Water Filtration Myths Busted

Separating Fact from Fiction

Walk down the water aisle at any grocery store, and you’ll see dozens of filters, purifiers, and pitchers all promising clean, safe drinking water. Add to that a flood of online opinions, social media “experts,” and old-fashioned word-of-mouth, and it’s no wonder homeowners across the Rio Grande Valley are left scratching their heads.

At Aqua Clear Water Solutions, we’ve heard it all—“My water tastes fine, so it must be clean,” or “All filters work the same, right?”

Unfortunately, when it comes to something as critical as your family’s drinking water and water filtration, misinformation can cost you money, damage your plumbing, and even impact your health.
So, we’re breaking down the most common water filtration myths, helping you separate fact from fiction once and for all.

Myth #1: “My Water Tastes Fine, So It Must Be Safe”

The Reality

Contaminants like lead, PFAS (forever chemicals), arsenic, and pesticides are tasteless, colorless, and odorless. Water can taste perfectly normal and still contain harmful pollutants. In Southern Texas, agricultural runoff, aging pipes, and well water issues all contribute to potential unseen risks.

The Fix:

Routine testing and professional-grade filtration systems—like those we install at Aqua Clear—are the only reliable way to ensure your water is truly safe. If you haven’t tested your water in the last year, it’s time.

Myth #2: “Boiling Water Removes All Contaminants”

The Reality:

Boiling water kills bacteria and viruses, but it won’t remove heavy metals, chemical contaminants, or hard water minerals. In fact, boiling can actually concentrate certain contaminants by evaporating the water and leaving pollutants behind.

The Fix:

Boiling water should be a short-term emergency solution, not a long-term strategy. If your water source is compromised, a whole-home or point-of-use filtration system is your best bet.

Myth #3: “Bottled Water Is Cleaner Than Tap Water”

The Reality:

Not always. The bottled water industry is less regulated than municipal water systems. Many bottled water products are simply repackaged tap water, sometimes with basic filtration, sometimes not. Add in plastic leaching and the environmental toll of single-use bottles, and bottled water starts to lose its appeal.

The Fix:

Filtered water at home is not only more cost-effective, but also more environmentally friendly and dependable. With the right system in place, you’ll have high-quality drinking water straight from your tap every time.

Myth #5: “Filtration Systems Waste Too Much Water”

The Reality:

While it’s true that some systems—particularly outdated reverse osmosis units—waste more water than they should, modern systems are engineered for efficiency. Water softeners, for instance, now regenerate based on usage, rather than just time, which significantly reduces water waste.

The Fix:

Our solutions at Aqua Clear are designed with conservation in mind. We’ll help you select a system that’s both powerful and eco-conscious, so you’re protecting your health and the environment.

Myth #6: “I Have a Private Well, So My Water Is Natural and Clean”

The Reality:

Well water is vulnerable to a wide range of contaminants, including bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, and radon. In rural parts of Southern Texas, runoff from nearby farms and livestock operations can significantly degrade water quality without any visual cues.

The Fix:

Well water needs regular testing and maintenance, just like municipal water. Aqua Clear offers customized filtration and softening systems specifically designed for private well owners to ensure your water stays safe year-round.

Myth #7: “Once I Install a Filter, I’m Set for Life”

The Reality:

Filters have lifespans, and without regular replacement or maintenance, they become ineffective, or worse, a breeding ground for bacteria. Just because the water is running doesn’t mean your system is still doing its job.

The Fix:

At Aqua Clear, we offer ongoing maintenance and support to ensure your drinking water system continues to work at peak performance. From filter changes to complete system checks, we help you stay ahead of problems before they start.