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We admit: the first time you fill your pitcher, the transformation from murky tap water to a crystal-clear elixir was probably pretty impressive. But just like many appliance inventions in the past, it may be time to sit back and think about the actual efficiency of your store-bought water filter.
Water Filters Are Not Regulated
Though you may not want to admit it, your tap water is better regulated than any in-store water filter you’ve purchased. The EPA monitors and regulates all contaminants in tap water, but it does not have control over commercial filtration devices.
Water filters need to be certified by the NSF, which is an independent public health and safety organization. Most filters probably have an NSF certification on their label; however, they are not as tightly regulated as tap water. This is because the certifications the NSF gives out are very broad. For instance, if a particular filter treats at least one hazardous compound, it can receive the same label as a product that treats every compound.
Are You Changing Your Filters?
Most pitchers recommend changing your filter every 40 gallons. To consumers, this may seem like a lot of water without realizing how much water we use on a daily basis. Between drinking water and using it for cooking, you can quickly hit that 40-gallon mark without even realizing it.
While it’s true that your pitcher probably has a light to indicate when the filter needs to be changed, it may not be completely reliable. Or, even if it is, do you take the time to change the filter?
What Will Happen If You Drink Contaminated Water?
Not changing your water filter can cause bacteria and viruses to grow inside your pitcher, creating water impurities that slowly enter your drinking water again. Studies have shown that filtered water has contained 10,000 times the bacteria colony count as tap water.
Water is essential to our health, and it’s important to ensure that the water you drink is actually healthy for you. If you forget or delay changing your filter, you may start ingesting bacteria buildup, which can cause you to feel sick and experience flu-like symptoms.
What are the signs of contaminated water?
- Cloudy or murky water
- Discolored water (i.e. brown, yellow, etc.)
- Small traces of sediments
- Strong odor
- Metallic taste
Benefits of Home Filtration Systems
You can easily find the content of your local tap water online, but it can be harder to identify what’s lurking in your store-bought water filter.
The best way to keep your family’s water source clean is to install a whole house filtration system. Your drinking water will be clear and healthy, and your cooking, cleaning, and washing water supply will be, too!
If you live in Minnesota or Wisconsin and are in need of a new whole house water filtration system, you’re in luck! Aquarius Water Conditioning sells top of line water filtration systems by Kinetico® to provide your homes with purified water.
