Plumbed in filters are permanently installed in the cold water supply and are connected to either the
existing taps or a dedicated tap. The installation of a plumbed-in filter must comply with the Water
Fittings Regulations.

Jug filters and plumbed in filter units normally have one or more filter cartridges that must be replaced
from time to time, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Care should be taken with filter
cartridges to ensure that they do not become damaged or split. If this occurs, tiny beads or small
black particles may appear in the filtered water. If this happens the filter cartridge should be replaced
immediately.

WATER SOFTENERS

Some people living in hard water areas choose to artificially soften their water to prevent the
build up of scale deposits in boilers, kettles and other water heating appliances caused by
hardness in their water. Softening will also reduce the amount of detergent used for washing
clothes.


Water hardness comes from naturally occurring calcium and magnesium salts, and the harder
the water, the more of these salts it will contain. The map shows the hard and soft water areas in
the British Isles.

(image of map of UK water hardness)
Colour Hardness Calcium carbonate, mg/l
Orange Hard Greater than 200
Blue Medium 100-200
Green Soft Less than 100
Source: Waterwise
This map can only provide a general picture. Hardness will often vary from postcode to postcode, so please
contact your local water company for information on the specific level of hardness in your water.
The natural salts which cause hard water also give the water a crisp, pleasant and fresh taste,
which is lost when water is softened. In addition, calcium and magnesium are essential
minerals in our diet. So, if you have a water softener installed, we recommended that you have
a separate unsoftened mains fed tap for drinking water.

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