Tap water is safe to drink in England (don’t drink from bathroom taps, as it’s not the same). However water filters are used by many to remove the taste of chlorine. You can do what restaurants do and simply ‘air jugs’ in the open air for 30 minutes or so. If you use a filter, there are alternatives to plastic jugs that you have to keep replacing with plastic filters. These also can’t be delivered through letterboxes. So if you live in a village and you’re out when delivered, that’s more carbon from vans the second-time-around to deliver.
Phox Compatible is a refillable cartridge that fits all jugs, kettles and coffee machines that use Brita Maxtra & Matra+ cartridges. If you’re not in the market to buy one of their own jugs, this is the next best thing. It slots into your current jug and is built to last years. Just replace the filter granules every 45 days.
what kind of water should pets drink?
Spring and filtered water is fine, you may find health and fur improves. But vets say that (unless medically given) to avoid distilled water (removes minerals and electrolytes). Never give fizzy water to pets, as it could cause bloat. Don’t let pets drink from puddles. It may taste nice to them, but could contain remnants of bacteria, oil or antifreeze.
try cordials or fruit-infused waters
Before you choose a filter, you could make fruit-infused water or use an organic cordial to make the water taste nicer.
a plastic-free water filter from Glasgow
Phox Filter features a glass jug (or a plastic fridge jug) with granule refills that fit through the letterbox. Sold in 3 versions (for hard/very hard water or an Alkaline pack with increased magnesium) it won’t remove chlorine (you need reverse osmosis for that). The jug takes just a few minutes to fill, then lasts 200 litres. You can put most parts in the dishwasher (not the jug base or rubber gaskets). If you go on holiday, immerse in water, remove and place in a jug of fresh water, to stop the granules drying out.
what about bamboo charcoal filters?
Charcoal filters are popular, but the best kind (bamboo) is not local and tends to leave (harmless) sediment (not good for children or pets, due to choking risks). You also have to air it in sunshine monthly. However they are plastic-free and at end-of-use, spent charcoal can be used to absorb fridge odours or mixed into garden as soil conditioner.
filtering impure water in developing countries
Lifestraw is a personal water filter that needs no electricity, and purifies unsafe water. Some people say this should not be used to ‘make people drink dirty water’, but it’s quick and affordable to save lives, while people wait for others to build wells.
