Should Your Pets Drink Filtered Water? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you put down a bowl of water for your pet each day, where does that water come from? Chances are, you're not splurging on expensive bottled water for your dog or cat.

Most people choose to give their pets water that comes straight from the tap – yet they use bottled or filtered water for themselves! But if we can enjoy the health benefits and safety guarantee of filtered water, why can't our pets?

Obviously, paying for bottled water for pets isn't viable for most people. But one option is to install a water filter that will improve the supply for the whole family – four legged friends included.

Here are the top five benefits to consider when choosing the water you give your pets.
 
A filtered supply helps to ensure you control your pet's consumption.

Pets rely on us to keep track of what they consume and keep them safe, so you're bound to want to know everything you're putting into your pet's body.

With filtered water, you know there won't be any harmful chemicals that are simply unnecessary to their diet.
 
Filtered water tastes better than unfiltered water.

Let's face it – pets can be fussy too! Animals will often turn their nose up at food or water they don't enjoy. But if they're refusing to drink their water, they may suffer the effects of dehydration.

Filtered water is great tasting, making your pet more likely to take regular drinks.
 
Not all pets are fluffy – your fish will appreciate it too!

If you keep fish or other aquatic pets, consider the fact that the water is essentially their home. The ammonia and chlorine that are often found in unfiltered water can have awful effects on the health of aquatic creatures, so give them the best surroundings by providing clean, filtered water with an appropriate pH.
 
You'll be less likely to be hit with hefty vet's bills.

Should your pet experience poor health as a result of the chemicals and ions in unfiltered water, your first instinct will, of course, be to rush them to the vet.

However, while you'll be thrilled to get your pet the right medical attention, you won't be so impressed with the subsequent bill from your vet!

Vets are known for being expensive, so by keeping your pets healthy, you're saving you and your family money in the process
 
The healthier your pet is, the happier he or she will be.

We all want our pets to be happy, and ensuring they're healthy is the first step. Animals know when they're not feeling their best, and it will begin to show in their personality. To avoid discomfort or negative emotions in pets, you should always ensure they have the best you can possibly provide.

So, with those facts in mind, why wouldn't you want to ensure the best for your pet? As a loved and valued member of the family, they deserve the same high-quality water that humans get to enjoy too.
 
Ready to get started on filtering your water supply? Get in touch with EWT Water Specialists! We'll be able to show you the best options for high-quality home water filters, and even take care of installation too! Call us today to learn more and start your journey to better drinking water.

Party On: How to Keep Your Guests Hydrated

Having a party is a great way to socialise, catch up with friends or family and just have an all-round great time. But, on a more serious note, there are plenty of reasons to ensure you keep your guests hydrated.

If you're throwing a summer barbeque or garden party, beware of the hot weather that may leave your guests feeling hot and thirsty.

The same may also be said for indoor parties during the winter. With many people in one space and the central heating cranked up to its maximum setting, the same feelings of dehydration can occur!

There's also the chance you'll be serving alcohol at your party, which makes it even more important to ensure everyone has access to water. Alcoholic drinks are known for their dehydrating effects on the body – as well as the feeling of being hungover that can come from it. To avoid these effects, always ensure you alternate water with any other drinks you're serving. Your guests will thank you in the morning!

But when hosting a party, how do you go about ensuring everyone in attendance is getting the hydration they need? After all, many people will use the celebration as an excuse to indulge in colourful or sugary beverages rather than plain H2O. Here are our top tips!
 
Serve bottled water on ice.

Keep a cooler readily stocked with bottled water that your guest can grab and go as they please. When the need to hydrate kicks in, they'll be glad it's there.
 
Or, set up a fountain for all to share.

A large party fountain doesn't just have to be for punch or cocktails. It can also be great for simple water, with lots of ice on hand to keep things cool.
 
Put up fun reminders to stay cool.

If your party is on the casual side, why not have a little fun? Put up your own DIY reminder posters encouraging your guests to stay hydrated. Bonus points if you include directions to your tap, water fountain or refrigerator!

Offer them water directly.

There's no reason you can't throw in a quick 'hey, do you want some water?' as you mingle with your guests. This way, they'll know water is an option and will more than likely take you up on your offer.
 
Ensure great tasting water for everyone to enjoy.

If you don't want to splash out on expensive bottled water but still want to ensure your guests have a supply they can enjoy, consider having a water filter or softener installed.

By having these fitted, the chemicals and ions that usually affect the taste of your water will be removed, resulting in a cleaner, more refreshing supply. Plus, filtered water is better for your health too!
 
If you're considering having a water softener or water filter fitted in your home, why not contact EWT Water Specialists? Get in touch today to learn more about our range of products and what we could do for you!

Is Your Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Is my tap water safe to drink?' is a question that's commonly asked by thousands of people around the country each day. Many people choose to accept that the water company has provided this water, and it's therefore guaranteed to be safe – and if it tastes okay, what's the harm?

However, there may be more to your water supply than simply taste. Although deemed fit for consumption by the water companies, certain water may not actually be as safe as you'd thought. Specifically, it's hard water that casts the most doubt, so read on to learn more about the effects it could have on your health, and how to avoid them.
 
The Risks of Hard Water

Hard water is full of dissolved minerals, including high levels of calcium and magnesium, as well as iron and aluminium.  
It's the combination of these elements that make hard water a potential health risk. As a result, hard water has been linked to a variety of health afflictions through various studies including Alzheimer's disease, certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and poor reproductive health.

But wait, aren't things like calcium and magnesium good for you? Yes, they are – to an extent.
However, the body requires everything in moderation and over exposure to these chemicals is a very real risk. Too much of these can result in tiredness, nausea and physical sickness at the very least.

It's, therefore, less likely that your tap water supply is safe to drink if you live in a hard water area.
 
It's Not Safe for Your Home Either

So, it's clear hard water may not be great for your health. But it's also not ideal for your home either. Hard water can cause damage to the home such as scale build up in pipes (causing them to malfunction), stuck taps, and issues with appliances that use water – such as your kettle or dishwasher – that may negatively impact their lifespan.

Should any of these go wrong as a result of hard water, repairs could be costly – especially if a whole new pipe system ends up being essential.
 
The Alternative to Hard Water

If you live in an area with a hard water supply, you may be wondering what you can do to avoid these negative effects. Of course, hydration is essential, so you can't simply stop drinking water!

One option is to switch to bottled water. However, this can be an expensive habit. So what's the alternative?

It's simple – having a water softener installed will eradicate the unappealing traits and contents of hard water and will ensure your water supply is healthy, safe and pleasant to drink. The ions such as calcium and magnesium are removed during the softening process.
 
If you're considering having a water softener installed to improve the taste, safety and overall quality of your water, EWT Water Specialists can help.

We offer a wide range of high-quality water filters and water softeners that are perfect for the job – plus, we'll take care of installation too!

Can a Water Softener Really Prevent Hair Loss? Let’s Find Out!

Hair loss is an affliction that many people all over the world try to avoid – often turning to medication or treatments to fight it off.

But what if we told you that your hair loss symptoms could be avoided without the need for drugs and creams? Preventing it may be just as simple as having a water softener installed. Yes, really!

So, how are the two connected? Read on to find out more!
 
Hard Water and Hair Loss

You may have heard the term 'hard water' before – and you may even have a preference on whether you prefer hard or soft water! But really, it is about more than just taste. Water quality can affect your health, skin and even your hair
.
Hard water has a high content of minerals – such as calcium, copper and magnesium. If you have a hard water supply, it’s likely your hair does not feel as soft and lustrous as those in regions with a softer supply. Hard water can cause brittleness to the hair shaft as well as decreased elasticity, which can both be contributing factors to hair loss.

In addition to hair loss, hard water may cause dull, lustreless hair, dandruff, split ends, thinning and make your hair more prone to tangles – all of which are issues you'd probably rather avoid.
 
Are you experiencing hair loss or damage as a result of hard water? Here's what you can do!

Firstly, using a good shampoo and conditioner will help negate the damage caused by hard water. There are products available that are specially formulated to help protect against the chemicals found in harder supplies and are usually classed as chelating or clarifying shampoos. Although these are quite harsh, an intensive deep conditioner or treatment (such as Argan oil) will help to keep your hair soft and resistant to breakage.

There are also natural treatments you may consider, such as rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar or conditioning it with natural coconut oil.

Next, consider upgrading your shower head. There are some that are specifically designed to help protect your hair from the effects of hard water.

Finally, if you suspect that hard water might be the cause of your hair loss – you don't have to live with it forever, nor do you have to move across the country to find a better water supply!

All you need to do is switch your water supply from hard to soft, using a high-quality water softener like the ones available here at EWT Water Specialists! Our Gold Range is supported by a 15-year guarantee from one of the largest water softener companies in Europe, so you know you're getting the best of the best.
 
Are ready to combat your hair loss? Get in touch with EWT today to learn more about the water softeners we have to offer and the process of installation. Your hair will be glad you did!

Why Hospitals Should Have Clean Drinking Water

When you were in a hospital for a health-related situation, the cleanliness of the water you are using may not have crossed your mind. People tend to trust a place they go to recover, so that's why it is especially important for hospitals to ensure they've prepared for every eventuality.
 
By providing clean drinking water, patients will be able to relax, knowing they are in right hands, and their water is safe. However, what is it that makes water unsafe?
  
Cleanliness in the hospital
 
You've probably noticed the important focus on staying free from germs and bacteria in any hospital you've been to. Most wards even have built in hand sanitiser dispensers to prevent them from spreading!
 
It is evident to see why that is the case. People staying in the hospital are more likely to have weakened immune systems. Plus, whether a patient, staff or a visitor, those in the vicinity are at higher risk of catching infectious illnesses than they would be in any other public place.
 
It's, therefore, important to ensure cleanliness throughout, so why should your drinking water be any different?
  
The risks of unclean drinking water
 
Waterborne illnesses are more common than you may think – especially in a hospital environment where diseases are more likely to be close by.
 
However, it's not just drinking water hospitals need to consider – water is used for so much more! Water is used for clinical procedures, the sterilisation of instruments, hand washing and more – all of which could spread a disease if afflicted.
 
Unfiltered water is also known to contain 99% more toxic elements, including chlorine. Chlorine has been linked to many kinds of cancer, including rectal, colon and bladder cancer.
 
Another risk is gastrointestinal disease, which is often linked to the cryptosporidium and giardia in unfiltered water supplies.
 
When a patient is already unwell, worrying about these additional risks is the last thing they should be facing.
  
How can hospitals ensure a clean drinking water supply?
 
Hospitals can ensure a clean supply of drinking water by using a high-quality water filtration system, installed by a professional commercial water filter company.
EWT Water Specialists offer a range of commercial services that simply make water filtration work better in Ireland.

We are home to a network of trained water filter installers who will be able to set up a fully functional system in any hospital, care home, medical facility, institution or school.
To learn more, please feel free to read more about our services at ewtechnologies.ie or call us for a no obligation discussion.

Water for Health: 7 Science-Based Health Benefits of Drinking More Water

It is no secret that water is essential for our health, but sometimes it can be unclear as to why that is. If you've ever wanted to learn more about how staying hydrated helps our bodies function, here are seven science-based health benefits to consider.
 
 
1. You'll find it easier to concentrate when hydrated.
 
When you are dehydrated – even mildly, your concentration can drop significantly. Studies have suggested that it only takes around 1 – 3% fluid loss can have a negative impact on your mood, concentration, memory and alertness and also cause heightened anxiety.
 
 
2. Water can soothe and prevent headaches.
 
Dehydration is a known cause of headaches and migraines. It may be that all you need to get rid of your headache is a big glass of water.
While drinking water won't prevent you from ever having a headache again, it will certainly make them less painful to cope with and usually ensure they are gone quicker too.
 
 
3. Water can prevent and relieve constipation.
 
If you are struggling with constipation, staying hydrated can help to flush your system and encourage healthy movements.
Often, people who suffer from constipation on a regular basis are the same individuals who don't drink enough water!
 
 
4. It can also help to prevent and treat kidney stones.
 
Kidney stones are more common than you might think, but staying hydrated can help you combat them.
A high fluid intake can help to dilute minerals in the kidneys, preventing the stones from forming. It can also help to prevent them returning once you've recovered.
 
 
5. Water helps your body detox.
 
Your kidneys also need water to properly flush out toxins and chemicals that you probably don't want hanging around in your system. When you are dehydrated, they won't be functioning to their full potential, causing a delay in the detoxification process.
 
 
6. Water can improve your performance during workouts.
 
If you are already exercising, that's great for your body – but it is important to stay hydrated too if you want to maximise your performance.
As your body is mostly made up of water, it will indeed begin to show negative effects when you start to dehydrate – leaving you fatigued, lacking motivation and finding it difficult to control your temperature. When you stay hydrated, you'll be able to work out feeling great for longer!
 
 
7. Weight loss is likely to be more successful in those who drink water.
 
If you are looking to lose weight, one of the first things to do is ensure you are drinking enough water.
Studies have shown that drinking half a litre can increase your metabolism by over 25%.
By drinking the recommended 2 litres of water each day, you could increase your total burned calories significantly.
 
 
So now you know the reasons water is essential to our health, don't skip out on drinking the recommended daily glasses. Your body will thank you and you'll feel happier and healthier for the long run!

Understanding Limescale (And How to Avoid It)

No matter which appliances or fixtures you use on a daily basis, you've probably noticed limescale in your home at one point or another.

But despite the fact that it's a common occurrence, it's still an inconvenience than you could surely do without. To do so, you'll need to understand exactly what limescale is and how you can avoid it.
 
What is limescale?

Limescale is the chalk-like, white substance that you'll likely find inside your kettle, pipes, boiler or bathroom suite, such as around your taps. It consists mostly of calcium carbonate and is deposited by water on these surfaces.

It is usually a more common occurrence in areas with a hard water supply as hard water contains higher levels of minerals.
As the minerals build up, so does the appearance of limescale, leaving you with an unsightly residue that can also stain the surrounding area. You may even have spotted small pieces of limescale floating in your tea or coffee after using the kettle!
 
Can limescale be removed?

If you're experiencing limescale around your home, there's no reason to worry. Although an inconvenience, it can certainly be removed.

You can buy pre mixed limescale removers from most grocery or home stores, which can be applied to the affected surface using an old cloth. For inside your kettle – where you may not wish to resort to extra chemicals, you may prefer to use a natural solution consisting of water and household vinegar or lemon juice. Let it soak in the kettle for around an hour before boiling the water and rinsing away the residue.

But wouldn't it be easier to simply prevent the presence of limescale rather than having to remove it?
 
How can I prevent limescale?

One of the easiest ways to prevent limescale in your home is to have a water softener installed. As the water in your supply will be softer as it passes through the pipes and taps, there will be less minerals at risk of building up.

EWT Water Specialists offer a variety of water softeners for both commercial and residential premises that could start your path to a life without limescale.
 
If you'd like to learn more about how installing a water softener could help you fight off limescale, get in touch with EWT Water Specialists today. We'll be able to tell you exactly how the systems work as well as helping you decide which of our wide range of water softeners would be the best for both your needs and your budget.

Too Much Water? 7 Signs It’s Time to Slow Down

We constantly hear about how important it is to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, but you may not realise that some people are having the opposite problem.

Some people drink too much water, and this may actually have a negative impact on your health. Read on to discover the seven top signs it's time to cut back.
 
1. You're getting headaches.

While headaches are commonly listed as a sign of dehydration, they can also be a sign of over hydration.
Too much water causes your sodium levels to drop, which then causes your blood cells – and even your brain – to expand, causing a headache.
 
2. Your electrolyte levels are low.

Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are mineral salts that your body relies on to carry electrical impulses. They are essential for a healthy heart and nervous system.

When you drink too much water, the electrolytes become diluted, lowering their levels and reducing their effects. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include fatigue, headaches, an irregular heartbeat, nausea and changes to your mood.
 
3. You're feeling sluggish throughout the day.

If you're feeling sluggish – or as if your body is not processing the way it should be, this may be down to drinking too much water.
Drinking too much water can slow down your metabolism, lowering your levels of glucose and prevent it from producing energy efficiently.
 
4. You're experiencing adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue is commonly associated with stress, however it can also be caused by drinking too much water due to the stress it puts on your body.

When trying to process too much water, the body will be working harder than usually necessary to filter it all, leading to over stimulated hormones and a feeling of fatigue.
 
5. Your muscles are cramping.

Over hydration can lead to muscle cramps, which also relate to lower levels of electrolytes. If you're experiencing this, an easy way to replace the electrolytes in your system is coconut water or an electrolyte supplementary drink.
 
6. You're visiting the bathroom too frequently.

If you're drinking too much water, your kidneys will be filtering faster to try to keep up with the flow. As a result, you may end up having to rush to the bathroom several times an hour – a pretty clear indicator you've drunk too much water.
 
7. Your urine is clear.

It's a common misconception that urine should be clear – it should always have some colour! A pale yellow indicates healthy hydration. Clear indicates too much hydration!
 
If you've noticed any of these signs apply to you, it may be a good idea to reconsider how much water you're drinking to try to avoid over hydration. In any case, drinking the recommend amount is optimal for your body's health.

Soft Water — Money Saver

Soft water is the regular water but with a low concentration of calcium, magnesium and other ions, that can lather with soap easily. Unlike hard water that consists of chalk, lime and minerals, using soft water saves time and cost. You can soften the water with the help of a water softener.

We being EWT, are the water specialists. We are specialised providers of Water Softeners, Water Filters and Water Coolers all over the United Kingdom. We are known for our quality since 2002 and we have more than 100,000 customers who directly depend on us for their water treatment.

Sometimes, you might wonder-

·         Why there are spots in the vessel you washed, after it has dried?
·         Why there is a salty coating in your geyser and shower?
·         Why the plumbing system has got clogged?

The answer is, because of the hard water which contains lime and minerals in it. The rain water also becomes hard, when it falls on the ground and mixes with minerals and rocks. This simply means contamination of water that contains minerals found on earth, making it unfit to use. The hard water is not fit to wash clothes as the soaps and detergents form into coagulated soap curd by getting mixed with the minerals in hard water. Also, it damages the plumbing system where the calcium and magnesium get deposited reducing the flow of water through taps and appliances.

You can get rid of all these problems, by using EWT Water Softener which softens the water, filtering all the minerals, calcium and other ions, making it fit to drink.
 
How does the soft water benefit you?

  1. Soft water saves your time and money when you start using it on a day-to-day basis. You can save money on detergents, heating appliances and plumbing systems. With soft water, they require less maintenance, as there is no deposition of any minerals on them. The EWT Water Softener maintains itself easily for eight months or more.
  2. With soft water, you don’t have to waste too much water for washing the clothes and other appliances. It helps the laundry finish the work with less use of water, thus, saving money too.
  3. By installing the EWT Water Softener at home, you can maintain your skin moisture and smoothness. Unlike hard water, soft water does not irritate your skin, when used on a daily basis. It also protects the most sensitive skin of infants and children at home.
  4. You do not have to spend much time and money on maintaining the bathrooms and floors. EWT Water Softeners may reduce the cleaning time of bathrooms and floors keeping them sparkling for a longer time.
  5. You can easily shower your hair with more volume of clean water, making your hair healthier and shiny. Also, the showers don’t get clogged with bad limescale which can leave you have an irritating experience during bath.
  6. Importantly, you can save on gas bills and electricity bills by installing and using EWT Water Softener that filters the water, making it easy to heat the water at a very less time.

The Right to Water: Here’s What You Need to Know

Every human being needs water to survive, but what are your rights when it comes to getting it? Aside from buying your own water or drinking from your tap, there are other things to consider – such as whether or not you can get water free of charge when out and about. After all, there's no shame in asking for something to drink when you're thirsty!
 
What is the Right to Water?
 
On July 28th 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognised the Human Right to Water and Sanitation – which acknowledges the fact all humans are entitled to clean drinking water.
Since then, many governments around the world have updated their legislations to ensure that anyone, no matter where they are can access a supply of safe drinking water.
 
Can I get free water in restaurants?
 
When you're eating out at a restaurant, you may wish to keep the bill down by making the most of your right to water and asking for a glass of h2O directly from the tap. After all – even the UN has stated you're entitled! But it's often a little more complex than that.
 
In many places, establishments will only have to provide free water if they are licensed to serve alcohol! This is most restaurants nowadays, but it's still worth checking in advance.
Be sure to check your local laws too before demanding your free water, as the licensing act may not be fully universal!
 
What's the catch?
 
Even if a restaurant is obligated to provide free drinking water from a tap, there's no law that says this water has to be filtered.
 
As a result, the water you get for free may not be best tasting, and may contain chemicals and minerals that you'd rather not consume.
 
So, what can restaurants do to provide a better service?
 
Many people take advantage of their right to water, so it's worth considering how you could provide the best possible water to your customers for free.
 
The simplest way to improve the quality of the water you serve under the Right to Water would be to have a water filtration system installed. It will ensure better tasting water straight from the tap that is free from harmful (or simply unappealing) chemicals that may be found in the supply.
 
If you're considering having a water filtration system installed at your commercial premises, get in touch with EWT today!

EWT Water Limited is the trading name of Harvey Water Softeners Limited (No. 01362650) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register no. 727312). It undertakes credit broking and consumer hire activities.

Registered Office Address

Harvey Water Softeners Limited, Hipley St, Old Woking, Woking GU22 9LQ