You May Be Using A Water Filter, But How Clean Is Your Water Actually?
Most Malaysians have a water filter. But not everyone uses it properly, or knows what it really does.
Cover image via If you live in Malaysia, you probably use a water filter at home
Whether you purchased it yourself, or got it installed even before you moved into your home, the fact remains that you have a water filter because you don't really trust the quality of the water coming directly from the main pipes.
But if you think this solves all your water purity problems, think again.
A lot of people install a water filter at home and then forget about it until the water starts tasting weird, or the technician calls months later asking if you want to renew your plan.
Whether your water filter is cheap or expensive, here's what you should actually be doing to take full advantage of it:
1. Regularly change or clean the filter (obviously)
Filters are designed to trap dirt, rust, and other nasties. But when they're full, they can clog up and become useless — or worse, start leaching bacteria and mould back into your water.
This happens more often than you think, especially with jug filters or under-sink setups people forget about.
Set a calendar reminder and check your user manual. Some filters need replacing every three months, some can last a year. Don't trust the "still looks clean" test, as microscopic buildup doesn't care about your eyeballs.
Image via AquaSafe
2. You might still need to boil your water
While most standard filters can remove particles, chlorine, and even heavy metals, not all are equipped with features that eliminate bacteria.
Unless your system includes UV sterilisation or a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, boiling your water is still the safest option, especially during pipe bursts, floods, or anytime there's low pressure.
Check your filter specs: If all you have is a basic carbon or ceramic cartridge (these are great for improving taste and removing odour), you shouldn't use them as a substitute for boiling your water.
Image via Uno Casa
3. Pay close attention to your water tank and pipes
No matter how high-tech your filter system may be, you'll be on the backfoot if your water source is dodgy.
This is especially true for condos and landed homes with overhead tanks that haven't been cleaned in years.
Dirty tanks = dirty water going into your filter = filter clogging faster = higher risk of contamination.
Ask your building's management about tank cleaning schedules. If the answer is "not sure", you might want to schedule your own cleaning, or at least add a pre-filter to your unit's main inlet.
Image via Magtech General
4. Shower filters can benefit you more than you realise
Most people only filter their drinking water and forget about the rest.
But remember: Your skin is your biggest organ, and it comes into contact with unfiltered water every day. Chlorine and sediment can aggravate eczema and dandruff, or just make your skin feel super dry and itchy.
Adding a shower filter can help with these concerns, and you won't need a super fancy setup, either. Even a basic RM30 showerhead filter can make a noticeable difference.
Bonus: Having a shower filter can also reduce limescale and make your bathroom easier to clean.
Image via Better Homes & Gardens
5. If your water tastes off, you might be filtering too much
Image via Real Food RN
Some filters, like RO systems, are so efficient at filtering that they sometimes end up removing beneficial minerals. That can make the water taste flat, metallic, or just unappetising. While it's not harmful, it's also not the most pleasant way to drink water.
If this bothers you, you can add a post-filter that remineralises the water. Some filters even have in-built mineralisers that replenish your water with nutrients like calcium and magnesium that are essential for health.
6. Understand your water filter's limitations
Image via Culligan Quench
There's nothing wrong with buying a budget filter from Shopee, as long as you know what it does and when to change it.
Some affordable systems perform surprisingly well, although they need regular maintenance and may not have the most durable parts.
Meanwhile, branded services like Coway and Cuckoo are convenient because they come with regular servicing. You're paying for the peace of mind more than anything else.
If you're going to buy a new filter, choose based on a balance between your lifestyle and budget, not just marketing.
