In the UK, tap water is considered safe to drink. But does that mean you don't need to filter your water? Also, is tap water safe in terms of added chemicals? In this article, you'll find out whether you need to filter your tap water in the UK, what's in your tap water, and more.
UK Tap Water
The quality of tap water in the UK is very high due to strict regulations and continuous testing. In addition, water companies also test tap water regularly to ensure that it meets the requirements of the Drinking Water Quality Regulations. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is responsible for enforcing these standards and ensuring that water companies comply with legal requirements. According to the British Water Quality Association, the quality rating of tap water in the UK is 99.96%. Therefore, tap water in the UK is safe to drink.
However, there are regional differences in water quality across the UK. For example, the water in southern and eastern England is harder than in other parts of the UK, while Scotland is mostly soft water.
Hard Water and Soft Water
Hard water and soft water are distinguished based on the soluble calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Water that contains no or less soluble calcium and magnesium ions is called soft water. Water that contains more soluble calcium and magnesium ions is called hard water.
Other Differences
- Appearance and taste: Hard water is usually white or yellow and may have sediment. Soft water is clear and transparent and has a softer taste.
- Washing effect: Hard water may form scale during the washing process, affecting the washing effect. Soft water can better remove stains and dirt.
- Use: Hard water is generally suitable for industrial and agricultural purposes, while soft water is more suitable for household and health care purposes.
Health Effects
- Effects of hard water on health: Long-term drinking of hard water may lead to excessive intake of minerals in the body and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, hard water may also affect the absorption and utilization of drugs in the body.
- Effects of soft water on health: Soft water can be better absorbed and utilized by the human body, helping to maintain water balance in the body and promote metabolism. At the same time, soft water can also reduce the formation of scale, improve washing effects, and reduce the occurrence of skin diseases.
Which City Has the Cleanest Tap Water in the UK?
According to the survey data of Tapp Water, the tap water in the five cities in the UK is the cleanest, as follows:
- Scotland
- Southwest (Bristol)
- Yorkshire and the Humber (Leeds)
- Northern Ireland (Belfast)
- Wales (Cardiff)
What Area of the UK Has the Worst Tap Water?
In addition, their survey data also revealed that the tap water quality in the five regions of the UK is the worst. Most of these five regions are hard water areas. The specific regions are as follows:
- East England (Norwich)
- East Midlands (Leicester)
- Southeast (Southampton)
- Greater London (London)
- West Midlands (Birmingham)
What's in UK Tap Water?
Although tap water in the UK is rigorously tested and treated, it may still contain some unavoidable minerals or other substances. In addition, natural substances may be present in tap water. At the same time, certain substances may be added to tap water. Therefore, depending on the water source and treatment method, tap water may contain the following substances:
Chlorine
Typically, chlorine is added to tap water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the water to ensure the safety of the water. Therefore, chlorine is safe and does not pose any health risks. However, if the chlorine concentration in tap water is too high, it will have a strong taste, and you can even easily smell it when drinking.
Fluoride
According to research, adding fluoride to tap water can prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is also often found in toothpaste. However, the use of fluoride has caused a lot of controversy because excessive use of fluoride may cause fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis.
But in the UK, the chance of this is low. The fluoride concentration in drinking water in the UK must not exceed 1.5 mg/L (consistent with WHO standards). In areas where it is artificially added, it is maintained at 0.7-1.0 mg/L, which not only ensures the anti-caries effect but also avoids health risks.
Trace Metals
If the water pipes in your area are old and have not been replaced in time. At this time, trace metals may be present due to corrosion of the pipes, especially lead pipes. In addition, trace amounts of iron or zinc may also be released from old pipes. So how to avoid this problem?
Regularly maintain or replace water pipes, or you can use an ITEHIL portable reverse osmosis water filter to filter and drink. Because the reverse osmosis system can completely remove all pollutants and harmful impurities in the water.
Other Potential Substances
Studies have shown that tap water may contain microplastic particles, although the content is extremely low. However, long-term drinking of water containing microplastics will cause health effects. In addition, agricultural water infiltration may also bring trace amounts of pesticides.
Does Tap Water Need to be Filtered UK?
Tap water in the UK is generally safe because it undergoes strict water treatment and quality monitoring and meets the drinking water quality standards. However, whether filtration is needed depends on personal needs and the water quality of the location.
For better taste or to remove specific substances, such as chlorine taste or scale, many people will choose to use activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis filters. If you have higher requirements for water purity, or you are concerned about trace contaminants that may be present in the water (such as lead or microplastics), choosing an efficient filtration system, such as a water purifier with reverse osmosis function, is also a solution worth considering.
What Should I Pay Attention to When Choosing Not to Filter?
If you live in the UK and drink your tap water directly without filtering it, there are some steps you can take to improve your safety.
Test Your Water Regularly
Home water testing kits are affordable and easy to use in the UK. Testing can tell you the mineral content, heavy metals, and chlorine levels in your water to determine if additional measures are needed.
Maintain the Water Supply System
Make sure your home's plumbing system is leak-free and free of contamination. For older homes, especially those with lead pipes, replacing the pipes is a long-term solution.
Store Drinking Water Properly
Avoid storing tap water in direct sunlight for long periods, which may promote bacterial growth. Use clean glass or stainless steel containers and clean water storage equipment regularly. If you are camping outdoors, it is recommended that you use an ITEHIL UK portable reverse osmosis water filter, which can help you get clean, purified water anytime, anywhere.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need to filter your tap water depends on your family's needs and the area you live in. If you have concerns about water quality, an activated carbon filter can be a starting point. If your water quality faces more serious issues, such as hard water or potential contaminants, you must choose more advanced filtration technology. You can choose to use a reverse osmosis water filter.
FAQ
Is Bottled Water Better than Tap Water in the UK?
The advantages of tap water are convenience and cost. In most parts of the UK, tap water is strictly disinfected and treated. In addition, tap water reduces the use of plastic bottles and is more environmentally friendly. However, some people may feel uncomfortable with the chlorine taste of tap water or the hardness of local water.
The advantages of bottled water are purity and taste. Bottled water is rich in minerals. However, bottled water is expensive and may produce microplastics. In addition, studies have shown that the quality of some bottled water is not necessarily better than treated tap water.
What are the Water Filters that Remove Microplastics?
For example, RO water filters and activated carbon water filters can filter microplastics through physical interception and adsorption. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective method because its membrane pore size is extremely small and can remove most microplastic particles.
Do Water Filters Remove Fluoride?
Water filters can remove fluoride. Examples include reverse osmosis water filters and filters containing activated alumina. Reverse osmosis systems use high pressure to push water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively filtering out fluoride and other contaminants.
Is it Better to Drink Bottled or Filtered Water?
Choosing filtered water is usually more environmentally friendly and economical. At the same time, the water quality can be ensured to be safe through efficient filtration systems (such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters). Although bottled water is convenient, it increases plastic waste and may contain microplastics.
Should You Boil Tap Water Before Drinking it?
In the UK, tap water is usually treated and meets drinking standards, so it is safe to drink without boiling. If the tap water is seriously polluted, such as old pipes causing the tap water to contain a lot of metals, it is recommended that you use an RO filter.
