Water Filters vs Bottled Water in the UAE: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Is it time to stop buying bottled water in the UAE? A home water filter gives you clean, fresh water from your own tap, and it costs much less over a year.

Many people here don't like the taste of tap water. They don't love bottled water either. It costs money, it makes plastic waste, and you have to carry it home. A reverse osmosis water purifier fixes both problems. Here is how to choose the right filter.

Why Do People Avoid Tap Water and Bottles?

There are a few common reasons:

• Taste: Chlorine can leave a flat or chemical taste in tap water.
• Worry: Many people don't trust what comes out of their kitchen tap.
• Plastic waste: Dubai Can is a campaign that asks people to refill bottles at home instead of buying single use plastic.
• Cost: Buying water every week adds up fast.
• Plastic in the water: Some studies have found tiny bits of plastic in bottled water.

Is UAE Tap Water Safe?

Tap water in the UAE is treated and tested before it reaches your building. The problem is what happens next. Rooftop tanks that nobody cleans, and old pipes, can change your water. Rust, dirt or germs can get in on the way to your kitchen.

Ask your building to clean the tank at least once or twice a year. Check that the lid is closed. Want to know what is really in your water? Ask us for a free water consultation and we will help you check.

What Types of Water Filters Are There?

There are many kinds. Here are the main ones:

• Jug filters: You fill them by hand. They are cheap and good for one person. They don't suit big families.
• Carbon filters: These cut chlorine and bad taste. They are common and easy to fit under a sink.
• Ceramic filters: These catch dirt and some germs. You can clean the filter parts.
• UV filters: UV light kills bacteria and viruses. It works best with a filter that cleans out dirt first.
• Reverse osmosis (RO): This pushes water through a very fine filter. It blocks dirt, metals and many chemicals.
• Whole house filters: These clean all the water coming into your home, not just one tap.

Most home drinking filters sit under the kitchen sink and have their own small tap. You can take under sink filters with you when you move, so the cost is worth it.

How Do You Pick the Right Filter?

Follow these four steps:

1. Test your water: Find out what is in it first.
2. Check what the filter removes: Ask for a certificate or test report.
3. Buy from a real company: Be careful with door to door sellers. Check the company has a license, an office and good reviews.
4. Plan for filter changes: Ask how often you need new filters and what they cost.

Don't Skip Filter Changes

A filter you never change can do more harm than good. Old filters can grow mold and stop working. Put a reminder in your phone. Change your filters on time.

Our Pick: Aqua Hygiene 8 Stage RO Purifier

Our 8 Stage RO purifier sits under your sink. It has a sediment filter, carbon filters, an RO filter and a UV light. Healthy minerals go back in at the end, so the water tastes fresh.

You get clean water for drinking, tea and cooking straight from your tap. We supply and install across Dubai, Sharjah and the other emirates.

Final Thoughts

A good filter saves money, cuts plastic and gives you water that tastes better. Test your water, pick a trusted seller and keep up with filter changes.

Need help choosing? Talk to the Aqua Hygiene team or call (971) 56 808 5928. We will help you find the right filter for your home.