0 What is reverse osmosis and how it works
What is reverse osmosis and how does it work? Reverse osmosis technology uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove up to 99% of contaminants found in water. The membrane acts as a barrier and only pure water molecules can pass through, leaving contaminants behind. Reverse osmosis is a tried and tested way to ensure you have access to clean and pure drinking water. While reverse osmosis systems can be a powerful and beneficial water purification method to remove impurities, contaminants and potentially harmful bacteria it’s only suitable for very specific requirements such as: Managing health conditions where medical advice is to remove as much from the water as possible. Tropical fish tanks. Where there is no other way of accessing potable water such as private water supplies. Reducing elevated sodium levels in softened water. This article explores what reverse osmosis is, how it works and why reverse osmosis may or may not be the right choice for your circumstances. So, what is reverse osmosis and how does reverse osmosis work? Understanding reverse osmosis: what it is and how it functions At the heart of any reverse osmosis water filter is the semi-permeable membrane. (add image) Before water reaches the all-important membrane, it flows through pre-filtration where spun polypropylene or pleated sediment cartridges capture larger particles that may be present in the water such as dirt and rust. This helps protect the membrane from clogging and damage and is a crucial step in any reverse osmosis system. Water then passes through a 5 micron carbon filter cartridge which removes chlorine and other chemicals. Removing these further protects the reverse osmosis membrane. Chlorine can be highly damaging to the thin film composite (TFC) membranes commonly used in reverse osmosis systems. The taste and smell of the water is improved when carbon block filtration is used. And then it’s time for the semi-permeable reverse osmosis membrane to work it’s magic. Water is pushed through the membrane, which acts as a barrier, allowing only water molecules to pass while rejecting contaminants. The membrane is designed to remove up to 99% of dissolved salts, heavy metals, and other impurities. Water pressure plays a key role in the membrane, as it forces water molecules through the tiny pores of the membrane while leaving contaminants behind. The purified water is then stored in a holding tank, ready for use, while the rejected contaminants are flushed away as wastewater. *TOP TIP* The general rule of thumb is that if your water pressure is below 3 bar, you’ll need a pumped reverse osmosis water filter. If your water pressure is 3 bar or above, you can choose an unpumped reverse osmosis system. Finally, water passes through reverse osmosis post-filtration using an inline carbon filter. This is often described as a polishing stage to ensure that the water coming out of your tap is as crisp and as clean as possible. Some reverse osmosis systems have a 6th remineralisation stage which re-introduces important minerals back into the water such as calcium carbonate. The key stages of the reverse osmosis filtration process Reverse osmosis technology comprises of three main stages. Pre-filtration: the removal of particles, dirt, rust, sediment, chlorine and chemicals. Membrane: separates dissolved solids, salt and other impurities from water. Post-filtration: the polishing stage where the taste and odour of the water is further improved. Some reverse osmosis water filters also have a remineralisation cartridge which adds calcium carbonate back into the water. It’s important to talk about the wastewater, highlighted on the above image as ‘impurities out to drain’. All the contaminants, which do not pass through the semi-permeable membrane go down the drain. Yes, you’re literally throwing water away! A reverse osmosis water filter wastes more water than the amount of clean water produced. What impurities does reverse osmosis remove from water? A reverse osmosis water filter is highly effective at removing many impurities that may be present in water such as those found in the table below. Category Examples of impurities removed by RO Dissolved Solids (TDS) Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium Salts: Chloride, Sulphates, Nitrates Organic matter: plant or animal matter Heavy Metals Lead, Arsenic, Copper, Manganese, Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium Chlorine & Chloramines Chlorine, Chloramines Pesticides & Herbicides Agricultural chemicals (weed killers, pest control agents) Bacteria & Viruses Bacteria: E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, Cholera, Legionella Viruses: Norovirus, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Adenovirus, Enteroviruses Fluoride Naturally occurring mineral or artificially added to water in areas of England that have a water fluoridation scheme. Pharmaceutical residues Hormones, Anti-biotics Asbestos Asbestos fibres from asbestos cement pipes, landfills containing asbestos waste, industrial waste, demolished buildings. Forever Chemicals Persistent “forever chemicals” used in manufacturing and consumer products. Particulate Matter Sediment, silt & other suspended solids Radiological Elements Radium, Uranium Microplastics Plastic particles from household and environmental sources. You can enjoy further reading below about some of the contaminants we’ve mentioned in the table above. Water Fluoridation in the UK How to remove fluoride in UK water How to remove forever chemicals in UK tap water How to filter microplastics from water There is no 100% removal with any water filtration method. For example, reverse osmosis systems don’t remove the chemical element boron, so if boron is present in your water you may end up with an artificially increased boron level. Benefits and drawbacks of reverse osmosis filtration How does reverse osmosis work in terms of its benefits and drawbacks? Because a reverse osmosis removes up to 99% of contaminants in water, let’s look at some of the benefits. Pros Cons Removes up to 99% of contaminants. Wastes more water than it produces. Not suitable for whole house. Produces clean and safe water that tastes and smells good. Removes healthy minerals resulting in bland tasting water. Reduces the need for bottled water. Higher upfront cost than other water filters. Useful for certain health conditions and aquariums. Needs regular cartridge/membrane changes. Effective as a final purification stage after other filtration methods. Takes up valuable under-sink space. How reverse osmosis compares to other water filtration methods Reverse osmosis is a bit of an ‘eliminate everything’ approach to water filtration and we can see why many people think it’s an effective way to filter tap water. But if you’ve perused the drawbacks above, you’ll probably be considering if reverse osmosis is overkill and what other water filtration methods there are that you could consider. It all boils down to what you want to change about your water. This is one of the first questions we ask people when they get in touch with us. This table helps compare reverse osmosis to other water filtration methods. Filtration Method What it removes Cost range Maintenance Best suited for Reverse Osmosis (RO) Dissolved salts, heavy metals, fluoride, PFAS, microplastics, pesticides, bacteria & viruses (with pre / post stage) Upfront cost £300+ Replacement cartridges from £75 for a 5 stage system. Cartridge change every 6-12 months. Membrane change every 2-3 years. Maximum purification, aquariums, medical/food uses. Activated Carbon Chlorine, Pesticides, herbicides, trace pharmaceuticals, PFAS, hormones, particulate lead, and more. Basic system including tap from £100. Replacement cartridges vary in price depending on system. Cartridge changes every 6-12 months. Suitable for multiple filtration problems. Improves taste and smell of drinking water. Ultraviolet (UV) Filtration Kills bacteria, viruses, protozoa. Systems from £400 UV lamp must be changed every 12 months. Quartz sleeve change every 3 years (depending on condition) Private water supplies (wells, boreholes, springs). Ion Exchange (Water Softener) Hard water minerals (calcium, magnesium), iron, manganese. Systems from £700 Regular salt refills, resin top-ups. Households in hard water areas wanting limescale reduction. Private water supplies with high iron/manganese. Ceramic Filters Bacteria, cysts, moulds, sediment. From £100. Replace cartridges every 6-12 months. Off-grid setups, emergency filtration. Distillation Heavy metals, salts, bacteria, parasites, viruses. From £100 for countertop units. Regular descaling. Small scale laboratory, or emergency use. Conditioners Scale and chemical treatment. Systems from £100. Media cartridge renewals every 6-12 months. Domestic water. Surface / Depth Particles, metals, sediment, colloids. Systems from £80. Cartridge renewals every 6-12 months. All water applications. There is no denying that reverse osmosis water has gone through a comprehensive purification process, but is it right for you? We’ll look at this in more detail later. Practical uses of reverse osmosis in homes and businesses Reverse osmosis systems can be installed in homes and across a wide range of industries and sectors in a commercial set up. Reverse Osmosis – in homes? A reverse osmosis system is normally installed under the kitchen sink as a point of use system. Other locations for a reverse osmosis water filter could be under a bathroom sink, to a refrigerator, in a garage, or basement. Additionally, a reverse osmosis water filter is often installed on a fish tank as it helps control the balance of minerals present in the water. Some fish are very particular about the water they live in. If you’re looking for a whole house water filter, then we wouldn’t normally recommend installing a reverse osmosis system as it wouldn’t provide a good enough flow rate. In this instance it would be better to treat your water using one of the alternative water filtration methods mentioned above and install a reverse osmosis water filter at point of use. Chatting to a water filtration specialist would ensure you get a system that’s fit for purpose. Reverse Osmosis – in commercial settings? Reverse osmosis water filtration is also used in commercial and industrial settings. Food and beverage – reverse osmosis systems help maintain consistent water quality. This ensures the quality and safety of products. Food processing – produce can be soaked and rinsed in reverse osmosis water to ensure it is free of contaminants. Medical & Pharmaceutical – purified water is used for sterilisation of equipment in hospitals and clinics, dialysis machines, and in scientific laboratories where testing equipment needs to be free on any impurities that may impact on results. Water treatment & purification – in large industrial settings such as power plants, metal finishing, and semi-conductor manufacturing; reverse osmosis is used to produce purified water for cooling and steam generation and reduce limescale build-up that will eventually corrode equipment. Reverse osmosis also helps recover and recycle water in water treatment plants. Lifespan and replacement schedule for reverse osmosis filters Water quality across the country varies, as does water usage and this will have an impact on the lifespan and replacement of reverse osmosis filter cartridges. As a rule of thumb, the filters in a reverse osmosis water filter should be changed as follows: Pre-filtration cartridges: the spun polypropylene (melt blown) or pleated cartridge and the carbon block cartridge should be changed a minimum of every 12 months. These cartridges are responsible for the removal of particles, dirt, rust, sediment, chlorine and chemicals. Membrane: the semi-permeable membrane should be changed every 2-3 years. This cartridge separates dissolved solids, salt and other impurities from the water. Post-filtration: the inline carbon cartridge and remineralisation cartridge (if there is one) should be changed a minimum of every 12 months. These cartridges further improve the taste and odour of the water and if remineralising, calcium carbonate is added back into the water. Replacement cartridges for reverse osmosis systems are normally sold in packs which means you get everything you need in one go. Maintenance tips for efficient reverse osmosis performance Here are our top two maintenance tips for your reverse osmosis system. Tip One – Change the cartridges It goes without saying but the first maintenance tip for ensuring your reverse osmosis system is running efficiently and effectively is to replace the cartridges when you need to. If you don’t do this the performance of your system over time will diminish. For example, you may notice a drop in water flow, or a change in the taste and smell of you water. We encourage you to make a note in your diary or set a reminder on your phone, so you don’t forget. Our customers love that we send them a cartridge reminder email every six months. Tip Two – Sanitise your system You should also sanitise your system by cleaning out the filter housings every now and again to prevent mould and bacterial growth. We recommend you use something like Milton Sterilising Fluid to do this. If it’s good enough for babies bottles, it’s good enough for your reverse osmosis water filter. This process involves disassembling the system, cleaning each component, and rinsing thoroughly before reassembly. Be sure to read the detailed instructions in the systems instruction manual! Is reverse osmosis the right choice for your water needs? There are several factors to consider when determining if purchasing a reverse osmosis water filter is going to be right for you. Or, whether another type of water filtration system is going to work just as well. Reverse osmosis may be right for you if: You need to remove a broad range of contaminants in one go. For example, heavy metals, fluoride, PFAS, bacteria, microplastics. You have specific health requirements or a weakened immune system and need the purest drinking water possible. You keep tropical fish or have an aquarium that needs controlled water quality. You’re on a private water supply (well, spring, or borehole) where other filtration methods alone aren’t enough. You already use a water softener and want to reduce sodium levels in your drinking water. You want an alternative to buying bottled water for taste, safety, and environmental reasons. Reverse osmosis may not be the best option if: You only want to improve taste and remove chlorine. A carbon filter would be sufficient for this. Water scarcity is a concern, as RO systems waste more water than they produce. You prefer mineral-rich, naturally balanced drinking water. You want a whole house solution. RO is usually recommended for point-of-use, not entire households. You’re looking for the cheapest or simplest water filtration option. How Fountain Filters can help you with Reverse Osmosis systems At Fountain Filters we are passionate about equipping you with useful information when it comes to water filtration methods. We hope that this article has helped you understand reverse osmosis; what it is and how it works. If you believe that installing a reverse osmosis system is going to be the best system for you, but you have questions; please chat your project through with us as we are expert problem solvers when it comes to water filtration. Contacting us is easy, either by calling us on 01352 838 281 or sending us a message via our contact page. FAQs What is the point of reverse osmosis water? The point of reverse osmosis water is the ability to remove a high percentage of contaminants from drinking water. Is it healthy to drink reverse osmosis water? It’s safe to drink reverse osmosis water but as to it being healthy or natural; that’s open to debate. Removing good minerals such as calcium and magnesium may not make the water as healthy as unfiltered tap water. Reverse osmosis water is often not the only option when it comes to water filtration. What is the disadvantage of reverse osmosis water? Some disadvantages of reverse osmosis water include the bland taste of the water and that the process wastes more water than is produced. It’s important to learn about the reverse osmosis process before determining if installing a reverse osmosis system is going to be right for you. Is reverse osmosis water the same as distilled water? No, reverse osmosis water is not the same as distilled water. The two methods are entirely different. Both methods remove a high percentage of contaminants, but distillation involves boiling the water to create steam and then turning it back into liquid. Reverse osmosis does not. Can I use reverse osmosis water for coffee/tea? No, reverse osmosis water is not recommended for brewing coffee or tea. The lack of minerals in reverse osmosis water can give hot drinks a bland taste with no depth of flavour. Is reverse osmosis water good for plants? Yes, reverse osmosis water can be good for plants, but depending on the type of plant you may need to ensure you are feeding your plants at regular intervals with nutrients to ensure healthy growth. Reverse osmosis vs bottled water: which is better? From an environmental, cost and health perspective reverse osmosis water is better than bottled water. Bottled water should only be bought and consumed if you have no other options available.
0 How to Install a Water Softener
How to install a water softener: a complete guide Our complete guide to installing a water softener will help you take practical steps towards transforming your home's water quality, from selecting the correct water softener system to the actual installation process. Hard water is a common problem in many UK households, and it can be difficult to treat. Limescale, the noticeable sign of hard water appears on fixtures, taps, glassware, and shower heads. It can scale up pipes and decrease water flow, damaging your plumbing system. Limescale makes cleaning difficult and frustrating, and it reduces the lifespan of your household appliances. Don't let the effects of hard water in your home irritate you any longer. Let Fountain Filters break down how to transform your household's water from hard to soft with a water softener today. Types of water softeners Before we go into detail about water softener installation it's important to introduce the two most common types of water softener available. These are ion-exchange water softeners and salt-free water conditioners. Ion-exchange water softeners Ion-exchange water softeners remove the hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) from water, replacing them with sodium ions. The ion exchange process works in a resin tank, and the system periodically regenerates by flushing the resin with a brine solution. Ion-exchange water softeners require regular maintenance and the addition of water softener salt. Salt-free water softeners A salt-free water softener alters the chemical structure of the calcium and magnesium to prevent them from sticking to household surfaces. These systems use template-assisted crystallisation to neutralise the hardness minerals, making it easier for them to flow through plumbing without causing hard scale build-up. Salt-free systems are becoming increasingly popular because they are low-maintenance and environmentally friendly. No salt is needed, and no wastewater is produced. For the purposes of this water softener installation guide, we're going to concentrate solely on ion-exchange water softeners. Tools and materials required for installation There are some necessary tools and materials required for water softener installation. Most people choose to employ the skills of a local plumber, so don't worry if you don't have everything required for installing a water softener. The specific tools and materials you'll need will vary depending on the type of water softener you choose to install. A water softener system that is appropriately sized for your home. An ion-exchange water softener will normally contain a resin tank, brine tank and control valve. Plumbing supplies such as copper or plastic piping, pipe cutters, wrenches, PTFE tape, and fittings. You may need a torch and soldering equipment if you have copper pipes, or primer and solvent cement if you have plastic pipes. Selecting the ideal location for your water softener Whichever type of water softener you choose, the question of where to install a water softener in your home is going to arise. There are a few prerequisites about where to install a water softener: Adequate flow rate - at least 20 l/pm for a whole house system. Sufficient space. Easy access. Ion-exchange water softeners need access to a drain which could be a floor drain or utility room sink. Ion-exchange water softeners need an electricity supply. Realistically, you'll probably be installing a water softener in an under-sink kitchen cupboard, utility room, cellar, or in your garage. The general rule of thumb is that the water softener needs to be installed as close as possible to the entry point for water coming into your home. That means you'll have plenty of space to work, but also easy access for water softener salt to be added, and any maintenance that needs to be done. However, installing a water softener in the UK often means that the water supply comes in under the kitchen sink where there’s not much room. In that instance, you may need to put a loop from the incoming water pipe, through the under-sink cupboard walls, and into a space that’s bigger. You then take the softener outlet pipe back to join up with the main water pipe again. It’s also possible to punch through the kitchen external wall and install the water softener outside. However, it will need to be protected from frost and sunlight to ensure it doesn’t get damaged. You can do that by boxing it in, suitably lagged, in a small enclosure like a garden storage enclosure. As people prefer not to drink softened water, you can fit a dedicated cold water supply up to the kitchen tap so the softened water isn't dispensed from there. Steps for installing a water softener Installing a water softener can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and preparation it's a project that many homeowners can tackle themselves. We're going to share step-by-step instructions for two different types of salt-based water softeners; one with a separate brine tank and one with a built-in brine tank. Water softener installation for a salt-based water softener with a separate brine tank Step 1: Choose the installation location Select a suitable location for your water softener, typically near the main water supply line and close to a drain for the discharge line. Ensure there is adequate space for the unit and easy access for maintenance. It’s also important to choose a location that is protected from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Step 2: Turn off the water supply Before you begin any plumbing work, shut off the main water supply to your home. Open both the hot and cold tap to relieve the pressure in the pipes and drain any remaining water. This will prevent water from flowing while you work on the installation. Step 3: Install the bypass valve Most water softeners come with a bypass valve that allows you to easily divert water around the unit for maintenance or repair. Attach the bypass valve to the control valve on the water softener, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Secure the connections with PTFE tape to prevent leaks. Step 4: Connect the water inlet and outlet pipes Using the appropriate fittings and piping, connect the inlet and outlet pipes to the bypass valve. The inlet pipe carries hard water into the water softener, while the outlet pipe carries softened water to your home’s plumbing system. Ensure all connections are secure to prevent leaks. Step 5: Set up the drain line Connect a drain hose or tubing to the water softener’s discharge line and route it to a suitable drain or standpipe. The drain line should have a downward slope and be securely fastened to prevent dislodging. Step 6: Install the brine tank Position the brine tank next to the resin tank and connect the brine line to the control valve. Fill the brine tank with water and add the appropriate amount of water softener salt. The brine tank is responsible for regenerating the resin beads in the water softener and should be refilled regularly to maintain effectiveness. Step 7: Turn on the water supply and test With all connections secure, carefully turn on the main water supply and check for leaks. Open the bypass valve to allow water to flow through the system and flush any air or debris from the pipes. Plug the control unit to its electricity supply and switch it on. Follow the start up guide in the water softener installation instructions which will include setting the backwash timer. Step 8: Initiate a back wash cycle This will help clear out any residual air and allow the resin beads to settle in. Remember to check all the connections for leaks and open the water supply isolator fully. Water softener installation for a salt-based cabinet water softener Cabinet softeners are simpler to install because they don’t have a separate brine tank. This makes them more suitable where there’s limited space, although they may have limited flow rate. Step 1: Turn off the water supply Turn off the mains water supply and drain the pipes by opening the hot and cold kitchen taps. Step 2: Cut a section out of your mains water pipe Following the water softener installation instructions that came with your water softener system cut an appropriate section out of the main water pipe using a copper pipe cutter or PVC cutter. It’s important to use the right tool to ensure a clean cut. Step 3: Connect the water inlet and outlet pipes Connect the water inlet and outlet pipes to the correct side – you may need to have obtained rigid or flexible pipes to do this. These are likely to have 22mm or 15mm compression or speed fit connectors. Ensure you have the correct sizes for your pipes and the connectors for the water softener ports. Step 4: Set up the drain line Connect the tubes to the drain and overflow if it has one. This is for the waste brine that’s generated during the backwash cycle. Step 5: Add salt to the internal brine tank Usually about half full. Add 5 to 10 litres of water into the brine well. Then plug in the control unit to its electricity supply, switch it on and press the “regen” button. Leave it for 2 to 3 hours. Step 6: Set timer and switch the water softener on Set the timer or meter on, and when the ‘regen cycle’ has completed slowly turn the water back on. Check for leaks on all the new pipes and connections. Common installation issues and how to fix them There are a few common mistakes that people are prone to making when it comes to installing a water softener. Choosing the incorrect water softener capacity – each water softener has a capacity before a ‘regeneration’ is needed. Regeneration is where the resin inside the water softener is cleaned, refreshing its capacity and ability to soften water. If water ‘regenerates’ too often the system is too small for your home. If regeneration is infrequent, it’s too big. Choosing an inappropriate place to install your water softener - It’s important to choose a location that is easily accessible so that you can carry out maintenance easily. For ion-exchange water softeners the system needs to be located close to a drain for the discharge line. Installing a water softener in an area prone to freezing temperatures or direct sunlight – freezing temperatures and direct sunlight can damage a water softener and reduce its efficiency. You must ensure your water softener is sited in a space with proper ventilation and protected from direct sunlight. Using incorrect plumbing connections - it’s essential that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use the appropriate fittings and materials for your specific setup. Failing to secure connections tightly or using incompatible materials can lead to leaks and water damage. Missing out the bypass valve - not installing a bypass valve can make maintenance and repairs more difficult, so be sure to include one in your installation. Maintenance tips to keep your water softener working efficiently If you are going to invest in a water softener you are also investing ongoing time (or somebody else’s time!) in regular maintenance to ensure your water softener system is operating efficiently and effectively. Taking care of your water softener will extend the lifespan of your system and prevention is better than cure when it comes to common issues arising. Some of the most important maintenance tasks are: Regularly checking and replenishing the water softener salt in the brine tank. How often you do this will depend on your water usage and the hardness of your water, but it’s generally recommended to check the levels at least once a month. Keeping the brine tank adequately filled ensures that the resin beads in the water softener can regenerate properly and continue to remove calcium and magnesium (the hardness minerals) from your water. Cleaning the brine tank periodically to prevent the buildup of salt bridges and sludge. A salt bridge is a hard crust that forms in the brine tank and can prevent the salt from dissolving properly. To clean the brine tank, turn off the water supply, empty the tank, and remove any residue buildup. Rinse the tank thoroughly before refilling it with fresh water and salt. This maintenance task should be done at least once a year or more frequently if you notice any issues with the system’s performance. Taking an interest in and understanding your water softener system by looking out for any signs of wear or damage. Check the control valve, resin tank, and plumbing connections for leaks or other issues. If you notice any problems, address them quickly to prevent further damage and ensure the continued effectiveness of your water softener. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help you get the most out of your investment and enjoy the benefits of softened water for years to come. Even with regular maintenance, you may encounter occasional issues with your water softener. We've written a handy article called 'troubleshooting common water softener issues' which guides you through common water softener problems and how to fix them. How much does it cost to install a water softener? Investing in and installing a water softener involves several cost considerations, from the initial purchase and installation to ongoing maintenance and operation. Understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and make an informed decision about the best water softener system for your home. The initial cost of a water softener can vary widely depending on the type and capacity of the system but think £500 upwards. Then you’ve got the professional installation costs, which will be heavily influenced by the availability of plumbers in your local area and the complexity of the installation. You must weigh up all these upfront costs versus the long-term benefits that a water softener can give you. How Fountain Filters can help you As experts in water filtration we hope you’ve found this guide useful. You now have some knowledge and confidence about installing a water softener. We are here to help guide you through the process of determining if a water softener is the right product to install in your home. If a water softener turns out to be the best option, then we can supply the system and deliver it to you free of charge to any UK address. We're also on hand to help with any issues that arise both during the installation and afterwards. We're renowned for our high level of customer service and won't ever leave you in the lurch. Contacting us is easy, either by calling us on 01352 838 281, or sending us a message through our contact page. FAQs Can I install a water softener myself? Water softener installation is not usually something that many DIYers would consider and, realistically, it is something for the more confident person. If you have any doubts about cutting into your mains water supply, which will be required for any water softener installation, then we really do recommend contacting a local plumber. Does a water softener use a lot of electricity? No, water softeners are like small household appliances, using minimal power. Are water softeners worth it in the UK? If you’re fortunate to live in an area that doesn’t have hard water, then you don’t need to install a softener. If you do have hard water, you’ll know about it because you’ll almost certainly be sick of scale build up on your taps. How much does it cost to install a water softener in the UK? The initial cost of a water softener can vary widely depending on the type and capacity of the system but think £500 upwards. If you’re not installing it yourself, you’ve also got the professional installation costs, which will be heavily influenced by the availability of plumbers in your local area and the complexity of the installation.
0 drinking water filtration methods explained
Understanding the different types of drinking water filtration If you’re concerned about the quality of your drinking water, from either a private water supply or mains supply, it’s important to understand the different water filtration methods so that you can decide what the best home water filter system is for you. In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore the various water filtration methods that are used in homes throughout the UK. Which filter is best is always the one that solves the problem you have. At Fountain Filters we know from years of experience that the expansive range of water filtration methods available can leave people who desperately want to find out what the best water filter for tap water is; completely flummoxed. From activated carbon filters to reverse osmosis and beyond, we’ll guide you through the different water filtration techniques and what those water filters filter out of your household water. With our help you’ll be one step closer to improving the tap water in your home. And just as a heads up, the most important part of this article is the section on ‘how to select the best water filter for your needs’. That and the fact we’re always here to help you of course. The importance of filtering your tap water People place a great deal of importance on their health and well-being, and rightly so. As a society we are constantly being told to look after ourselves better, both physically and mentally. Access to high quality drinking water is fundamental to a healthy life. This means that people take it seriously and want to know how they can filter water to remove any risk of contamination and make the water taste and smell better. Some may say that the filtration of drinking water in the UK has become a necessity, not a luxury. Lack of confidence in local water authorities across the UK has further supported people’s desire to learn how water filters work and what problems they can solve. Consumption of contaminated water should be avoided at all costs. A reliable water filter from a trusted supplier will help mitigate any risks both now and in the future. Peace of mind is a powerful tool. Filtering your tap water also supports the environment as there is less reliance on bottled water which contributes to the single use plastic problem. Overview of water filtration technologies When it comes to water filtration techniques there are several methods available including: • Activated carbon filters• Reverse Osmosis (RO)• Ultraviolet (UV) filtration• Ion Exchange filters• Ceramic filters• Distillation Different water filtration methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on where it’s used and what you are trying to improve about your water. Let’s get started. Activated carbon filters Here at Fountain Filters, we call activated carbon filters the ‘magic ingredient of water filtration’. Activated carbon filters are some of the best home water filter systems in the UK. Many people choose to install an activated carbon filter because they want to improve the taste and smell of their water by removing the disinfectant chlorine. Chlorine is added to public water supplies across the UK to ensure household water is free of harmful bacteria and therefore safe to drink. Carbon water filters are phenomenally good at improving the taste and smell of drinking water as well as removing a wide range of contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, trace pharmaceuticals, PFAS, hormones, endocrine disruptors, PAHs, THMs, some heavy metals including particulate lead, some nitrates, some phosphates, some VOCs. Activated carbon filters rely on a bed of activated carbon, which is a highly porous material with a large surface area. As water passes through the carbon filter, impurities are adsorbed onto the carbon, effectively trapping the contaminants that may be present in water. Water filtration methods that incorporate activated carbon are usually affordable and incredibly easy to maintain in comparison to other water filtration techniques out there on the market. Reverse osmosis (RO) Reverse osmosis (RO) is a widely recognised water filtration method that has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in removing a broad spectrum of impurities such as fluoride, chlorine, chloramine, lead, pesticides, nitrates, sulphates and dissolved inorganic solids (such as salts). Your household water pressure pushes the tap water through a semi-permeable membrane that allows only water molecules to pass through, blocking larger molecules such as salts, heavy metals, and pathogens. Reverse osmosis as a water filtration technique provides a high level of purification, so is particularly effective in areas where water quality is continually being compromised. While it’s true that reverse osmosis removes unhealthy contaminants that may be present in your water, it’s important to consider some of the limitations if you’re considering purchasing a reverse osmosis system. We discuss this in the section below on ‘How to select the best water filter for your needs’. UV filtration Ultraviolet (UV) filtration is a favoured water filtration method if you access water from a private water supply such as a well, spring, or borehole. It’s not normally used as a water filtration technique in households on a mains supply as the water has already been treated with chlorine before it reaches your tap. UV filtration is a powerful weapon against microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Water passes through a chamber where it is exposed to ultraviolet light, which plays havoc with the DNA of harmful pathogens, rendering them incapable of reproduction and infection. One of the significant advantages of installing a UV water filter is that it does not introduce any chemicals such as chlorine into the water, making it a safe way to disinfect water. It is also quick and efficient, requiring only a few seconds of exposure to eliminate a wide range of pathogens effectively. Ion exchange filters Ion exchange water filtration methods form the basis of how hard water is turned into soft water. If you live in a hard water area and install a water softener you are effectively buying an ion exchange filter. The hard ions (calcium and magnesium) present in hard water are replaced with sodium ions, in a process called ion exchange. Salt-based ion exchange filters have been around for decades. They are what could be classed as the traditional water softener. An ion exchange filter requires regular maintenance and the addition of water softener salt. Many people believe that an ion exchange filter is the only water filtration technique for treating hard water, but it’s not. It’s important to highlight another way of conditioning hard water and that is with the use of TAC media. Ceramic filters When used as a water filtration method ceramic filters are an effective way of purifying water naturally. The microscopic pores in ceramic filters are particularly effect at filtering out bacteria, moulds, cysts, and sediment. The pores are so minute that microorganisms are trapped while allowing clean water to pass through. The beauty of ceramic filters is that they can be gently scrubbed to prolong the use of the cartridge by a few months, but this doesn’t mean that you never need to change them! Additionally, ceramic filters do not require electricity to operate, making them ideal for use in areas with unreliable power sources. Many ceramic filtration systems also come with additional features, such as activated carbon layers to remove chemicals such as chlorine and forever chemicals. Distillation As far as water filtration methods go, we’re not huge fans of people using distillation to clean up their drinking water or indeed drinking distilled water. Distillation works by boiling water in one vessel and then condensing the steam back into liquid form in a secondary vessel. Distillation removes a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, salts, bacteria, parasites and viruses. As the water boils, impurities are left behind, ensuring that the condensed water is of high quality. There is no denying that distillation is one of the most thorough water filtration techniques available but drinking distilled water is not recommended in the long term. Why? Because once water is distilled there are no minerals in it which can seriously mess us your body’s pH, electrolytes, fluid, and mineral levels. The human body is not designed to drink distilled water. We often get people asking for a filter that will give them pure water and we would never recommend distillation unless it was the last water filtration method available on the planet! How to select the best water filter for your needs This is probably the most important section of this article, and one that might throw up more questions for you than answers. Always remember our telephone number 01352 838 281 is clearly visible on our website and we are ready to answer all the questions you have about water filters. Out of the several water filtration methods available, selecting the one that is going to be the best for you involves considering the following points. • What is it that you don’t like about your water? When people call or message us and they’re unsure about what the best home water filter system for their needs is going to be, this is the first question we ask. The answer helps us narrow down the most suitable water filtration method for their needs and enables us to give the best possible advice. • Is there anything specific that you want to remove from your water? You may have had your water analysed and the report highlights some specific issues that need to be resolved. This is more common if you are on a private water supply, and we are happy to help you interpret what that report is telling you. Or, you may have decided that you don’t want a particular contaminant to be present in your water, such as fluoride or are tired of limescale destroying your household appliances and want to find out how to treat your water accordingly.• Are you on a private water supply or mains water? This does make a difference to the type of water filtration method that will be best for your needs.• Do you just want to treat the water coming out of your kitchen tap or every tap in your home? If you want to filter your drinking water only this means going for a much smaller and lower cost unit than if you were treating water from every tap in your house.• How big is the place you live in and how many people live there? You may think this is a bizarre question, but it’s important to determine what the likely demand on your water supply is going to be. This will have a direct impact on the size of water filter that you will need. • How much do you want to spend? Paying more doesn’t always mean better in water filtration. This is where our expert help is invaluable as we never advise you to buy something that you don’t need. Our top priority is that you get something which is going to solve the problem you have with your water. Remember that you’ll have the upfront cost of the water filter system and then the annual cartridge renewal.• Are you committed to the easy maintenance of a water filter? Bear in mind that to ensure the steady supply of filtered water in your home you’ll need to change the water filter cartridge/s every 12 months. The limitations of each water filtration technique We’ve covered how each of the different water filtration methods works and their benefits. Now let’s move on to some limitations of each of the water filtration techniques. The main reason for talking about limitations is that water filtration isn’t a one size fits all. That’s why our purpose is to help guide you towards the best home water filter system for your needs and not the latest wonder product that Joe Bloggs and his celebrity investor has advertised all over social media! Activated Carbon Filters While activated carbon filters are a natural method of filtering water, relatively low cost, and easily maintained they do have some limitations. Ordinary carbon filters are not capable of removing contaminants such as heavy metals, fluoride, or limescale, and therefore need to be used in conjunction with more specialist water filter cartridges. That’s why you’ll see that many of our drinking or mains water filters are twin or triple units. Understanding the specific contaminants present in your water will help you determine whether activated carbon filters are the right solution for your needs. Water must remain in contact with the activated carbon filter long enough to ensure maximum effectiveness. If water flows too quickly through the filter cartridge your water won’t be properly filtered. This is why we help you understand that the size of filter system matters depending on how much of your household’s water you want to treat. Reverse Osmosis (RO) The initial financial outlay of a reverse osmosis system can be quite expensive as they are more complex systems and will normally require professional installation. Ongoing maintenance will also be more costly as there are more parts to replace in an RO system than carbon water filters. RO systems are not normally suited for whole house applications as the filtration process is slower than other water filtration methods. Water is produced in much smaller quantities and a lot of water is wasted during the filtration process. A reverse osmosis filter will also remove the beneficial minerals from your water. This of course can be overcome by adding a remineralisation stage, or ensuring you have a very good diet. UV Filtration UV filtration does have some limitations. It is not effective at removing chemical contaminants or heavy metals, so it is often used in conjunction with other filtration methods to provide comprehensive water purification. Additionally, UV systems require electricity to operate, which may be a consideration for those living in areas prone to power outages. Regular maintenance and annual lamp replacement is vital to ensure optimal performance. Understanding these factors will help you determine if UV disinfection is the right fit for your water quality needs. Ion Exchange Filters While a water softener is excellent at removing calcium and magnesium, the minerals responsible for limescale, they do increase sodium levels in the water due to the exchange process. Hard ions (calcium and magnesium) are replaced by sodium. This is why many people will install an RO system in addition to the water softener to remove the increased salt levels before consuming or cooking with it. The alternative is to have an unsoftened supply of water to the kitchen cold water tap. Ceramic Filters Ceramic filters will produce good clean water for drinking and cooking with but may not effectively remove certain dissolved chemicals, viruses, or heavy metals. As with carbon filters they are often used in conjunction with other water filtration methods to ensure more robust purification. Another drawback of ceramic filters is that they aren’t always suitable for whole house use due to flow rate restrictions. Distillation We’ve already highlighted that we’re not fond of distilling drinking water, and we’re quite taken aback that people out there believe that drinking distilled water is healthy. Distillation is expensive, energy-intensive and slower than other water filtration methods. Beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium are lost, which has a massive impact on the nutritional profile of the water as well as the taste. Conclusion Our purpose has been to explain the different water filtration methods available and help you understand that the best home water filter system is the one that solves the problem you have with your water. At Fountain Filters, we want you to have access to clean and safe drinking water that suits you and your budget. It’s important to us that you consider all water filtration methods. Seek professional advice if you are unsure about any aspect of home water filtration. We always provide help free of charge, no matter how many times you call 01352 838 281 or leave messages on our helpdesk. Ultimately, the goal is to find a reliable solution that provides peace of mind while ensuring that you and your loved ones have access to safe, clean drinking water. By taking the time to evaluate your options and consider your specific circumstances, you can confidently choose a water filtration method that will serve you well for years to come. FAQs What is the most effective water filtration method? There is no single best method. The most effective water filtration method is one that solves the problem you have with your water. Which water filter removes the most toxins? This depends on what you consider to be a toxin. Toxicity of what’s in water is highly subjective and dependant on concentration and tolerance levels – this is an individual and variable subject. Is there a water filter that removes forever chemicals? Yes, and our top three water filters that removes forever chemicals (PFAS) are the Oyster TC, Moby Cold Water Tap Filter, and the Doby.
0 how long does bottled water last
Does bottled water go bad? If you’re a regular consumer of water from plastic bottles, and you’re storing those plastic bottles correctly and drinking them within a couple of years, the water won’t go bad, but the bottle will eventually start to degrade. The whole concept of ‘can water expire’ is probably something that hasn’t even crossed your mind and we’ve probably peaked your interest on whether water can go out of date. Some of the topics we’ll cover in this article will focus on how long bottled water lasts if it remains unopened, bottled water expiration dates, the possible contaminants when plastic bottles start to break down, and the best alternatives to buying and drinking water in plastic bottles. You’ll notice that our concentration is on water bought in plastic bottles. Water can of course be purchased in glass bottles and aluminium cans. How long does bottled water last unopened? While undertaking some research for this article the consensus appears to be that unopened bottles of water should be kept for NO longer than two years. There is a caveat to this and that is how you store your bottles of water. We cover this in more depth later, but unopened bottles of water should be stored away from direct sunlight. Preferably in a cool, dark cupboard, and not outside. Water in bottles that are kept in direct sunlight could impair the taste and smell of the water and this could be construed as water that has gone off. Why do bottled waters have expiration dates? Bottled water has an expiry date, but it’s normally stamped on plastic bottles of water as a ‘best before’ date rather than a ‘use by’ date. The ‘best before’ date is more concerned with the possible degradation in the plastic which could affect the quality of the water. When we looked at different brands of bottled water on our local supermarket shelves it confirmed the two year ‘best before’ date that we’d read while doing our research. Manufacturers of bottled water in the UK have already had to prove their bottled water is safe to drink and complies with permissible levels for chemical, pesticide, microbiological, and radioactive substances. The water must have been tested at a UKAS accredited laboratory that uses recognised scientific methods for testing bottled water. We didn’t find a brand of bottled water that didn’t have a ‘best before’ date stamped on it. We haven’t been able to find any UK regulations on whether bottled water companies are legally required to display expiry dates on bottled water. The requirement does not appear in The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (England) Regulations 2007. We can surmise from this that there is no legal requirement for bottled water to have an expiry date and it’s the brands who choose to put one on because they feel they should. Expiry dates on products are incredibly useful for stock rotation. We’d be happy to be corrected on the legality of expiry dates on bottled water if you think we are wrong. The expiry date on bottled water is very subjective as it depends on how the plastic bottles are stored. Storage conditions will have a direct impact on the ultimate quality of the water inside the bottle. Do you even take notice of expiration dates on bottles of water? Unless you’re a prepper, we can’t imagine why people would store unopened bottles of water for years, so this debate around ‘how long does bottled water last’ probably isn’t a topic of conversation that comes up for you very often. How bottled water can become unsafe to drink We consider that there are two main risks that could potentially make bottled water unsafe to drink. The risks are microplastics and how the plastic bottles are stored. Microplastics is our most serious concern. Let’s look at microplastics first. Microplastics are pieces of plastic 5mm or smaller in size. To give a bit of context, a red blood cell is just over 5µm, that's 0.005mm. There are MORE microplastics in bottled water than tap water. A study by researchers at Colombia and Rutgers universities in the USA found that bottled water can contain up to 100 times more tiny pieces of plastic than previously thought. The average litre of bottled water contains almost a quarter of a million nano-plastic fragments. You can read more in this BBC article. You may want to read our detailed blog post ‘How to filter and remove microplastics from drinking water effectively’ as that article will give you lots of useful information about how to remove microplastics with one of our drinking water filter systems. The second risk is the plastic bottle that could render bottled water unpalatable. Water is normally bottled in polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Over time, the plastic breaks down which may affect the taste and smell of the water, so you’d probably discard it after one mouthful as it wouldn’t taste very nice. PET itself does not contain chemicals that are harmful to health, such as phthalates or BPA. There are also no carcinogens in PET plastic. We’re more concerned with how the plastic bottles are being stored. If plastic bottles are stored in excessive heat, exposed to sunlight, stored beside strong smelling chemicals or cleaning agents the quality of the plastic may degrade more quickly and taint the water inside. Potential health risks of drinking expired bottled water It’s up to you to consider the potential health risks of drinking bottled water, whether it’s expired or not. We have highlighted the risk of microplastics in bottled water and how bottled water is stored. It is up to you to make a considered choice when it comes to the bottled water you are purchasing. We have read some horror stories out there on the internet about bottled water and we will never scaremonger people into believing they are true. Best practices for storing and preserving bottled water We’ve briefly touched on the importance of how bottled water is stored. If you do want to continue buying bottled water, then here are some useful tips (amongst other things!) on how to store water if you buy it in plastic bottles. Transfer the water from your plastic bottle into a reuseable aluminium bottle. This seems a sensible choice for when you’re out and about or prone to leaving plastic bottles of water rolling around on the back seat of your car. Don’t buy too much bottled water at a time. That way they’ll be no danger of those bottles of water going out of date. Only store sealed tamper evident plastic bottles of water. We don’t understand why people would store opened bottles of water, but people do some weird and wonderful things. Treat your bottles of water as you would any other food product. Store your plastic bottles of water in a cool, dust-free environment, away from direct sunlight and potential sources of contamination, such as strong smelling chemicals or diesel fumes. Never store bottled water outside or where it could be exposed to heat sources. Try not to leave bottles of water in your car, where it can heat up. There’s nothing worse than warm bottled water. This is especially important if you live in a warmer climate as water stored in your car is going to be exposed to excessive heat. If your bottles of water are stored correctly the water should not deteriorate. What are the best alternatives to bottled water? Fountain Filters considers the best alternatives to bottled water are filtering your own kitchen tap water with a Water to Go bottle OR installing one of our under sink drinking water filters such as our Pearl T chlorine and taste filter. The Pearl T is a good starter drinking water filter and will remove chlorine, sediments, microplastics (to 5 microns), forever chemicals (PFAS), and much more. You can of course opt for a 0.5 micron carbon block if you want to filter down to the sub-micron level. Fountain Filters urges you to stop buying water in plastic bottles as there are better, cheaper ways to gain access to filtered drinking water and then you don’t ever need to stress about whether bottled water expires or not. You can even help other people when they ask you questions like ‘can bottled water go bad’? or ‘does bottled water expire’? After what will be the best investment you can make for your home, your drinking water filter will save you money in the long term. Why? Because drinking water filters are much cheaper than buying bottled water. If you’re now left wondering whether a water filter actually works, you’d be crazy not to read this article. How Fountain Filters can help you move away from bottled water Fountain Filters can help you in so many ways. We are passionate about helping people understand that there are better alternatives to filtered drinking water than continually buying water in single use plastic bottles. Curiosity is a marvellous trait to have and we’re open to as many questions as you have when it comes to installing a drinking water filter in your home. We say, who cares how long bottled water lasts, because after you invest in a drinking water filter, you’ll no longer have to worry about it. FAQs Is bottled water still good after 5 years? If the bottles have been stored correctly, bottled water could still be good enough to drink after 5 years. But we’d question why you’re keeping a bottle of water for five years in the first place. How to tell if bottled water is bad? We know this is subjective, but if the bottled water has a strange taste or smell, don’t drink it. Are old bottles of water safe to drink? Potentially yes, old bottles of water are safe to drink if they have been stored correctly and have remained unopened.
0 when to replace water filter cartridge safe drinking water
When you need to replace your water filter cartridge regularly to ensure safe drinking water To ensure a continuous stream of excellent quality water from your household taps, it’s extremely important to keep on top of when to replace water filter cartridges. When you initially made the decision to invest in a water filter there was a reason behind it. You wanted to remove or reduce certain contaminants or treat pesky limescale. Part of that promise you made to yourself to have access to clean excellent quality water was to know when to change the water filter cartridge and carry out proper maintenance of your system. Changing water filter cartridges isn’t an onerous or necessarily expensive task. You only need to think about it once or twice a year and we even remind you when to replace water filter cartridges. It can’t get easier than that! Before we get into the simple process of when to change water filter cartridges let’s clarify the terms we’re going to use throughout this article. Water filter – refers to the whole unit including the housing, components, and fittings. Water filter cartridge/s – refers to the cartridge or media that gets inserted into the housing. This is the part that requires changing to ensure that your water filter operates efficiently and effectively. We often have some very funny conversations with people who get confused between the two. Can you imagine the cost, not to mention the waste, if you changed the water filter all the time! Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s move on. Signs to look out for of when to change the water filter cartridge ‘How do I know when my water filter needs replacing?’ This is a question we get asked multiple times. And yes, we know they mean water filter cartridge! There are some very clear signs to look out for that will tell you when you need to change your water filter cartridge. Ignoring these common signs will mean that your water filter won’t be effectively filtering your water the way you want it to. Water flow rate drops Invisible microscopic particles block water filter cartridges up over time and this impacts on the flow rate that you get coming out of your taps. It is much harder for water to pass through a clogged up cartridge. It would be like you trying to swim through treacle. This is one of the tell-tale signs of when you need to replace your water filter cartridge. Your water will go from having a good flow rate to a poor flow rate and it will probably annoy you intensely. It will annoy you so much that you’ll be prompted to buy a new water filter cartridge. The taste and smell of your water changes A clear indication that your water is reverting to tasting and smelling like it did before you installed your water filter. It’s amazing what you get used to and when the taste and smell change you notice it immediately. This is a clear indication that you need to change the water filter cartridge of your system. Your water looks different Is your water discoloured, or is there sediment present? If so, you need to replace your water filter cartridge. Or perhaps you’re noticing that there is scale building up again around the ends of your household taps, in the bottom of your kettle, floating on your cup of tea, or scaly deposits on your shower screen door. Water filter system requirements You can often eek a few extra weeks out of water filter cartridges with one exception. The exception is UV water filter systems. UV lamps must be replaced every 12 months to ensure that your water is effectively disinfected and remains free from harmful contaminants. The control panel or ballast on the UV will start alarming and this is how to tell when the water filter needs replacing. You’ll normally have a pre-filter before the UV unit and the pleated sediment water filter cartridges in these will also need to be changed to ensure the UV system works at its best. What happens if you don't replace water filter cartridges? If you choose not to properly maintain your water filter, then you leave yourself and your family wide open to drinking all the contaminants that you initially wanted to remove. Over time the water filter cartridges will cease to work effectively as they’ll be too much of a build-up of impurities and contaminants. To be blunt, your water filter won’t be doing anything useful, and you’ll notice the deterioration in your household water. Being aware of when to change your water filter cartridge is key to you getting the best out of your system and enjoying clean, fresh filtered water each day. Remember, what we said earlier. Replacing a water filter cartridge is not an onerous or necessarily expensive task. You only need to think about it once or twice a year and we even remind you when to replace water filter cartridges. There, we’ve said it again! When to replace the water filter cartridge Most of the information you’ll come across will tell you that you should replace your water filter cartridge every 6-12 months. It’s important to remember that this is a guideline and that you should always bear in mind the signs we’ve talked about above when it comes to changing your water filter cartridge. We think it’s worth getting into the habit of changing water filter cartridges a minimum of every 12 months. But it all depends on the type of water filter cartridge you have. Let’s highlight a few different types of cartridge. Carbon block We recommend replacing a carbon block based cartridge, such as our 2.5 x 10'' replacement cartridge, our 4.5 x 10'' carbon block water filter cartridge, or the 4.5 x 20'' carbon block cartridge a minimum of every 12 months to minimise the risk of possible bacteria colonies forming on the cartridge. Another carbon block based cartridge is the Doulton ultracarb range of water filter cartridges. These ceramic cartridges are impregnated with silver which does reduce bacteria colonies, but as they are carbon block, the manufacturer says they should be changed every 6 months. UV lamps We’ve already touched on this above, but UV lamps must be replaced every 12 months to ensure that your water is effectively disinfected and remains free from harmful contaminants. The control panel or ballast on the UV will start alarming and this is how to tell when the water filter needs replacing. You’ll normally have a pre-filter before the UV unit and the pleated sediment water filter cartridges in these will also need to be changed to ensure the UV system works at its best. A lot of manufacturers will state that you must change your cartridges every 6 months, but we feel it’s somewhere between 6 and 12 months. You are the best judge as you’re drinking the water that you’re filtering and using the information that we’ve shared so far, you’ll know when it’s time. Just try not to go past 12 months. The size of cartridge is also a determining factor. The larger cartridges such as the 2.5 x 10” Pearl H water filter cartridge will last twice as long as a smaller inline water filter cartridge because they’ve got a larger surface area and a greater volume of media. Where can I find the right cartridge for my water filter? It can be a bit daunting, trying to find the correct cartridge to go into your water filter. We hear from many people who didn’t buy their original water filter from us and have gone back to the company they bought it from, or the plumber they bought it through and just like a puff of smoke those companies or people disappear, can’t be contacted, or won’t return calls or emails. That leaves people in a right pickle and in need of a bit of help. We also have people who have moved into a property that has an existing water filter and haven’t a clue where to start because the previous owner has left no clue as to what the water filter is supposed to be filtering out or where to buy replacement water filter cartridges. If you were fortunate enough to deal with us from the start, we make the whole ‘when to replace water filter cartridges’ scenario as simple as it can be. We send you a 6 monthly reminder email with links directly to the products that you need to ensure your water filter remains operating efficiently and effectively. This email doesn’t mean you HAVE to buy replacements, it just jogs your memory to think about when to change the water filter cartridge. Our customers find this email incredibly useful, and it takes the guess work out of them trying to remember what they have. If at any point you want to re-purpose your existing water filter you can. Because of the versatility of our water filters, you can change your mind about what you want to filter out of your water. For example, you may start off just wanting to remove chlorine and chemicals but then feel that fluoride is becoming a concern to you. Changing your mind is never a problem for us. It’s about what you want to change about your water, not what we think we can sell you. How to replace a water filter cartridge Changing a water filter cartridge should never be difficult and there is really no need to call a plumber to do it for you unless you have difficulty with mobility or strength in your hands. We covered how to easily change your water filter cartridge in a blog post so take a look at it and don’t become nervous about giving it a go. Water filters are sturdy pieces of kit and not easy to break. O-rings It’s important here to talk about o-rings. This is the little rubber seal that sits at the top of the housing. The profile of the o-ring changes over time and can become flattened because of prolonged time under compression. If they become too out of shape it may be more difficult to get a good seal between the housing bowl and the housing cap. This is when you’ll get leaks. People then become tempted to tighten the housing bowl excessively to try and get it to seal. And then when it comes to replacing the water filter cartridge they can’t unscrew the housing. So, to save the headaches for the sake of a few quid we recommend that you replace the o-rings every two to three years just to be on the safe side. Don’t forget to recycle your water filter cartridges Recycling is always at the forefront of people’s minds and when it comes to water filter cartridges, if you can recycle them, we encourage you to do this. This was a topic we recently covered in a blog post called ‘How to recycle water filter cartridges correctly’. It’s a good read with lots of valuable information on how you can contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. A reminder of the service we offer at Fountain Filters If you need help on any aspect of water filtration or when to replace your water filter cartridge in your existing water filter, then we are here to help you. We offer free UK delivery on all water filter cartridges. Your items will be sent by either a Royal Mail tracked service or Parcelforce. We have trusted and long lasting relationships with our suppliers and have done since we started in 2011. You can be assured that if anything goes wrong, we are be contacted either by calling 01352838281or sending us a message on our helpdesk. FAQ How to replace a water filter cartridge? Replacing a water filter cartridge is easy. It's a task you can do yourself unless you have mobility or strength limitations. Turn off the water supply, open the tap to release pressure, unscrew the bowl from the cap, empty any water and remove the old cartridge, rinse and wipe the bowl, check the o-ring, unwrap the new cartridge and drop into the bowl, screw the bowl back onto the cap, turn the water back on and allow the system to refill, close the tap, check for leaks, open the tap, run the water for 5-10 minutes. Where can I recycle water filters near me? Determine where you can recycle water filters near you by finding out what your local council's recycling guidelines are. Please do not wish-cycle by throwing water filter cartridges into your kerbside recycling bin and hoping for the best. How long do water filter cartridges last? The life of a water filter cartridge is determined by how much water runs through it. This is normally 6-12 months. Fountain Filters recommends changing water filter cartridge a minimum of every 12 months to minimise the risk of bacteria building up on the cartridge.
0 How to filter microplastics drinking water
How to filter and remove microplastics from drinking water effectively! Microplastics have been in the news over the last few years, and social media hysteria seems to peak every now and then with dire warnings about them specially when it comes to finding microplastics in water. But what are microplastics? There is a simple answer: microplastics are pieces of plastic of 5mm or smaller. Or another definition is 5 microns or smaller. Of course, 5 microns is difficult to visualise; it’s about the size of a red blood cell. Under the right conditions a person with extremely good eyesight can discern that, but that’s about the limit of human vision. So, you and I probably can’t see micro plastics at all without the aid of a microscope. That leads to other questions, doesn’t it?! Are there microplastics in water? There are microplastics in rivers, lakes, sea, and oceans. Anywhere plastic waste goes, microplastics can be found. This is a failure of human beings to dispose of plastic waste properly. Because microplastics come from plastic items such as discarded bottles, packaging, and other items breaking down due to the action of sun, wind, and water on the material. That erosion of the plastic reduces the size of the constituent parts, until they are too small to see. But they are still there! And once they are that small, they can get anywhere, including the food we eat and water we drink. What about microplastics in tap water? Yes, microplastics can be found even in drinking water. Not in huge quantities, because the public water supply does filter an awful lot of stuff out – but there are microplastics in tap water. It’s a surprising revelation, isn’t it? There are microplastics in your drinking water! You’re cleverer than that, aren’t you? You drink bottled water. But hang on… Are there microplastics in bottled water? This is going to surprise you. A study reported in 2022 by Sherri Mason, a Penn State researcher in the United States, found that an average of 325 plastic particles were found in a litre of bottled water. This compared to 5.5 particles in tap water. Shockingly, the bottled water turned out to be worse than the public water supply. Okay, so that’s America, what about here in the UK? Are there microplastics in bottled water sold in the UK? A recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that “Tap water in the UK contains between zero and 10 microplastics in every litre.” But it can be a few hundred in bottled water. Furthermore, tests showed that 93% of bottled water has some signs of microplastic contamination.You should also note there is not much legislation controlling the quality of bottled water compared to the legal requirements placed on the public water suppliers. How to detect microplastics in water Detecting microplastics in water is simple, but not necessarily easy because you’ll need some method of magnifying a sample of water. Think of it this way, if you have a microscope, you’ll be able to see down to the micro level to view and count microplastics, but the volume of water in the sample will be very small too. If you can only check 1ml of water at a time it will take you a long time to get through 1 litre, which is 1000 times greater than that 1 ml sample. Fortunately, there are scientists and independent organisations who test for these things who you can trust – so take it as read that the microplastics are in water. Beware of information on social media where there’s an agenda to discredit proper scientific researchers and government departments. There are some very convincing and charismatic people talking about microplastics out there – but they are not necessarily correct (even if they’ve got a white paper!). Now that we’ve established that there are more microplastics in bottled water than in tap water you may be rethinking your daily hydration. But there’s still that niggling issue of a small, but worrying, contamination of microplastics in drinking water from your kitchen tap. Can microplastics be removed from water? Yes! Microplastics can be removed from water. That was easy, wasn’t it?! However, there are lots of methods to remove microplastics from water discussed and advised in countless articles and posts across the media and online. However, some of these methods seem to make sense for making water safe from contaminants but may not necessarily work for microplastics. How to filter microplastics from drinking water There are various methods of removing microplastics from drinking water. Treatments such as boiling water and filtration are often recommended, but can drinking water filters remove microplastics from tap water? Some contamination in water is dissolved (such as lead), but microplastics are not soluble in water. They have a physical presence with measurable dimensions. That means that filters that remove sediment can also be used to filter out microplastics too. Essentially, when you pass a liquid containing solids, such as sediment or in this case microplastics, suspended in it through a medium that has pores smaller than the size of the solids then those solids remain trapped while the liquid passes through. That leaves the solids in the filter and the fluid is free of solids larger than can get through the porous filter medium. Here’s where it gets complicated. What size are the microplastics in the drinking water? As microplastics are (mostly) invisible to the naked eye you can’t just look at the water coming out of the tap, or into your water bottle, and decide what filter rating you need on this occasion. And who wants to have multiple filters depending on what may or may not be there. Before we move on to the solution, we’ll cover whether boiling water will remove microplastics. Let’s be totally clear on this one, simply boiling a kettle full of water WILL NOT remove microplastics. The closest you might come is to melt the plastics – but they will still be there. Even if they melted in the boiling water, a soon as it’s cooled to be drinkable the microplastics will solidify again. Having said that, if you boil water and the condense the vapour using a distiller, and then drink the resulting distilled water, that will have no microplastics in it. But filtration is a much simpler method. What is the best water filter to remove microplastics? Any standard water filter should help filter out microplastics from water. There is a caveat to that, though. A 10 micron carbon block, or 20 micron metals filter containing granular activated carbon will certainly make the water taste nicer, but they won’t filter out microplastics of 5 microns or smaller. Here at Fountain Filters our recommendation to remove microplastics from water is to install a filter that has the smallest reasonable pore sized filter system that suits your needs and your pocket. The needs might include the flow rate you want to maintain. Every water filter has an effect on flow rate and will introduce a pressure drop. If you fit a small filter with a 0.2 micron pore size into your mains water supply you’ll be very disappointed next time you have a shower. The water will just dribble out because there’s not enough surface area in the filter cartridge to allow a high volume of water through it. Where pressure and flow rate are concerned bigger is most definitely better. The range of water purifiers that Fountain Filters offers has three applications, covering multiple water quality issues, including filtering microplastics. They each have two stages; the first stage filters out chlorine and other chemicals. The second stage is a 0.2 micron nanofilter that will filter out tiny particles, and even microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, plus more. For a simple, easy to install, drinking water filter the Oyster Water Purifier is a great, low-cost option. This provides a purified water supply at up to 3 or 4 litres per minute. Or how about our Moby Water Purifier? This will operate at up to 10 litres per minute so is ideal to filter the cold water supply to your kitchen tap – perfect for filling the kettle, pans or water bottles quickly. You may want to filter your entire water supply at the mains. For this application the Doby Water Purifier is big enough for 4 or 5 bedroom houses with two bathrooms. A really great alternative for active people is the Water-to-Go drinking water bottle. You can fill these from virtually any non salt water source, and they filter the water of contaminants including bacteria, cysts, and particles such as microplastics. There are many other alternatives we can suggest for your specific water quality requirements, give us a call on 01352 838282. Or send us a message and we’ll be happy to listen, give you options, and help you make your choice. FAQ How to avoid microplastics in water? The best way to avoid microplastics in water is to remove them. You can do this by installing an under sink water filter system to treat just your drinking water or a system that will treat the water coming out of every tap in your home. This water filter system should contain the smallest micron rated cartridge you can find that won't impact your water pressure or flow rate. Are there microplastics in tap water? Yes, tap water in the UK contains between zero and 10 microplastics per litre. But don't be alarmed because your water company has treated the water before it gets to you, so a lot of microplastics will have been removed along with other contaminants. Are there microplastics in bottled water? Yes, there are substantially more microplastics in bottled water than the water coming out of your taps. This can be a few hundred microplastics per litre of water. The advice from Fountain Filters is to stick to drinking tap water that you have filtered yourself.
0 How to Remove Chlorine from tap water
How to remove chlorine from tap water and drink safe water Ah, the heady aroma of chlorine in water. You’ve probably all smelled it and may not have known what it was. It sometimes makes you feel as though you’re sitting in the swimming pool and not your bathtub! Keeping the hundreds of thousands of kilometres of water pipes free of harmful bacteria which could make you very ill is no mean feat and the use of chlorine or chloramine is a tried and tested way of ensuring the water is safe as it flows from the water treatment works to your household taps. In this article we’re going to focus on the use of chlorine as a preventative measure in water treatment, the pros, and cons of chlorine in tap water, answering the question of ‘is it safe to drink chlorinated water?’, and how to remove chlorine from tap water if you don’t want it in there. What is chlorine? Many people know that their water is chlorinated, so the answer to the common question ‘does tap water have chlorine?’, is a resounding YES. But what is chlorine? We’re going to skip a lot of the science here but feel free to read all about chlorine on the internet or here. Chlorine is manufactured from table salt by electrolysis. The gas produced is liquified at high pressure and then transported for use in the water treatment industry. Chlorine penetrates the surface of the pathogens (‘the bugs!’), rendering them useless and no longer able to spread. They basically just die out. The use of chlorine keeps your water germ-free and hygienic, preventing the spread of cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, all of which are incredibly nasty waterborne diseases. Did you know that in 1897 Maidstone, England was the first to have its entire water supply treated with chlorine? More widespread use of chlorine as a highly efficient water disinfectant in the UK started in 1905. If chlorine wasn’t used, bacteria, viruses and protozoans would quite happily grow and multiply at an alarming rate in water supply reservoirs, on the walls of water mains, and in water storage tanks. The people of the UK would be in a dire situation. Chlorine is cheap and effective. If they didn’t’ add chlorine in tap water, you could become very ill. If you’re on mains water in the UK, there will be chlorine present. If you’re on a private water supply, there is no need to worry as you won’t have chlorine in your water. How much chlorine is there in UK tap water? England, Wales, and Scotland have very low levels of chlorine in tap water, typically 0.5 mg/l or less. The World Health Organisation guidelines on maximum chlorine also state 5 mg/l. This level can fluctuate for short periods if there is planned maintenance in the vast network of pipes. If the level rises, you’re more likely to smell or taste chlorine in your tap water. You may also notice it more if you live closer to the water treatment works. Your local water company can provide a free water quality report which will give you information about the levels of chlorine in your drinking water. What are the signs of chlorine in water? The simplest way to describe the smell of chlorine is to liken it to bleach or other strong cleaning products. Or, if you’ve heard of TCP, it’s a bit like that. It shouldn’t be so strong as to knock you off your feet and should normally not linger for long periods of time. If you ever notice the smell of chlorine being particularly strong and your tap water becomes undrinkable then we recommend you contact your water company. You’ll find their contact details on one of your recent water bills. Is chlorine safe to drink? Because of the very low levels of chlorine present in tap water, it’s not unsafe to drink. As we’ve already mentioned, we’d be a lot worse off in the UK if they didn’t treat the water to make it potable. So, in terms of public health, the use of chlorine has been a resounding win. However, just because the levels are low enough for it not to be unsafe to drink, chlorinated water can still have an impact on the human body. Depending on your level of sensitivity to it you might just be put off by the taste and smell of chlorine in your drinking water. For others, it may have more problematic effects. If you’re at all unsure, the most pro-active thing to do is remove chlorine from water. Your health and well-being are your top priority. Side effects of chlorine in drinking water We’ve already answered the question of ‘does tap water have chlorine?’. The most logical next question is ‘what are the side effects of chlorine in drinking water?’ It’s important to remember that there are very low levels of chlorine in your water and therefore when you’re questioning is chlorine safe to drink, the answer is ‘it’s not unsafe’. However, there are some things we’d like to highlight as some people will be more sensitive to chlorine than others. Unpleasant taste and smell – even though there are very low levels of chlorine in tap water and therefore not unsafe people are very put off by the unpleasant taste and smell of chlorinated water. Some people are much more sensitive than others and will notice the differences when travelling to different parts of the UK. This is one of the main chlorine drinking water side effects and is a major push towards finding out how to remove chlorine from tap water. Breathing problems – it’s highly unlikely that you’ll experience breathing difficulties because of chlorine in your water unless you have existing lung and airway problems, and suffer from asthma, hay fever, or chronic bronchitis. Heavy smokers would also be included in this vulnerable group as they may be more susceptible to the effects of chlorine. It’s worth highlighting here that chorine in water isn’t the only household place it can be lurking. Many household cleaning products contain chlorine in much higher levels than water and contact with it may cause breathing difficulties. This of course depends on the way you are exposed and how long for. Minor symptoms would include a burning sensation of the eyes and throat with more serious symptoms being excessive coughing and/or breathing difficulties. Skin problems – this is another factor that prompts tap water chlorine removal. If you are extremely sensitive to chlorine, chlorinated water can have a drying and irritable effect on skin, and this can make it itchy and sore. For people who already suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, bathing or showering in water that contains residual levels of chlorine can exacerbate those problems. So instead of rushing to the pharmacy to buy bucket loads of hydrocortisone cream, remove chlorine from water first and see how you get on. Hair problems – dry, weak hair with an annoying itchy scalp is probably more of a problem if you are swimming multiple times a week and stripping your hair of its natural oils. The concentration of chlorine in water is much higher than washing your hair in the bath or shower at home. But again, this is an important factor when making the decision to remove chlorine from water as no one likes dull, lifeless hair. Chlorine and cancer – we suggest that you are very careful with what you read on the internet about chlorine and its links to cancer. Chlorine as a chemical disinfectant in water forms chemical by-products known as trihalomethanes (THM’s). It is THM’s that have caused the jungle drums to start beating and there is very little good quality data on the health effects of THMs. The risks associated with inadequate disinfection of water would be much greater. And you can eradicate that risk by filtering chlorine out of water. Prevention is always better than cure. Chlorine and pregnancy – again be very wary of what you read on the internet as there is very limited data available on the risk of chlorine by-products in pregnancy. If you are at all concerned find a water filter that removes chlorine. How to remove chlorine from drinking tap water We get asked ‘how to remove chlorine from tap water’ frequently and always share the very easy ways this can be achieved. If your water company is using chlorine as the primary disinfectant, then here are some ways to remove it. If your water company is using chloramine to disinfect the water, then we’ll look at how to remove chloramine in another article. Chlorine in water can be removed by standing, boiling, or filtering. Let’s look at each one of the methods to remove Chlorine from water in turn. Standing This is very simple because all you need to do is let your tap water breathe in the open air for up to 24 hours. Chlorine is a gas, so it just evaporates. We think you’d agree that this is a little time consuming and if you’re anything like us you’d forget to fill up your jug with water and leave it to stand for that length of time. This also doesn’t remove chlorine from water that’s streaming out your shower or filling up your bath. Boiling water to remove chlorine Does boiling water remove chlorine? This is a perfectly reasonable question, and the answer is yes. Chlorine is very volatile in water and will eventually evaporate, hence why you can let it stand for up to 24 hours. But if you raise the temperature of the water, you can speed the process of evaporation up and instead of 24 hours it should only take 15-20 minutes. But if you’re boiling it to drink then you’ve got the problem of having to wait for it to cool down! It takes roughly four minutes to remove 1mg of chlorine from 45 litres of water. Therefore, you’d need to know how much chlorine was in your water to determine how long to boil it. This all seems rather complicated to us. Can you imagine relentlessly boiling pans of water for ever more. No, we can’t either! It may also cause an unwelcome spike in your gas or electricity bill. You’d also have no idea how much chlorine you’re removing without getting your water analysed, either by doing it yourself with an at-home chlorine test kit or asking someone to carry out a water analysis test which would cost you money. Filtering chlorine from water We’ve mentioned letting your water stand and boiling your water to remove chlorine, but do water filters remove chlorine? You’ll be pleased to hear that filtering chlorine out of water is easy and there are a few quick and practical ways to do it. Read the next section to find out how to filter chlorine from water. Fountain Filters can help you remove chlorine from tap water As water filtration experts in how to remove chlorine from water we can help guide you towards a solution that’s right for your home. It’s important for you to consider whether you just want to treat your kitchen tap or whether you want a whole house system, which will remove chlorine in tap water from kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Drinking water filter If you’re just looking for a drinking water filter system for home then our entry level chlorine and taste filter is the perfect tap water chlorine removal system for your kitchen tap. This is a high-performance drinking water filter that uses a carbon block filter cartridge that improves the taste and smell of your tap water and removes up to 95% of chlorine. Whole house filter Why stop at your kitchen tap when you can remove chlorine from water throughout your home using a mains water filter system. Our best selling cold water tap filter Moby or the Doby whole house water filter system are the perfect starting point to chlorine free water for you and your family. It’s important to choose the correct water filter for the size of your home. If you are unsure, we are here to help you. Reverse Osmosis A reverse osmosis water system will remove chlorine from water as well as everything else. We highly recommend speaking to us first before considering an RO system as a means of removing chlorine in tap water. Contacting us is easy. Call 01352 838 281 or use our very popular helpdesk to ask a question. FAQ Is chlorine in UK tap water? Yes, chlorine is added to UK mains water to ensure that your tap water is free of harmful bacteria that could make you ill if your drank it. Does chlorine in water evaporate? Yes, chlorine is a gas and will evaporate. If you leave a glass of water to stand in the open air for up to 24 hours, it will be chlorine free. How to remove chlorine from tap water? There are three main ways to remove chlorine from tap water. Leave it to stand in the open air for up to 24 hours, boil the water, or install a drinking water filter or whole house water filter that contains a carbon block water filter cartridge.
How hard is my water? Water hardness in my area by postcode and UK map! Just to make it a little easier we've created this UK water hardness map If you’ve got hard water where you live, you’ll probably know about it! It can be the bane of many property owners’ lives trying to deal with the effects of hard water. Hard water isn’t a problem but the limescale caused by hard water can cause some problems. These can be cosmetic but can also be very expensive in appliance efficiency, breakdowns and replacements. Let’s get right into the hard facts. What is Hard Water? Hard water is caused by high concentrations of dissolved minerals; calcium carbonate (CaCO3), magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), and occasionally small amounts of silicates of various kinds. But there’s so much information on the internet about water quality and hard water problems that you can become overwhelmed. Let’s make it easy and ask ourselves a few questions so we can then come up with some answers. How do I know if I have hard water? It’s usually easy to tell if you have hard water. You’ll have scale buildup in your kettle, deposits on the taps and on your shower screens. You’ll also find you need to use greater amounts of soap, shower gel, and detergents than you would like. Most of all you may be spending more on energy to heat your water than you would expect because your boiler is clogged up. That may indicate you have hard water, but that leads to another question about the area you live in. How hard is the water in my area? Water hardness varies from place to place, region to region. Some areas have predominantly soft water but there are also pockets of hard water. With such variation how do you know if you have hard water? To be accurate and get a result that’s local to you, the answer is to either test it yourself, or get the water tested. How to test water hardness There are two main methods of carrying out a home water hardness test. Both involve buying something to do it. The readings you get will give you something that indicates your water is within one of the following ranges: Soft water: 0 – 100 PPM (0 – 99.89 mg/L) Moderately hard water: 101 – 200 PPM (100 – 199.64 mg/L) Hard water: 201 – 275 PPM (200 – 274.50 mg/L) Very hard water: 276 and above (275.00 mg/L up) Let’s explain how to measure water hardness using the following two methods: TDS meter to test hard water The first method is to get a TDS meter. TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, and the meter is an electronic device that measures the conductivity of the water. Totally pure, deionised water does not conduct electricity at all. So, by measuring the level of conductivity the meter can estimate the concentration of minerals and other solids dissolved in the water. There are two electrodes on the TDS meter and when they are immersed in liquid the meter measures the electrical resistance. You’ll see a reading on either a digital or analogue scale on the meter that shows the results of the test. Digital devices are simpler to interpret because they give a number in parts per million, milligrams per litre (mg/l) or something similar. Analogue TDS meters may have a scale that just shows soft/medium/hard/very hard that a needle points to. Whichever you choose it will give you a good idea of the hardness of water in your area, and therefore, what solution may be best for you. Test strip to test hard water in your home Another type of test to check for hard water involves you dipping a test strip, a bit like litmus paper, into a sample of water. The colour of the strip changes according to the water hardness and you visually compare the colour with that on a lookup scale. The colour match will give you a score on a chart for the hardness range of your water. The second type of colour match testing kits provide you with a liquid or tablet that you drop into the water sample and get a hard/soft, or colour matching scale like the strip method described previously. Can you find out water hardness by postcode? In broad terms yes you can find the water hardness in your area by postcode. The best method to get a reasonably accurate idea is to go to your water supplier’s website and search for it. They will use various phrases relating to water quality, but the simplest thing to do is use the site search and enter “hard water” or “water hardness”. It’s not always obvious how to find the information so you may need to dig around a bit. Northumbrian Water, for instance, asks people to enter an address in the “What’s going on in my area?” page. Once the address is entered water disruption, reported leaks, and roadworks are listed for the area. Continuing down the page leads to the water hardness information, plus a full report to download. Unfortunately, there isn’t a standard model for these websites, so you’ll have to search, but if all else fails contact your water supplier and they’ll be able to provide the information. Just to make it a little easier we’ve created the UK water hardness map above. That map will give you general idea about which parts of the country have hard water. We have classified the type of hard water by hard, moderate or soft. Hard Water by Postcode For a more accurate idea enter your postcode into this hard water checker: This table allows you to determine what the descriptive levels are in parts per million and milligrams or micrograms per litre. Water Hardness Parts Per Million (PPM) Milligrams Per Litre (mg/L) Soft 0 - 100 0 – 99.89 mg/L Moderately Hard 101 - 200 100 – 199.64 mg/L Hard 201 - 275 200 – 274.50 mg/L Very Hard 276 and above 275.00 mg/L up Now you have those results you’ll have a better idea about the water hardness in your area. But remember that there are many places that may have harder or softer water than indicated. That’s particularly true if you have a private water supply. In addition, we’re getting reports that areas that previously had soft water are now finding it’s getting harder. This is because climate change is altering the amount of water in reservoirs. Lower autumn and winter rainfall recently has meant reservoirs have not been refilling in the colder months. Many water companies have been supplementing water supplies to their customers by drawing water from boreholes leading to higher mineral content in the water that comes through your pipes. And that means harder water, even if you’re in a soft water area. Having found that you live in a hard water area, or if not that you have a localised problem that’s affecting your home, you’ll be wondering what the solution is. What can be done about hard water problems? There is only one sure-fire way to get proper soft water and that is to move to a region that doesn’t have hard water. Realistically, this isn’t very practical for most people. Facing facts, hard water is quite difficult to deal with, and every solution is a compromise. There are some very efficient methods of preventing the limescale build up caused by hard water. Fortunately, we have extensive experience in helping people resolve their issues with hard water. By fitting the right hard water filter or softener in your home you can significantly improve your water quality. That might be a traditional salt-based water softener along with a separate drinking water supply. Or it could be a salt-free system that also filters out chemicals as well as treating the limescale. Read more information about whether a water filter can help with hard water here. There are so many solutions, and individual situations available that the first step is to get in touch with the experts to help guide you through to a successful outcome. At Fountain Filters we know everything about hard water and how it can affect you. Get in touch, and we will help you find the solution to your hard water needs! FAQs What's hard water? Hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium carbonate which shows up in your water as limescale. It's easy to tell if you have hard water as you'll get scale buildup in your kettle, limescale deposits on taps and shower screens. You'll also need to use more soap, shower gel, and detergents. Is hard water bad for you? No, hard water is not bad for you. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals and should be incorporated into a healthy diet. What is the water hardness in my area? It's easy to check the water hardness in your area of the UK. Just visit your water suppliers website and it should tell you about the parts per million (PPM) or milligrams per litre (mg/L) of calcium and magnesium. If you see a number that's 200 or above you have hard water.
0 how much water should you drink daily
How much water should you drink daily? How many litres of water a day should we all be drinking? Usually, adults need to drink between 1-1 1/2 litres of water per day. How much water a day is too much? If your urine has no colour, you're probably drinking too much water. These appear relatively straightforward questions, but the answers may require more in depth explanation. Nothing is ever that simple! The amount of water you should drink daily is dependent on several factors, your age, size, level of physical activity, medical problems, medicines you take, how much water you’re taking on board through the foods you eat. This article aims to give you some general guidelines that will help you navigate how much water you are meant to drink a day. We’re going to concentrate mainly on water in this article because it’s readily available straight from your kitchen tap. Water is calorie free, sugar free, and the most healthy, essential and beneficial for your body. Why is water essential for health? Water is an essential and vitally important part of your life. Without it you would die. While researching, different sources threw out ‘similar but different’ information about how much of the human body is water. So, we’re going to sit in the safe zone and say that the human body is made up of about 50-70% water. Children have more water in their body than the elderly. Every single process that goes on in your body requires water. Water… • is needed by the brain to manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters• helps regulate your temperature (sweating and respiration)• acts as a shock absorber for your brain and spinal cord• converts food to energy• helps deliver oxygen throughout the body in red blood cells suspended in blood, which is on average 51% water.• helps form saliva• helps keep the inner linings of organs moist such as the nose, mouth, lungs, and stomach. • allows body’s cells to repair, grow, reproduce and survive• flushes waste products, mainly through urine• lubricates joints You don’t just ingest water from drinking tap water, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Food also contains water, but it’s very dependent on the quality of your diet as to how much water you are taking on board. You’re going to get a lot more water from fruit and vegetables than you are bagels and chocolate digestives! You’ll read more about foods that contain a high percentage of water later in this article. Alcohol does not contribute to your fluid intake and dehydrates you, so that cheeky beer on a Friday evening may quench your thirst but it will do nothing for your hydration levels. How much water do you need each day? There are no hard and fast rules regarding how many pints of water a day you should be drinking, but there are general guidelines out there, freely available on the internet. Drinking 6-8 200ml glasses (1.2-1.5 litres / 2-2.6 pints) of non-alcoholic fluid daily should replace normal fluid loss, when combined with water you get from the foods that you eat. Drinking tap water is by far the cheapest and healthiest way to stay hydrated. If you don’t like the taste or smell of your tap water you can improve it with one of our drinking water filter systems How many litres of water you should drink a day will be influenced by various factors including: • The weather – if it’s hot you’ll sweat more, and this will influence how many cups a day of water you should be drinking.• How much you’re exercising - the more exercise you do, the more sweat you’ll produce, and the more water you’ll be losing. How many litres of water per day will coincide with how much exercise you’re doing. More exercise = more water needed but be careful not to overdo it. • Pregnancy – a women’s body works incredibly hard during pregnancy to produce extra blood, build new tissue and form amniotic fluid. If you are breastfeeding, you’ll also need to drink more water to assist in breast milk production, which is more than 80% water. • How well you are feeling – diarrhoea and vomiting cause your body to lose water, so as much as you might not want to, taking on ‘little but often’ sips of water is beneficial. If you have a temperature, you’ll be sweating more and will therefore need to replenish that lost water. If you’re unfortunate enough to have a urine infection, drinking lots of water will help flush those toxins out of your body. To keep it simple and personal to you, we believe that the easiest way to tell if you’re staying adequately hydrated is to ensure your urine remains a pale straw colour throughout the day. You should be aware of what your body is doing. So, check your pee every time you go to the loo. You are in the best position to know how many glasses of water a day you should be drinking. What are the effects of not drinking enough water? Being dehydrated manifests itself in various ways: • Tiredness • Poor concentration • Mild memory problems• Less motivation to do anything and difficulty in exercising • Headaches • Dry skin You’ll know what it’s like to feel dehydrated. We’ve all been there. That dry sticky feeling in the mouth because of a lack of saliva. Your lips feel as though they’re sticking together. But that’s not the only sign of dehydration. The best way to determine if you’re taking on enough fluids is to look at your urine. What colour is it? Look at this handy guide and determine if you’re hydrated enough. Pale, straw coloured is good. Dark, cloudy or strong smelling urine isn’t, and you need to drink more water. Have you noticed that your first pee of the day is darker than pale straw coloured? That’s because you haven’t had a glass of water for the entire time you’ve been asleep. It’s important to hydrate first thing in the morning. Taking a glass of water to bed with you at night is an easy way to remember to have a good drink first thing in the morning. Can you stay hydrated without drinking water? While water is by far the easiest and most accessible way to stay hydrated, we appreciate that some people think water is the most boring drink on the planet. You wouldn’t think that if you lived in a water deprived area of the world we bet. Here are some excellent ways you can get some water into your body that avoid plain old tap water. • Coconut water – made up of approximately 94% water and no added sugar if you choose the unflavoured ones. Make sure you read the ingredients of the coconut water before you buy it to make sure you’re getting 100% coconut water and that it’s not packed full of sugar and flavourings.• Herbal teas – a definite favourite of ours at Fountain Filters. There are such a variety of herbal teas to choose from. Peppermint, lemon and ginger, chamomile, red berries, and so many more. A healthy way to stay hydrated. • Fruit infused water – there are a multitude of ways to infuse plain tap water to make it that little bit more exciting. Try adding strawberries, lemon, lime, oranges, blueberries, pineapple, watermelon, basil, cherries, grapefruit, raspberries, mango, grapes, cucumber, and mint. Obviously, not all these suggestions in one go! Play around with them to see which combinations you like best. • Add some sparkle – sparkling water can be a nice change from plain tap water. If you’ve got a SodaStream try putting the sparkle in yourself or buy sparkling water in glass bottles. Please avoid buying single use plastic bottles. • Add cordial – a little splash of cordial in tap water takes the edge off the plain taste. Choose low-sugar options. • Drink milk – about 87% of milk is water so this is a fantastic way to stay hydrated. Milk also contains a good balance of proteins, fat and carbohydrates as well as other nutrients including calcium, potassium and magnesium. • Fruit juices and smoothies – this is one that we would probably recommend the least, just because of the sugar content. It’s so easy to drink a lot in one go so you’ll be downing extra calories and sugar when you shouldn’t be. It’s better to eat the fruit than drink it because when making smoothies the fibre is removed which helps slow down the speed fructose is absorbed into your blood stream. This is particularly important for people who have diabetes. • Soup – a stomach warming bowl of homemade soup that’s packed with vegetables is the perfect way to get more water into your diet. And it’s so tasty. But remember homemade is better than the tinned soup from the supermarket. Cheaper to! Does food contribute to your daily water intake? It most certainly does. Not all our water intake needs to come from drinking glass after glass of water. About 20% of your daily water intake will come from food. Foods that contribute to how much fluid you should drink a day include: • Cucumber (96%*)• Tomatoes / Courgette / Lettuce (95%*)• Spinach (93%*)• Mushrooms / Watermelon (92%*)• Honeydew melon (91%*)• Broccoli (90%*)• Brussel sprouts / Oranges / Apples / Grapes (86%*)• Blueberrries (85%*)• Bananas / Avocadoes / Potatoes (70-79%*)• Pasta / Salmon / Chicken Breast (60-69%*) *Approximately How to know if you're drinking enough water? The easiest way to answer this is you won’t be thirsty. The reason we take on more water is that we’re thirsty. We have a physiological trigger which tells us we’re thirsty and that’s when we need to act. Obviously, it’s a lot more complex than this but we’d be going way off topic if we started exploring this in more depth. But here’s a scientific paper on water, hydration and health that you can browse at your leisure. And don’t forget your pee. If you’re not drinking enough water the signs are clearly visible in your urine. Dark, strong smelling urine is a clear sign that you need to drink more water. Can drinking too much water be harmful? Yes, drinking too much water can be harmful, but how much water is too much for a day? Overhydrating is rare, but it can be dangerous. It’s not just a case of drinking too much water, some health conditions can also cause a person’s body to retain more water, such as kidney problems, heart failure, and liver disease. Having too much water in your body (through either intake or retention) can cause water toxicity (water poisoning). Water toxicity means that your kidneys can’t excrete (through urine) the increased levels of water in your body and therefore retain too much. The electrolytes in your body dilute and the amount of sodium (salt) becomes too diluted. This leads to the development of hyponatremia. Hyponatremia from water poisoning can lead to: • Headaches – due to swelling in the brain• Confusion or feeling disorientated• Feeling drowsy• Muscle cramps• Nausea and vomiting We’re going to mention urine again. Colourless urine means you’re overhydrating, straw coloured is good, and dark smelly urine is not good. Remember that overhydration is uncommon in healthy people. How Fountain Filters can help you drink more water? Drinking water is our business. We’ve lived and breathed advising people about how they can improve their household tap water and the water filtration system costs associated with those improvements. Getting in touch with us is easy. Either call us on 01352 838 281 or send us a message through our contact us page. FAQs Is 4 pints of water a day enough? 4 pints of water may be enough. It’s recommended that you drink 6-8 200ml glasses (1.2-1.5 litres / 2-2.6 pints) of non-alcoholic fluid daily to replace normal fluid loss, when combined with water you get from the foods that you eat. What happens to your body when you start drinking more water? When you drink more water everything in your body will start to function better. Water is essential for all parts of the body right from the brain down to the joints in your feet. Is 8 pints of water a day too much? Drinking 8 pints of water a day may be considered too much. Overhydration is not recommended and can lead to medical complications. The best way to determine if you’re staying on top of your hydration is to check the colour of your urine and if it’s pale straw coloured, you’re doing a fantastic job.
0 is london tap water safe to drink
Is tap water safe to drink in London? Unless you’ve been told specifically by your local water authority not to drink tap water or have been issued with a boil notice before drinking tap water then YES, tap water in London is safe to drink. This very simple ‘yes, tap water is safe to drink in London’ answer is not reflective of the misinformation that is spreading like wildfire across popular social media platforms. Some water filtration companies are using aggressive marketing tactics to convince you that tap water in the UK is unsafe to drink and they’ve got a ‘wonder product’ (a.k.a ‘bog standard water filter that they sell at an inflated price’) that will make it drinkable and a ‘white paper’ (a.k.a marketing sales copy) to back up the hard sell. They then use celebrities to endorse their products in the hope that it will help them sell more. Fountain Filters has seen companies like this come and go and we’re left to pick up the pieces of looking after their unhappy and let down customers. The spread of misinformation about tap water in the UK being unsafe is not only harmful to the industry, but also fundamentally untrue. However, it is fair to say that even though tap water in London is safe to drink (and across the rest of the UK) there may be specific things about it that you want to change or improve. This can be something as simple as disliking the taste or smell of London tap water to wanting to eradicate limescale. There’s also the increased public awareness about PFAS (forever chemicals), microplastics and lead. This is something we’ve noticed a huge increase in queries about during 2024 and envisage these remaining hot topics going forward. Where does tap water in London come from? 2.6 billion litres of water is used in London every day. Rivers Thames and Lee provide most of London’s tap water via five large water treatment works. Any additional water that is required comes from underground aquifers and a desalination plant at Beckton that was built in 2010 to supply drinking water during peaks of high demand. Unfortunately, the desalination plant has only successfully operated 3 times between 2010 and 2023, which considering how much it cost to build is disappointing. London, Swindon and Oxford are categorised as ‘water stressed’. The London areas have less rainfall than Dallas, Rome and Sydney. This is serious because water shortages, climate change and an increasing population are all factors in what could become a distressing situation in the future. Continued investment in infrastructure, fixing leaks, and education around how we could use water more wisely are key. Multiple treatment processes ensure that your water is safe to drink in London and meets the UK water quality standards. To ensure tap water is safe to drink in London, thousands of tests are carried out from samples from water pipes, water mains and household taps. Why does London tap water taste different? Tap water tastes different in London because the source water is different. Although it’s safe to drink tap water in London that doesn’t mean you have to like it. And that’s OK because you can filter it. Tap water varies across the UK. The landscapes are different, the source water is different, the levels of minerals are different, some water authorities add fluoride, some don’t, the levels of chlorine will vary. The list goes on. When people move geographical areas one of the very first things they notice is that the water tastes different, and they’re not used to it. We get so many calls from people who want the water to taste the same as the area they’ve just moved from. That of course is impossible. If we concentrate specifically on London tap water, there are a few reasons why it is different to other parts of the UK. The London tap water issues that come up regularly are: Problems with limescale due to hard water Unpleasant taste/smell Fluoride (spoiler alert - Fluoride is not added to London tap water) Forever chemicals Microplastics Lead (only a concern if you have lead pipes) Problems with limescale in London tap water If you use our postcode checker you can check how hard your water is in London. London has hard water and the visible effects of limescale are there for all to see. From the buildup of scale in your kettle, limescale deposits on taps and shower screens, right up to coffee machines and other household appliances breaking down more quickly than they should. Then there’s the continuing need to use more soap, shampoo, shower gel and detergents just to get the lather you desire. Drinking hard tap water in London is safe. The minerals calcium and magnesium are important to have in our diets. It’s just the limescale that people want to remove or reduce. Unpleasant taste/smell in London tap water If you’re on mains water in London, then you’ll have chlorine in your water. You know that smell when you enter a swimming pool. That’s the aroma of chlorine, and people don’t like it. It’s got a bleach or TCP kind of smell. But the addition of chlorine to tap water in London and across the UK is vital to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of kilometres of water pipes remain free from harmful bacteria that would make you ill. It is safe to drink tap water in London that contains chlorine, but if you don’t want it in your tap water it’s incredibly easy to remove. More on how to do that later. Fluoride in London tap water The addition of fluoride in drinking water confuses a lot of people. We receive numerous calls from people who are concerned about fluoride in their tap water, and they wish to remove it. It would be so easy, but so wrong of us to sell people a water filter system to remove fluoride when it’s not even added to their tap water. Currently, England is the only country in the UK that adds fluoride to drinking water. And only 10% of England’s population has fluoride added. This does NOT include LONDON. Remember what we said in our introductory paragraph above that there are some aggressive marketing campaigns going on across social media about the state of UK tap water. The public are commenting on these posts asking whether their ‘wonder product’ removes fluoride. The company is responding by saying ‘click here to be added to our waiting list’ as they’re releasing a product soon that will remove fluoride. What they are not doing is asking what part of the UK that person is living in and then allaying that person’s fears if they live in an area where the local authority doesn’t currently add fluoride to tap water. It’s blatant scaremongering and Fountain Filters are 100% against this. So currently, from a fluoride perspective it is safe to drink London tap water. PFAS (forever chemicals) in London tap water Aside from the UK having one of the best public water supplies in the world, PFAS or forever chemicals as they’re more commonly referred to blights that good record. The term ‘forever chemicals’ gives us a clue about why people are concerned about them. They do not break down over time and so are always in the tap water. Thousands of everyday chemicals are grouped under the PFAS umbrella, such as non-stick coatings on pans, batteries, food packaging, stain resistant fabrics. It is an endless list. PFAS may be useful in their working life, but not in their afterlife and we really should be removing them from our London tap water. It’s for this reason that Fountain Filters believe that it is NOT safe to drink tap water in London because of the risk of trace amounts of forever chemicals being present. However, we don’t want to scare you. Our role is to give you comfort in the knowledge that you can effectively remove PFAS in London tap water. We’ll cover just how easy this is to do a little later. Microplastics in London tap water Microplastics in UK drinking water is another hot topic that continues to bubble along in the press and across social media platforms. As the name suggests microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are not discernible by the human eye. Where there is plastic waste there are microplastics. We all have a responsibility for the level of microplastics found in UK tap water. If you continually buy and then dispose of single use plastic bottles and containers you are adding to the microplastics problem. Once erosion of the plastic takes place microplastics can end up anywhere. In the food we eat and the water we drink. Fountain Filters feel it’s safe to say that microplastics in UK tap water will be in minute quantities because the public water supply filters a lot of it out before it reaches your tap. However, there will be microplastics in tap water and for that reason London tap water is not safe to drink if you want to avoid ingesting plastic. But tap water is safer than plastic bottles of water. If you think that you’re avoiding microplastics because the only water you drink is bottled water bought off the supermarket shelf then sadly you are mistaken. Lead in London tap water Realistically, you only need to be concerned about lead in your tap water if you have discovered that there are lead pipes in your house. If you have lead in your tap water in London it is toxic and we highly recommended that you filter it out. We obviously don’t know how much lead is in your water, you would need to get your water tested to determine the amount. It’s a lot cheaper to install a drinking water filter to remove lead than it is to get the pipes replaced. Please note that boiling water that contains lead will not remove it. It will do the opposite. It will increase the concentration of lead in your drinking water. Tap water is NOT safe to drink in London if it contains lead. Is bottled water safer than tap water in the UK? No, Fountain Filters does not think that bottled water is safer than tap water in the UK. Please do not go down the fashionable rabbit hole of believing that bottled water is safer to drink than tap water. There are a few reasons why bottled water is not better to drink than tap water. Bottled water can contain a few hundred microplastics per litre versus tap water with between zero and 10 microplastics per litre. 93% of bottled water has some signs of microplastic contamination according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). WHO published an article on the 30th August 2022 on the Dietary and inhalation exposure to nano and microplastic particles and potential implications for human health which covers human exposure to the occurrence of microplastics in drinking water. Water bought in single use plastic bottles works against what the UK are trying to achieve in terms of reducing plastic waste. Did you know that up to 1 billion single-use plastic bottles are used in London each year. The bottled water industry is far less regulated than the public water supply in the UK. However, we have come across The Natural Mineral, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (England) Regulations 2007 which goes into detail on the requirements for prescribed concentrations of micro-organisms, elements and substances contained in the water prior to bottling. Bottled water is more expensive than tap water. 2 litres of water from a tap will cost you less than 1/3p. A 2L supermarket own brand is around 45p and a premium branded 2L bottle would set you back 90p or more. Where can you access tap water in public places? Under the Refill London scheme you can fill up you re-useable water bottle with free drinking water at one of 5,000 refill stations across London. You can download the Refill App to find out where your nearest London water refill station is. The app doesn't have brilliant reviews, but as with all things like this, it's work in progress. One of the main reasons for installing drinking water stations across London is to drive down the use of single-use plastic bottles. A study in 2022 (see the Refill London website link above) found that 90% of people living in London owned a reuseable bottle, so the more refill stations there are the better. Not having access to this free drinking water stops people using their reuseable bottle and forces people into thinking they need to buy bottled water. All premises licensed to sell alcohol in the UK have to provide free drinking water when requested. This applies even if you’re not a paying customer. Non-licensed premises are encouraged to provide free drinking water but can charge if they wish to do so. If you want to outsmart everyone around you, invest in a Water to Go drinking water filter bottle and you can guarantee fresh filtered water from any London tap. How to improve the taste and quality of London tap water We’ve highlighted some common concerns about London tap water that people call us daily about. To reiterate, these are problems with limescale due to hard water, unpleasant taste and smell of London tap water, fluoride, PFAS (forever chemicals), and the presence of microplastics in London water. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to ignore fluoride as this is not currently added to London tap water. To help you improve the taste and quality of your London tap water and give you peace of mind that London tap water is safe to drink then Fountain Filters recommend looking at the following product categories / products on our website. Water filters to resolve problems with limescale in London tap water Fountain Filters have a lot of experience helping people in London combat limescale problems associated with hard water areas. We have hard water filter systems that reduce limescale in your drinking water and also throughout your entire London home. Water filters to improve the taste and smell of your London tap water Tap water in London is treated with chlorine which is a disinfectant used by the water industry to kill harmful bacteria. This ensures your household drinking water won’t make you ill. Some people don’t like the taste or smell of chlorinated water and would prefer to remove it from their tap water. The removal of chlorine from tap water is incredibly easy with any water filter system that contains a carbon block water filter cartridge. Our most basic drinking water filter to remove chlorine is our best-selling Pearl T. To remove chlorine from every tap in your house take a look at our Doby whole house water filter. The water filter cartridges used in both water filter systems will ensure your London tap water is free from chlorine and safe to drink for a minimum of 12 months. You only need to change the cartridge every year which is good news for London homeowners. Water filters to reduce PFAS (forever chemicals) in London tap water Despite all the noise out there on social media there is no need to complicate the removal of PFAS from your London tap water. ANY water filter containing a carbon block water filter cartridge is going to reduce the level of PFAS in your tap water, making it safe to drink for you and your family. You don’t need anything fancy so please don’t be swayed by anything else you might find. Please follow the same links for products that you see above for improving the taste and smell of your London tap water. Water filters to reduce microplastics in London tap water To remove microplastics from tap water in London you need to be looking for a system that uses a carbon block water filter cartridge with a micron rating of 1 or below. 5 micron will reduce microplastics, but we recommend a smaller micron rating to be on the safe side. For your drinking water only, this would be our Pearl T with what we call a chlorine guzzler cartridge. A combined water filter system such as our Oyster TC would also do the job. This system uses two water filter cartridges: a 5 micron carbon block and 0.5 micron carbon block. To treat your whole house for microplastics you need the exact same Doby whole house water filter from the ‘how to improve the taste and smell of your London tap water’ section above, but with a 0.5 micron carbon block instead of the 5 micron cartridge that comes as standard with that filter system. How Fountain Filters can help you with your London tap water We don’t want you to buy bottled water thinking it’s going to be safer than filtering your own London tap water. We don’t want you to be mislead by the nonsense information out there on the internet. The cost of installing a house water filtration system will always be cheaper than buying bottled water, adding to the huge environmental problem London has with single use plastic bottles. But we understand that if you’re just starting out with filtering your own London tap water to make is safe to drink that it can feel a little overwhelming deciding on what is right for you. That’s where our expert knowledge comes in. We’ll guide you to finding the best solution for your individual needs, no matter what those needs are. It’s easy to get in touch. Either call 01352 838 281 or leave a message on our helpdesk. FAQs about London tap water: Is it safe to drink tap water in London? In essence, YES but that doesn’t mean you have to like it and there are filters you can use to make it safer, such as removing PFAS and microplastics. Is London tap water recycled sewage? No, the water coming out of your tap is not recycled sewage. Your drinking water comes from rivers and aquifers where it’s treated to make it safe for human consumption. It’s only after you’ve used it and it’s literally gone down the drain into the sewage system that it’s transported back to the treatment works and then safely recycled back into the environment (not into the drinking water supply!). Do we end up drinking toilet water? No, you’re not drinking toilet water in London. Your drinking water comes from rivers and aquifers, and it’s treated to make it potable. Once you’ve used the tap water it goes down the drain via the sewage system where it’s treated and recycled back into the environment.
Fountain Filters, Strowger House,
Sandy Lane Ind. Est.
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HE, UK.
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