Common Myths about Water Filtration

July 17, 2024 3 min read

Common Myths about Water Filtration

When it comes to water quality, there is a lot of information out there telling you a lot of opposing views. Sometimes, it is hard to know what is fact or what is fiction. Below, we will address some of the misconceptions about water and water filtration.

Myth: Bottled water is safer than tap water. 

Many people prefer bottled water since it is “safer” than tap water, but this is not necessarily the case. Government regulations differ between the two, so in some categories bottled water is ahead, and in other cases, tap water is safer. According to the NRDC, tap water in most big cities is tested more regularly than bottled water, and it is required to be disinfected and filtered to remove bacteria and viruses. Bottled water does not have the same regulations (1). 

Bottled water, on the other hand, does not hold the risk of lead pollution that tap water holds, as many homes have lead pipes that pollute their tap water. Geographic location plays a large role in the water quality, as well. 

Myth: Boiling purifies water. 

Boiling water is an effective way to remove bacteria, parasites, and germs from any fresh water supply. However, chemicals and heavy metals cannot be removed from water through boiling (2). In fact, boiling water can actually concentrate the heavy metal content in the water, making the water more dangerous than before. 

Myth: Water softeners filter water.

Many people choose to install a water softener in their house to improve the water’s taste or to protect their appliances from hard water stains. Water softeners will remove calcium, magnesium, and other minerals and replace them with sodium or potassium (3). This process exchanges ions in the water, but it is not a water filter. Contaminants like heavy metals and bacteria may still be present in the water. 

Myth: Refrigerator water filters provide safe drinking water. 

Most refrigerators use carbon to remove chlorine, lead, and other pollutants from the water, making it safe to drink (4). That being said, the quality of the water depends on the amount of time the water is in contact with the carbon. Because the carbon filter is small, it often cannot keep up with the demand of water needed in a household, resulting in contaminants sneaking through the filter and into your drinking water. 

Myth: Filtration removes healthy minerals from water. 

Depending on the type of filter, this myth can prove true. Some water filters and purification systems will remove all minerals, regardless of any potential health benefits they may hold. Both distillation and reverse osmosis processes remove everything from the water–negative or beneficial–to result in the purest form of water.

However, some people prefer to reap the benefits of healthy minerals like magnesium and calcium in their water. Alkalizing water filters, like the Seychelle Gen 2 pH2O Pure Water Pitcher, can remove chemical, inorganic, aesthetic, and radiological contaminants… all while keeping in healthy minerals that raise the water’s pH. 

Myth: Water filtration systems are expensive.

While it can seem daunting to purchase a water filter, they can be an economic decision in the long haul. For someone that prefers to drink alkaline water, for example, investing in an alkaline water pitcher can save hundreds of dollars after the initial purchase. While 12 liters of alkaline water can cost $23 when  buying bottled water, an $80 Seychelle alkalizing water filter can filter over 567 liters of water. This comes down to 14 cents per liter if you invest in a water filter. In the long run, a water filtration system is much cheaper than continually buying bottled water. 

The Wrap-Up

Water filtration comes with its fair share of controversy, as many different opinions and myths swirl around daily. By better understanding the truths about water filtration, it will be easier for you to make informed decisions to keep you and your family healthy and hydrated. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are water filtration systems good for you?

Yes. Water filtration systems can remove dangerous contaminants from your water, including bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals. 

Do water filters really purify your water?

Certain water filters purify water better than others. It is important to read up on the contaminants filtered out by the filter you are considering before deciding if it purifies your water to the standard you would like. 

What water filter removes the most contaminants?

Reverse osmosis is known to remove the most contaminants from water. It removes all contaminants–including healthy minerals–from water. 

References

  1. Natural Resources Defense Council,https://www.nrdc.org/stories/bottled-water-vs-tap-water 
  2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention,https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/rainwater-collection.html#:~:text=Prevent%20illness,that%20you%20intend%20to%20eat 
  3. Minnesota Department of Health,https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/factsheet/softening.html 
  4. Duncan Plumbing,https://www.duncanplumbingsolutions.com/hidden-danger-of-refrigerator-water-filters 
  5. Amazon Prime,https://www.amazon.com/Essentia-Water-Electrolytes-Rehydration-Overachievers/dp/B005HG9ESG/ref=asc_df_B005HG9ESG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693129827177&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17241594318908327794&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031586&hvtargid=pla-561978396389&psc=1&mcid=02c67ea5f8fe356ca665fb4b8bf82820&gad_source=1