Should I Filter My Tap Water?

Your Guide to Water Filtration for Homes on Town or Tank Water.

When it comes to water quality, many homeowners ask: Should I filter my tap water? Whether you’re connected to town water or using a tank system, the answer is often yes.

Water filtration can significantly improve the quality of your water, remove contaminants, and enhance your overall health and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of water filtration, address specific issues like PFAS contamination, and guide you on how to choose the right filter for your home.

The 5 Key Benefits of Water Filtration

1. Improved Taste: Removal of chlorine and other chemicals from tap water results in fresher, cleaner tasting water.
   
2. Health Benefits: Tap water is commonly treated to meet required government safety standards, however contaminants can still make their way into the supply. A good filtration system not only removes chlorine, heavy metals (like lead and copper) and pesticides, but also harmful substances like PFAS. Filtration ensures that your water is safer.
   
3. Skin and Hair Protection: Chlorine and other chemicals can irritate your skin and dry out your hair. If you filter your shower water, you can reduce these effects, leading to healthier skin and softer, more manageable hair.
   
4. Protection After Flooding: Floods can contaminate both tank and town water systems with bacteria, debris, and chemicals. If your water has been exposed to floodwaters, filtration becomes essential to remove any harmful substances and ensure water is safe for washing, cooking and drinking.
   
5. Peace of Mind: Filtration provides peace of mind, especially for households with young children, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system. You’ll feel more confident knowing that your water is clean and safe.

PFAS Chemicals: What You Need to Know

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are synthetic chemicals found in water-resistant products and certain firefighting foams. Unfortunately, PFAS contamination has been discovered in drinking water supplies, both in town and rural areas. Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health issues, including liver damage, kidney disease, and developmental issues in children.

If you’re concerned about PFAS contamination, a filtration system can help. Puretec offers specific solutions for removing PFAS from water, such as activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems. These systems are capable of reducing PFAS concentrations, providing you with safe water. You can read more here about how a Puretec Filtration solution removes PFAS from water.

Flooding and Water Quality: Floodwaters often introduce bacteria, chemicals, and debris into water supplies. After flooding, it’s vital to check the water quality and install a filtration system to eliminate any contaminants. In rural areas with tank water, this is especially important, as rainwater can carry harmful substances from nearby land.

Puretec offer whole house water filter solutions designed to effectively reduce chlorine, PFAS chemicals, sediment and preventing scale buildup.

How to Select the Right Filter for Your Home Water Supply

Choosing the right filter depends on whether you’re on town water or using a tank system. Here are key considerations when selecting a filtration system:

Water Supply Type:

Town Water: Common concerns include chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, heavy metals, and PFAS. A multi-stage filtration system with activated carbon and a sediment filter can address these contaminants effectively.

Tank Water: Tank water often contains sediment, bacteria, and pesticides. For this type of water, you’ll need a system with UV treatment to kill pathogens, plus a sediment filter and possibly reverse osmosis for purification.

Filtration System Types:

Activated Carbon Filters: These are excellent for removing chlorine, bad tastes, and odours. Activated carbon is also effective for reducing some heavy metals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Reverse Osmosis (RO): Ideal for more thorough purification, RO systems remove heavy metals, fluoride, and even PFAS. These systems are typically installed under the sink or as a whole-house solution.View our Undersink Filtration Systems.

UV Water Purifiers: UV purifiers are great for killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. For tank water, UV treatment is especially useful to ensure microbial safety. View our UV Filtration Systems.

Whole House Filtration: For those who want to filter all water used in the home, a whole-house system provides comprehensive filtration across showers, taps, and appliances. View our Whole House Filtration packages.

Capacity and Flow Rate:

Consider how much water your household uses. Larger families or homes with higher water usage will require filters with higher flow rates and greater capacity. You don’t want the filter to slow down or need frequent replacement.

Enjoy purified water at every outlet in the house with a Puretec water filter solution.

How to Install and Maintain Water Filters

Once you’ve chosen the right filtration system, here’s how to get it up and running:

1. Installation: Depending on the system, installation can be a DIY project or require professional help. Under-sink filters, countertop models, and reverse osmosis systems usually require professional installation, especially if they need plumbing connections. For whole-house systems, it’s best to hire a plumber. At NCP+W we can put you in touch with our network of preferred plumbers, arranging installation with a trusted professional.
   
2. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to keep your filtration system working effectively. Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, clean components like the UV light, and monitor the system for any signs of wear.
   

Test Your Water: Even after installing a filtration system, periodically test your water to ensure the system is working properly. Many systems come with monitoring indicators or testing kits to help you check for contaminants like chlorine, lead, or PFAS.

Filtered Water + Better-Tasting Coffee

It’s not just about safety—filtered water also makes a huge difference in taste. For coffee lovers, filtered water is essential. Tap water, especially if it contains chlorine or other impurities, can negatively affect the flavour of your coffee. By using filtered water, you can improve both the taste and the quality of your coffee, giving you a fresher, cleaner brew every time.

In summary: Is Water Filtration Right for Your Home?

Whether you’re on town water or rely on tank water, filtration is a practical and effective way to improve the quality of your water. Filtration removes harmful contaminants, improves taste, and helps protect your skin and hair from harsh chemicals. It also provides peace of mind, ensuring your family is drinking clean, safe water.

If you’re considering water filtration for your home, North Coast Power + Water (NCPW) can guide you in selecting and installing the right system for your needs. We offer expert advice and a range of filtration products to suit both urban and rural properties. Contact us today to find out how we can help you improve the quality of your home’s water.