What is currently in my tap water?

Before water is pumped to our homes it is disinfected through the addition of chlorine and other chemicals. Whilst this process eliminates viruses and bacteria it can also produce many disinfection by-products (DBPs) including:

  • Trihalomethanes (THMs)
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • Haloacetic Acids (HAAs)

The level of DBPs that exist in our water depends on many different factors, making it difficult for us to know exactly how much of these are in our tap water. In addition, water often has to travel for miles before it reaches our taps, making it impossible for us to prevent any other potential contamination (e.g. from pesticides, herbicides, insecticides).

How easily Chlorine is absorbed through our skin

What do these compounds do?

Any chemicals that are present in our water are in turn absorbed into our bodies. Not only can this occur through consumption but, also, through bathing and showering – firstly, through inhalation as they are released into the air and, secondly, by absorption through the skin. Exposure to disinfection by-products at high levels over many years, has been found to cause several negative health effects including problems with the liver, kidneys, circulatory system and even bladder cancer.

Chemicals that are present in our water are in turn absorbed into our bodies by

Drinking, tap water filter systems in northern ireland

What does a water filter do and how does it work?

The aim of a water filter is to purify the water as much as possible removing the vast percentage of these compounds as well as many others. The most commonly used house filters have activated carbon as the filter media. These filters work by passing the unfiltered water through the carbon to remove specific compounds. This is fitted in conjunction with a sediment filter to remove any larger particulates. The end product for you and your family is a supply of water which is:

  • SAFER TO DRINK
  • SAFER TO BATHE IN
  • BETTER TASTING
  • BETTER SMELLING
  • MORE COST EFFECTIVE THAN BOTTLED WATER
  • IMPROVES THE HEALTH OF YOUR SKIN AND HAIR