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Five Winter Wellness Tips with Doulton Water Filters
As the cold snap is upon us, we may find that energy levels are dipping - discover five winter wellness tips to help you through the cooler seasons.
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New: Water Filter Bundles From Doulton!
Choosing the right water filter system from Doulton has become even easier, with our curated collection of bundles. Explore more about the range in our latest blog post.
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The Doulton Christmas Water Filter Gift Guide
Shopping for Christmas presents can be tricky. That's why we've curated our gift guide to help you to bring filtered water into the homes of friends and family with ease this festive season!
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How to Reduce PFAS and Forever Chemicals: 5...
PFAS has quietly made its way into our everyday household products, food and even our water. What is it? And how can you reduce it?
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What Are PFAS in Water and Should You...
Lately, you may have noticed a growing number of headlines concerning something found in our water supplies called PFAS (or ‘forever chemicals’). When seeing news like this, it can feel unsettling. Especially when water is so essential to our health and wellbeing. Amid the worry, there is often a great deal of concern and confusion - which is where our experts come in. They're here to help to demystify your water worries and lay out the facts about PFAS (alongside other contaminants found in your water), providing you with the information needed to make an informed decision alongside some reassurance along the way! Firstly, What are PFAS? PFAS (also known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are used in the production of many common household and industrial products. They are extremely resistant to biodegradation, which means that they can take up to 1000 years to break down. Because of this, they are known as ‘forever chemicals’ and they can sometimes find their way into our water supplies. Some of the more common household products you will find PFAS in are things like: None-stick frying pans Aerosols Fabric Protectors Stain Resistant Products ...And other similar items around your home. It’s not just water supplies that PFAS can get into, though. They have also been found in air, dust and even food products such as eggs, meat, fish, milk, fruit and vegetables. Where does PFAS in water come from? PFAS in water can come from a range of different places. One of the main sources would be factories or industrial sites that handle the mass production of items such as none-stick frying pans, or water proof clothing. Due to the manufacturing process, some of the PFAs from the locations may be inadvertently directed into the environment. Another cause could be from Firefighting Foam (AFFF). Whilst firefighting foam has a massive benefit of saving lives during a fire, there is a great deal of waste from the foam that can soak into the ground and reach our water sources. The locations where this could be prevalent are places such as military bases, airports or fire training sites, where they are used not only for training but to also put out fuel fires. Our landfill sites also play their part in leaking out PFAS into groundwater or nearby rivers and lakes. This is where we can make a personal impact by reducing the amount of PFAS related items we throw away – such as fast food wrappers, water proof clothing or cleaning products, as these are the culprits known for actively seeping out PFAS once in the landfill system. It’s important to remember that even if the source of PFAS isn’t directly close to a singular place, it can break down into soil and travel into water supplies; staying in the environment for a very long time. Which is why we are seeing it more and more in our drinking water supplies globally. So, does my drinking water have PFAS in it? In the UK, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) sets guidance on PFAS limits in drinking water for England and Wales. The current acceptable level is 100 ng/L. However, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is calling for stricter regulations to further reduce this limit. Recently, the BBC reviewed 23 enforcement notices issued by the DWI for elevated PFAS levels that could “constitute a potential danger to human health.” By analysing publicly available information, they estimated that at least six million people were affected across various water supply systems. In reality, PFAS are present in much of the UK’s drinking water, although exceedances of regulatory limits are rare. When water suppliers do breach these limits, such cases account for only about 0.03% of overall non-compliance, meaning most drinking water in the UK remains within safety standards. Can I check my tap water for PFAS at home? It is not an easy or straightforward task to check for PFAS in your water at home. This is due to the lack of accurate tests available, or obvious indicators such as taste or smell. You can also check the water reports in your area. As each region is managed by a different water supply companies, they will all have slightly different sources of water and ways to process it. Many utilities are also now required to report PFAS levels. What water filters remove PFAS in water? To effectively remove PFAS from your water, there are only a few methods that have been proven to work: Activated Carbon Filters: Granular activated carbon (GAC) can adsorb PFAS, though performance varies by filter type and PFAS chain length. Reverse Osmosis: Highly effective at removing a wide range of PFAS but strips all minerals from the water that are essential for our bodies. Here at Doulton, our British Berkefield Ultra Sterasyl system reduces 95% of PFOA & PFOS combined. You can see test data here. The system uses gravity to filter the water slowly through, allowing for the forever chemicals to be reduced through the activated carbon. Another solution is the Doulton DUO or TRIO under sink systems. Working alongside the Biotect Ultra filter, you can insert a specific PFAS reduction cartridge that can target concerns directly.
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Three Tips for Planning a Renovation
As we move into the cooler months here in the UK, people are spending longer indoors and more time focussed on ways to improve their surroundings. Read on to find out our top three tips when it comes to your next renovation project.
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Fuel the Focus: Why water is your child’s...
New uniforms have been bought. Backpacks are filled. Timetables are confirmed, and the rhythm of the new school routine begins again. The back-to-school period marks the season of fresh starts. A time to reset. Organise wraparound care. Make meal plans. It’s also the perfect moment to think about something most of us overlook: water. Whilst you may look at today’s younger generation and recognise that children today do drink more water than kids in the ’80s or ’90s, there still might be a small hydration gap. In the U.K over 88% of children fail to meet recommended hydration levels despite the aforementioned cultural shift (PMC, 2017). Back then, milk was the mealtime default, and fizzy drinks were the weekend treat that crept into weekdays. Now, reusable bottles are everywhere, and water has finally claimed its place. But did you realise that even though the drink of choice has changed, the numbers tell us children still aren’t drinking enough. Across the globe, most children still fail to meet adequate water intake recommendations. Reasons include limited access to safe drinking water, lack of hydration promoted in schools, and gaps in healthy hydration education (PubMed, 2022). So, what does that mean for your child? It means a water bottle isn’t just another back-to-school accessory. It's not just something we encourage at meal times. Water is a focus booster. A fatigue fighter. A secret weapon for sharper thinking and steadier moods. Yes, a good night’s sleep matters. Yes, a balanced breakfast matters. But water? Water is the essential hydration hero we need to continue to encourage. Why is hydration so important for children? We constantly remind our children to drink water, but do we know why? Usually, we relate it to the blanket reason of ‘health’. We can expand on this though. Drinking water is important for children for the following reasons: Keeping energy levels steady: Do you find your child is irritable, sluggish or appearing more tired than usual? Water is the main component of blood, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells. When children are dehydrated, circulation slows. This means that cells get less fuel, and their little bodies tend to start feeling more tired and sluggish. Regulating temperature: Did you know that children can lose water from their body faster than an adult? When you consider that a child’s body is roughly 70-75% water (versus an adults being around 60%) and you combine this with the higher activity levels and larger skin surface in relation to body mass, it’s not surprise that they excrete more water than an average adult . Therefore, keeping their water topped up, helps to regulate their temperature more effectively. Improved concentration: You need to concentrate to learn. Even mild hydration can affect attention span, memory and mood, though. This is because your child's brain is around 75% water and even a 1-2% fluid loss can make it harder to process information. By ensuring that your little one keeps on top of their hydration levels you can help them to concentrate, think more clearly and stay focused throughout the day. Tips for keeping children hydrated: At this point, we all recognise that water is important to stay healthy, hydrated and happy. As adults, we recognise this, and we actively find ways to increase hydration. But when it comes to children, emphasising the importance of water can be a little bit more difficult. How do we get our kids to drink more water? Here are a few tips: 🍉Eat their water! There are many fruits and vegetables that can boost hydration. So, if your child really doesn’t want another glass of water, there are other ways to get their hydration levels back up. Choose fruits such as Watermelon, which is 92% water and also rich in vitamins like A and C, or Strawberries (again, 92% water) which are high in vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants to give them a tasty and nutritious treat! 👀Create a visual reminder: The British Berkefeld Gravity System is the perfect way for them to pour their own water safely, and a fantastic visual reminder to drink. Children are naturally intrigued by something the size and shape of the British Berkefeld system, and providing them with the independence to pour their own cup of H2O is the ideal solution to water worries! 🍹Make some fun fruity infusions! Make healthy enhancements to water by adding your favourite fruits. Experiment with unique combinations, and you could even have a taste-test competition! You could go a step further with your British Berkefeld system and set up a ‘mocktail’ making stand with fruits cut up and on display. Or install an under sink water filter system that provides the entire family fresh, filtered drinking water on tap, to enhance the quality of your DIY infusions. How will you fuel their focus? Ultimately water matters. It’s just a case of how you will encourage it to be more prevalent in your routines this school year and beyond. Tying everything together for all generations, we know that hydration is the unsung hero. Encourage it. Drink it. Make it easy to reach and above all, make it fun! When children are hydrated they are not just ready for school, they’re also ready to think, play and thrive.
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Home vs. Office - Where are we staying...
Results from our recent survey reveal how workplace routines, taste perceptions, and trust issues shape the UK’s hydration divide. Our survey of 1,000 UK adults has uncovered the truth about how people hydrate at home versus at work. While most agree that drinking enough water improves wellbeing, focus and productivity, the data shows a clear gap in hydration habits. From home kitchens to office break rooms, a distinct behavioural gap emerges. Nearly 39% of people say they drink more water at home, versus in the office. And when it comes to what they’re drinking, bottled water dominates the workplace, despite the growing environmental concern around single-use plastics, alongside the cost of choosing bottled water! So, what is the truth around how the nation's hydration habits are at home versus in the office? Here are some of our key findings at a glance: ● 47.8% of UK workers drink bottled water at work, highlighting a major reliance on single-use plastics. ● 94.1% say hydration improves concentration and productivity, reinforcing its importance in overall well-being. ● 32.8% would drink more tap water at work if it tasted better, making flavour the biggest barrier for choosing tap water. ● 38.8% drink more water at home than at work (30.6%), suggesting a hydration gap driven by environment. ● 43.3% already use a home water filter, and another 18.1% are considering one. The Hydration Divide: Home vs. Work. At home, hydration is often part of people’s routine, with easy access to preferred water sources and personal control over quality. In contrast, workplace environments present challenges such as back to back meetings, limited access to water, and concerns about the taste and quality of tap water. Our survey also revealed that 32.8% of respondents said better-tasting tap water would encourage them to drink more at work. Despite the popular belief that tap water doesn’t have a taste. Interestingly, and despite recent reports in the media, more than 60% of our survey participants trusted the safety of their local tap water. Meaning that taste remains a significant factor influencing preferences. Our NPD & Technical Director, Joy, notes: “Our hydration habits are deeply influenced by the environments we spend time in. This research shows that taste and accessibility are key barriers at work. Addressing these concerns could unlock healthier, more sustainable hydration choices that benefit wellbeing and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.” The Benefits of Using a Water Filtration System With nearly half of the respondents relying on bottled water at work despite environmental concerns, and many more using or considering water filters at home, it’s clear that people want better water solutions. Installing a solution at home, such as our under sink water filter systems, offers several advantages that can help bridge the hydration gap between home and work: Improved TasteThe filtration process takes out impurities that can cause the metallic taste and bleachy odours people find present in their drinking water Enhanced Health and SafetyAdvanced filtration processes utilise innovative technology to reduce harmful substances such as lead, chlorine and other common contaminants. Environmentally FriendlyUsing a water filter significantly reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bottles, helping to lower plastic waste and carbon footprints. Ceramic water filters can also help to reduce your carbon footprint with their ability to be added to compost. Cost-Effective and ConvenientFiltered water is often more economical over time compared to constantly purchasing bottled water. Supports Wellbeing and ProductivityHydration is crucial for maintaining focus and energy throughout the day it can also support skin health and general wellness. Time to bin the bottle? Despite growing public awareness around plastic pollution, nearly half of UK workers surveyed still reach for bottled water at work - a behaviour that doesn't line up with wider sustainability goals. Why? It comes down to convenience, habit, and perception. Bottled water still feels like the “safe” or “better-tasting” option, especially in environments where the alternative isn’t appealing or trusted. But with hydration so closely tied to wellbeing and performance, this trade-off is starting to look outdated. What the Data Tells Us About Changing Habits One of the most encouraging takeaways from our survey is that these preferences aren't fixed. The data doesn’t show people choosing plastic out of loyalty - it shows people making pragmatic choices based on their environment. In fact, many are open to change if the conditions are right: 32.8% said they’d drink more tap water at work if it simply tasted better 19.2% would be more likely to drink tap water if their employer provided a reusable bottle And a large portion of people are already improving water quality at home with water filter systems This is a chance to understand why bottled water still dominates and what the subtle factors are that influence our choices. It’s not always about what we care about most; it’s often about what’s most convenient. Especially in the fast-paced world, where people often seek quicker solutions for common concerns. When we talk about water access, taste really does shape how and what we choose to drink. Having easy access to a reusable bottle with a water filter inside, or having a filtered water system available at work, can naturally encourage healthier habits. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference to both your hydration levels and the planet. Joy continues: “These findings highlight how much our environment shapes our hydration habits. It’s encouraging to see that so many people are thinking about the quality and taste of their water, both at home and at work. This kind of data helps us understand where the real barriers are and where small changes, like improving taste, could make a meaningful difference in daily routines.” A Smarter, Greener Way to Hydrate This snapshot of the UK’s water habits offers a deeper understanding of how the UK public approaches hydration in different spaces. From the home to the workplace, it’s clear that convenience, taste, and trust play significant roles in how we stay hydrated. What’s clear is that hydration is about more than health. It intersects with productivity, sustainability, and personal habits. This research acts as a springboard to conversations about how we live, work, and care for both ourselves and the planet. Methodology To gain insight into hydration habits across different environments, we conducted a quantitative survey of 1,000 UK adults aged 18 and over. The survey was designed to explore patterns of water consumption at home versus work, attitudes towards tap and bottled water, and factors influencing hydration choices.
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5 Tips for Staying Hydrated on the Go!
Ah, the great British Summer. A time to holiday, hike and have hours of fun in the great outdoors. Whilst it’s still unclear if this summer will be a washout, or if we may be treated to a heatwave, one thing that will be consistent throughout is that you need to stay hydrated - wherever the wind takes you! There are general rules of thumb when it comes to how much water you should drink in a day, and during warmer weather it is particularly important to stay on top of your water intake. If you are out and about, enjoying the sights and sounds of world around you, there are a few ways you can optimise your hydration and stay on top of your drinking enough to keep you going. Five Tips for staying hydrated on the go: 1: Plan ahead Plan your day ahead to ensure that you have everything you need. From the routes you will be taking, supplies you will pack, through to facilities along the way! If you’re on a hike, or a particularly lengthy adventure, set reminders on your watch or phone to prompt you to drink and eat regularly. It’s easy to lose track when you’re exploring! 2: Preparation is key About 2 hours before you set out for the day, drink at least one large glass of water to prepare your body for the adventure ahead. If you can’t face a full large glass, or conscious of toilet facilities, don’t forget you can also eat water-rich fuels to release some good ol’ H2O as you digest them. 3: Make sure water is available Some popular trails and locations may have access to safe drinking water en route. However, if you’re going to an outdoor event or camping, you may want to take something like a Gravity Water Filter System along, to keep safe drinking water flowing, or a reusable water filter bottle to keep in your backpack and stay topped up. Try to avoid buying bottled water as the cost could mount up for longer and more frequent days out! We have uncovered the costs of bottled water vs our filters in our recent blog post here. 4: Don't forget a snack If you are out and about hiking or walking for long periods of time and losing water through sweat, you will experience loss of essential electrolytes. The best way to ensure you replenish electrolytes is with a snack that contains potassium, sodium and magnesium. Some great snacks to take with you could be bananas, yoghurt pouches and mixed nuts. 5: Rehydrate After a long day out, it is important to rehydrate. Especially if you’ve been doing physical activities in warmer weather. Your body needs water to repair and rejuvenate, ready to keep going the next day! Once you’ve hit home ground again, relax, unwind and drink some additional water so that your body can replenish itself. When you are away from home or work, it can be easy to ‘forget’ simple tasks we do every day – such as drinking water. With this, you can be slightly more prone to becoming dehydrated. So, listen to your body and be vigilant of the warning signs. Warning Signs of Dehydration Feeling thirsty and having a dry mouth Darker urine with a stronger odour Not passing urine as regularly Feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded Sunken eyes, dry lips and mouth If you experience any of these symptoms, drink water immediately, and if the signs persist check in with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Remember to have fun! Whilst your travels should include staying on top of your water levels, it is also important to have fun no matter what you do! Take precautions, wear sunscreen, avoid injury and stay hydrated – wherever the wind takes you this summer, and beyond!
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