How much do you know about the water you drink? This month is water quality month, and we thought we’d do a little deep dive into all things drinking water.
Just how good is our water?
In the United Kingdom, we are fortunate to enjoy some of the world's finest drinking water, boasting an exceptional “quality rating of 99.96%” (according to Discover Water). Our water undergoes a rigorous filtration process, effectively removing harmful bacteria like E. Coli, metals, and various contaminants. The Drinking Water Inspectorate closely monitors our water quality, giving us confidence when drawing water straight from our taps. Now, you might be curious about which region claims the title of having the best water. According to a 2020 survey conducted by Tapp Water, Scotland takes the lead with the best tasting water, a result that comes as no surprise.
What are the different types of water?
Did you know we have two different types of water in the UK? – hard and soft water. We've all been there – that moment when we leave home for the first time only to have a glass of water and realise it tastes different. Hard water has minerals such as magnesium and calcium dissolved in it as it runs through the ground. Whereas soft water has less of these minerals. Both have their benefits; hard water can be better for your health, but soft water is less likely to damage your appliances and leave a residue. Generally, the South tends to have hard water and the North tends to have softer water.
How does water get to us?
Your drinking water starts its life being collected from rivers, streams, or ground water. It is then stored in reservoirs where it waits to be pumped for processing. Reservoirs can also help start the natural treatment process, where heavier particles to sink to the bottom meaning we don’t have to take them out. Once the water has been collected it is put through a screen. This removes any leaves or branches that have collected in the water. The water is then put through a further series of filters to remove smaller particles. Chemical reactions can also be used to remove anything dissolved into the water. The final step is to add a small amount of Chlorine (less than one milligram per litre) to the water. This helps to kill off any bacteria or organisms living in it. Your water is then stored in covered reservoirs and pumped through a network of pipes to you.
Our water comes a long way before it reaches us. With a lengthy treatment process and regular monitoring, it is no wonder we have some of the best drinking water in the world. If you’re looking to ensure an even higher quality of drinking water, why not browse our range of filters? We recommend a Klaran device that uses UVC Led technology to remove 99.9% of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. Coli, Pseudomonas and Legionella. This UVC filter activates at the point of dispense to make sure your water is treated at the last possible second. We also offer traditional Carbon Block and Nano Filters that screen water as it enters your machines. To find out more about our range of filters, click the button below.
