Do Water Filters Really Purify Your Water? | Talking Point | Full Episode

Sales of water filter systems in Singapore are on the rise, with a reported 100% increase in unit sales year over year. The script introduces the topic by discussing personal experiences with water filters and setting the stage for an investigation into their necessity. The founder of an eco-conscious charity, Kampung Sinha, Joyce, shares her experience with water filters since 1999, highlighting the evolution from charcoal sticks to modern multi-stage filters. These advanced systems claim to remove impurities such as chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals while adding essential minerals. The episode aims to determine if these claims hold true by testing water samples from Joyce's center.

This paragraph delves into the journey of tap water in Singapore, from treatment plants to homes, traversing a vast network of distribution pipes. It emphasizes the rigorous processes in place to ensure water cleanliness, including regular inspections of water tanks and the use of fire hydrants for water quality monitoring. The script introduces Liu Shenyu, responsible for water quality in the distribution network, who explains the importance of maintaining water quality from source to tap. The paragraph also discusses the international recognition of Singapore's tap water as being among the cleanest in the world, raising questions about the perceived need for further purification.

The script describes an experiment where water samples from Kampung Sinha, both tap and filtered, are sent to a lab for testing. The goal is to verify if filters can indeed add more minerals and reduce chlorine and fluoride levels. The results reveal no significant decrease in chlorine levels but a noticeable reduction in fluoride. Contrary to claims, the filters did not add more minerals; instead, they removed minerals, including calcium, which decreased significantly. This section also explores the variety of water filters available in the market, their functions, and the importance of understanding what each filter can do.

Chenco, a water filter expert, helps to demystify the different types of water filters available in the market. He explains the functions of ion exchange filters, which act like water softeners by removing calcium and magnesium ions, and alkaline filters, which use electrolysis to produce alkaline water. Activated carbon filters are also discussed for their ability to remove certain pollutants but not bacteria unless specifically designed. Chenco advises consumers to know what they want to remove or modify in their water, look for third-party certifications, and consider filter replacement frequency to prevent bacterial growth.

The script addresses the potential issue of bacterial growth in water filters, particularly activated carbon filters, which can accumulate bacteria over time if not replaced regularly. The narrator collects water samples from five households, including their own, to test the effectiveness and safety of household water filters. The results show high bacteria counts in filtered water from three households, indicating a possible regrowth of bacteria in the filters. Dr. Guillaume Drillet explains that even filters not past their due date can introduce higher bacteria counts, emphasizing the importance of following manufacturer guidelines for filter replacement.

Dr. Leong Lai Ping, a food scientist, critiques the health claims made by water filter and alkaline water companies, such as improved digestion and cancer prevention, as lacking scientific evidence. She suggests that while some systems can filter out germs, making the water safer for immunocompromised individuals, there is no miracle cure associated with filtered water. The script concludes by stating that while tap water in Singapore is safe to drink, maintaining water filters properly can be beneficial for those vulnerable to infections. However, neglecting filter maintenance can lead to more harm than good.