In the U.S., tap water supplied by a utility has been treated to meet stringent safety standards and is presumably safe to drink. But is it?

In this article, we will compare the quality and benefits of filtered water versus tap water and explore why filtered water is a better option.

• How Does Filtered Water Compare to Tap Water?
• Which is Safer: Filtered or Tap Water?
• What is Better: Tap or Filtered Water?
• Why is Filtered Water Better than Tap Water?
• So... Who Wins?

How Does Filtered Water Compare to Tap Water?

Both tap water and filtered water have been treated to remove unwanted contaminants. The key difference between them lies in their treatment processes and quality.

Tap Water

Tap water is typically supplied by municipal water systems and is treated at a water treatment plant to meet local, state, and federal safety standards. The treatment process usually involves filtration, disinfection (for example, by adding chemical disinfectants such as chlorine or chloramine), and sometimes additional treatments such as fluoridation.

While treated tap water is considered safe to drink according to government standards, tap water can still contain trace amounts of chemicals, such as chlorine, lead (if pipes are corroded), or micro-contaminants that can affect taste, odor, and safety.

Aging infrastructure can result in an increased likelihood of pipe breaks that can reduce water pressure in the pipes, allowing contaminants in the surrounding environment to get into the water. All in all, depending on the location and age of the infrastructure, tap water can be prone to pollutants such as lead, agricultural chemicals, or bacteria.

Filtered Water

Filtered water starts as tap water but is passed through a filter to remove additional impurities. Filters range from simple carbon ones to more advanced systems like reverse osmosis.

Depending on the type and quality of the variant used, filtering water typically removes pathogenic bacteria, chlorine, and taste and odor contaminants as a minimum. High-quality filters such as a Berkey home water filtration system can target a much broader range of pollutants, including heavy metals such as lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals, and other impurities, resulting in cleaner-tasting, odorless water.

Filtering can remove specific contaminants that municipal systems may not fully eliminate, or chemicals such as chlorine or fluoride that they may deliberately put into the water. It can also remove lead and bacteria that may get into the water system as water flows through pipes.

Which is Safer: Filtered or Tap Water?

It depends largely on the local water supply and the filtration method used.

Tap water in most developed countries, including the U.S., is subject to strict regulations and must meet health standards set by government bodies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These standards ensure that water is treated to remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and contaminants.

So this begs the question: Is tap water safe to drink?

In general, municipal tap water is. However, because water must travel a long way between the treatment facility and the taps in your home, there are potential risks.

While generally considered safe, tap water can still contain trace levels of chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, and occasionally contaminants like lead (especially in areas with aging pipes), sometimes making it unfit to drink.

Filtered water can be a safer option because it goes through an additional purification process, which may remove contaminants that pass through municipal water treatment. The Berkey range of filters fitted with Black Berkey filter elements remove over 200 common drinking water contaminants, ensuring high-quality water that is safe to drink.

It's still important to note that regardless of the filtration method used, the safety of filtered water depends on the type and maintenance of the filtration system. If a filter is not properly maintained or replaced regularly, it can accumulate bacteria or become ineffective, potentially making the water less safe.

What is Better: Tap or Filtered Water?

In most cases, tap water in regulated areas is safe to drink, but filtered water can offer an extra layer of protection, especially for removing specific contaminants (e.g., lead, arsenic, or VOCs). For those with compromised immune systems or in areas with known water quality issues, filtered water may be a safer choice.

Ultimately, filtered water is safer for people with specific health concerns. And, generally speaking, there are many benefits stemming from drinking filtered water – so yes, we think it is better than tap.

Why is Filtered Water Better than Tap Water?

Filtered water is often considered better than tap water for several reasons, primarily due to its improved purity, taste, and potential health benefits.

Here are seven reasons why filtered water can be a better option:

1. Filtration Removes Forever Chemicals, Microplastics, and Other Contaminants

Filters, by their very nature, are designed to filter out contaminants as water passes through them. The filter pores trap larger molecules, such as microplastics, bacteria, and even tiny viruses, while allowing the smaller water molecules to pass through.

Depending on the type and quality of the filter, they can be effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including:

• PFAS: Filtering water can remove persistent chemicals such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can bioaccumulate in the body, leading to various health risks, including liver damage, disruption to the immune system, and kidney and testicular cancer.
• Heavy Metals: Filters, especially activated carbon and reverse osmosis systems, are effective at removing harmful substances like lead, mercury, and other heavy metals that might be present in tap water due to aging pipes or environmental contamination. Berkey water filters fitted with a set of optional PF-2 fluoride and arsenic filters can also remove arsenic from water.
• Chlorine and Chloramine: Municipal tap water is treated with disinfectants like chlorine or chloramine to kill bacteria. While this makes tap water safe, it can leave an unpleasant taste or odor. Filters can remove or reduce these chemicals, improving both the safety and flavor of the water.
• Pesticides and Pharmaceuticals: Filters can also remove traces of pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceutical residues that sometimes make their way into the water supply.

2. Improved Taste and Smell Leading to Better Hydration

Many people find filtered water tastes better than tap water because filtration removes chemicals and contaminants that can give tap water an unpleasant taste or odor.

Removing chlorine, in particular, can make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the water while also offering health benefits.

As we are more inclined to drink water that tastes great, the enhanced taste and smell can lead to better hydration and improved overall health.

3. Reduction of Microorganisms

Advanced filtration systems, such as the Berkey range of filters, can eliminate or reduce pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoa that may slip through the municipal treatment process, adding an extra layer of safety.

4. Lower Exposure to Fluoride

Some people prefer filtered water because it can reduce or eliminate fluoride, which is commonly added to tap water to promote dental health. Although fluoride is generally considered safe at regulated levels, some individuals may choose to limit their intake due to health concerns or personal preferences.

Berkey water filters can be fitted with an optional fluoride and arsenic filter to remove these contaminants if they pose a risk to your drinking water.

5. Control of Targeted Contaminants

Filtered water allows individuals to control what they are drinking. By choosing a filter type suited to specific demands(such as removing arsenic, lead, chlorine, fluoride, or other contaminants), people can ensure that their water is of higher quality and meets the needs of their household.

6. Environmental Benefits

Using filtered water at home helps reduce the consumption of bottled water, which is a major contributor to plastic pollution. It's a more eco-friendly choice compared to buying bottled water for perceived better quality.

So... Who Wins?

In summary, tap water is widely available and treated to meet safety standards, while filtered water undergoes an additional layer of purification that can improve taste and remove more impurities. The decision between the two often comes down to personal preferences regarding taste, health concerns, and local water quality.

While tap water is generally safe to drink in areas with robust municipal water treatment systems, filtered water can provide additional peace of mind, especially in regions where tap water quality is a concern.

So if you don't want to leave anything to chance, take a look at our impressive collection of Berkey filters today!

Filtered Water vs. Tap Water: FAQ Section

Is it better to drink tap or filtered water?

Filtered water is generally better because it removes more contaminants, improves taste, and offers an extra layer of safety, especially in areas with poor tap water quality.

Is it healthier to filter water?

Yes, filtering water can make it healthier by removing harmful contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and bacteria that may still be present in tap water.

What is the healthiest water to drink?

Filtered water, particularly from high-quality filtration systems like Berkey, is one of the healthiest options due to its ability to remove a wide range of pollutants.

Why can drinking tap water be harmful?

Tap water can contain trace chemicals like chlorine, lead, or bacteria, especially in areas with aging infrastructure, which may pose health risks over time.

How can you make drinking tap water safe?

Using a filtration system can make tap water safer by removing harmful contaminants and improving its taste and smell.