Water filter cartridges play a vital role in ensuring the quality of the water we drink. Over time, these filters get clogged with impurities, making them less effective in removing harmful contaminants from our water. This is why it’s essential to change water filter cartridges regularly.

Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash

According to a recent article on wellandgood.com, water filter cartridges can significantly affect the taste and quality of the water we drink. Here are some reasons why changing water filter cartridges is so important:

  1. Ensures Optimal Performance: Water filter cartridges work by trapping contaminants and impurities as water passes through them. Over time, these contaminants can build up and clog the filter, reducing its effectiveness. Changing the filter cartridge at regular intervals helps ensure that the filter is working at its optimal level, providing clean, fresh-tasting water.
  2. Removes Harmful Contaminants: Water filters are designed to remove specific contaminants from our water, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. However, if the filter cartridge is not changed regularly, these contaminants can build up and make their way into our drinking water, posing a health risk.
  3. Improves Taste and Odour: As water filter cartridges become clogged, they can produce a foul taste and odour in the water. Changing the filter cartridge regularly ensures that the water tastes and smells fresh, making it more enjoyable to drink.
  4. Saves Money: While it may seem counterintuitive, changing water filter cartridges regularly can actually save you money in the long run. A clogged filter can reduce water pressure, making your appliances work harder and use more energy. This can result in higher utility bills and potentially costly repairs.
Photo by form PxHere


So, how often should you change your water filter cartridge? The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of filter you have and the quality of your water. Generally, it’s recommended to replace most PP and GAC filter cartridges every six months to one year, or more frequently if you have particularly hard or contaminated water. Biological filters will usually last longer since the water has already travelled through at least two other cartridges before it gets to it. The following table outlines the recommendations based on the average household of 4 members and the quality of water supplied by municipal water authorities. The filter lifespans should be adjusted for any variations from these conditions.

Type of Filter

 Construction & purpose

Recommended replacement interval

Polypropylene Filter

 Multi-density polypropylene filter for sediment removal Suggested usage life: 6 months or 3,000L

Activated Carbon Filter

 Coconut shell granular activated carbon filter for chemical substance removal Suggested usage life: 12 months or 6,000L

Biological Filter such as EZ-AQUA EM-Medium

 EM-medium filter for microorganism removal Suggested usage life: 12 months or 6,000L

In conclusion, changing water filter cartridges is essential for ensuring clean, healthy, and great-tasting water. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to protect your health, improve the quality of your drinking water, and save money on utility bills. So, don’t forget to add “change water filter cartridge” to your to-do list!