Treated

Filtered water

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Tap water passed through a jug, tap or under-sink filter to improve taste.

Where it comes from

Ordinary tap water run through activated-carbon (and sometimes other) filters at home.

What it contains

  • Reduced chlorine taste and odour
  • Some reduction of sediment, certain metals and limescale
  • Most minerals largely retained (carbon filters)

Benefits

  • Nicer taste than some tap water
  • Cheaper and greener than bottled
  • Keeps most beneficial minerals

Cautions

  • Filters must be changed on time or they harbour bacteria
  • Does not make unsafe water safe unless designed for that

Sources & references

  1. WHO — Drinking-water
  2. UK Drinking Water Inspectorate

Related entries

Alkaline waterSoftened waterArtesian waterDeionised waterDistilled waterGlacier / iceberg water
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