News
5 Unappetising Things That Have Been Found in...
There have been some pretty unpalatable things found in tap water over the years. Things that may make you look at that glass of tap water sitting next to you in a whole new, horrifying light! Ready to be disgusted? Read on. 1. Animal faeces It’s true. There have been incidents where animal faeces have gotten into water supplies. In the town of Walkerton, Canada, water supplies were contaminated by cattle faeces after heavy rainfall. The water wasn’t properly treated and made 2,000 people sick, killing 7. Depending on where you live, water supplies for tap water are disinfected and undergo strict testing for safety. But sometimes, incidents like the one in Walkerton can happen. 2. Harmful microbes Because of animal waste, insects, and even carcasses, microbes that cause sickness can get into tap water. In 2008, 22 people in England’s Lancashire became sick with cryptosporidiosis, a disease with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever, after a harmful parasite got into the tap water. The parasite that causes this disease is resistant to certain chemicals that are used to disinfect water supplies. But how did that parasite make its way into the water supply in the first place? A rabbit got into one of the water tanks that provided for the region. Check out our water solutions now! 3. Chemicals Chlorine isn’t just in your swimming pool. Chemicals, like chlorine, are often used at small, safe levels to disinfect our tap water, and to protect us from many illness-causing microbes. Sometimes, though, a few too many chemicals can get through – which is exactly what happened to residents in Derbyshire and Leicestershire in 2016. Their water supply became contaminated with unusually high levels of chlorine. Agricultural work can also leak toxic pesticides and herbicides into water supplies. While your water supply is regularly tested for these chemicals, there’s such a wide variety of them, that it can be difficult to detect them all. These toxic chemicals can cause respiratory illnesses and have been linked to a variety of health problems 4. Lead Lead in water can be surprisingly common, and has even been found in the water supply of some schools in the UK. Lead usually gets into water through old pipes. Even though lead pipes aren’t installed anymore, some of these old pipes are still connected to older buildings. If water becomes too corrosive with chemicals like chlorine, small pieces of pipe can get into the water supply. 5. Pharmaceuticals A cocktail of birth control pills, antidepressants, and painkillers has been found in some water supplies. Luckily, only a small amount of them is detected in tap water, and they don’t pose any risk to our health. But there might be some more testing in the future, since pharmaceuticals leaking into bodies of water are known to harm aquatic life. Keep your water pristine While these things have been found in tap water, it is generally safe to drink. Depending on where you live, your water is regularly tested and thoroughly treated for safety. But, as you’ve seen in some of the incidents described here, slip ups do occur. And some of these mistakes have put people in harm’s way. But don’t worry. The good news is that there’s something you can do about it. So, what can you do to protect yourself? Filtering your water is a good way to ensure that what you’re drinking is high-quality – with no unsavoury things lurking around. Doulton’s hand-made ceramic filters, for example, remove up to 99.99% of contaminants like bacteria, microplastics, chlorine, heavy metals, and limescale. Even if the risk is small, it’s best to be safe. Drink mineral-rich water with the peace of mind knowing that it’s truly pristine. Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more
World Water Day: You Could be Running Out...
Did you know that we’re in a water crisis? Out of all the water that we have on Earth, just 3% is fresh water - only 0.5% of that is available for drinking. That doesn’t seem much to quench the thirst of 8 billion people, and millions of animals, does it? If you’re reading this, you probably have water on tap at home. You can take showers, wash your hands, and flush the toilet. You’re lucky, because 40% of the world’s population is affected by water scarcity. And it’s only getting worse. Check out our water solutions now! We’re using water at such unsustainable levels that by 2025 two-thirds of the population will experience water shortages. Droughts and floods are increasing due to climate change. Vital ecosystems are disappearing. Water sources are drying up or being polluted. There’s not going to be much water left if we carry on the way we are. And not many of us know that. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom! That’s why World Water Day (22nd March 2023) exists; to raise awareness about the issue and encourage us to take action. There are easy steps that we can all take to turn this situation around for the better. Here’s how you can help save the world: Save water Just saving water can work wonders (and save you money). You can do this easily by: Not leaving taps running while doing dishes or brushing your teeth. Using the small flush button on the toilet (if available). Or switching to a low-flow toilet. Taking shorter showers. Keep your showers to 5 minutes or less and you’ll be doing a world of good. Love listening to music while showering? Time your shower to one song. But how does using less water help exactly? It helps preserve ecosystems like wetland habitats, which many animals like otters, birds and fish depend on. With climate change, droughts are increasing. Since we only have a limited supply of water, by saving it you’re ensuring that future you will still have easy access to it. It’s a win-win. Fix leaks Know of any pipes or taps in the home that are dripping? Each one of those drops adds up over time; it could actually be wasting your money as well as your water. It’s estimated that you could save up to 10% on your water bill by fixing some of those small leaks around the home. In England alone, 3 billion litres of water are wasted every day by leaky pipes. It’s time to fix those leaks. Watch what goes down the drain You could be regularly polluting water without knowing it. Putting bits of food, fat, chemicals, medicines and oils down the sink or toilet often ends up polluting water sources. What’s more, household cleaners can also pollute water sources by flowing down the drain. On average, 40% of household wastewater gets treated. The rest of it can return to water sources and ecosystems which causes further pollution. So, watch out for anything going down your drain and make sure you put waste in the bin instead. You can also use environmentally friendly household cleaners which are available. Avoid bottled water You’ve probably seen images of islands of plastic in the ocean. But did you know that plastic is the main pollutant of freshwater too? You can help by refusing to drink bottled water. 86% of water bottles turn into rubbish in the United States, and the process to make plastic bottles requires fossil fuels, which furthers climate change. Bottled water can also contain contaminants. Almost all brands have microplastics, with some containing traces of pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and chemicals. Plastic is damaging both our freshwater sources as well as our own wellbeing. By using a water filter and a reusable water bottle you’ll be helping to stop this damage. Doulton water filters reduces up to 99.99% of contaminants including microplastics, keeping you safe. You can install one at home or have a portable filter to take with you when you’re exploring the outdoors. The future is in your hands This World Water Day, remember how precious water is. It’s the foundation to life on our planet, and there’s only so much of it. By taking the easy steps described above, you’ll be making a big difference. You’ll be ensuring that you and everyone around you continues to have access to plenty of water for years to come. Because at the end of the day, by damaging our freshwater sources and ecosystems, we’re only hurting ourselves. Spread the word about World Water Day and ditch plastic with the right water filter for you. Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more
5 Tips on How to Protect Yourself From...
It happened in Walkerton, Canada. As well as in Camelford and Newent in the U.K. And Flint, Michigan in the U.S.A. The drinking water supply in all these towns around the world has, at one time or another, been contaminated. In the case of Walkerton, over 2000 people fell ill. 6 people died. We can usually depend on our local government body to ensure that our tap water is safe to drink, but the truth is that contamination can happen. There’s even debate as to whether the level of contaminants in your drinking water at the moment is even safe. But there are ways you can protect yourself: Check out our water solutions now! 1. Get your water tested If your water isn’t clear, comes out a certain colour and has a strong odour or metallic taste, it’s a good idea to get it tested by a professional. If your water is contaminated, a professional can recommend what further steps you can take. But even if your water passes regulatory standards, some argue that these standards are too lenient. Harmful contaminants like PFAS are already known to be present in tap water. And some pesticides can’t always be detected, since there are so many kinds of them. 2. Don’t drink the water You’ll think it obvious, but simply avoiding drinking water that you suspect is contaminated is an easy way to protect yourself. But what do you replace your drinking water with? If you use bottled water, it can still contain contaminants like microplastics. In fact, 25-30% of bottled water brands are actually tap water, and some may contain traces of pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and chemicals. And almost all of them contain microplastics. 3. Boil your water If your water contains bacteria and viruses, boiling it is one of the best ways of removing them. That being said, boiling doesn’t completely purify your water of all contaminants. While it does kill harmful pathogens, it doesn’t remove toxic chemicals, sediment, heavy metals, microplastics, or other contaminants. 4. Keep your pipes and taps clean Sometimes your pipes and taps can be the culprits when it comes to water contamination. Make sure you regularly clean them every 6 months: Cleaning your taps – Lead, bacteria, mould and other debris can get stuck in the aerators (the little mesh at the end of your tap). Remove the aerators and soak them in white vinegar for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a brush. Flushing your pipes – This can help remove contaminants from your water. It’s great to do if there’s been construction in your neighbourhood that’s disrupted your water supply. Remove the aerators and turn on all hot water taps (including bathtubs and showers) for 15 minutes. Turn them off, and then switch on cold water taps starting from the bottom floor (if your house has multiple levels) and work your way up, until they’re all on. Leave them running for 30 minutes. Then turn off all taps starting from the top floor and work your way down. 5. Filter your water Installing a water filter in your home is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from contaminated water. Doulton’s hand-made ceramic filters reduce 99.99% of bacteria, sediment, microplastics, heavy metals (including lead) and microplastics. They also leave healthy minerals in your water, so you know that you’re getting the most benefit out of drinking it. You deserve to feel safe. It’s a real concern to know that tap water can be prone to contamination – putting your wellbeing at risk. You deserve to know you’re safe when you have a glass of water. With these 5 tips, you’ll be able to feel safer when drinking water. But the easiest way to protect yourself is to filter your water. With a filter, you’ll be drinking clean and pristine water that contributes to your wellbeing. Want to find the right filter for your home? Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more
4 Harmful Contaminants That Might Be in Your...
Are you drinking tap water? Then it’s likely that you’re drinking contaminants on a daily basis. Of course, what kind of contaminants they are, and what levels of them are present, really depends on where you live. But there are 4 contaminants that are the most common. Read on to find out what they are and what you can do. Check out our water solutions now! PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) These are toxic man-made chemicals that are used for things like firefighting foam, non-stick frying pans and food packaging.They’re also known as “forever chemicals”, because they’re designed to last in the environment. And there has been some debate around them. They are known to be present in tap water in the UK, for example, and while they don’t exceed British safety levels, they do exceed European safety levels. The debate has been focused on the fact that there should be more limits on their presence in water, because of the known impact that they have on our health. They’re linked to cancer, miscarriage, endocrine disruption, and a variety of other conditions. Lead Lead can be surprisingly common in your drinking water, because it can leak into your water supply through old pipes. But how is lead harmful? Like PFAS, it’s likely to be carcinogenic, and can harm the kidneys as well as increasing blood pressure. It can also affect children in the long term. It impacts brain development and can cause behavioural and learning problems. Pesticides and Herbicides Agricultural work can leak these toxic chemicals into water supplies. They can cause respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting, as well as Parkinson’s disease and cancer. Yes, your water supply is likely to be regularly tested for pesticides, but the trouble is that they’re not always detected or removed. That’s because there’s such a wide variety of these chemicals, that it’s difficult to spot them all. Microplastics Now we’re discovering that microplastics are everywhere. And that includes your tap water, not just bottled water. While we’re still finding out all the harmful effects that microplastics can produce, and whether there’s any safe level of exposure, they’re thought to leak toxic chemicals (since they’re made from petrochemicals, after all). These chemicals don’t just have the potential to cause cancer. But they can even damage your DNA. A buildup of microplastics in your system can cause swelling and blockages, impair your immune system and nervous system responses and contribute to inflammatory bowel disease. So what can you do? Even if you try to avoid drinking tap water by consuming bottled water, you’ll still end up consuming microplastics. It might seem like there’s no escape from these harmful contaminants, but there are solutions available which can protect you. A good option is to filter your water so that any contaminants are removed. Doulton’s hand-made ceramic filters can do just that. What’s more is that Doulton's ceramic water filters don’t remove any nourishing minerals from the water. These remain so that you get the greatest benefit from drinking water. Order a filter now – for the sake of your wellbeing. Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more
The Dangers Lurking in Your Glass of Water:...
Do you ever stop to think about what’s in your glass of water? You might assume that the water coming out of your tap is safe to drink. But the truth is that there could be contaminants lurking in your glass of water – which may affect your health and that of your family. Find out just what kind of contaminants might be hiding in your tap water and what you can do to help protect yourself and your loved ones. Check out our water solutions now! What are water contaminants? And why should you be worried? Water contaminants are potentially harmful substances that make their way into your water supply. While your tap water is usually subject to very strict standards and closely monitored by a government body (depending on where you live), there are some contaminants that may slip through. That’s a real worry. Some common types of contaminants include: PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) – These are toxic man-made chemicals that are used for things like firefighting foam, non-stick frying pans and food packaging. They are linked to cancer and a variety of other illnesses and are known to be present in your tap water. Lead – Can be surprisingly common in your drinking water. That’s because it can leak into your water supply through old pipes. It’s prossibly carcinogenic, and can damage the kidneys as well as increase blood pressure. In the long term, it can affect your child’s brain development which could cause some behavioural and learning problems. Pesticides and Herbicides – These can get into water supplies from agricultural work. They’re toxic and can cause respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting, as well as Parkinson’s disease and cancer, among other conditions. Although your water supply is probably regularly tested for pesticides, there are such a wide variety of these chemicals that not all of them are always detected or removed. Bacteria and viruses – While your water supply is regularly tested and treated for bacteria and viruses, they can very occasionally appear. They can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and sometimes more serious illnesses. They may turn up because of rodents (and other animals), insects and faeces. Microplastics – Even these can get into your tap water. While it’s not yet known if there are any health effects from consuming them, some think that they may leak some toxic chemicals. How you can protect yourself If these contaminants are in your tap water, is there anything you can do to protect yourself? There is. A water filter can help provide clean, pristine water – so you can rest assured that what you’re drinking is of the highest standard. Filters trap contaminants like the ones mentioned above, ensuring that what you drink is better for you. Doulton has a variety of hand-made ceramic water filters that reduce up to 99.99% of bacteria, heavy metals, certain chemicals and even microplastics – while still keeping healthy minerals in. Hydration without the harm Clean water is a human right, and you should be able to drink water while knowing that it’s completely safe. Yes, it’s a real concern that there are potentially harmful contaminants lurking in your glass of water, but you can rest easy; with a high-quality filter, you’ll protect yourself and your family. You’ll have water that is at it should be: pristine. Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more
How To Stay Healthy During Party Season
Christmas is here again and ‘tis the season to overindulge! How do you make sure you stay healthy during the Christmas party season? This time of year can take its toll on us for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the effect too much food and alcohol can have. Staying hydrated is, of course, important all year round, but making a conscious effort to stay on top of your water levels at this time of year can mean the difference between a good Christmas and a great Christmas! Check out our water solutions now! What difference does it really make? Alcohol is what is known as a diuretic – this means it causes your body to remove fluids from your blood far faster than other liquids. If you don’t replenish this water, you will very quickly find yourself dehydrated. You might: Feel tired Have a headache Feel thirsty Feel dizzy or lightheaded Or have a dry mouth All of which will contribute to the dreaded hangover, which can also make you feel nauseous – not a very Christmassy feeling! How can I stop the hangover in its tracks? Firstly, the easiest way to prevent your holiday hangover, is to make sure you don’t get dehydrated in the first place. It is a very good idea to drink plenty of water before the party even starts. Why don’t you set a reminder to drink a glass of water before you leave the house? It is also worthwhile making sure you eat a healthy meal before partying too hard – alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach lining; if you are drinking on an empty stomach, this transference through to the bloodstream can be that much faster. Another good rule of thumb is alternating your drinks with a glass of water. So, for every alcoholic drink you have, you match it with some water. Did you know takes your body around one hour to digest each unit of alcohol? It’s important to bear this in mind and think about how much and how quickly you are drinking. Drinking a glass of water before you go to sleep and making sure you have a glass of water within reach for when you wake up, is something your body will thank you for the morning after! How else can water help me over the Christmas season? Keeping yourself hydrated will not only stop that hangover before it starts, but will also: Ensure your skin looks healthy and hydrated (great for those Christmas photos!) Help turbocharge your metabolism Prevent over-eating by helping you feel fuller for longer Help keep those winter cold bugs away Keep bad breath at bay (so have that mistletoe ready!) Check out the Doulton website to see how our range of prestige, ceramic water filters can provide you with great-tasting, safe water in your own home and keep you healthy throughout this holiday season. Doulton has been the home of fresh, great-tasting water for nearly 180 years. Our filters are tested and certified by independent laboratories to reduce bacteria, particulates, turbidity, cysts, chlorine, limescale and heavy metals including lead. Make sure you don’t end up on the naughty list by staying hydrated and healthy this Christmas with Doulton! Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more
Can Water Help You stay Healthy In Winter?
Winter is here and with the colder weather comes all manner of nasty bugs. We spend much more time indoors in the winter and, as such, cold and ‘flu infection numbers start to ramp up at this time of year. We all have our methods of staying healthy during this time, but did you know that water can help you fight off illnesses as well? Check out our water solutions now! How can water stop you getting sick? We can become particularly vulnerable to winter illnesses through dehydration. The mucous membranes in our nose and sinuses are the front line against preventing viruses and bacteria from entering our bodies. Breathing the dry, artificially-heated air that surrounds us indoors, as well as the cold air outside, in winter dries out these mucous membranes, making them far less effective at capturing bugs and therefore preventing infection. This harsh air also draws more moisture out of our bodies, making us just as susceptible to dehydration in the winter as we are in the warmer months of the summer. Fluid loss in colder temperatures can be just as high as warmer climes, we will often perform more physical activities in the winter and we will certainly be wearing more layers of clothing, in order to stay warm, which can increase perspiration and also mask the amount of sweat we are producing. Some people also feel much less thirsty in the winter than they do in throughout the rest of the year. Many of the usual signals of dehydration we would look out for in the summer, such as sweating, are harder to detect in the winter. Meaning that often people just will not drink as much water in the winter, even though the body’s need for water is exactly the same. Drinking plenty of water regularly will help you avoid those winter bugs and can also help boost your immune system What else can water do for me in the winter? It might sound counter-intuitive but drinking plenty of fresh water can also help keep you warm – something we all need as the temperature drops and the nights draw in. Water has a large heat capacity; this means it can help regulate the body’s temperature and prevent large, and potentially harmful, internal temperature fluctuations that could be caused by cold (and hot) weather extremes. Water is also integral to blood flow which, as well as providing vital nutrients to your cells and removing waste, will make sure all your extremities (fingers and toes – the first parts to feel the cold) stay nice and warm! And if you don’t want to drink a cold glass of water on a cold day? Hot water can hydrate you just as well. The key for good hydration, though, is clean, fresh drinking water. Our water filters are used in millions of homes, all over the world, to cleanse drinking water; keeping people from over 140 countries safe and well every day. Visit the Doulton store to see how we can help look after you and your family’s health this winter. Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more
Suffering From An Uncomfortable Pregnancy? How Water Can...
Just imagine. Waking up in the morning without being greeted by the dreaded morning sickness. And all of its other friends too: Tiredness, bloatedness, swollen ankles, fogginess, constipation and indigestion. While it isn’t a cure in itself, water can help relieve you from these unwanted symptoms. You’d be surprised at the impact it can have on your health, as well as your baby’s. Check out our water solutions now! How Hydration Helps During Your Pregnancy Feeling sceptical? What does water have to do with a healthy pregnancy? Quite a lot actually. It can make being pregnant a little more comfortable. And you deserve a bit more comfort – you’re growing a new life inside you! Water supports your body during all of its physiological changes and can help alleviate side effects from the pregnancy. It can ease morning sickness along with feelings of nausea. If that isn't enough to make you start drinking more water right away, it can also help with nasty urinary tract infections, dizziness, swollen ankles, constipation and cramps. Not only that, it reduces feelings of tiredness – giving you a much-needed boost in energy. If you suffer from a lot of bloating – contrary to what you might think – drinking enough water can help relieve it, as well as improve your overall digestion. During pregnancy, your body drains a lot more of your own resources. For example, your body replenishes the amniotic fluid your little one is swimming in every hour. To keep this supply going, you've got to keep properly hydrated. Because of frequent trips to the bathroom during pregnancy, it’s vital to keep drinking water and replace what you lose. It helps to drink water in sips throughout the day rather than in one go. This means less trips to the bathroom while still keeping hydrated. The important thing to keep in mind is that severe dehydration can have quite a serious impact on a pregnancy. It can lead to lower levels of amniotic fluid which can affect the baby or lead to more contractions. Your blood gets thicker during pregnancy, so if you don't keep properly hydrated you could end up getting cardiovascular issues or hypertension. Giving Your Baby a Good Start Hydration creates a healthy environment which supports the baby during pregnancy. Water transports vital nutrients to the unborn baby through the umbilical cord and helps to keep it hydrated. It’s important to drink more water when breastfeeding too, as you’ll feel thirstier. If you're using formula instead of breastfeeding, it’s better to mix the formula with high-quality water. Tap water may contain contaminants, high levels of metals and small doses of bacteria which may be okay for adults, but aren’t the best for babies. Newborns have developing immune systems – so they're more vulnerable. In fact, it's recommended to boil tap water for babies under 6 months old. Otherwise it could be unsafe. Even bottled water contains high levels of sodium or sulphate which aren’t beneficial for the baby. To ensure your child has water that is higher quality, it’s a good idea to use filtered water in their formula. Also, when bathing your little one, use filtered water since it hydrates the skin better. This is because it’s free of chemicals that remove the skin’s oils. If your baby has eczema, using tap water might not help because it tends to dry out the skin. It’s incredible what water can do for you and your baby’s health. It's essential to ensure the water is of the highest quality. To get the best water, it’s worth investing in a water filter. Find out more. Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more
Is Filtered Water Better For Your Baby?
There is a huge amount of information out there for new parents and it can sometimes be difficult to separate fact from fiction. One thing all experts can agree on is just how important clean, fresh water is on the health of you and your new family. Staying hydrated will protect you and your baby from a variety of health complications, but what is the best way to achieve this? Will ordinary tap water do? Check out our water solutions now! What's Good For You Is Good For Your Baby Most tap water, although completely safe to drink, will contain varying levels of bacteria and viruses, as well as mineral deposits and added chemicals. If you drink unfiltered water, these additional nasties can be passed on to your baby; firstly, via the placenta during pregnancy, and then via breastmilk once your baby has arrived. Studies have shown that the placenta, while passing vital nutrients and oxygen through to your baby, can often contain a number of harmful toxins, including mercury, lead, bacteria, and viruses. Breast milk carries all the nutrients a baby needs in their first 6 months of life, including fat, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water, as well as the crucial antibodies needed to protect your baby against disease. But that’s not all. Anything you put into your own system can be passed through to your baby via breastmilk. It is therefore important to avoid mercury-rich fish, some vitamin supplements, alcohol and drugs while breastfeeding and stick to a healthy diet – which includes clean, filtered water! It’s also well-known that having a new-born baby can seriously impact the amount of quality sleep you are getting. It can, therefore, be tempting to rely on food and drinks with elevated levels of caffeine to keep you awake. Unfortunately, this caffeine is also then passed through to your baby through breast milk and this can cause distress and even heart and other health problems, so it is important to avoid it as much as possible. Caffeine naturally occurs in many food and drink items, such as chocolate, tea, coffee, and energy drinks, as well as some painkillers and cold & flu remedies. Ensuring you drink plenty of fresh water will help clear that brain fog and keep you alert, while protecting your baby from harmful additives. Say No To Unfiltered Water! If you drink filtered water, you are ensuring you and your baby only drink the cleanest and safest water possible; giving them the healthiest start in life. Our range of prestige, ceramic water filters can provide you with great-tasting, safe water in your own home and will ensure that you are giving your baby the best possible start in life! Doulton has been the home of fresh, great-tasting water for nearly 180 years. Our filters are tested and certified by independent laboratories to reduce bacteria, particulates, turbidity, cysts, chlorine, limescale and heavy metals including lead. All of our water filter systems remove up to 99.9% of contaminants – a perfect solution for great tasting water for you and your family. Check out our water solutions now!
Learn more