Frequently Asked Questions On Water Taste and Water Filtering...

Q. What can cause unpleasant tastes and odors in potable water?
A. The most common reasons are chlorine, iron, sulphur and other natural man made minerals and chemicals such as lead. Where Does The Lead In Drinking Water Come From?

Q. What causes the water to smell of chlorine?
A. Water companies always treat the water with chlorine to inhibit bacterial growth and they normally maintain a low level of chlorine in the water to maintain that inhibition. They also have to increase the level of chlorine temporarily after repairs have been carried out on the water mains and this is usually when the complaints occur.

A further possible cause arises when individual hot and cold water systems are chlorinated to reduce the risk of sickness occurring. Complaints can usually be prevented if the chemical manufacturers instructions are followed carefully.

Read article on The Benefits Of Better Water Drinking Habits And Drinking Filtered Water

Q. Can plumbing materials cause unpleasant tastes and odors in water?
A. Yes, if some unapproved materials are used they can cause problems. For example if the inside of a galvanised steel cold water storage cistern is cleaned and painted with bitumastic paint this will taint the water. If threads are sealed with hemp and linseed oil this can cause the water to be tainted; hence the reason for these materials being prohibited.

Generally, if the plumbing materials are approved by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), they will have been tested to ensure that they do not taint or cause odour. If there is any doubt as to whether any equipment or material is approved, consult the Water Fittings and Materials Directory published by WRAS.

Q. Can water mains pick up taints and odors underground?
A. Yes, water mains laid in contaminated land such as old gas works, refineries and petrol stations can be subject to tainting if plastic pipe is used, as chemicals can permeate

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Q. How can I remove taste and smell from drinking water?
A. Carbon filters are used specifically for this purpose. They are created by compressing very fine pulverised activated carbon with a binding medium and fusing them into a solid block. The intricate maze of small waterways developed within the block ensures that the water is in complete contact with the carbon, and that the taste and smell are effectively removed.

Q. Will carbon filters remove disease bacteria?
A. Yes, they can be fabricated to have such a fine porous structure that they filter out coliform and associated disease bacteria and pathogenic cysts such as giardia.

Q. How long will a carbon filter last?
A. This will depend on the quantity of water filtered and the amount of impurities the water contains. The most important safety criterion is that the filter cartridges should be changed regularly, 6-monthly in the case of standard filters, and 12-monthly for those containing silver.

Q. Is there a filter specifically made for removing taste and odour?
A. Yes, the Protecto T&0 activated carbon filter can filter out tastes and odours as well as aggressive substances in drinking water supplies. The filtering of sediment and organic contaminants will improve odour and colour. Contaminants such as pesticides and chlorinated hydrocarbons are also removed.

These filters are particularly suitable for domestic drinking water supplies, canteens, drink dispensers, and for water supplies in hospitals, laboratories and food and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The filter is supplied with 22mm connection flanges, fixing kit and spanner for changing the cartridge.

Q. Can the Protecto T&O be used in conjunction with other filters and treatment devices which will remove temporary hardness and debris from water supplies?
A. Yes, the T&O filter can be fitted to one of the docking ports on a Multisafe unit. The Multisafe will measure and monitor the quantity of water which is being filtered and will indicate when the T&O cartridge needs to be changed if sooner than the standard 6 monthly interval.

Q. Can the Protecto T&O be fitted with larger flanged connections?
A. Yes, the Drufi universal flanges can be used; they are available in 1 and 11/4 MBSP. The Protecto CF is a Class 2 compact cartridge filter, that can be used as a pre-filter with the Protecto T&O. Reliance universal flanges can be fitted to the Protecto CF.

You can read a wide range of water usage articles. They discuss the use of water in the house and home ... topics covered include filters, heaters, softeners and water in the garden.