Reasons Why You Should Filter Water

by Carl Jensen
Plumber, Welder, Contractor
> 2 min read

Water is a necessity of life, and having access to a clean water supply at home allows you to stay hydrated. Water makes up approximately 60% of the human body, and your cells need plenty of water to carry out their tasks. Just about every activity in the body uses water, and without it, you’ll begin to feel sluggish and have trouble concentrating.
However, you also need to consider the quality of water you consume. There are many chemicals and minerals in most water supplies, but there are no detrimental health effects if these are present at safe levels. But there are still several reasons you should filter water to obtain a clean water supply for your home.
HERE ARE OTHER QUESTIONS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE ABOUT WATER:

Safe Drinking Water Supply
It’s natural for consumers to have concerns about the water supply coming into their homes. Tap water is the most convenient and cost-effective method for staying hydrated, but do you really know what comes through your faucet?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues legally enforceable National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) to protect public health. All water suppliers must adhere to these standards, but this doesn’t mean mistakes won’t happen.
If a fault occurs in the supply, such as lead leaking into the water from corroded pipes, the supplier must contact you as soon as possible. However, this may be little consolation if you’ve been consuming contaminated water throughout the day. A water filter removes these contaminants and acts as the last line of defense to keep you safe.
There are also National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (NSDWRs) with no legal standing, but these can help suppliers supply better water quality concerning taste, color, and odor. Because there is no obligation on a water supplier to adhere to these guidelines, you could find your water has an unpleasant taste that discourages you from consuming enough water.
A high-quality water filter removes excess chlorine and other chemicals that can have an adverse effect on your drinking water supply. When using a water filter, consumers can drink their tap water with confidence the water filter has done everything possible to remove contaminants that can be harmful to health.
Although there are government regulations in place, it’s essential to remain vigilant to reduce the risk of drinking unsafe water. A filtration system can provide peace of mind when consuming water containing as few additional substances as possible.
Protect Your Appliances and Save Money
Hard water contains excess levels of minerals and chemicals. These contaminants can cause scaling on your pipework, creating blockages that slow the water flow. Substances such as calcium and magnesium can also build up in your domestic appliances, preventing them from operating efficiently and shortening their lifespan.
A water filter removes these impurities before they can attach to your pipes. A water filter stops minerals from placing excess stress on your pipework by preventing build-up and keeps the water flow at peak levels. By having reliable and consistent water pressure coming through your faucet, your appliances have the supply they need to perform efficiently.
Because a water filter prevents minerals from causing blockages in your appliances, they reduce wear-and-tear on the component parts. Your dishwasher and washing machine can operate as the manufacturer intended, rather than having to use more energy to do their jobs.
By helping to extend the lifespan of your domestic appliances, a water filter can save you significant amounts of money.
"Substances such as calcium and magnesium can also build up in your domestic appliances, preventing them from operating efficiently and shortening their lifespan."
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Being kinder to the environment is essential for many consumers, and using a water filter is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint. When washing or showering using hard water, it can be challenging to achieve a lather with your soap. This issue can lead to spending more time in the shower, using more water and soap than necessary.
One of the signs you have a hard water problem is a white chalky build-up of magnesium and calcium on your surfaces. This scum can be challenging to clean, and you may need to use more cleaning fluids and materials than usual. However, when you filter water before it enters your property, the system removes the excess substances, reducing the risk of staining on your surfaces.
While many people purchase bottled water, this increases their carbon footprint. Even if you recycle plastic bottles, it is better for the environment not to use the materials in the first place.
When using a water filter, there is no waste material remaining after drinking. You can reuse the same glass all day and quickly rinse it off for use the following morning.
Because water filters last approximately six months, you don’t need to replace them often, depending on usage. This durability is an excellent benefit to using a water filter to reduce your carbon footprint.
Clothing Lasts Longer
Many people purchase a whole house filtration system to have a clean drinking water supply from their faucet. However, there is a significant benefit for your laundry when you wash it in filtered water. The minerals and chemicals in hard water do not mix easily with detergent, making it difficult to form an effective cleaning agent.
Calcium bonds with soap, creating a curd rather than a lather. This process means your clothes do not clean as well in the machine, and the fabrics suffer excess wear-and-tear. You may notice your clothing colors fade more quickly, and the materials feel rough to the touch.

The Bottom Line
Whether you have concerns about your drinking water quality, reduce your environmental impact, or hope for cost savings, installing a water filter is a great option.
By filtering water before it enters your home, you can turn on your faucet and operate appliances confidently that your filtration system has removed harmful contaminants.

Carl Jensen
About the Author
Carl Jensen is a plumber with over 50 years of experience in the industry, as well as related jobs like underwater welding. He runs a successful plumbing practice in Tampa, Florida, and contributes his plumbing expertise to our DIY articles, and helps to fact check and consult on most of our other stuff to boot.