Most Americans obtain their water from water systems which are administered by EPA (Environment Protection Agency) regulations. However, the likelihood of being susceptible to infections and contaminants will always be there. Nobody wants to risk themselves in their household to being sick.
Data received from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) shows that around 30 million Americans are exposed to waterborne diseases each year.
Having a water filter for the fridge will bring in extra protection, especially when you drink water from the refrigerator with a filtering device. A recent study done by the University of Arizona found out that refrigerator water filters are one of the most effective ways of removing water pollutants. However, the question you’re probably thinking about right now would be- are water filters worth it?
In most cases, they are, as long as the water filter for the fridge is changed regularly. Usually, a water filter lasts for six months. You can check how regular you should change your fridge’s water filter in the manual of your refrigerator.
Two Reasons Why You Should Change Your Fridge’s Water Filter Regularly
- To prevent the risk of having waterborne diseases. Over time, the water filter in your fridge will eventually give up. Changing water filters regularly will ensure that contaminants and other harmful substances are being filtered, keeping the entire household free from diseases.
- To always get the best tasting water. When you start to notice a difference in the color and taste of the water coming from your fridge, chances are there are already other pollutants not being filtered by your water filter. As soon as you notice this, you should replace your water filter immediately. However, you must not wait until this happens as it might be too late to protect yourself from harmful chemicals and bacteria that come with the contaminated water.
What are the most common waterborne viruses and bacteria in unfiltered water?
Common bacteria and viruses found in water may come from unchanged water filters. These include E. coli, coliforms, enterococci, and coliphage.
Diseases caused by these bacteria are short-term like diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and cramps. More severe problems include stomach irritation, Cholecystitis, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). By changing your water filter for fridge regularly, you prevent the risk they pose to your loved ones.
Changing Your Refrigerator Water Filter
Changing the water filter for your fridge is fairly simple. You first need to determine which filter you have for your fridge. There are push-in filters, twist-in filters, and inline filters. After determining the type of filter, remove and replace the old filter with the new one. Make sure that you are using the correct replacement filter by checking its make or model number. After changing your filter, discard one to two gallons of water to flush the carbon residue from the filter. And Viola, you’ve successfully changed your water filter.
Now you can enjoy a healthy and nutritious glass of water. By doing so, you can prevent the risk of catching unwanted diseases you get from the water coming from your fridge.
