AdminAre you looking to improve the quality of the water you drink daily? Wondering how to remove limescale, chlorine, and impurities from your tap water? Filtered water pitchers have become a popular solution for enhancing tap water quality. Using a filtration system based on activated carbon and ion exchange resins, they effectively reduce impurities such as limescale, chlorine, heavy metals, and even certain pesticides. In addition to providing better-tasting water, they offer an economic and ecological advantage by reducing plastic bottle consumption. More and more consumers are turning to these devices to preserve their health and improve the quality of their drinks and culinary preparations.
Why use a filtered water pitcher?
Using a filtered water pitcher offers several benefits, both for health and for the taste of water. By filtering tap water, these devices reduce the presence of undesirable substances such as limescale, chlorine, heavy metals, and certain pesticides. The water filtered this way is softer, more pleasant to drink, and enhances the taste of prepared foods and beverages. It also helps reduce the chlorine smell and aftertaste often present in tap water, a notable improvement for many consumers.
In France, tap water is subject to very strict controls. The Regional Health Agencies (ARS) regularly perform tests on nearly 70 health criteria to ensure the safety of drinking water. While the distributed water meets current safety standards, it may contain trace amounts of limescale, microbes, or organic matter. Filtered water pitchers, therefore, offer an additional solution for those who want to further improve their water quality.
Limitations of filtered water pitchers
However, filtered water pitchers are not without limitations. Although they are effective in reducing limescale, chlorine, and heavy metals, their ability to retain certain bacteria or chemical contaminants, such as drug residues, is limited. Indeed, not all filters can eliminate bacteria or viruses in water, and filtering chemical substances largely depends on the quality and condition of the filter used. Additionally, improper use or a worn-out filter can reduce the carafe’s effectiveness and even release contaminants into the water. 
What filters are used in water pitchers?
Filtered water pitchers use different types of filters, each with specific characteristics to improve water quality.
Activated carbon filters
Activated carbon filters, often derived from coconut shells, are commonly used in filtered water pitchers. This type of filter traps organic molecules, including chlorine residues, certain pesticides, and organic compounds responsible for bad odors and unpleasant tastes. One advantage of activated carbon is that it releases minerals like calcium and magnesium, which improves both the taste of the water and its mineral content. However, these filters are less effective against limescale, limiting their ability to protect household appliances like kettles or coffee makers from limescale deposits.
Resin beads
Resin beads, found in some cartridges, are particularly effective in removing limescale, heavy metals (such as lead), and nitrates. They work by exchanging ions from these substances with less harmful ions. However, a major disadvantage is that these resins also remove essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. This can reduce the nutritional value of water, especially for populations already suffering from mineral deficiencies.
Ceramic pearls
Ceramic pearls, another filtration option, mainly improve water taste by reducing bad odors. They also mitigate limescale deposits, extending the life of household appliances. However, their ability to filter more dangerous contaminants, such as pesticides and other chemical residues, is limited, making them less versatile than other filtration systems.
UV-A radiation
Some more advanced pitchers use UV-A radiation to treat water. This process is particularly effective in destroying pesticide residues, medications, as well as certain bacteria and viruses. UV-A treatment does not require the use of physical filters, which reduces maintenance. The purified water also retains its quality for a long time, provided it is stored under appropriate conditions, such as in a cool environment.
How to choose a filtered water pitcher?
Choosing a filtered water pitcher suited to your needs depends on several essential criteria that ensure practical and effective daily use.
Capacity
The carafe’s capacity is a determining factor, as it must be adapted to the number of people in the household. For a person living alone, a small, less bulky pitcher may be sufficient. However, for a family, it is better to opt for a model with a larger capacity, allowing a larger volume of water to be filtered at once. Some pitchers indicate the total volume as well as the actual filtered water volume, helping to evaluate the amount of water available with each use.
Filter replacement indicator
Filtered water pitchers come equipped with systems to monitor the filter’s condition. Most models use an electronic indicator that alerts when the filter needs to be replaced, often after a month of use. Some pitchers go further by measuring not only usage duration but also the volume of filtered water and sometimes even the water hardness. This type of technology allows filters to be replaced only when they start losing effectiveness, optimizing long-term costs.
Materials and dimensions
Most filtered water pitchers are made of unbreakable plastic, a practical and lightweight material, free of Bisphenol A and phthalates. However, to meet consumer expectations for durability and style, some models are available in glass or stainless steel, offering a more eco-friendly and elegant alternative. Dimensions are also worth considering, especially if the pitcher is to be placed in the refrigerator for cool water. It’s important to ensure that the chosen pitcher can be easily stored in the refrigerator door or on a shelf.
Filtration level
The filtration level is another important criterion to consider. Not all filtered water pitchers filter the same types of contaminants. For example, some filters focus solely on removing limescale, chlorine, and heavy metals. However, if tap water contains high levels of nitrates (as can be the case in some regions like Brittany), it is recommended to invest in specialized filters, such as Nitra+ filters, which remove these specific compounds. It is therefore essential to know the quality of local water before making a choice.
Precautions for using filtered water pitchers
While filtered water pitchers are effective in improving water quality, certain precautions must be taken to ensure their proper functioning and avoid health problems.
Bacterial proliferation
One of the main risks associated with using filtered water pitchers is bacterial proliferation if the filters are not changed regularly. Over time, filters accumulate impurities and become an environment conducive to bacterial growth. If water passes through a saturated filter, it can not only lose quality but also be contaminated by microorganisms. It is therefore essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding filter replacement frequency, generally every 3 to 5 weeks, to maintain clean and safe water.
Reduced mineral quality: Do not use for baby bottles
One of the drawbacks of filtered water pitchers is that they can reduce the content of essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, present in tap water. This decrease in mineral quality makes filtered water unsuitable for certain uses, particularly for preparing baby bottles. Infants need a regular intake of minerals for their development, and filtered water, depleted of these elements, may not meet their nutritional needs. The French National Agency for Food Safety (Anses) recommends not using filtered water for baby bottles but rather favoring cold tap water or low-mineral bottled water.
Risk of contaminant release
Another risk to consider is the release of contaminants into filtered water. If the filter is not replaced on time or poorly maintained, it can release substances such as silver ions, potassium, or sodium, present in some types of filters, into the water. Some materials used in pitchers, like plastics, can also contribute to the presence of unwanted residues in the water.
Improper handling or prolonged use of filters can lead to a lowering of the water’s pH, making it slightly acidic and less suitable for regular consumption.
Comparison with other filtration solutions
When looking to improve tap water quality, there are several filtration options, including reverse osmosis systems and water purifiers. Each of these solutions has advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered depending on the consumer’s specific needs.
Reverse osmosis: Advantages and disadvantages
Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective filtration methods for removing impurities and toxins from water, including pesticide residues, medications, and even dissolved minerals. Indeed, this very fine filtration system retains almost all dissolved substances, producing highly pure water. However, one of the main drawbacks of reverse osmosis systems is that they not only remove contaminants but also essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are vital for health.
This loss of minerals can lead, in the long term, to deficiencies for people who consume only this water. Additionally, osmosis-treated water tends to be slightly acidic, which can unbalance the body’s natural pH. An excess of acidity in the body can be linked to health problems such as osteoporosis or weakened metabolic functions. Consequently, water treated by reverse osmosis, while effective in removing toxins, can present risks if consumed over a long period without mineral supplementation in the diet.
Water purifiers: The best alternative?
Water purifiers, on the other hand, represent a more balanced alternative for filtering tap water. Unlike reverse osmosis systems, these devices preserve essential minerals while ensuring complete filtration of nitrates, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Water purifiers are often compact and easy to install, requiring neither electricity nor heavy maintenance. Their low energy consumption, combined with their compact size, makes them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
