Are There Any Disadvantages Of Filtered Water?
Water filters help make tap water taste great while also removing potentially harmful chemicals. However, while water filter systems have a lot going for them, they also have some disadvantages that you need to be prepared for. If you’re sure you can handle these issues, then getting a water filtration system is a terrific move.
You’re Still Using Plastic and Disposable Filters
The first disadvantage is a relatively minor one in that you’re still using some plastic, and the filters themselves are likely disposable. Using a water filter is a great way to cut down on the plastic you’d use initially because you’re no longer buying a lot of individual water bottles. People often turn to water filters because they want to be a little more eco-friendly while still filtering out chemicals from tap water.
But individual filters (not the whole system that people usually refer to as a filter, but the filter component itself) are often disposable, meaning you’re still throwing things into landfills every few months. And if you’re using a pitcher-style filter, the plastic housing can crack after a while, requiring replacement of the entire pitcher.
If you decide to get a water filter, look for systems that have reusable filters that you can wash. That cuts down on the use of plastic and creation of waste, and it’s much more eco-friendly.
You Could Filter out Too Much
Tap water contains trace elements that can be beneficial for your health. If you live in an area with hard water, those minerals (calcium, magnesium, and so on) can create issues with limescale buildup in appliances, of course. But the minerals can also contribute to your daily intake of necessary nutrients.
Filtering water may remove these minerals, depending on the type of filter you buy. This means that you could end up getting less calcium, magnesium or potassium than you had previously. You may not notice the difference immediately. However, the reduction in the amount of minerals you get can add up over time if you’re not eating a diet that easily replaces what the filter removed.
Whole-House Filters May Be Costly
While using a filter can be cheaper than buying bottled water overall, the initial cost of the filter can be high. This is especially true of whole-house filters. Shop around and consider whether you need a whole-house filter, a few pitcher-style filters or a combination.
Not All Filters Are Created Equal
One important consideration when choosing a water filtration system is that not all filters remove the same contaminants. Some filters are designed to eliminate chlorine and improve taste, while others focus on heavy metals, bacteria, or pharmaceuticals. That means you need to know what’s actually in your water before picking a system. If your water contains specific contaminants like lead or nitrates, a basic carbon filter might not be enough.
To make sure you’re getting the right protection, it’s a good idea to have your water tested first. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can choose a system certified to remove those specific impurities. This ensures your investment pays off with safer, cleaner water tailored to your household’s needs.
The Filters Need Maintenance
The entire filter system will need maintenance. That means that, if you get a whole-house filter, you may have to pay for a company to maintain the system, or you may have to spend time doing the work yourself. If you can’t afford the maintenance or just don’t want to spend that time, you may want smaller filtration systems like pitchers, faucet filters or under-sink systems that you can change easily if needed. But if you’re ready to keep the filtration system in great shape for years, a whole-house filter could be the simplest solution to what you need and well worth the investment.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Daytona can help you with plumbing installation and repairs. If you’re interested in having a water filter installed, contact us for prompt service. Remember, “If there’s any delay it’s YOU we pay.”
