For many Irish households, filtering tap water is worth it. A good filter can improve taste, reduce some substances you would rather not drink, and cut the cost and plastic waste of buying bottled water. Whether it suits your home depends on what is coming out of your tap and what you want the filter to do.
Every time you fill the kettle, you are probably drinking water that has travelled a long way to reach your tap. Most of the time it is perfectly safe. Still, many Irish families are asking whether a filter would make a real difference, or whether it is an expense they can skip.
That question matters most in a family home. Children drink water at school, after training and on warm days. Parents want to know what goes into those glasses every day, not just on the odd occasion.
What does filtering tap water actually do?
A filter does not change the water’s safety rating at the treatment works. It works on the water in your home, after it has left the mains. Different filters remove different things. A simple jug filter may improve taste and reduce chlorine. A reverse osmosis system removes a much wider range of dissolved substances, which is why it is often chosen for drinking water.
A filter does not change the water’s safety rating at the treatment works. It works on the water in your home, after it has left the mains. Different filters remove different things. A simple jug filter may improve taste and reduce chlorine. A reverse osmosis system removes a much wider range of dissolved substances, which is why it is often chosen for drinking water.
Filtering will not fix everything. It cannot change the water supply itself, and it will not replace good plumbing. Knowing what you want to improve helps you choose the right system.
Is Irish tap water safe to drink without filtering?
Mains water in Ireland is treated and tested to strict standards before it reaches your home. Uisce Éireann supplies most mains water in the country, and the Environmental Protection Agency publishes reports on drinking water quality. Most households receive water that meets those standards.
Meeting the standard at the treatment works is only part of the story, though. Water can change on its way through the pipes. In some older homes, lead pipework is a concern. Chlorine is added to keep water safe, and many people notice its smell and taste. Hard water, which is common in many parts of Ireland, leaves limescale behind in kettles and pipes.
How much could a family save by filtering water?
Imagine a family of four that buys two six packs of 1.5 litre bottles every week. Over a year, that adds up to a surprising sum. It also does not include the trouble of carrying heavy crates home or finding space to store them. A home filter has an upfront cost, but its running costs can be much lower than a regular bottled water habit. Take a look at your shopping receipts for one month. You may be surprised by what you find.
Do you still need bottled water if you have a filter?
For most households, a filter means the bottles can go. Filtered water is ready whenever you need it, and it tastes the same every time you pour it. That consistency can make it easier to encourage children to drink more water through the day, especially when they are at home and have easy access to a glass.
Bottled water does have one clear weakness. A 2024 study from Columbia University found that many bottled water samples contained large numbers of tiny plastic particles. Researchers are still working out what this means for health, so the science is developing. What is clear is that the bottle itself adds plastic to your home, and most of it is used once and thrown away.
Which water filter is the best for an Irish home?
Start with the problem you want to solve. If the main concern is drinking water, reverse osmosis is one of the most thorough options available for a home. Check that the system fits your kitchen space, that it comes with proper installation and support, and that the company can explain how it works in plain language. If you are unsure, speak to a specialist before you buy.
If you want a system for everyday drinking water, explore the ArkkZ Water Filtration System here.
Renewell Water is Ireland’s Number 1 rated water filtration company, with more than 24 years of experience and over 17,000 systems installed. You can read what customers say at renewellwater.com/reviews.
