Water absorbs tastes from the pipes and conduits in the water system. Additives like chlorine can also affect the taste of this most basic of all ingredients. You wouldn’t use flour or milk that smelled like copper or chlorine, so why use less than pristine water in your cooking? Cooking with filtered water can make everything from coffee to pasta taste better, not to mention reconstituted juice and homemade pop. Purified water is better for people and healthier for pets, too. Use filtered water in fish tanks, to water plants, and to make cleaning solutions that won’t leave mineral deposits.
A water filter removes lead and other heavy metals that may be present from pipes. In apartment blocks, water can become stagnant when fewer people are drawing it from taps. If it’s a large building, the water may have been in the internal plumbing for a day or two. Modern conduits are made of plastic which can leach chemicals into the water and, even if harmless, can affect the taste. A good quality water filter is your defence against water contaminants.
Until recently, water purification options were fairly limited. Bottled water and jug-size filters were the two main choices. As purified water has become more popular, filter makers have responded with a range of under-counter appliances that will cleanse thousands of litres of water before a filter replacement is necessary. The result is tap water that has no contaminants.
You can take the taste test before purchasing a filter. Buy a bottle of good quality water. Brew two cups of tea, coffee, or cocoa. Use bottled water for one and tap water for the other. Which tastes better? It’s almost certain that the drink made with purified water will taste fresher and more satisfying. You can try the same experiment with any food that has water added for a better tasting meal.
Adding an under-the-counter filter is just one small change to your home that will make such a difference you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
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