What’s really in your tap water? Here’s what you should know
Taking a big gulp of water straight from your tap might be a convenient and cost-effective way to stay hydrated, but have you ever wondered what’s in your drinking water?
Tap water in the UK is among the most regulated in the world and is 99.97% compliant with the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) standards as of 2024. DWI monitor water quality across England and Wales to ensure a safe standard of drinking water is supplied to our homes.
However, there may still be some substances in your tap water that you might want to filter out to improve its clarity and taste. We’ve teamed up with Waterdrop Filter, a leading water purification brand, to explore what’s in tap water and how you can help improve its quality for you and your family.
Next, we’ll take a look at some of the other substances that can be present in tap water, before rounding up our favourite Waterdrop Filter purification systems.
Does water hardness affect tap water quality?
Where you live in the UK can affect the hardness of your water. Water hardness refers to the levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium; the higher the levels, the harder the water. In areas with hard water, you may notice appliances like kettles developing limescale over time. While this can be unsightly and a little annoying, hard water is not a health concern and is perfectly safe to drink.
However, a Waterdrop Filter purification system can help reduce limescale in your water, improving its clarity and taste for a more enjoyable drinking experience.
Lead and heavy metals in tap water
Heavy metals can be found in UK drinking water, but strict legal limits ensure the amounts remain safe. These include substances such as copper and nickel, though lead is the most concerning. Water companies closely monitor levels to keep supplies safe.
Lead is particularly important because it can build up in the body over time, so even small amounts should be minimised. In the UK, the main source of lead in tap water is older pipework. If water sits in these pipes, some lead can leach into it. Homes built before the 1970s may still have lead pipes, whereas in newer properties this is very unlikely.
If you’re unsure whether your home has lead pipes, the DWI suggests a simple check. Locate your internal stop tap, where the water first enters your property. Lead is a soft metal, and if you gently scrape the surface of the pipe with a coin, it will reveal a shiny silver colour underneath if it is lead. Always wear disposable gloves when doing this, and take care not to inhale any dust.
Whether or not your home has lead piping, a Waterdrop Filter purification system is designed to reduce levels of heavy metals, including lead, in tap water. It can provide added reassurance about the quality of the water your family drinks.
What about PFAS in tap water?
PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals', are a large, complex group of synthetic substances that have been used in consumer products around the world since the 1950s. According to the NIH, 'PFAS are used to keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware, make clothes and carpets resistant to stains, and create firefighting foam that is more effective.'
PFAS are currently less regulated in the UK than in the EU and the US. The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has recently launched an inquiry into the UK's management of these chemicals. PFAS are highly resistant and do not easily degrade in the environment. A study by NIH has shown that PFAS can also accumulate in the human body over time and may affect liver function, the immune system, and hormone regulation.
Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Toby Perkins MP, said: 'News coverage has exposed the level of problems with PFAS, and has shone a light that the UK’s regulatory approach is far less active than in many other jurisdictions. The Committee is looking into this important topic to better understand the risks associated with PFAS, and to ask what – if anything – the Government should do to strengthen the UK’s approach.'
But what can you do in the meantime? Purifying your water is a good place to start. According to the EPA, a process called Reverse Osmosis (RO) is 'extremely effective' at reducing PFAS in drinking water. Selected Waterdrop Filter purification systems use this process, along with offering other beneficial filtering.
Here are our top picks from Waterdrop Filter for clean, fresh-tasting drinking water:
Waterdrop Filter X Series Reverse Osmosis System, X12
The X12 is a tankless water filter tap that plumbs into your kitchen and fits neatly under your sink. It’s much smaller than tank editions and can save up to 70% of under-sink space. It’s an excellent addition to any kitchen, especially if you want to provide the highest-quality water for yourself and your family. The X12 reduces up to 1,000 different impurities from your water, including PFAS.
The system uses a filtration process called reverse osmosis. This involves a partially permeable membrane that separates ions, unwanted molecules, and larger particles, and is considered one of the most effective technologies for reducing PFAS in water.
The X12 can be installed at home with just a bit of basic DIY, thanks to the included easy-to-follow instruction guide, so there’s no need to call out a professional.
Waterdrop Filter Reverse Osmosis Hot Cold Water Dispenser, A2
If you’d prefer more flexibility without the need for installation, the Waterdrop Filter A2 could be the ideal choice. It’s a plug-and-play system, so you can simply plug it in and enjoy fresh, high-quality water at the touch of a button. Like the X12, it also uses a reverse osmosis system to reduce PFAS levels, as well as TDS, PFOA, PFOS, chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, lead, nitrate, chromium VI, copper, sediment, salt, and more.
The A2 features a 3.8L tank and can dispense both hot and cold water for a variety of beverages at the touch of a button. It also includes a favourite setting to remember your preferred drinks and a smart screen for easy control.
It’s ideal for people who move frequently, want to reposition the dispenser around their home, or even for campervan owners who need fresh water on demand.
3-stage Under Counter Direct Connect Filtration System Waterdrop Filter TSA
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and simple way to improve your water quality, a direct-connect filtration system is a great choice. With its 8-layer filtration, the system can reduce silt, rust, large particles, heavy metals, micro substances, fluoride, and chlorine, improving the taste of your drinking water. However, this system does not use Reverse Osmosis, so it won’t remove PFAS.
Installation is quick and easy, taking just around three minutes. The filters also last up to 18 months, making this system perfect for busy family life.
Ensure the best water for your household with a Waterdrop Filter
While UK tap water is generally of a high standard, some substances, such as PFAS, aren’t as closely regulated here as in other countries. A Reverse Osmosis system can help reduce these substances, giving you extra reassurance about the quality of your household water.
When choosing the right Waterdrop Filter system, consider the space you have and whether you can accommodate a water tank. Think about whether you would like your system to be portable or stationary, and if you'd like it to provide both hot and cold water or just cold.
Not only is a Waterdrop filtration system a great choice for your family, but it is brilliant for the planet. By improving the taste and quality of your tap water, you can reduce your reliance on bottled water, cutting down on plastic waste and helping the environment.
Waterdrop Filter has an option for all lifestyles; you can browse the full collection over at waterdropfilter.co.uk.
