Filters can make water less healthy

WATER filtration systems bought by thousands of consumers can make tap water less healthy, according to environmental watchdogs.

Some installers of the filters, which cost up to €2,000, claim endorsement by the Environmental Protection Agency but it confirmed yesterday that no such firms are endorsed.

A number of businesses are also using a chemical to discolour perfectly safe minerals in the water, making it look dirty.

The EPA said that anyone approached by a water filter company claiming the water in their household is not safe should check the quality with their local council.

Programme manager Gerard O’Leary said there have been increased reports from the public about companies visiting homes and advising that a water filter should be installed.

“Obviously with the heightened public awareness about the issue of drinking water quality, some companies have tried to capitalise on the situation,” he said.

“There is no point in buying a filter that removes more iron, salts and minerals if these are not present in the water in high concentrations in the first place.”

According to the agency, the chemical quality (iron salts, minerals) of water is “very good”, with 99.3% of water tests meeting European Union standards.

Local authorities must provide microbiologically safe drinking water.

Water that meets the drinking water standards is safe to drink without having to install a filter system, according to the EPA. If testing shows that the water is not safe, there is a legal requirement on the water supplier to inform consumers.

“Some people might think that the only answer to safe water is to install a water filter in your home, but this is not a view shared by the EPA, as water suppliers are required to supply water that is safe and wholesome.”

The water coming out of the taps “contains calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals that are good for your health”, said Mr O’Leary. Reverse osmosis filters leave the water with almost no minerals.

“It might seem strange, but this so-called pure water isn’t good for you. Water treated by reverse osmosis should not be used for drinking purposes. Anyone who has reverse osmosis-treated water in their home should also have a tap that brings in regular water for drinking.”

Other problems with the filters, the EPA says, is that 30% of water channelled through such filters becomes waste water, while filter cartridges and membranes that aren’t replaced in time could make the water quality poorer because of the build-up of deposits.