Why use a water filter at all?

No matter whether on the table, under the table with a cartridge for fittings or as a membrane for water pipes - water filters are available in a wide variety of versions these days. The price range is correspondingly large: from inexpensive models from 20 euros to high-priced, large filters in the four-digit range, there is something suitable for every purpose. The function depends on the design, the purpose is always the same: A water filter is there to remove unwanted substances such as chemicals, drug residues, pollutants such as heavy metals or pesticides from the drinking water. Because although tap water is the most strictly controlled food in Germany and is already of good quality, outdated pipes and other causes can still contaminate the water. That is why it is always worth investing in a good water filter, such as a water filter for the kitchen.

The water filter - why is it worth buying?

In Germany, the Drinking Water Ordinance stipulates how high limit values ​​for microbiological, chemical and radiological components may be in tap water. Pollutants occurring in drinking water must not exceed a certain amount. However, the number of pollutants and limit values ​​monitored is limited. In particular, the advancing industrialization in the state and land is causing an increasing number of pollutants to enter our groundwater, the basis for our drinking water. Our drinking water is constantly checked and cleaned in around 6,000 waterworks in Germany, so we hardly have to worry about our health even without a tap filter.

However, it is unfortunately often the case that agriculture, industry and other causes cause a more or less high concentration of pollutants in drinking water. Many analyzes, such as those by Stiftung Warentest or Ökotest, show time and again that tap water can contain residues of pesticides, heavy metals, drugs or chemical substances.

Unfortunately, the term "most strictly controlled food" doesn't really mean anything. Because even if the water itself is of excellent quality when it leaves the waterworks - it's a long way to our home and it can cause renewed pollution. Therefore, a water filter makes perfect sense.

It should also be borne in mind here: Just because limit values ​​are adhered to does not mean that all critical substances have to be completely removed from the water. Limit values ​​are compromises - compromises from what is technically feasible and politically / economically possible. Smallest amounts of pollutants usually remain in the water, but these may have effects and interactions. This applies in particular to copper, lead or chemical pollutants.

This is how a water filter works

Modern water filters are quite capable of removing various pollutants from contaminated water using intelligent filter systems. Different methods are used for this - and these ensure that the water is free of pollutants.

Water filters are also available in a combination of ion exchangers and activated carbon. Ion exchangers exchange ions that dissolve in drinking water for other tiny particles that are just as charged but free of pollutants. An example: positively charged magnesium or calcium ions are removed from the water, but positively charged sodium ions are added to the water.

What are the advantages of a water filter in the kitchen?

There are many people who think that tap water doesn't taste good. This is of course primarily a question of individual taste, but pollutants or outdated water pipes are often responsible for the fact that people prefer to use mineral water. For this reason, you should try a water filter that reliably filters out both unpleasant smells and a metallic aftertaste, as is often the case. If ordinary tap water is treated again through a good drinking water filter, you will quickly see that the water tastes significantly softer and better.

This is how the filtering of the water works

It certainly always depends on the type of construction, but the basic function of every water filter is relatively similar: They have a filter - which is equipped with activated carbon, for example - and free the tap water from chlorine, chemical residues, drug residues, hormones, etc. Copper and of course also from bacteria.

The filtering of pollutants works completely without chemicals - the use of silver is also not necessary. The water is cleaned by mechanical means alone. The special thing about it: Thanks to gentle water filtering, pollutants are reliably removed from the drinking water, making the water taste even better.

Faucet filters and more: the different types of drinking water filters

If you want to buy a water filter these days, you are spoiled for choice. Because there is now a comprehensive selection of different filter systems on the market that should be selected according to their intended use.

The simplest and cheapest solution are drinking water filters in the shape of a can, which you can put on the table and use as a water carafe. However, this solution is not the most effective for the removal of pollutants and, due to the open design and the possible germ formation and bacteriological load, in the event of insufficient care, it is usually not entirely harmless.

There are also transportable models as well as table-top devices that can be connected directly to the tap and, if necessary, taken with you when traveling.

In terms of price, there are built-in filters that can be installed directly under the sink and thus effectively treat a family's entire need for drinking water for food preparation and drinks.

Complete house filter systems that are connected directly to the house water pipe, on the other hand, are very complex and costly. In this way, however, a water filter can reliably ensure clean water throughout the house - and not just on a tap.

Water filter house connection: Do you need a water filter for German tap water?

Germans are proud of their high quality tap water - rightly?

Sure, there is no other food in Germany that is subject to such strict and regular controls as our drinking water. Even the Federal Environment Agency repeatedly confirms through regular tests that treated water is immediately drinkable and does not require any further "refinement".

Nevertheless, numerous studies a.o. of the World Health Organization and the WHO show that German drinking water "ranks" in the middle of a comparison among approx. 180 countries. Many developing countries can score points here with better drinking water. So there is definitely "room for improvement". The only question is: do we want that? ... and can and do we want to pay for that? Around 80% of our drinking water in a normal household is used as service water for washing machines, showers and flushing toilets. We actually only use around 20% of the water we need for food preparation and drinking water.

For this reason, it makes sense to filter water in the household again.

Are water filters an alternative to bottled water?

If we look around supermarkets and restaurants, we will find countless bottles of water, from inexpensive to expensive, from good to bad, everything is there. But are these waters better?

Numerous studies show that there are rightly doubts about this. The fact that the limit values ​​of the Mineral and Table Water Ordinance, which regulates the legal framework for these products, are significantly higher than those of the Drinking Water Ordinance, gives food for thought. More recent studies, especially of inexpensive water in PET bottles, but also of high-priced water in glass bottles, show that this water cannot compete even with unfiltered tap water. Loads are often many times higher than in tap water.

What about "sparkling freshness", the fizz in bottled water?

Actually, this is nonsense. Water should contain oxygen. Sparkling water is created by adding carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 has the advantage that the water is preserved, because adding it to the water causes the oxygen to evaporate. In this way, water can no longer germinate and there are no algae and deposits in the bottles that would arise in any natural water. Water preserved in this way can usually remain in the trade for years. If you compare the filling date and shelf life, this becomes clear. Good spring water usually contains little CO2, but more dissolved oxygen, and tap water also contains sufficient dissolved oxygen.

If you look at the bottled water from an ecological point of view, it quickly becomes clear that this may not be the right way to go. Each liter of bottled water requires up to 7 liters of groundwater for cleaning and production alone. The numerous transports of bottles to consumers and back are also clogging our roads and polluting the environment enormously.

Another aspect to consider is convenience. Carrying boxes is a burden for many and is sometimes on your back. It is very simple - water already comes into our household - tap water. And if you want it better, you can get a water filter. It couldn't be better or more convenient.

Conclusion:

Water filters are not just an exceptional case that is only necessary if the water is cloudy despite its good quality or even with small foreign bodies in it flows out of the pipe. Impurities from agriculture and industry, pollution from the pipeline network and, last but not least, the ecological madness of the numerous bottle transports on our roads speak in favor of a water filter.