When I moved to my new apartment amidst a pandemic, I made sure to furnish it with four kitchen essentials before moving in.
I can’t do without a toaster, microwave, electric kettle, and water filter.
If I can only choose one I’ll definitely choose a water filter and fortunately I get the hang of it in spite of hesitation. (I thought I could get away with electric kettle but I just cannot ignore the odd taste of water.)
For about a year of using Brita Filter Pitcher, I’ve been recommending to anyone I know the benefits from its convenience and efficiency.
But it doesn’t suit everyone.
Who Should Use It
I’m not trying to scare people away to give Brita water filter a go. But as a long-time user I can tell who will benefit the most in using it.
1. Commuter. Someone who don’t drive and prefers public transportation than owning and paying for a car should go for a water filter instead of refillable jug.
This is me. Doing groceries is doable even though I overbought sometimes but there’s no way I can drag a gallon of distilled water from a refilling water station.
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2. Sole renter. I’ve used Brita Filter Pitcher with roommates and it isn’t fun at all. Why is that? I’ll spill the tea later but for now all I can say is that it suits best a solo renter or two people.
3. Hater of cleaning. The filter do not require a lot of cleaning yet it still need a wash once in a while especially around the edges of the pitcher.
Calcium can accumulate around the edges especially if the pitcher is black.
Tip: Similarly, it happens also with electric kettle yet it is easier to clean by adding vinegar to water and let it boil. Deposit of calcium breaks down and mixes with the solution for quick discard.
Choose a white Brita pitcher and filter if you don’t want to be bothered by the accumulating calcium. With a maintenance routine, cleaning doesn’t seem like a task at all like brushing teeth.
Every week I wash dish cloth and bathroom towels.
Before doing the laundry I quickly wipe the things on the counter including the filter. Routine keeps my apartment neat and organize especially in the kitchen, the busiest part of my den.
Next, I’ll elaborate why Brita Filter Pitcher is the best filter for a solo occupant or any household regardless of size.
Brita Filter Pitcher Is Not for Lazy People
The issue concerns the behaviour and not the number of members in a household.
But I have to be straightforward; you’ll have a worry-free day as a sole user of a filter.
Unless you are using a faucet mounted water filter like IVO filter which my family in the Philippines is using then there is no need to keep an eye out on who uses it the most.
While living with roommates, I noticed that sometimes the pitcher is empty.
“How inconsiderate is the last person who used it,” I muttered to myself with expressionless face.
Aren’t we supposed to be all adults respecting roommates by keeping the common area and tools in order.
None of us is in need of personal assistant or excuse for laziness.
A friend with kids asked me if it’s advisable for them to have one as well.
I disagree and dissuade her to do so. Buy a distilled or better yet an alkaline water in a refilling station especially those who drive and can transport a heavy jug.
Isn’t it more convenient to get water from a dispenser and have it either hot or cold and not worry about refilling it from a faucet?
So have you decided if Brita Filter Pitcher is a good fit for your household?
Reminders and Brita Products
Writing this post required me to read the manual, eight months after purchasing. So typical of me to procrastinate or hate reading fine prints.
- Hand-wash pitcher/dispenser, lid and reservoir periodically with mild detergent.
- Do not wash in dishwasher.
- Flush filter with cold, running tap water for 15 seconds before using a new filter.
- Fill the reservoir with cold water.
- Discard first three pitchers of filtered water with every replacement of new filter. It’s normal for carbon dust to appear in first fillings. Use this water for plants.
These are some of the information that I consider worth remembering. I don’t want to read the manual again. Once is more than enough.
Types of Water Filter Cartridges for Brita Pitcher
- Standard filter – use for 2 months, $7.48
- Longlast filter – use for 6 months, $22.98
I prefer to spend $22.98 for a pack with three standard filters sold in Real Canadian Superstore and other stores.
Filter Change Indicator
After every change of new filter, you may press the reset button. I didn’t bother myself in using the filter change indicator because of its design.
The indicator has a nonreplaceable, sealed battery. At one point, it will stop working but the pitcher is still functional.
I can still use it. That’s all that matters to me, a frugal consumer.
Brita Filtration Systems
- Bottle water filtration system
- Pitchers and dispensers
- Faucet filtration system
Read more information about each system before buying a filter. Clean water is a necessity but it doesn’t mean spending a lot.
Benefits of Brita Filter Pitcher
You may have doubted of getting Brita after reading the accompanying chores. Well that’s a little effort in exchange for countless benefits of drinking clean and tasteless, odourless water.
The Brita Water Filtration Pitcher reduces harmful contaminants that may be in your tap water.
- Chlorine (taste and odour)
- Copper
- Mercury
- Cadmium
So what’s in a Canadian tap water, specifically in Calgary, Alberta?
Chlorine is part of the treatment. Whereas, Fluoride is not added. Even dental clinic do away with it but there are toothpastes with Fluoride that are available in stores. This is another topic for another post.
Back to tap water in Calgary. I cannot find the list of chemicals found in tap water. Some other day, I should try to research again. Maybe something will come up if I have a more focused brain.
And I still have to edit this post. A few more typing and I’m done writing. The next topic is my favourite part of this post; talk about saving the best for last.
Environmental Concern
My main concern in using filter or anything requiring regular replacement is the proper disposal.
Are the Brita products recyclable?
Yes and there are two ways on how to properly dispose an item.
1. Brita Recycling Program on TerraCycle
I don’t like making phone calls (tidbit about myself) so calling up UPS to pick up the pack items isn’t for me. But this setup might suits you.
Don’t fret I found another way if we are in the same boat.
2. London Drugs Drop Off
This is the best way for me to dispose Brita products and packaging. I found two London Drugs drop off locations close to my place.
I’ll drop off a used filter and packaging in summer and let you know how it goes. Whereas, I can put the boxes in recycling bin at my apartment.
Knowing there are drop off locations for recycling in Canada, I wonder what other items are acceptable in different stores.
Final Thoughts
I wish boiling water is enough to have a clean, safe drinking water. But in reality, convenience comes with risk.
As a resident, I am grateful for the effort of the City of Calgary to provide drinking water.
And as a consumer, I will do my best to properly discard Brita products and packaging that I will buy. (It sounds like a pledge. I hope I can fulfill it.)
Nature takes care of humanity so I would like to do my part in taking care of the environment even in small ways.
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