Water Purity Test Comparing Tap Water, Brita Filtered, and Bottled Water
Testing the real difference between tap water, filtered water, and bottled water. A comparison using a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter to measure water purity.
What is TDS Meter
TDS measures the total amount of dissolved solids in water, including minerals, salts, and metals. It’s measured in parts per million (PPM). While some minerals in water are beneficial, high TDS levels might indicate the presence of harmful contaminants or an unpleasant taste but it’s not a comprehensive test. It could detect hard water but not specific harmful chemicals.
It’s a more generic test and if you have water quality problems, you should use specialized water purity test to detect specific harmful chemicals in the water.
Testing Setup
For this experiment, we used:
- A TDS-3 meter for measuring water purity
- Regular tap water from a city water supply
- A Brita filter pitcher
- A popular brand of bottled water
- Clean glasses for testing each sample
The Results Are In: Breaking Down Findings
Tap Water Test
The city tap water measured 400+ PPM. This relatively high reading is normal for municipal water supplies, which often contain:
- Natural minerals
- Added fluoride
- Treatment chemicals
- Dissolved solids from pipes
Brita Filtered Water Test
After running tap water through a Brita filter, the reading dropped to approx. 350 PPM. This shows that the Brita filter:
- Removed some dissolved solids
- Improved the water’s taste and reduced water hardness
- Reduced chlorine content
Bottled Water Results
Different brands showed varying results:
- Bottled Spring Water: 140+ PPM
What These Numbers Mean For You
Lower PPM doesn’t always mean better water. Natural minerals can be beneficial for health, and completely pure water (0 PPM) might actually taste flat and unpleasant. The ideal range for drinking water is typically between 50-150 PPM.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Consider These Factors:
- Your local water quality
- Budget constraints
- Environmental impact
- Taste preferences
- Convenience needs
Tips for Better Water Quality
- Replace Brita filters on schedule
- Clean your water pitcher regularly
- Run tap water for a few seconds before collecting
- Store filtered water in the refrigerator
- Check your local water quality reports annually
Maintaining Your Water Filtration System
Whether you choose a Brita filter or another system, proper maintenance is crucial:
- Mark filter replacement dates on your calendar
- Clean the pitcher or dispenser monthly
- Store filtered water properly
- Monitor filter performance with occasional TDS tests
Environmental Impact
Consider the environmental costs:
- Plastic waste from bottled water
- Carbon footprint of water transportation
- Filter cartridge disposal
- Energy used in bottled water production
Conclusion
No single solution fits all needs. The best choice depends on your local water quality, budget, and personal preferences. Regular tap water is often perfectly safe, while filtration systems like Brita offer an affordable way to improve taste and reduce certain contaminants.
For most households, a simple filter pitcher provides a good balance of cost, convenience, and water quality. Regular maintenance and proper use will ensure you get the best results from whichever system you choose.
The most important thing is to stay hydrated with water you enjoy drinking.
You can try it
- Test your tap water with a TDS meter
- Compare costs of different options
- Check your local water quality report
- Consider starting with a basic filter pitcher
- Monitor and maintain your chosen system
Water quality can vary significantly by location, so your results might differ from other regions tests. The best system is the one that works for your specific situation and needs.
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