The bottle in the water purifier
The benefits of filtered tap water
Table of contents
Water, vital source of hydration for our cells and our organism as a whole, is at the heart of our well-being. But do we really know what's in the water we drink? This article looks at the importance of filter tap water and the benefits of this practice.
Drinking tap water in FranceAlthough it is treated and monitored, in some cases it can still cause health problems. In addition to natural contaminants such as bacteriaIt may also contain chemical residues.
Elimination of contaminants and reduction of heavy metals
As a result water filters can eliminate a variety of contaminants such as chlorinethe heavy metals such as lead and mercury, and certain micro-organisms such as bacteria and parasites. This helps to improve water quality and reduce health risks.
Heavy metals such as lead, the mercury and thearsenic are often the result of industrial pollution and can cause significant damage to the environment. human nervous system. The presence of these metals in drinking water is of particular concern, as their consumption can lead to serious health problems. To counter this problem, the use of appropriate filtration systems is essential.
Filtration on GAC (activated carbon granulated) is particularly effective at eliminating these contaminants. In fact, this method has been shown to completely eliminate metals such as silver and mercury.
Read also: Activated carbon for filtering tap water: benefits, limitations and effective alternatives
Filtered water = Elimination of chlorine
As we have just mentioned, filter your tap water will help you to eliminate one of the chemicals commonly used in water treatment in France (and more particularly for disinfection): the chlorine.
This chemical compound, although useful in the water treatment process, has its own, and even its the other side of the coin.
Chlorine-free water for skin and hair
You're wondering why your skin is so dryer and your hair seem as alive as a plastic plant? Chlorine could be to blame. This chemical compound can dry out the skin and hair, which can lead to skin rashes. itching and theirritation.
Chlorine-related respiratory problems
Chlorine can react with other substances in water to form compounds such as trihalomethanes. These pollutants can pose long-term health risks, particularly for children. respiratory tract. If you've ever felt a burning sensation in your throat after drinking chlorinated water, you're not alone.
Risk for sensitive populations: Beware of the most vulnerable
People with pre-existing health problems, children and the elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of chlorine. In certain situations, chlorine can even interact with drugswhich can be particularly worrying.
A chemical cocktail: Chlorine, an aggregator of problems
Chlorine can react with organic impurities in water to create potentially dangerous by-products. We're talking here about the famous chloramines and trihalomethanes already mentioned.
While studies on their toxicity are still underway, some suggest an increased risk of bladder cancer with prolonged exposure (Source: https://francais.medscape.com/voirarticle/3605588)
Ecosystem and environment : Chlorine doesn't stop at your tap
When it is released into the environment, chlorine can also have an impact on aquatic fauna. Its ability to kill bacteria and micro-organisms doesn't stop at the door of your home.
Filtered tap water, odour-free and better tasting
If your water tastes like a municipal swimming pool, look no further. Chlorine is often the number one culprit. Not only can it make your water is less pleasant to drinkbut it can also affect the taste of your food and drinks prepared with this water. Chlorine-filtered tap water eliminates the need to buy water additives. expensive plastic water bottles, which are also disastrous for the environment.
To find out more: How do you remove chlorine from tap water?
Purified water and elimination of bacteria
Many bacteriasuch as E. coli or legionella bacteriacan be present in unfiltered tap water. For example, ingesting them can lead to gastrointestinal disorders.
As we have seen, in France, drinking water is disinfected by the addition of chlorine. However, this process does not guarantee the elimination of 100 % of bacteria and other micro-organisms. In addition, the water may be contaminated after treatment, for example by ageing pipes or poorly maintained tanks.
Monitoring water quality in your locality
If you want your water to be as bacteria-free as possible, you may want to consider additional home purification methods. However, no method is 100% infallible. Water filtration systems vary according to their effectiveness in eliminating different types of contaminants, including bacteria. We will look at the different water filters later in this article.
It is therefore important to know the water quality in your commune and to take further action if necessary. You can usually find information on water quality in your area through public reports or private tests.
Find out more : Tap water quality in France: everything you need to know
Elimination of other contaminants
In addition to bacteria, the chlorine and heavy metalsour water can be contaminated by pesticidesand drug residues and other chemicals. The cumulative effects of these contaminants are still being studied, but eliminating them is clearly beneficial to health.
The health benefits of purified water are therefore numerous. But installing a filter to treat your water goes beyond your well-being, as we shall see.
To find out more:Â Pesticide residues in tap water: How can we protect ourselves?
Cost reduction and convenience: a sustainable and cost-effective approach
Save money with filtered water
One of the most immediate benefits of tap water filtration is the significant long-term cost savings. While the initial purchase of a filtration system may represent an investment, the savings made by avoiding the regular purchase of bottled water quickly add up.Â
This simple figure speaks for itself: a litre of tap water in France is 300 times cheaper on average than a litre of bottled water (Source:Â https://www.cieau.com/le-metier-de-leau/usages-consommation-conseils/pourquoi-les-francais-boivent-de-plus-en-plus-de-leau-du-robinet/).Â
Filtering tap water: an ecological solution
It is estimated that a household could save between 300 and 900 euros a year by only drinking tap water.
In addition, theenvironmental impact of plastic bottles is a growing concern. According to various reports, up to 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans every year, harming marine life (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 home filtration systemnot only will you reduce your ecological footprintBut you're also helping to reduce plastic pollution overall.
It's so practical!
La convenience is another undeniable advantage. Having a water filter at home eliminates the need to store bottles of waterThis frees up space in your home and saves you the hassle of carrying packs of water from the shop to your home. A constant source of clean water is now close at hand, accessible at any time of day, whether for drinking, cooking or any other domestic use.
All in all, drink filtered tap water is not only an option more economicalbut it is also more practice and ecological. It's a wise choice that offers multi-faceted benefits for your health, your wallet and our planet.
How do I filter my tap water?
Now that we've covered all the benefits that purified or filtered tap water can bring you, here are a few more. effective filtration methods.
It is important to note that not all water filters are created equal. Some are more effective at removing certain types of contaminants than others. Before buying a water filter or purifier, it may be useful to have your water tested to identify any specific contaminants that may be present. This will help you choose the type of filter best suited to your needs.
Filters on tap
These filters are attached directly to the tap and filter the water as it comes out. They are generally easy to install and economically, but they tend to have a more limited filtration capacity compared with other systems.
Filtration method These filters often use a combination of mechanical filtration and activated carbon to remove sediment and chemical contaminants such as chlorine.
Under-sink filters
As their name suggests, these filters are installed under the sink and are connected directly to the water pipe. They generally have a superior filtration capacity and can use several filtration stages, such as reverse osmosis.
Filtration method These systems can be quite sophisticated, usually using a combination of methods such as mechanical filtration, activated carbon, and sometimes even reverse osmosis for more complete filtration.
Filter jugs
These jugs have a filter that the water passes through when it is poured into the carafe. They are portable and require no installation, but their filtration capacity is frequently lower than other types of filter.
Filtration method Most decanters use activated carbon to improve the taste and smell of the water, although their effectiveness in removing contaminants is generally more limited.
To find out more, see our article on the limitations of filter carafes: https://lavie.bio/la-carafe-filtrante/
Countertop filters
These are placed on the counter or on the floor. your worktop and are connected to the tap via a hose. They often have a better filtration capacity than carafes and tap filters, but take up a lot of space. more space.
Filtration method These filters can use a variety of methods, including activated carbon, mechanical filtration, and sometimes additional stages such as ion exchange or ultrafiltration.
Read also: Tap water filter: Which one to choose?
Refrigerator filters
Some fridges have 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 refrigerator.
Gravity filters
These filters use gravity to pass water through one or more filter elements. They are often used in campsite or in emergency situations.
Filtration method They traditionally use ceramic or activated carbon filtration elements, and sometimes a combination of the two. Some more advanced models may also include an ion exchange stage.
Travel and portable filters
These are compact, lightweight devices, usually in the form of a flask or bottle, designed to be used in the home. use on the move.
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 stage for more complete purification.
Shower filters
These filters are designed to be installed on a showerhead to filter out contaminants such as chlorineThis is usually for aesthetic reasons or to improve the health of the skin and hair.
Filtration method These filters mainly use activated carbon or KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion, a form of filtration based on copper and zinc) to eliminate chlorine and other contaminants that can affect skin and hair.
UV filters
A new option available for obtaining tap water filtered of common contaminants is the UV-A purificationa natural approach to purify 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 use an advanced UV filtration system: the photolysis of chlorine by UV-A radiation. This treatment process is effective in minimising the presence of chlorine and its by-products. It is also effective in eliminating chemical compounds such as pesticides and drug residuesin addition to tastes and unwanted odours often found in tap water.
It should be noted that the photolysis of chlorine by UV-A radiation is a technology patented by LaVie and used in its water purifiers and its water fountains purified.
This purification system produces results of exceptional quality, enabling users tostop buying bottled water for good.
To find out more about chlorine photolysis using UV-A radiation : Our Technology
1. Fill in
Your LaVie bottle of tap water
2. Insert
3. Wait
Time taken for UV-A light to activate chlorine photolysis (15 minutes)
4. Enjoy!
And enjoy the real taste of healthy water!
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Using LaVie on video
Complete filtration systems for the home
These systems are installed where the water enters the house, filtering the water. all the water used in the residence. They are frequently more expensive and require professional installationBut they offer a complete solution for the whole house.
Filtration method : These systems can be very comprehensive and use several filtration methods in seriesThese include mechanical filtration for sediments, activated carbon for chemical contaminants, and sometimes even more advanced methods such as reverse osmosis or UV filtration.
In the final analysis, investing in a water purifier or a carafe filter is a good idea. small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes from drinking clean, healthy water.
To find out more, see : Tap water filter - The most common water filtration methods
Pure, healthy water: the many benefits of eco-responsible home filtration
In short, the tap water filtration is not just a matter of taste or comfort; it also represents a major challenge for a public health issue and environmental major. Eliminating contaminants such as heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides and chemical residues, including chlorine, can significantly reduce short- and long-term health risks.
What's more, the use of a home filtration system is more efficient than a conventional system. economic and ecological than to resort tobottled water, which leads to high levels of plastic consumption.
It's crucial to take into account the water quality in your area and choose a filtration system that's tailored to the specific contaminants you want to remove. The various options available, ranging from on-tap filters to complete whole-house systems, offer solutions to suit every need and every budget.
Let's not forget that water quality has a direct impact on our general well-being. Investing in purer water means investing in our health and that of our loved ones, while helping to protect the environment.
FAQs on filtered water
What are the main contaminants found in filtered tap water?
Filtered water can remove a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals such as lead and mercury, bacteria, parasites, chlorine, and certain chemical residues and pesticides.
Why should I filter my tap water?
Filtering tap water reduces the presence of harmful contaminants, improves the taste and smell of the water, and can help prevent short- and long-term health problems.
Are all water filters effective against the same contaminants?
No, different filters are designed to remove different types of contaminants. It's important to choose a filter suited to the specific contaminants in your water.
Is water filtration an economical option?
Yes, although the initial purchase of a filtration system may represent an investment, in the long term it saves money by reducing the purchase of bottled water and cutting the costs associated with health problems.
What is the difference between filtered and purified water?
"Filtered water and purified water are two forms of treated water, each with its own level of purity and treatment.
Filtered water : This water has undergone a process to remove various impurities, which can include solid particles, micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses, and chemical contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals. Filtration methods vary and may include reverse osmosis, distillation or the use of activated carbon filters. The main aim of filtration is to make water safer and more palatable.
Purified water : At a higher level, the purified water is treated to remove almost all its impurities. This includes not only the contaminants removed by filtration, but also other dissolved minerals and micro-organisms. Purification processes are often more advanced, such as UV sterilisation or advanced distillation, guaranteeing almost total purity.
In short, while filtered water is cleaned of many impurities, purified water is treated to achieve a near-absolute level of purity, making it free of virtually all the impurities present in water."
Are there any environmental benefits to water filtration?
Absolutely. By reducing dependence on plastic bottled water, water filtration helps to reduce plastic pollution and the overall ecological footprint.
What is the difference between a tap filter and an under-sink filtration system?
On-tap filters are attached directly to the tap and are easier to install, but may have limited filtration capacity. Under-sink systems generally offer more complete filtration and are installed directly in the pipe under the sink.
How do I know if my tap water needs filtering?
You can have your water tested for specific contaminants. This will help you determine whether filtration is necessary and what type of filter would be most appropriate.
What is the difference between filtered and demineralised water?
Filtered water is treated to remove contaminants and impurities such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals. It retains most of its natural minerals. Demineralised water, on the other hand, is treated to remove not only impurities but also virtually all dissolved minerals. This is often achieved by methods such as deionisation or reverse osmosis. Demineralised water is mainly used in industrial or medical applications where the presence of minerals can be problematic.Â
What types of contaminants do Brita filters remove?
Brita decanter filters are designed to improve the quality of tap water by removing various contaminants such as chlorine, which affects the taste and smell of water. In addition, these filters can reduce the presence of certain heavy metals such as lead and mercury, as well as substances such as limescale and certain pesticides. However, it's important to note that their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific model. You will also need to replace these filters frequently.
Read also: Filter carafes: a good idea?
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.
Article written on 18/09/2023 and updated on 17/08/2024
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