Is It Necessary to Install a Water Filter for Tap Water? The Answer May Surprise You.

Now, if your household already has access to municipal water, is it still necessary to install an additional water purifier? While water providers will likely assert its necessity, it’s important to consider the following aspects:

1. Health

According to experts, water from treatment plants certainly meets drinking standards. However, the water that reaches your faucet may not be as safe. This is due to the water having to travel through a lengthy distribution system, which could have been in use for 10 to 20 years, leading to potential hygiene issues.

Therefore, if you reside in an older area or a dilapidated house, installing a home water purifier is crucial to prevent secondary pollution during water transportation. On the other hand, if you live in a new apartment complex or modern urban area, or if your building has recently replaced its pipe system, you can rest a little easier. Nonetheless, keep in mind that pipe repairs can cause water to become contaminated with sand and mud, so installing a pre-filter is a sensible solution.

2. Water Quality

There are conflicting opinions about the effects of drinking tap water and purified water. Some believe that tap water can cause kidney stones, while others worry that drinking purified water will result in a mineral deficiency. However, reputable sources like the “Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents” do not support either of these views.

According to these guidelines, long-term consumption of tap water does not cause kidney stones, but those who already have kidney stones should follow their doctor’s advice, which may include limiting tap water intake. Similarly, drinking purified water does not lead to mineral deficiencies, as even tap water, natural water, or mineral water contain minimal amounts of minerals, and our bodies primarily obtain minerals from food.

Thus, the most critical factor for health is the daily water intake, while the specific type of water we consume has a negligible impact on our health.

3. Convenience

Many people assume that tap water is the most convenient option, as it’s readily available from the faucet. However, the reality is quite the opposite. While tap water is easily accessible, it needs to be boiled before consumption, which is a time-consuming process. For instance, while it only takes about 30 seconds to fill a 1.5-liter container from the faucet, boiling this amount of water takes around 5 minutes, followed by a 30-minute cooling period.

In contrast, while a water purifier may take longer to dispense water, approximately 2 minutes for a full jug, the water is immediately potable without the need for boiling. Additionally, if your purifier has a heating function, you can have warm water at your desired temperature in just 3 minutes.

Therefore, in terms of convenience, a water purifier is undoubtedly the superior choice. This is especially true for those who are reluctant to drink water, as the ability to quickly access warm water can encourage hydration. Tap water, on the other hand, may test their patience and deter them from drinking enough water.

4. Cost

The cost of using a water purifier is undoubtedly higher, as it involves not only the initial purchase but also periodic replacement of filter cartridges, resulting in continuous expenses.

Moreover, water purifiers typically produce a certain amount of wastewater, with a ratio of approximately 2:1. This means that for every 2 liters of purified water, 1 liter of wastewater is generated, leading to charges for 3 liters of water. However, this wastewater can be utilized for watering plants or flushing toilets. In contrast, the cost of using tap water only includes the water bill, without any wastewater considerations.

In conclusion, while water purifiers offer numerous benefits, consumers should carefully weigh the ongoing costs against their household’s actual needs before making an investment decision.