“I put ice in tap water to disguise the taste”

Drinking more water is essential for both our physical and mental well-being. However, the taste of tap water is not always as refreshing as we might hope. While chlorine is a necessary addition to our water supply to prevent the growth of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, it can negatively impact the taste and cause discolouration and other unpleasant odours.

Although some people recommend chilling tap water to improve its taste, this does not address the underlying issue of contaminants. A more effective solution is to install a drinking water filter. By fitting a filter to either a common cold water tap (usually in the kitchen) or a three-way tap with a designated filtered outlet, you can remove chlorine, odours, and discolouration, resulting in clear and fresh-tasting water. This can be achieved at a fraction of the cost of bottled water or filter jugs.

Typically, a water filter needs replacing every 12 months, though this can vary depending on your water consumption. Additionally, filters are available with a scale inhibitor, which prevents scale from forming and keeps your kettle element scale-free. Unlike ion-exchange filters, scale inhibitors do not remove the calcium and magnesium elements from the water.

Overall, investing in a water filter is a worthwhile decision that benefits the entire household. And the best part? Fitting a filter doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated – many can be installed as a DIY project.