
Furthermore, it must be understood that the usable capacity of jugs is not what is advertised, but only that of the lower reservoir!
Indeed, an advertised capacity of 2.4 liters for models from the most well-known brands actually contains only 1.4 liters of filtered water. Nevertheless, the device will occupy about 3 good liters of volume in your refrigerator, which generally does not have a dedicated space for this type of container.
Chlorine reduction? Yes, but…
So, yes, it is a fact, a filter jug reduces chlorine. In fact, this is probably the main reason for its use. Indeed, tap water free of chlorine (used primarily to disinfect water) will have a much better taste.
However, according to ANSES, the process of reducing minerals in jugs will produce acidic water. Indeed, its pH will drop on average from 7.5 to 6, and will thus become corrosive to the metals of household appliances.
Thus, while water filtered by a jug will protect your kettle from limescale and tartar, it will also damage it due to its acidity. The metal of your kettle will corrode and then puncture if you boil acidic water too often!
Additionally, a tip for getting rid of limescale if you use water balanced in trace elements in your kettle: a spoonful of citric acid effectively cleans limescale and costs only a few euros per kg. See here all our tips for descaling a kettle.
In conclusion, you will understand, it is not recommended to use water from a filter jug in household appliances that heat water in metal: kettle, coffee machine, etc.
What about bacteria?
The last point is of a bacteriological nature. UFC Que Choisir and ANSES warn after analyses about “nests of bacteria” measured in the daily use of jugs.
Indeed, a report from the National Agency for Health Security (ANSES) published in March 2017 concludes that the effectiveness of filter jugs is debatable.
Although these jugs promise healthier water than tap water at a lower cost than bottled water, the agency warns that inappropriate use can lead to bacterial proliferation.
The report thus warns against microbiological contaminations related to improper use of jugs at home. According to ANSES, when used at home, these jugs can become real nests for bacteria, thus compromising the quality of the water.
Sources:
QUE CHOISIR: Filter jugs Useless, or worse!
OPINION of ANSES regarding the Assessment of the safety and effectiveness of filter jugs
A water quality often degraded by the filter jug
The use of filter jugs can release certain contaminants such as silver, sodium, potassium, and ammonium ions into drinking water.
Moreover, as we mentioned earlier, some jugs can lower the pH of the water. According to Canadian and British studies, this lowering could promote the release of certain metals when heated in contact with metal or ceramic utensils. However, ANSES specifies that current data do not show any risk to consumer health.
Regarding water quality, ANSES estimates that most jugs meet standards for reducing odor, bad tastes, chlorine, lead, and copper. But performance varies significantly between models. ANSES also raises the question of the relevance of filtering calcium and copper, given that many people already have insufficient intakes of these minerals.
Finally, in 2010, analyses had already shown that all jugs tested at home had led to a degradation of water quality.
What alternatives to the filter jug?
If carafes do not indeed provide all the required effectiveness in filtering your tap water, one should not conclude that the solution lies in purchasing packs of water!
Indeed, bottled plastic water represents an even worse alternative, both for the environment and your wallet! Did you know that bottled water costs at least up to 300 times more than tap water?
But do not worry, there are several alternatives to naturally purify tap water, including the LAVIE carafe and its UV-A technology.
A filtering carafe… without a filter!
The LAVIE tap water purifiers operate without filters or maintenance and allow you to purify your tap water in just 15 minutes.
They utilize innovative technology, different from the gravity filtration of a pitcher, patented and exclusive to LaVie: the photolysis of chlorine by UV-A radiation.
This treatment, which has demonstrated its effectiveness (see here the scientific reviews), allows for the reduction of chlorine and its derivatives, chemical compounds such as certain pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceutical residues. Thus, the unpleasant flavors and odors that one may encounter in tap water are eliminated.
Here’s how to use it:
Votre bouteille LaVie d’eau du robinet La bouteille dans le purificateur d’eau Le temps que la lumière UV-A active la photolyse du chlore (15 minutes) Et appréciez le véritable goût d’une eau saine !
An economical AND ecological alternative
The results, which are of very high quality, allow for a definitive end to the consumption of bottled plastic water and a return to a pleasant taste of water.
The carbon footprint associated with the manufacturing of the aluminum tube of the UV water purifier is neutralized within a few days of use compared to the equivalent consumption of bottled plastic water.
Finally, the savings made on the cost of plastic water bottles will quickly offset your purchase.
Discover the LAVIE purifiers now and enjoy healthy and pure tap water for your family!
The filtering fountain for large families!
With its large 5L reservoir, LaFontaine is the ideal filtration system for families. Like the LAVIE purifiers, this product uses UV-A technology to eliminate the taste and odor of chlorine, traces of pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, and bacteria.
Of course, all while preserving all the essential trace elements for our good health. Enjoying mineral quality water at home, without plastic bottles or polluting filters, is now child’s play with LAVIE!
