Dear guys, let's start with a super everyday thing. Do you drink the tap water at home straight away, or do you have to treat it before you dare to eat it? Most people would probably say that raw water is bad for your stomach, so boil it and drink it. But let's be honest, even if you boil the water, not all problems can be solved. Today we will talk about tap water those little-known secrets, and then nagging to install a water purifier in the end there is no need. We usually make the tap water, from the source of water to the home, that can go through the old more complex process. Simply put, it is from the rivers, lakes, reservoirs, these places to take water, and then a water plant operation, precipitation, filtration, disinfection, what, after reaching the standard, through the municipal network to each household. Sounds pretty reliable and safe, right?
But the reality can be a bit cruel, in this long process, tap water is too easy to be contaminated twice. It is like a clean apple, transported when the bump, stained with dust, it is not fresh. A lot of old neighbourhood water pipes used for many years, inside the rust, scaling, rust, dirt along the water flow into the home, the water with a rusty taste, and sometimes you can see the impurities. It is said that the aging rate of water supply pipes in some of our cities is as high as [X]%, which is not a small number. If the secondary water supply facilities are not clean in time, it is simply hiding dirt ‘disaster area’. High-rise residential generally have to secondary water supply, water first stored in the tank or cistern, and then through the pressurised equipment to households at home. If the water tank for a long time without cleaning, disinfection, bacteria, algae began to reproduce wildly, there may be small animals accidentally run into it, think of all the scalp numbness.
Previously there are news reports, a community secondary water supply tank actually found dead mice, residents drink the water has a strange smell, too bad! Water purifier: what makes it purify water? Since the tap water has so many hidden dangers, the water purifier is how to ‘save the day’, the less clean tap water into a water that can be safely drunk? This brings us to the working principle and type of water purifier. In simple terms, the water purifier is like a super-fine water filtration plant, relying on a variety of cartridges composed of ‘production line’, the tap water layer by layer filtration, impurities, pollutants, harmful substances are all blocked out, only clean water molecules through. Different types of water purifiers, ‘production line’ is not the same, the following to introduce you to several common water purifiers. 
Ultra-filtration water purifier: intercept large particles of the ‘guardian’
ultra-filtration water purifier is the core component of the ultra-filtration membrane, pore size of about 0.01 microns. This pore size looks small, but for bacteria, rust, colloids, macromolecules, organic matter, these large particles of impurities, with a cross the ‘moat’ like. These impurities are ultrafiltration membrane blocked outside, beneficial minerals and trace elements can pass through, stay in the purified water. It is like a sieve that sifts out large stones and sand, leaving behind fine flour. The advantages of ultrafiltration water purifier are quite a lot, no electricity, energy saving, environmental protection, installation is also simple, the cost is also low. And the water output is large enough to meet the daily water needs of the family. However, it also has a disadvantage, because the ultrafiltration membrane pore size limitations, for heavy metal ions, viruses and dissolved salts of these small molecules, the filtering effect is not very good. So if you have good water quality, mainly worried about large particles of impurities and bacterial contamination, ultrafiltration water purifier is quite suitable.
Reverse osmosis water purifier: the depth of purification of the ‘all-rounder’
reverse osmosis water purifier technology content is higher, the core is reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane), pore size is ridiculously small, only about 0.0001 micron. What concept? Bacteria diameter is generally 0.4 - 1 micron, virus diameter in 0.02 - 0.4 microns, so a comparison, reverse osmosis membrane pore size is simply small to ‘dust’. Pore size is so small, almost all the impurities in the water are intercepted, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, pesticide residues, antibiotics, limescale, etc., after the reverse osmosis processed water, almost with ‘pure water’ is no different, you can drink directly.
Reverse osmosis water purifier can be applied to a wide range of places, whether it is high water hardness, limescale, or industrial pollution, heavy metals exceeding the standard area, it can show its hand. The family has the elderly, children, pregnant women, or the water quality requirements are particularly high, the pursuit of the ultimate pure friends, reverse osmosis water purifier is absolutely the best choice.
But reverse osmosis water purifier is not perfect. Because the filtration is too thorough, in the removal of harmful substances at the same time, the natural minerals in the water is also filtered out, long-term drinking this ‘pure water’, there is no impact on health, is still debating it. And it has to be electrified to But the reality can be a bit cruel, in this long process, tap water is too easy to be contaminated twice. It is like a clean apple, transported when the bump, stained with dust, it is not fresh. A lot of old neighbourhood water pipes used for many years, inside the rust, scaling, rust, dirt along the water flow into the home, the water with a rusty taste, and sometimes you can see the impurities. It is said that the aging rate of water supply pipes in some of our cities is as high as [X]%, which is not a small number.
If the secondary water supply facilities are not clean in time, it is simply hiding dirt ‘disaster area’. High-rise residential generally have to secondary water supply, water first stored in the tank or cistern, and then through the pressurised equipment to households at home. If the water tank for a long time without cleaning, disinfection, bacteria, algae began to reproduce wildly, there may be small animals accidentally run into it, think of all the scalp numbness. Previously there are news reports, a community secondary water supply tank actually found dead mice, residents drink the water has a strange smell, too bad!
Water purifier: what makes it purify water?
Since the tap water has so many hidden dangers, the water purifier is how to ‘save the day’, the less clean tap water into a water that can be safely drunk? This brings us to the working principle and type of water purifier.
In simple terms, the water purifier is like a super-fine water filtration plant, relying on a variety of cartridges composed of ‘production line’, the tap water layer by layer filtration, impurities, pollutants, harmful substances are all blocked out, only clean water molecules through. Different types of water purifiers, ‘production line’ is not the same, the following to introduce you to several common water purifiers.
Ultra-filtration water purifier: intercept large particles of the ‘guardian’
Ultra-filtration water purifier is the core component of the ultra-filtration membrane, pore size of about 0.01 microns. This pore size looks small, but for bacteria, rust, colloids, macromolecules, organic matter, these large particles of impurities, with a cross the ‘moat’ like. These impurities are ultrafiltration membrane blocked outside, beneficial minerals and trace elements can pass through, stay in the purified water. It is like a sieve that sifts out large stones and sand, leaving behind fine flour. The advantages of ultrafiltration water purifier are quite a lot, no electricity, energy saving, environmental protection, installation is also simple, the cost is also low. And the water output is large enough to meet the daily water needs of the family. However, it also has a disadvantage, because the ultrafiltration membrane pore size limitations, for heavy metal ions, viruses and dissolved salts of these small molecules, the filtering effect is not very good. So if you have good water quality, mainly worried about large particles of impurities and bacterial contamination, ultrafiltration water purifier is quite suitable.
Reverse osmosis water purifier: depth purification of the ‘all-rounder’
Reverse osmosis water purifier technology content is higher, the core is reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane), pore size is ridiculously small, only about 0.0001 micron. What concept? Bacteria diameter is generally 0.4 - 1 micron, virus diameter in 0.02 - 0.4 microns, so a comparison, reverse osmosis membrane pore size is simply small to ‘dust’. Pore size is so small, almost all the impurities in the water are intercepted, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, pesticide residues, antibiotics, limescale, etc., after the reverse osmosis processed water, almost with ‘pure water’ is no different, you can drink directly. Reverse osmosis water purifier can be applied to a wide range of places, whether it is high water hardness, limescale, or industrial pollution, heavy metals exceeding the standard area, it can show its hand. The family has the elderly, children, pregnant women, or the water quality requirements are particularly high, the pursuit of the ultimate pure friends, reverse osmosis water purifier is absolutely the best choice.
However, reverse osmosis water purifiers are not perfect either. Because they filter too thoroughly, they remove not only harmful substances but also the natural minerals in the water. Whether drinking this ‘pure water’ long-term has any impact on health is still a matter of debate. Additionally, they require electricity to operate and produce a certain amount of wastewater during the water production process, which is another factor to consider when making a choice.
In addition to ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis water purifiers, the market also offers nanofiltration water purifiers, activated carbon water purifiers, and others. Nanofiltration water purifiers have a filtration precision between ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, removing most hardness ions and organic substances while retaining some beneficial minerals. They are more suitable for areas with moderate TDS and high hardness. Activated carbon water purifiers primarily rely on the adsorption properties of activated carbon to remove residual chlorine, odours, and some organic substances from water. They are typically used in combination with other filter cartridges to improve the taste of water.
5-Dimensional Comparison: Which is Better, Tap Water or Filtered Water? After understanding the potential risks of tap water and the working principles of water purifiers, you are probably eager to know, from a practical usage perspective, which is better: tap water or water filtered by a water purifier? Below, we will conduct a fair and impartial comparison across five dimensions: hygiene, health, taste, convenience, and cost.
Hygiene Dimension: Purified Water Has the Edge
From a hygiene perspective, while tap water meets national standards when it leaves the treatment plant, it can be affected by factors such as aging pipes and contamination from secondary water supply facilities during the lengthy distribution process, posing certain hygiene risks. As mentioned earlier, in older neighbourhoods, aging pipes can rust and accumulate scale, leading to rust and impurities in the water; if secondary water supply tanks are not cleaned promptly, they can harbour bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms.
Water filtered by a water purifier, however, undergoes multiple layers of filtration, effectively removing impurities such as sand, rust, bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals, significantly reducing pollutant levels. Especially reverse osmosis water purifiers, with their ultra-high filtration precision, can make water nearly pure, offering a hygiene level far superior to tap water. However, it is important to note that if the filter cartridges of a water purifier are not replaced for an extended period, they not only fail to ensure water hygiene but may also become a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, regular replacement of filter cartridges is crucial.
Health Aspects: Both Have Their Advantages
Regarding health aspects, there has been ongoing debate about whether long-term consumption of tap water affects health and whether drinking ‘pure water’ filtered by a water purifier has any benefits. Theoretically, tap water contains certain minerals and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are beneficial to human health, and moderate consumption can supplement the body's needs. However, if tap water is contaminated with heavy metals, pesticide residues, or excessive bacteria, long-term consumption may have negative health effects, such as causing gastrointestinal diseases or heavy metal poisoning.
Water filtered by a water purifier, especially ‘pure water’ filtered by a reverse osmosis water purifier, removes almost all impurities and minerals from the water. While long-term consumption of such water avoids the intake of harmful substances, it also reduces the source of mineral supplementation. However, the minerals the human body needs are primarily obtained through food, and minerals in water account for a relatively small proportion. Therefore, as long as one maintains a balanced diet, long-term consumption of ‘pure water’ has minimal impact on health. For individuals with specific health needs, such as those with kidney stones, it may be necessary to consult a doctor to select an appropriate drinking water source.
Taste: Water from water purifiers is superior
In terms of taste, everyone has their own subjective experience. Tap water often has a faint chlorine smell and a hard taste due to the presence of residual chlorine, calcium, and magnesium ions. When boiling tap water, scale can form in the kettle, affecting both taste and user experience.
In contrast, water filtered through a water purifier removes most of the substances that affect taste, resulting in a softer, sweeter flavour. Especially water filtered through an activated carbon filter effectively removes odours and residual chlorine, making it taste fresher. For tea lovers and coffee enthusiasts, using filtered water to brew tea or coffee can better highlight the aroma and flavour of the beverage, enhancing the taste profile.
Convenience: Filtered water is more convenient
In terms of convenience, the advantage of tap water is that it is readily available—simply turn on the tap and water flows out. However, if you want to drink it directly, you must first boil it and wait for it to cool before drinking, which can be quite time-consuming. Especially in the morning when you're in a hurry or extremely thirsty, waiting for boiled water to cool down can be quite agonising. Water purifiers, on the other hand, are much more convenient. Many water purifiers allow direct drinking without boiling, so you can get water anytime. Some high-end water purifiers even have heating functions, providing hot water at different temperatures directly. Whether it's brewing tea, preparing formula, or making coffee, it can all be done with a single button, meeting various needs, significantly saving time, and enhancing the convenience of daily life.
Cost Dimension: Tap Water is More Cost-Effective
Let’s now examine the cost dimension. The primary cost of tap water is the water bill, which is calculated based on water consumption and generally remains relatively stable. Typically, the price for residential water use is only a few yuan per tonne, and for most households, water expenses account for a small proportion of total household expenditures.
On the other hand, the cost of a water purifier includes the purchase price of the device, filter replacement costs, and a small amount of electricity costs (if the reverse osmosis water purifier requires electricity). A standard water purifier costs between several hundred and several thousand yuan, with higher-quality reverse osmosis water purifiers being more expensive. Filter replacement costs are also a significant expense, with different types of filters having varying replacement cycles and prices, typically costing several hundred to over a thousand yuan annually. Additionally, reverse osmosis water purifiers produce a certain proportion of wastewater during water production, which indirectly increases water usage costs. Therefore, in the long term, the cost of using a water purifier is higher than that of tap water.
Don't choose randomly! Practical tips for selecting a water purifier
At this point, many friends may be tempted to purchase a water purifier. However, there are numerous brands and models of water purifiers on the market, with prices ranging from a few hundred yuan to tens of thousands of yuan, making it difficult to choose. Don’t worry. Below, we’ll share a few practical tips for selecting a water purifier, helping you avoid common pitfalls and choose the most suitable water purifier for your home.
Select technology based on water quality
As we discussed earlier, different types of water purifiers use different filtration technologies and achieve varying filtration effects. Therefore, before selecting a water purifier, it’s essential to understand the water quality in your area. If the water quality in your area is good, with few impurities, bacteria, or other contaminants, and only occasional large particles like sand or rust, then an ultrafiltration water purifier will suffice. It can remove large particles while retaining minerals and trace elements in the water, and it’s relatively affordable with low operating costs.
However, if the water quality in your area is poor, with severe scale buildup, heavy metal contamination, or industrial pollution, then a reverse osmosis water purifier is the best choice. It can deeply filter out various harmful substances in the water, providing nearly pure drinking water to ensure the health of your family. However, reverse osmosis water purifiers are relatively expensive, require electricity, and produce a certain amount of wastewater, all of which need to be considered.
Pay attention to filter cartridge lifespan and cost
The filter cartridge is the core component of a water purifier, and its lifespan and cost directly impact the purifier's performance and long-term expenses. Different types of filter cartridges have varying lifespans and prices. Generally, PP cotton filter cartridges are primarily used for preliminary filtration of large particles like sand and rust, with a shorter lifespan of typically 3–6 months and a relatively low cost, costing only a few dozen pounds; Activated carbon filter cartridges primarily adsorb odours, residual chlorine, and some organic compounds from water, with a lifespan of 6–12 months. Their prices are moderate, ranging from several dozen to over a hundred yuan; RO reverse osmosis filter cartridges have the highest filtration precision, removing nearly all impurities from water. Their lifespan is relatively long, typically 1–3 years, and their prices are higher, ranging from several hundred to several thousand yuan.
When selecting a water purifier, it is essential to consider the replacement cycle and cost of the filter cartridges. Some water purifiers are inexpensive, but the filter cartridges need to be replaced frequently, resulting in higher long-term costs. Others may be slightly more expensive but have longer-lasting filter cartridges, which can be more cost-effective overall. Additionally, it is important to ensure that filter cartridges are easily accessible to avoid situations where they expire before replacements can be purchased.
Choose well-known brands with good after-sales service
Water purifiers are long-term household appliances, so brand reputation and after-sales service are crucial. Well-known brands typically have stricter standards and more experience in product research and development, production processes, and quality control, ensuring better product quality and performance. Moreover, well-known brands have more comprehensive after-sales service networks, providing timely installation, repair, and filter replacement services, giving you peace of mind.
When selecting a brand, you can refer to authoritative brand rankings or ask friends who have used water purifiers for their usage experiences and recommended brands. Additionally, pay attention to the brand’s reputation and user reviews, and prioritise those with good reputations and high user satisfaction.
Beware of Misleading Technical Specifications
When promoting water purifiers, merchants often exaggerate technical specifications. For example, the advertised flow rate (such as 1000G) may be significantly lower than the actual flow rate, leading to a weak water flow that is highly inconvenient during use. Wastewater ratio is another common point of false advertising. While merchants may claim a 1:1 wastewater ratio, actual use often reaches 3:1 or higher. This not only wastes water resources but also increases water usage costs. When purchasing, it is important to view technical specifications rationally, avoid relying solely on merchant promotions, and instead check actual product review data or consult users who have used the product to understand real-world usage conditions.
Evaluate after-sales service quality
After-sales service is crucial to the user experience of water purifiers. Many merchants promise ‘lifetime warranty,’ but once the machine malfunctions, issues such as discontinued parts, high repair costs, unprofessional after-sales service, shifting responsibility, or delayed resolution may arise. For example, some consumers experienced water leaks from their water purifiers, but after contacting the merchant, the merchant failed to arrange for repair personnel to visit, resulting in water damage to their homes and property loss.
When purchasing a water purifier, choose a brand that offers nationwide warranty coverage, on-site installation, and filter replacement reminders. Also, clarify the warranty period, repair costs, and spare part availability. Check the brand's reputation and user reviews to assess after-sales service quality and ensure peace of mind during future use.
Tap water and water filtered by a purifier each have their advantages and disadvantages. Whether to install a water purifier cannot be generalised; it depends on individual circumstances and needs. If the water quality in your area is good, you do not have particularly high requirements for water quality, and you prioritise cost-effectiveness, then boiling tap water for drinking is a viable option. However, if the water quality in your area is poor, there are pollution issues, or you have higher requirements for water quality and seek a higher quality of life, installing a water purifier will undoubtedly provide stronger health protection for you and your family.
When selecting a water purifier, avoid following trends blindly. Instead, choose based on your actual needs, considering factors such as water quality, filter lifespan and cost, brand reputation, and after-sales service to select the most suitable water purifier for your household. Additionally, be cautious of falling into the traps of商家’s promotional tactics. Make rational purchasing decisions to ensure you obtain products that offer high cost-effectiveness and reliable quality.
As people increasingly prioritise health and quality of life, the future trend in household drinking water will undoubtedly place greater emphasis on water quality safety and health. With ongoing technological advancements, water purifier technology will become increasingly advanced, functions will be further refined, and costs will become more reasonable, bringing greater convenience and assurance to our lives.
I hope today's sharing has provided you with a deeper understanding of tap water and water purifiers, enabling every household to enjoy clean and healthy water. If you have any further questions about water purifiers or wish to share your own usage experiences, please feel free to leave a comment below!
