Ever wondered where the water in your fridge comes from? Has the question, is fridge water tap water ever popped into your mind? Most people enjoy a cool drink of fridge water without giving the source or the purification process it goes through any thought.

Many people will be shocked to hear that the water in their fridges comes from the same source as tap water. However, in this case, your fridge has filtered the water and is much cooler.

What Is Fridge Water?

Let’s talk about how water gets through your fridge to make fridge water first; then, we can get into the specifics of the two kinds of water. 

A cold water supply line is connected to your fridge if it has a water dispenser. The pipe might be concealed behind a wall, under the floor, etc. The fridge can receive water thanks to this plumbing pipe. But first, the water passes through a tiny filter to the dispenser. By brand, the filter is located in a different place.

Activated carbon filters are used in fridges to filter out dirt and other impurities. Several variables determine how successfully it filters out these particles. Fridge filters typically remove chlorine. It improves flavor and scent.

Additionally, it doesn’t get rid of all the impurities in the water. Only the dangerous ones get eliminated. As a result, the calcium, potassium, and magnesium in fridge water will be in trace proportions.

Is Fridge Water Tap Water?

Now that you know what fridge water means and how it comes about let’s go to the main purpose of this article. So, is fridge water tap water?

Yes, the water in fridges is filtered tap water. Water for your fridge originates from the main supply lines that provide water into your house.

The water from the reservoir flows through a filter in the fridge and then into the water dispenser. Some fridges may even produce ice from purified water, making fridge water an attractive alternative to tap water in hot climates. Chlorine is frequently present in high concentrations in tap water, but when left exposed, it quickly evaporates.

However, the fridge filter should be regularly inspected and replaced as directed by the manufacturer. Water purity is also affected by the filtering system employed. Verify the filter’s stated micron rating on your fridge—the filter’s rate increases as the micron rating decreases.

Is Tap Water Healthier Than Fridge Water?

Since you know the difference between fridge water and tap water, you might be curious to know if tap water is healthier. It is a fantastic query that frequently sparks discussion. 

The sole factor determining the answer is your location. When trying to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and water hardness, most large communities’ water supply goes through several rigorous filtration processes.

After being processed through water treatment facilities, the water is put into houses only if it passes stringent quality controls. As a result, drinking tap water should not pose any health risks.

Tap water is unsafe in locations with outdated pipes vulnerable to lead contamination or few water treatment facilities. Before consuming such water, it is advisable to take safety precautions.

The water in most fridges has already been filtered by an activated carbon filter, which eliminates harmful substances. But its primary objective is to eliminate chlorine flavor and enhance water flavor.

What is the Difference Between Bottled Water and Fridge-Filtered Water?

A question that people tend to ask is the difference between bottled water and fridge-filtered water.

The mobile lifestyle demands water bottles that are simple to choose from. Many people favor bottled water over fridge-filtered water due to its simplicity and ease of carrying it. Research has shown that this might not be the case. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) laws govern and regulate bottled water production, but they are less stringent than those that apply to tap water.

Various kinds of bottled water are available, including spring water, well water, purified water, artesian water, mineral water, and sparkling water. Filtration and purification systems are applied to bottled water. While some may prefer bottled water, the higher per-liter price tags often discourage casual purchases.

Using filtered water stored in the fridge is a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Countless discarded plastic bottles wind up in landfills and waterways and frequently endanger human and marine life. Every year, less plastic pollution results from individuals drinking fridge water instead of bottled water.

How Long is Fridge Water Good For?

When the water supply is interrupted, preserving water for a long time may be necessary. The main question is how long you can preserve the fridge water.

In theory, water shouldn’t expire and can be stored eternally. Water stored in the fridge has a longer shelf life and is less likely to develop harmful bacteria. Although it may theoretically stay forever if stored in a clean container, some experts advise discarding fridge water after six months. 

Storing your water in a clean, closed container is imperative to reduce the possibility of contaminants or contamination. Do not drink the water if you notice that it smells terrible. Despite appearing to be safe for drinking, it could be polluted.

How Does a Fridge Water Filter Work?

After knowing that your fridge water is filtered, you might be curious to know how the fridge water filter works.

According to the design and preference of the manufacturer, various fridges typically feature different filters. Multiple pollutants, including germs, heavy metals, and big soil particles, will be sieved out by different filters.

There are different water filters, some of which can remove larger particles, including dirt, soil, and silt, from the water. In contrast, others can remove bigger chlorine traces that impact the water’s taste.

Also, a carbon filter that removes minute impurities is typically included in another selection of filters. You should know that you can accommodate all these possibilities with a fridge filtration system in which the water passes through several filtering stages. The water may take on a new flavor after so many transformations.

How Clean is the Water From Your Fridge Dispenser?

Since most people prefer fridge water to tap water because it has undergone filtration, I must discuss how clean it is.

The water filter and reservoir in the fridge will need a steady supply of water. Think about the piping that brings water to your fridge and whether or not it’s secure. Plastics will go with plastic hosepipes, while others may choose copper pipes. Flush lines to ensure no sediment is trapped inside.

The second factor is how frequently you clean the water dispenser in the fridge. The risk of bacteria building up at the dispenser point will grow with periodic cleaning, and the water’s flavor may also change. Clean your water dispenser regularly with clean water, bleach, vinegar, or another substance.

Best Fridge Water Filters

1. Everydrop by Whirlpool Fridge Filter

Whirlpool Everydrop Fridge Filter is a filter that is environmentally friendly and can purify the water in up to 1500 standard water bottles. Everydrop gives this product a good rating. By offering the cleanest and safest drinking water, Everydrop has made a name for itself in the market for fridge water filters.

These filters employ natural coconut shell carbon, which is edible and non-toxic, to remove 99% of the chlorine and enable you to give your family clean drinking water straight from the fridge. These NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified filters can also remove 28 pollutants, including lead, pesticides, medicines, and waterborne parasites. It works with JennAir, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Amana, and Maytag fridges. They are simple to install without using any tools or professional assistance.

Pros:

• Sustainable fridge water filters.
• Coconut carbon filters.
• NSF 42, 53, and 401 certified.
• It removes 28 different kinds of contaminants.

Cons:

• It is expensive but is worth the money.

2. GE RPWFE Fridge Water Filter

The GE RPWFE Fridge Water Filter can reduce over 50 pollutants. If you have a GE fridge with a front-loading door, you can’t go wrong with these genuine RPWFE filters. While lead in water is odorless, tasteless, and virtually invisible, these filters will eliminate every trace of it. They are proven to eliminate fluoxetine, progesterone, trimethoprim, ibuprofen, and atenolol, among the other five trace medications.

They eliminate sediment and 99% of pollutants, including PFOA and PFOS, cysts resistant to chlorine. They offer better-quality ice and water by eliminating chlorine and chloramines. They can filter about 300 gallons of water and have a lifespan of six months. Do not turn off the water supply or any tools.

Pros:

• It reduces 50 kinds of contaminants.
• It’s a good fit for GE front-door fridges.
• It removes five trace pharmaceuticals.
• Removal of chlorine and chloramines.

Cons:

• Expensive.

3. Frigidaire EPTWFU01 Water Filtration Filter

Are you looking for a BPA-free fridge water filtering system that ensures the water from the fridge tastes good and is safe? Then, these genuine Fridgaire water filters remove the contaminants that could be hazardous to your family’s health. NSF has verified that these filters effectively remove up to 99% of contaminants from water.

They are effective at scrubbing the air of heavy metals like mercury and lead, as well as removing volatile chemical pollutants. They can also lessen pollutants like pesticides, chlorine, and other toxins. Additionally, they keep more than 3 million bottle waste from throughout the globe. They are lighter than the majority of other fridge water filters. The installation prevents leaks and other water damage, which is relatively straightforward.

Pros:

• Internationally certified.
• It removes VOCs.
• It saves over 3 million trash bottles.
• Lightweight than most water filters.

Cons:

• Some people felt it only lasts for a short time.

Conclusion

Fridge water is a common substitute for bottled water, filtration pitchers, and tap water. It is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than purchasing bottled water for you and your family. However, to preserve the purity and cleanliness of the water within your fridge, it’s crucial to routinely clean or replaces the dispensers, pipes, and filters that carry water to and from it.