• Question: Is it really necessary to filter tap water before consumption?

    Asked by draw46pen to Philip, Maxime, Jake, Ann, Annette, Amy Heather on 19 Nov 2019.
    • Photo: Philip Schuler

      Philip Schuler answered on 19 Nov 2019:

      It depends where you are in the world, and what kind of water you want to use for, e.g. drinking purpose. You should be aware about what the filter filters (relevant stuff?) and what is your water that is filtered.

      If you use a filter, it’s important to maintain and change the filters as the manufacturer says, otherwise you end up “polluting” your tab water by using a filter. Also, it’s worth checking what the filter is made from and if this material may add unpleasent substances to your water when being filtered.

    • Photo: Ann Reen

      Ann Reen answered on 19 Nov 2019:

      Hi There. It should not be necessary to filter public drinking water. Public drinking water is drinking water that has been treated in a water treatment plant. The water is filtered in a treatment plant so that large particles of dirt are removed. Floc is then added to that finer particulates are moved from the water. The water is chlorinated then so that any bugs are destroyed. So in a nut shell public water does not need to filtered. Public water is tested randomly then from people’s houses so ensure it is safe to drink.

    • Photo: Amy Heather Fitzpatrick

      Amy Heather Fitzpatrick answered on 21 Nov 2019:

      I think that both Philip and Ann have provided really good answers to you, explaining how and why water does not really need to be filtered, when it is coming from a tap Ireland. One reason filtration, may be useful is if you are travelling in a developing country, where the tap water may have more bacteria in it, or if you are camping and drinking water from nearby streams or rivers. When you use certain filters, you remove not only the bacteria and viruses present, but sometimes you also loose the good minerals and nutrients, such as calcium and magnesium.

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