Does Tap Water Have More Minerals Than Filtered Water?

Minerals do diminish in filtered water.

Ordinary tap water contains minerals the body needs for health. Some filtering methods allow filtered water to retain the same minerals as tap water. However, tap water typically contains contaminants and toxins. This is a health concern, if tap water is consumed in large quantities. Water for cooking, drinking and bathing should be filtered in ways that retain the minerals while clearing undesirable substances from the water.

Tap Water Contains Trace Minerals

Trace minerals that support health are found in tap water. Trace minerals include copper, zinc and selenium. Minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and ferrous iron are also found in tap water. These nutrients support a healthy diet for individuals. The drawback of drinking tap water in large quantities is that undesirable toxins such as pesticides and lead from soldered joints of water pipes are often present in it.

Carbon Filtering Retains Minerals

A good carbon filter can remove 99 percent of contaminants in water, improve the taste and retain healthy minerals. Carbon filters are available for faucet attachments, in water pitcher filtering kits and in complex filtering systems that are installed for homes or businesses. Carbon filters for tap water have been recommended for several years by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Any type of carbon filtering system is relatively inexpensive to buy and maintain.

Facts About Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis is a good way to filter tap water for drinking, but this method removes the minerals. The process works by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. Some reverse osmosis systems now have technology adjustments to add back mineral content. Make sure any system you purchase provides this feature. Reverse osmosis filtering creates good-tasting drinking water, and it's relatively inexpensive to set up and maintain.

Deception of Bottled Tap Water

Research any brand of bottled water to understand its method of packaging and how it has been filtered. Bottled water may contain plenty of minerals. However, most bottled water comes in plastic containers, which negates health benefits. Chemicals from the plastic will leach into the water and pose a health risk. Try to buy water in glass bottles only.

Benefits of Home Filtering System

Filtering water for drinking and cooking is important from a health standpoint. Water for bathing should be filtered as well. Studies show that a warm shower or bath opens pores and allows water to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream. Over time, synthetic chemicals and contaminants can be absorbed into the body via the skin. A good home filtering system is the ideal choice, so that all of a home's water is treated. Make sure the system retains all minerals or adds them back to the water.

References

• Reverse Osmosis Filtering
• Filtered Water and Mineral Depletion
• Discussions of Filtering Water

Resources

• Contaminants and Makeup of Tap Water
• Understanding Water Filtering Methods
• Minerals From Water Are Crucial to Health