With over 7.5 billion single use plastic bottles of water purchased in the UK each year (based on 2018 figures) it’s clear that we should make more of an effort to look at alternatives such as filtering water at home and using refillable bottles with water taken from our taps, fountains or other sources.
There are a number of reasons why we chose to buy bottled water. Health and taste come immediately to mind, so let’s take a look at some of these reasons:
– Health is a concern for many who choose bottled water over tap water. Many people feel that the addition of chemicals to our water supply has implications for long term health.
However, the chemicals are considered necessary and together with a thorough filtering process, the water supplied to our homes is at least as clean and safe to drink as bottled water.
The water is tested on a regular basis. Samples are even taken from random customers home. Read here:
https://www.unitedutilities.com/help-and-support/your-water-supply/testing-water-quality/
Bottled spring and mineral water are also tested, but not as stringently as tap water. Unlike tap water, it is bottled at source and doesn’t require the same filtering and chemical cleaning process. For this reason it is considered by many to be healthier.
Note though, that there are also brands of bottled water that are basically tap water that has just been reprocessed.
If you would like to read a couple of water related articles, then check the links below:
https://naturaler.co.uk/tap-water-vs-bottled-water-uk/
https://tappwater.co/en/healthier-bottled-filtered-or-tap-water/
– Taste is the other main reason for choosing bottled water. There’s no denying the fact that water tastes different depending on where it is sourced from.
This makes sense when you know that rain falls naturally as soft water with little or no mineral content. If it then passes through soft rock such as limestone or chalk it absorbs the minerals that make up the rock. Hard rock such as granite makes it more difficult for the water to absorb the minerals and it therefore remains as soft water. Different mineral compositions therefore affect the taste.
Additionally as water can also be filtered and cleaned in various ways, it again affects the taste. In particular the addition of chlorine to our home water supply is cited by many as a taste they can recognise and don’t like.
Different types of water also affect how our beverages taste. Our choices also include carbonated water. As with any other drink, we all have different taste preferences.
Before moving onto possible solutions we should also mention that in homes supplied with hard water, there can be a build-up of limescale and this has been shown to reduce the lifespan of appliances such as Irons, kettles and coffee machines.
Solutions to less bottled water
Whether it’s for health or taste reasons a water filter or water purifying system is a good alternative to buy bottled water. There are lots of options for filters or purifying methods. Installation types include whole house, under the sink or countertop. There are also on the go systems. It can be quite confusing and for more detailed information it’s worth taking a look at these articles:
https://www.aquacure.co.uk/knowledge-base/how-water-filters-work
http://watertogo.eu/wp/water-purification-methods/
https://www.naturawater.com/buzz/filtered-water-vs-purified-water-what-s-the-difference
– Whole House filter systems are designed to filter water to every outlet such as the kitchen and bathroom taps, washing machine, dishwasher plus your bath, shower and toilet. There are various types of filter systems and benefits can include less limescale and an improved bathing and showering experience. They can work out quite expensive to maintain.
If you have concerns about limescale build up, a cheaper option may be to buy a water conditioning device and perhaps a free standing countertop filter system or on the go water bottle filter.
Articles about whole house water filters and a water conditioning device to combat limescale can be seen here:
https://www.waterfiltershop.co.uk/blog/best-guide-whole-house-water-filtration-systems/
https://www.scalewatcher.co.uk/
– Undersink filter systems are designed to filter water that you are likely to cook with or use for making tea and coffee. They are cheaper to install and maintain than whole house filters and are an option to consider.
Here’s a link to a few different model types:
https://www.uk-water-filters.co.uk/homes/under-sink-water-filters.html
– Freestanding countertop filter systems require no plumbing and depending on the size can be left on your worktop or placed in the fridge. Useful for everyday drinking purposes and may be useful for taking on a UK holiday. Prices for replacement filters generally work out cheaper in the long term in comparison with the filter systems mentioned so far.
Check out these links here:
https://www.brita.co.uk/fill-and-enjoy
https://www.andrewswater.co.uk/british-berkefeld-ss2-stainless-steel-table-top-filter-system
– On the go water bottle filter systems are great for around town, work or on your travels. Prices are generally quite reasonable, although replacement filters can be relatively costly. We’ve given a few links for you to check out and these include squeeze type bottles, suck from the filter bottles and a press to filter bottle. All have pros and cons.
https://doulton.com/product-category/portable/
https://www.sawyereurope.com/water-filtration/page-1-16?sort_options=a.ordering-ASC
https://grayl.co.uk/collections/shop-all
Final Thoughts
If we can cut down on the amount of bottled water we buy, we will be making a major contribution to plastic waste and the effect it has on wildlife and the environment.
