The importance of good quality drinking water has never been more apparent. Countless stories of pollution in our oceans and rivers pervade the press, with one example describing how harmful parasites were found in drinking water in Devon.
Here at Zip, we understand how important it is to have access to safe, good quality drinking water. Especially in our current environment, there are many benefits of a water filtration system, like HydroTap.
What is the tap water quality like in the UK?
According to Water UK, the UK water industry treats 15,316 million litres per day for drinking water, which passes 99.95% of tests. Having said this, there are huge differences in the water quality across the UK.
Can you drink unfiltered tap water?
Drinking tap water is safe in the UK, however, many people do not enjoy its taste. According to a survey by Tapp Water, the best area for water quality and taste is Scotland, and the worst is the East of England. Interestingly, all of the regions with the worst-tasting tap water are in hard water areas.
As a business based in Norfolk, we understand the challenges that come with hard water, and aside from the limescale build-up, we know it can negatively affect the flavour. And as we know from our research, people are much less likely to stay hydrated if they don't like the taste.
Drinking unfiltered tap water is usually of no threat to human health, however, there have been instances where harmful bacteria and other contaminants have been found in drinking water across the UK.
What type of bacteria is found in water?
Although tap water in the UK is safe to drink, there are still unwanted particles present within it, including bacteria, viruses, and other debris. Bacteria found in water isn't necessarily always a concern – the same is true of chlorine in drinking water, which is used for hygiene purposes within the public water supply.
According to the Drinking Water Inspectorate, at the very low levels used in drinking water, it is a proven public health measure and is perfectly safe to drink. That being said, it can give water an unpleasant smell and taste.
Cryptosporidium, a type of microbiological cyst, has recently been found in the drinking water supply, as many residents in Devon were instructed to boil their water before drinking it due to their contaminated supply.
Although cryptosporidium is often found in the ocean and rivers due to the pollution of our waterways with sewage, it should be filtered out of the water supply during treatment. However, it does present a challenge for treatment plants due to its resistance to chlorine – which is used to remove contaminants in the water treatment process – and its tiny particles.
Generally, microbiological cysts like cryptosporidium are between 3 and 6 microns in size.
To avoid parasites and debris in your drinking water, it may be worth investing in a filtration system at home, or a filtered water tap.
A Zip HydroTap, for example, can filter water to 0.2 microns, which is 25 times more effective than a standard filter jug and will remove microbial cysts, as well as viruses and bacteria in water.
Are microplastics in drinking water harmful?
Plastics and microplastics are found almost everywhere, but particularly in the ocean and other bodies of water across the globe. Microplastic is created when larger plastics break down, for example from paint wearing off, or microfibres from clothing.
We can take in microplastics through inhalation, but also via the food and drink we consume. Research by the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation found microplastics in human organs, including the colon and placenta.
Microplastics can also contain additives and chemicals, and when the plastic starts to break down, these are released, often into the ocean. Additives such as BPA are damaging to health, but the full extent of the potential damage to humans from microplastics is still unknown.
How to avoid microplastics in water
With this in mind, it's best to avoid ingesting microplastics in the first place. Although it may be tempting to buy bottled water to avoid any concerns with contamination, using plastic bottles simply adds to the problem.
Every day, 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into the ocean, and 80% of all studied marine debris is plastic. At the same time, although the water quality from a plastic bottle is perceived to be better than tap water, the average litre of water in a plastic bottle contains almost 250,000 nanoplastic fragments.
A solution to provide better water quality for you and your family, and reduce impact on the environment is a water filter tap, or a filtration system at home. With HydroTap, there's no need to purchase bottled water. Instead, enjoy perfectly filtered, chilled water, straight from your tap.
Do water filters remove microplastics and other contaminants?
As mentioned, drinking water quality can vary greatly, due to changes in the environment, pollution present, and your location. While our environment and the ocean are under threat from pollution around the world, it's difficult to know how good your water quality is.
That's why we believe that investing in a water filtration solution is the best way to enjoy peace of mind when it comes to what may be lurking in your tap water.
HydroTap, with its market-leading filtration, is the perfect way to remove debris or contaminants commonly found in our drinking water, whilst providing pure-tasting chilled water, instantly.
We'll even keep on top of filter changes for you, with our HydroCare packages. Not only this, but HydroTap also provides filtered boiling and sparkling water from the same tap, making it more than just a drinking water solution – it's the ultimate kitchen appliance.
For more information on our technology, or our products, get in touch with our team today.