The organs in the body contain a large percentage of water, with the brain being made up of 80% – 85% of water. Children’s brains experience the most growth and development during the first five years of life, and water can be a vital part in this development, whether in breastmilk and formula or by itself. Since children’s bodies and organs are still developing, they are more susceptible to water problems like chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens. Thus it is important to make sure children have access to clean, healthy water.
Key Health Benefits of Using Water Filters for Children
According to a study by the University of Illinois, well-hydrated children have a better ability to multitask and faster reaction times. The CDC also says that water assists in improving memory and ability to focus. Exposure to certain contaminants found in water supplies like lead and pesticides, however, can have detrimental effects on brain health, leading to long-term cognitive and behavioral issues. So beyond ensuring your child has adequate access to water to support brain development, it is vital to ensure that water is free of potentially harmful impurities that can negatively disrupt healthy development. Healthy water also supports better immune systems, digestive health, blood flow, and body temperature regulation. In addition to cutting down on impurities, water filters help water taste, smell, and look better, making water more appealing to children. Water treated with chlorine, for example, may have a chemical taste and odor, which may be off-putting to kids.
Types of Water Filters and Their Effectiveness for Children’s Health
Deciding what type of water filter to purchase for your home depends on a number of factors, including type of impurities to be reduced, amount of water to be filtered, and purchase and maintenance costs. Let’s take a look at three common options for water filtration in the home.
Activated Carbon Filters
One of the most widespread forms of filtration is the use of carbon filters. All carbon water filters improve taste, odor and appearance of water by absorbing chlorine and reducing turbidity. Activated carbon filters extend this adsorption to chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, VOCs, THMs, total suspended solids, and, to some degree, PFAS. Carbon filters are also usually affordable, and come in a variety of size options and forms. They can be as small as a water pitcher filter or inline refrigerator filter cartridge, or as large as a whole house filter cartridge.
Keep in mind carbon filters do not filter out total dissolved solids (TDS), pathogens, fluoride, sodium, or large amounts of metals like copper or iron. However, this can be a desirable quality, as carbon filters reduce a lot of unwanted impurities but leave desirable, healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium behind.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
For more robust filtration, including reduction of TDS from your water, a reverse osmosis system may be the solution. RO systems typically feature multiple stages of filtration, beginning with sediment and carbon filtration, followed by an RO element that can reduce sodium, fluoride, arsenic, and more. Some reverse osmosis options are smaller countertop systems that are more compact and affordable, or larger under-sink systems.
Traditional RO systems tend to be more costly, require a more indepth install, and need a fair amount of maintenance. Some people do not enjoy the taste of RO water, describing it as flat. That is because in addition to impurities, reverse osmosis also reduces beneficial minerals from the water. Adding an alkaline filter to your RO system replaces certain minerals to increase the pH of water and improve taste.
UV Purification
To reduce pathogens like bacteria and viruses in water, look into UV purification. Most home water filters are not designed to reduce pathogens. On the flipside, UV filters will not reduce other impurities reduced by common filtration systems. That is why they are usually used in conjunction, with UV filters at the end of a whole house or under-sink system. This setup is particularly ideal if your filtered water is stored before use, such as in an RO water storage tank. UV filters can ensure the stored water stays fresh and safe.
Additional Benefits of Water Filters for Families
Water filters offer a few other benefits besides improving taste and quality of water. With healthier water, you can expect cost savings in healthcare, as well as reduction in environmental waste, and an increase in convenience. Let’s take a closer look.
Cost Savings in Healthcare
Reducing water impurities can provide a reduction in short term and long term health effects. Poor quality water may cause stomach discomfort, skin irritation, and fatigue, and long term exposure may even lead to neurological disorder or cancer. Chlorine kills bad bacteria in water, but it also reduces good bacteria in your digestive system. Chlorine reduction decreases this effect, allowing good bacteria to flourish for better digestion and immune system function. Drinking more water overall assists in improving immune systems. Making water more appealing to consume with water filtration in turn can increase a family’s desire to drink more water. Better immune systems means fewer trips to the doctor.
Environmental Impact
A lot of family’s turn to the purchase of plastic water bottles for better drinking water. However, many of these bottled waters are not much better than your tap water, and the plastic containers create a lot of waste in landfills. By replacing bottled water with drinking water from a water filter, you can greatly reduce your household’s plastic consumption. This can even result in cost savings overtime.
Convenience and Accessibility
Installing a water filter system allows you to have clean, filtered water in an instant. For example, under-sink water filters usually supply water to a dedicated faucet. So accessing the filtered water is as easy as turning the handle. As long as you keep your filters maintained, your system should keep supplying clean water for years to come.
How Often Should I Change the Filters?
One of the most important steps to maintaining a water filter is to regularly change the filter cartridge. How often the filter cartridge is changed first depends upon the filter type. Some may be as often as every 3-4 months, or as long as once per year. Another factor is water quality and usage. If your water has a high amount of impurities or particulates, your cartridges will probably require more frequent changeouts. Make sure to pay attention to manufacturer’s recommendations, and look out for a sudden drop in water pressure that may signify that it is time to replace your cartridge.
Are There Any Downsides to Filtering Water for Kids?
Main downsides may be costs. Not everyone can afford water filter systems and the replacement cartridges required for upkeep of the system. Certain water filters like RO systems, while reducing a number of harmful impurities, may also reduce beneficial minerals from water as well. However, other water filters like carbon filters will allow healthy minerals to pass through, and RO water can be improved with the addition of an alkaline filter cartridge.
Is Filtered Water Better than Bottled Water?
In many ways, no. Bottled water produces a lot of plastic waste that can fill landfills and have a negative impact on the environment. Beyond that, bottled water is not regulated beyond basic FDA requirements, and many bottled water products are just tap water in a bottle. This means that they are not any better than your unfiltered tap water at home. Filtered water from a water filter system at home is quickly accessible, doesn’t require plastic bottles, and will remove the expected impurities.
The Bottom Line
Hydration is an important factor for keeping children healthy and developmentally on track. Having access to clean, filtered water can increase a child’s desire to drink water, as well as ensuring the water they are consuming is safe and free of harmful impurities that can impede development. Purchasing the right water filter system can potentially set your entire family up for an increase in water consumption and overall better health.
