We take water for granted in our society but it’s something we fundamentally couldn’t live without. But while access to water is a basic human right, access to filtered water is still something of a luxury. But that shouldn’t be the case.

Filtered water provides a range of benefits for use as drinking water and in our showers, baths, kitchen sinks and appliances. But even those lucky enough to have water filters installed in their home might be surprised to learn a few things about them.

They improve water taste immediately

This is something you will almost certainly notice the moment you install your water filter – the difference in taste is night and day. This is because a filtration system removes the trace amounts of metals and chemicals that can leave faint traces of residue in the water and give it a subtly metallic taste.

There are various types of water filters available

From the jug-like filters you can buy in most supermarkets to the bespoke fitted solutions offered by us here at Total Soft Water, there are dozens of options to consider for your water filtration needs. Absorption filters, reverse osmosis filters and mechanical filters are just a taste of the selection and regardless of your budget, there should be a water filter model to suit what you need and what you can afford.

They can save you money and save the planet

While a decent water filter represents a decent investment, you will save a small fortune if you’re the kind of person that will only drink bottled water. Not only that but the cleaner water will mean less limescale in your appliances that use tap water and less wear and tear on your heater too. More importantly, however, a water filter boosts your eco-credentials by cutting down on all that plastic that you would have consumed by shelling out on dozens of water bottles every week.

There is a certification standard to consider

A good water filter will be designed to protect against a variety of contaminants but not all filters are created equal. If you’ve invested in a filter then you’ll want to ensure it’s been NSF certified. This is a non-profit laboratory that tests and verifies the suitability of consumer products and only water filters that have passed their rigorous standards will be 100% reliable.

They are surprisingly easy to maintain

You might assume that a water filter would be a costly and time-consuming addition to your home but most modern systems are largely self-regulatory. You should be warned when a part needs fixing or when a salt tablet needs replacing. That being said, depending on the kind of filter you’ve chosen you will need to periodically change a filter cartridge, though it will be no more than every few months. If you are really at a loss, meanwhile, you can always call in the professionals for servicing and repair.

Also, note that you’ll want to get your water tested before even considering getting a filter installed. Use a water testing kit or ask your local provider. Because if you don’t understand what you’re working with how can you hope to notice the change?