What’s Really in UK Tap Water? And Why a Simple Filter Can Make a Big Difference

When you turn on your kitchen tap, you expect fresh, clean water. In the UK our tap water is strictly regulated and generally safe to drink. But “safe” doesn’t always mean “ideal.” Emerging evidence and media coverage have highlighted trace plastics, chemical residues, and occasional contamination events that make many people pause and wonder: can water be better?

Filtering at the point of use (your tap) doesn’t replace the public water system — it complements it. It offers cleaner taste, extra confidence, and fewer plastic bottles. Below, we’ll explore what the headlines show, how tap vs bottled water compare, the role of chlorine and what a filter realistically gives you.

 

What the headlines are saying

• Plastic in your cuppa?
  Researchers recently found microplastics in every hot and cold drink sample they tested — including tea, coffee and tap water. And that goes for bottled water too! A complementary study looked specifically at UK tap vs bottled water samples. They tested 177 tap water samples from 13 cities and 85 bottled water samples from 17 brands. They found microplastics in all samples: tap waters ranged from 6 to 100 particles per liter; bottled water from 12 to 62 particles per litre. That suggests that bottled water — often marketed as “purer” — is not immune to microplastic contamination. The difference lies more in packaging, handling, and storage.
• “Forever chemicals” on the radar
  Investigations have uncovered PFAS — man-made chemicals linked to health concerns — in English water sources, sometimes at levels above safety guidelines
• When things go wrong
  In 2024, over 16,000 households in Devon were told to boil their water after a parasite outbreak. And just this year, Yorkshire Water issued a “do not drink” warning across nearly 200 postcodes due to bacterial contamination.
• Not all pipes are equal
  Older homes may still have lead piping, which can leach into drinking water — something the UK’s Drinking Water Inspectorate advises households to check.

 

Chlorine: necessary but sometimes unpleasant

Why chlorine is added

Chlorine (or related disinfectants) is intentionally introduced into water as part of the public treatment process. Its job: kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, and help keep water safe during distribution. That disinfection step is critical.

Why many people complain

Even though chlorine is safe at these low levels, some people are more sensitive to its flavour or smell. Chlorine can also react with plastics, rubbers or other materials in plumbing or appliances, creating a slightly bitter, metallic or “chemical” aftertaste.

If your water tastes, smells or feels like “bleach” or “pool water,” you’re likely tasting the residual disinfectant (or a combination of that plus local plumbing materials).

For someone demanding crisp, fresh water in every glass — especially for drinking or cooking — a filter that removes residual chlorine (or its by-products) can make a noticeable difference in taste.

So, should you be worried?

Not panicked — but not complacent either. Regulators work hard to keep water safe, and most contaminants are at very low levels. But the science is still evolving, and standards differ from country to country. Sweden, for example, sets far stricter PFAS limits than the UK.

The bottom line: our water system does a good job, but it can’t promise zero contamination.

 

Why filtering at the tap makes sense

Think of a kitchen filter like an extra lock on your front door. The main system does the heavy lifting — but a second barrier gives you added reassurance.

• On-demand protection – Only filter the water you actually drink or cook with, saving money and resources.
• Better taste – Filters reduce chlorine and other compounds that can affect flavour.
• Less plastic – Every filtered glass means one less plastic bottle.
• Peace of mind – Especially reassuring for families with babies, children or elderly relatives.

 

Final sip

UK tap water is good. But with growing awareness of hidden contaminants, a little extra protection, at the press of a button, is a smart choice. Filtering at home with a SmartQuench filter doesn’t just make your water taste cleaner — it gives you confidence in what you’re drinking, day after day.

In future posts, we’ll look at specific issues like lead, chlorine, and PFAS in more detail — and how different types of filters tackle them. Got a question you’d like us to cover? Let us know — we’d love to hear from you.