Three Ways You Should Be Using Filtered Water in Your Home

Tap water from municipal water sources must pass strict drinking standards. The water in your home is treated in ways that prevent harmful levels of bacteria from entering your home but isn’t always the best option.Check out three main applications you should be using filtered water in place of tap water in your home: 1. Watering Your PlantsYour municipal tap water isn’t the best choice to water your plants. City water does pass certain tests to make sure it is safe for human consumption, but it also includes certain additives to keep the water clean that plants do not like, like fluoride, chlorine, or softening salt. Some plants (especially tropical varieties) are more sensitive to this than others. Filtered water is the best choice.2. Filling Your Fish Tank and Providing Water for PetsJust like with your plants, the chlorine, fluoride, and salt in a fish tank can harm your aquarium fish. The tank itself should include a filtration system to clean regularly accumulated filth from your pet fish, but it will also filter your tank’s water. When filling a new tank, you should always let the water work its way through the filtration system for at least a full day before adding new fish.For other pets like dogs and cats, it’s somewhat a matter of choice as long as they are healthy. Certain holistic vets might advise against giving your pet tap water, though an already healthy pet might never notice the water they drink. In an older or sick animal, however, unfiltered tap water might include heavy minerals that can lead to urinary issues. Alternatively, people with water softening systems add softening salts to their water. While these levels are minimal, they might not be ideal if your vet has recommended a low-sodium diet for your pet.3. Cooking and DrinkingFor drinking and cooking, tap water is perfectly fine. Your everyday meal won’t be terribly affected by using tap water. However, you might notice a different taste in your food or beverages (especially coffee and tea) when you use filtered water versus regular tap water. The additives that make a large body of municipal water safe to drink can alter the way food tastes or how it cooks–especially in foods that absorb water like pasta or rice.So, What’s Wrong with Drinking Tap Water?In short: nothing. Will your recipes be safe to eat? Of course. Will your plants survive? Probably. Will your pets even notice the switch? Unless they are fish, probably not. Switching to filtered water instead of tap isn’t a drastic change that will affect your life or your health, but your foods will be tastier, your pets might be healthier, and your plants will grow larger and more vibrant.Chemicals, minerals, and other contaminants make your water taste and act differently than it could at its best. Finken can help you get the best out of your water by filtering out the worst. Contact us to learn more.