Summer is hydration season — but are you drinking from a safe source?
While tap water might seem convenient, warmer weather can increase the risks hiding in your glass. From bacterial growth to chemical fluctuations, summer can turn even “clean” water into a health hazard. So the real question is: tap water or filtered fridge water — which is actually safer this summer?
Why Summer Makes Your Water Riskier
You’re not imagining it: water quality can change with the seasons. During summer, heat increases the rate of bacterial growth in pipes and reservoirs, making your tap water more vulnerable to contamination.
Municipal systems often raise chlorine levels to combat this — but that can affect taste and doesn’t always catch everything. At the same time, your fridge filter is working harder, with more people staying hydrated and more glasses filled every day.
If your filter hasn’t been changed in over six months, it may be saturated — and worse, it could be harboring mold.
What’s Really in Your Tap Water?
Tap water in the UK must meet safety standards — but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect.
Summer brings a higher risk of:
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Sediment stirred up in the system
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Chlorine level fluctuations
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Biofilm or bacteria buildup in old pipes
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Lead from corroded plumbing
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Unpleasant tastes and odours
And unless you’re testing your water weekly, these issues can fly under the radar.
How Fridge Filters Protect You
A certified fridge water filter does more than just improve taste. It helps remove:
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Chlorine
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Lead and heavy metals
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
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Certain bacteria and microbial contaminants
But here’s the catch: filters stop working effectively after about 6 months.
When overused, they stop trapping harmful particles and can even become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Especially in summer’s heat, the risk rises fast.
Your fridge water might look clean, but the filter behind it could be a problem.
Tap vs. Filtered: The Taste Test
Filtered fridge water doesn’t just taste better — it encourages better habits.
Cold, clean water is easier to drink, which means your family naturally stays more hydrated. It’s also better for making refreshing summer drinks like infused fruit water, lemonade, and iced teas. (No chlorine aftertaste!)
Filtered water can make a big difference in how you feel this summer.
If you want consistent, safe hydration this season, filtered fridge water wins — but only if your filter is fresh. An old filter is just as risky as a dodgy tap.