2023 | Bourton on the Water

Benefits of an Under-Sink Water Filter

Did you know that 96% of all home drinking water in the US contains at least some level of contamination? And that goes for city and well water alike.

blog If, for example, you have well water, your underground water supply is an open target for pesticides, radon, lead, industrial contaminants, and all sorts of other “undesirables”.

Even your treated city water contains at least some level of chlorine; this highly toxic chemical is used to kill off bacteria. At higher-than-acceptable levels, chlorine can cause a large number of ill health effects, including airway irritation, wheezing, skin and eye irritation, and more – as if you didn’t have enough to worry about already.

Well, here’s one thing you won’t have to worry about: a home water filtration system from Burton. We can install one that will cover your entire home or one that fits neatly under your kitchen sink or, for that matter, anywhere else in your home you like.

These single purpose water filters go by two names: point-of-use and under-sink water filters. The system’s tank is installed under your sink and connected to a new, dedicated faucet that produces purified water for drinking or cooking.

Additional benefits of an under-sink water filtration system include the following:

• Odorless and better tasting water

• Chlorine and chemical free

• A much more economical solution than bottled water, and infinitely better for the environment

• Filtered water provides highly effective protection against rectal, colon, and bladder cancers

• Chemicals and bacteria are removed while retaining healthy mineral deposits that balance the pH of drinking water

• A 33% reduced risk of gastrointestinal ailments.

Everything You Need to Know About Filtered Water

person filling PUR water pitcher at sink

Is filtered water cleaner and better tasting than tap water? Here’s a go-to guide for making the most of your H2O.

We all know that drinking water regularly is integral to our health and wellness — and with good reason! Every cell in our body needs water in order to function so staying hydrated is a must. But if the water you’re drinking isn’t as clean-tasting as you’d like, it’s unlikely you’re going to get enough daily sips. Thankfully, there are a variety of filtration systems to make your water a little cleaner and a whole lot more palatable to drink. Read on to discover what makes filtered water the best drinking choice and why it’s smart thinking to filter your water rather than to go with the flow.

What is filtered water?

Sure, many of us prefer the taste of filtered water, but what exactly are we drinking? Filtered water is groundwater or tap water that has undergone a process to remove impurities and a variety of physical and chemical contaminants in an effort to make the water cleaner for drinking (not to mention far more refreshing). These chemical and physical contaminants include certain bacteria, fungi, parasites, copper, lead, and other unwelcome pollutants. In most cases, the filtration process also works to remove chlorine in an effort to improve the water’s overall taste. However, unlike distilled water, filtered water isn’t completely free of particulates. Filtered water may still contain healthy minerals that are safe to consume and are actually beneficial to your health.

How is water filtered?

During a traditional filtration process, water flows through groupings of different materials, including gravel, sand, and activated carbon. Think of these filters like tiny nets trapping unwanted water invaders. These filters work to absorb and/or dissolve unwanted particles along with neutralizing bad odors.
But some filtration systems, like PUR, go a step further to include filters made from activated carbon for even smaller pores for the water to pass through. PUR filters also include ion exchange materials for trapping unwanted metals. As water flows through the filter, physical and chemical contaminants are adsorbed by the carbon while heavy metals like lead and mercury are adsorbed by the ion exchange materials.

Is filtered water cleaner than tap water?

Filtered water is generally cleaner to drink than tap water. However, that is not to say that tap water is unsafe to drink. Generally, tap water is safe to drink, but not all tap water is created equal. The safety of your tap water depends on its source.

Should I filter my own water or drink bottled water?

Whether to drink filtered water vs. bottled water is more of an environmental-conscious and cost decision opposed to a decision regarding taste or safety. Both bottled water and filtered water undergo processes to remove unwanted contaminants, which can range according to water bottle brand or individual filtration system. However, plastic water bottles account for a sizable portion of our planet’s daily plastic consumption. In fact, humans use about 1.2 million plastic bottles per minute in total and purchase about 50 billion plastic water bottles per year. Plus, buying bottled water on a regular basis can really add up from a cost perspective.
Alternatively, drinking filtered water in a glass or reusable water bottle can save just one person about 156 plastic bottles

What is the best way to filter water?

The two most common at-home water filters are faucet filtration systems and pitcher filtration systems. Both are effective ways to reduce physical and chemical contaminants and improve the taste of tap water, but choosing the best water filter for you depends on your individual needs. Consider what makes the most sense for your space, your lifestyle, and (perhaps most importantly) what filtration system you can properly clean and maintain so it’s as effective as possible.

Faucet Filtration vs. Pitcher Filtration

Here’s a rundown on the benefits of these popular water filtration methods:

Faucet Filtration Benefits

Effective in filtering out unwanted chemical and physical contaminants
Convenient, no-fill design
Easy to install
Doesn’t take up refrigerator space
No wasted water
Some faucet filters can go up to 3 months before needing to be replaced

Try: PUR Plus Faucet Filtration System

Pitcher Filtration Benefits

Effective in filtering out unwanted chemical and physical contaminants
Easy to clean
Can be refrigerated for cold water
Easy to use
Some pitcher filters can go up to 2 months before needing changing

Try: PUR 11 Cup Pitcher

How do I clean my water filter?

Keeping your water filtration system clean with a functioning filter is the best way to ensure it is performing its best. For pitcher filters, the best way to do this is to wash and clean the pitcher at least every other week. Many pitchers are dishwasher safe, but you can also wash your pitcher by soaking it in warm, soapy water for about 15 minutes before rinsing clean. Replace the filter about every 2 months or according to the pitcher’s instructions.

Faucet filters should be cleaned and examined monthly. Detach the filtration system from the faucet and empty any filter debris from the cartridge by tapping it over a wastebasket. Soak the filter canister in mild dish soap mixed with water for about an hour before rinsing and leaving to air dry. Reconnect to your faucet and turn the water on for about 5 minutes to flush out any remaining debris. Faucet filters should be replaced about every 3 months or according to the filter’s instructions.
Whether you’re concerned about cleaner drinking water or just want better-tasting H20, there’s no question that filtered water checks the boxes. But that doesn’t mean you have to up your spending on store-bought bottled water or expensive, professionally installed filtrations systems. With simple, at-home water filtration, you can easily convert everyday tap water into delicious, thirst-quenching refreshment you can enjoy.

12 Wonderful Things to Do in Bourton-on-the-Water

1. Get a giant perspective at the Model Village

Remember when you were a kid and model houses were riveting?

Well, who knew an entire model village would be just as interesting to adults.

This miniature representation of Bourton-on-the-Water is so cool to walk through, and will have you pointing out spots you recognise in the real village.

The level of detail is astounding, especially for the more unique buildings like the church.

Plus, there are many picture opportunities to make yourself look giant (more appealing to those of us under 6ft)…

2. Enjoy the sun with a picnic by the River Windrush

The River Windrush and picturesque bridges are two of the main reasons why people wax lyrical over Bourton-on-the-Water.

On a weekend, you’ll find the banks crowded with locals and tourists alike who are sitting down to enjoy an ice cream or some lunch.

With such a stunning scene available to all, at times it felt like a crime to go and sit inside a restaurant. That’s why we’d strongly recommend grabbing a bite from one of the best lunch spots and just sitting by the enchanting water. You can also feed the ducks with your bread leftovers!

3. Lose yourself in the Dragonfly maze

We entered the Dragonfly Maze with the calm confidence of two people entertaining themselves with a child’s game.

We left the maze one hour later with none of that confidence, and pretty mentally exhausted…and we were in the majority 😅.

Finding your way through the maze, it turns out, is the easy part. Solving the riddle at the centre is far more challenging.

I’ll leave this mystery for you to attack (and no doubt agonise over)…

All that said, we’d definitely recommend the maze for a bit of puzzle-solving fun!

4. Step back in time at the Motoring Museum

A tribute to some legendary British manufacturing, you can almost smell the fumes from the 20th century in this museum.

You’ll find classic and vintage cars, motorcycles and even caravans to marvel at, with plenty of memorabilia to transport you back in time.

English people may even recognise Brum! I physically can’t remember how many times the adventures of this little car with eyes would keep me riveted to the enormous box with a tiny screen.

5. Fill your belly at some great restaurants

There aren’t many restaurants in most Cotswolds villages.

This is an area where Bourton-on-the-Water again outshines it’s competition, since there is actually ample choice within walking distance.

Grab a bite for breakfast from one of the excellent bakeries.

Let your taste-buds dance at one of the some of the pubs or restaurants, without the wallet guilt.

You can check out our article on the best restaurants in Bourton-on-the-Water for plenty of inspiration.

6. Blow off some steam at the Cotswold Brewing Company

Getting away to the countryside and enjoying the fresh air with a cool lager or cider is the perfect type of holiday for some. For those people, the Cotswolds doesn’t disappoint.

The beer, lager and cider made in the Cotswolds may not reach the levels of those bold Belgians, but is definitely very tasty.

Why not see how it’s all made, and get some generous tastings to go with it?

For one, you’ll save the potential regret of getting to the end of your holiday, and finding out that there’s a tastier brew you could have been enjoying the whole time…

If the process before the glass reaches your mouth isn’t that important, there are plenty of charming pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water to hit the spot.

7. Avoid Birdland if you care about animals

If you’re wondering if Birdland is ethical and the birds are treated well, I have some bad news.

We did some basic research on Birdland before we bought our tickets, and found no big red flags. Many other blogs rated this as one of the best things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water.

As soon as we walked in, we realised we didn’t dig deep enough.

Birdland is best summed up with the very first animals you see, a reserve for penguins.

After the initial “wow there are penguins!”, we looked a little closer…

The penguins outside of the water were all staring at the fake wall, away from people. Completely motionless. In some kind of depressed daze.

Immediately we realised our mistake. Each new reserve showed majestic birds, withdrawn to the corners of their tiny cages.

Having already made the mistake, we felt we could at least provide an accurate picture of this place to others and share the news.

If animal welfare is important to you, please skip this one.

8. Get some fresh countryside air on a long walk

One of the best things about a UK staycation to the countryside, is the opportunity to go on a scenic stroll.

Bourton-on-the-Water in particular has some lovely walks. These are some we’d recommend:

Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold

We particularly enjoyed this walk, which takes you through scenic Lower Slaughter and many fields – in one part, you walk right through a field of cows! It does get quite muddy in some areas, so we’d advise taking walking shoes, and if you do the loop it will take you about 5 hours. We stopped in Stow-on-the-Wold for lunch at The Hive, and it was delicious!

River Windrush and the Slaughters

Following the River from the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water will take you to Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. You’ll also pass through a wooded area, as well as the usual fields. The whole loop takes about 3 and a half hours.

Archaeology, Rivers and Lakes

If you’d prefer a much shorter stroll to cross off some of the prettiest and most interesting parts of Bourton-on-the-Water, you can’t go wrong with this one. This trail takes you on a loop of the area just outside the centre, and can be done in around 40 minutes

We’d strongly recommend downloading the AllTrails app to see which walk fits your fancy. There is plenty of information to help you decide and you can follow the GPS so you don’t get lost.

9. Treat yourself with scones and jam

Scones and jam are one of the few foods British people are proud to call their own (despite the best efforts of some, pizza and curry are a little hard to justify).

So when in Rome… make sure you get a huge scone and load that bad boy with all of the clotted cream and jam at your disposal.

Just a heads up, in the Cotswolds it’s less of a snack and more of a full blown meal.

For a classier lunch, there is also “afternoon tea”. This generally involves little sandwiches, cake, and – you guessed it – that famous English beverage that you either love or hate.

10. Step into the fascinating Model Railway Exhibition

What is it about trains and railway sets that seems to fascinate every child for at least some period of their lives?

At the model railway exhibition and toy shop, the little child in you, or with you, may go off the rails.

Walking in and seeing all the moving sets navigate the miniature terrain creates a pretty magical atmosphere. The shop almost feels like it belongs in Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Well worth a visit!

Ticket price: £3.00 (Adult), £2.50 (Child)

Official website

11. Rent a cottage with some friends or family

It’s impossible to ignore how beautiful some cottages and houses in the Cotswolds are.

In fact, being an excellent gardener may well be an obligatory skill you need to live there. That’s almost the only explanation for the sheer volume of stunning front gardens.

So why not stay in such a cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water?

You can rent one in the centre if you are partial to a coffee and cake in a café, or just want more activities at your fingertips

We stayed in a cottage called Lavender Barn West. Just 3 minutes walk into the centre, this cottage was almost perfect. The only aspects that weren’t ideal were the beds were squeaky and one room had only twin beds.

We paid £650 (incl. AirBnb service charges) for 3 nights, with 4 people staying. This felt reasonable compared to other places.

Alternatively you can load up the car with food, alcohol and some awesome travel games and completely isolate yourself a bit further out.

Either way, escaping to the beautiful British countryside with some of your favourite people is a superb way to spend a few days.

You can also check out our Plan Your Trip section for more money-saving tips.

12. Take a day-trip to Cotswolds villages near Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is perfectly placed in the Cotswolds to use as a base for ‘village-hopping”.

Here are some day-trip suggestions from Bourton-on-the-Water:

Stow-on-the-Wold, Slaughters and Chipping Campden

Stow-on-the-Wold and the Slaughters are only 5-10 minutes drive, or very much in walking distance. Chipping Campden is only 15 minutes from Stow-on-the-Wold, so covering both in the same day makes sense.

There isn’t an awful lot to do or see in each, but even just stopping for lunch in a new village was super enjoyable.

Bibury and Cirencester

Quaint Bibury and bustling Cirencester are about 25-30 minutes away, and can easily both be covered in a day as we did.

Bibury is home to the famous Arlington Row (a row of some of the prettiest houses you’ll see), and we also did a 2 hour walk around the fields here. Cirencester feels much more like a town than a village, with some nice parks and markets to explore.

Tetbury and Castle Combe

If you don’t mind a long drive, Castle Combe and Tetbury are 2 of the few villages which rival Bourton-on-the-Water’s reputation for the “best village in the Cotswolds”.

While it will take you 40 minutes to Tetbury, and almost an hour from Bourton-on-the-Water to Castle Combe, the time goes quickly on the serene country roads.

Castle Combe is just beautiful with bridges and riverside views to match Bourton-on-the-Water, and Tetbury is perfect for some relaxing forest strolls.

If you don’t have a car, there are some other villages like Moreton-in-Marsh which can be explored by train.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Water Purifier

Water Filter Buying Guide

Water is essential for life. But the quality of water that we consume every day is becoming dangerous for our health. To improve the quality of water for daily use, it is now mandatory to install water filters in our home. But people tend to make mistakes while buying a water filters in various aspects including purpose, flow rate and capacity.

Every filter works best on its own, but it is not necessary that it works best for your requirements too. Before buying a water filter you should go through a thorough analysis and research to get the best solution for your water filtration needs.

Water Filter Buying Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying Water Purifier

Test water quality of your supply

What type of source do you use for your daily usage? Most of the filtration requirements are defined by the source of water you use. The very first thing to do is test quality of water that is supplied to you. There are easy to use checkup kits available or you can even call an expert to do the job. You need to install a water filter only if your water source is contaminated. There are mainly two types of water sources:

Private or individual

Private source includes bottled water, spring water, and water from ponds, shallow wells, streams, ponds and river canals. Private sources also include individually created sources like rainwater harvesting, residential bores, cisterns.

Public

The United States safe drinking water act identifies public sources as the ones provided by public entities like local government supply, ration water tanks and city water systems.

If you get water from a private source like well and bottled water, then you can eliminate contamination from the source itself. But rivers, ponds, streams require a lot of expense and time to be cleaned. Natural private sources are not reliable in terms of quality. So, a water filter is required.

In case of public water sources, you can file a complaint against the water contamination and quality to the local authorities which may not be effective readily. If the water from a public source is contaminated, you need to get a water filter installed fit for your needs.

Check your home water system

If the water report and tests do not show any hazardous contamination in your water supply, then the problem may be in your house water system. Check for leakage in all faucets and pipelines going around your house. Make sure that the surroundings of your house are clean and there is no clogged drainage around your supply line. Metal water pipes slowly accumulate rust and other organic contaminants due to moisture. The pipes throughout the house should be cleaned quarterly to prevent organic growth and rust.

Understand your needs

Water filters eliminate only the specific contaminants that they mention in their labels. Be aware of what kind of contamination prevails in your water supply. Check the list of contaminants the water filter you want to buy eliminates. Analyze your daily consumption of water based on purpose like drinking, washing, bathing and cooking. If you need water purification for all your needs, whole house filters with Point of Entry system are the right fit. If the water purification is required only for drinking or bathing purpose, then point of use filters like RO filters, under sink filters and countertop water filters.

Explore the categories

With advancement in water filtration technology, there are many processes available today to purify water. There are many categories of water filters based on performance, durability, maintenance and cost which fit all types of water filtration solutions ranging from personal home to a commercial industry.

Maintenance cost

The maintenance cost of all filter categories varies highly. While many filters may come cheap in cost, the maintenance like replacement of cartridges and hoses is costly. So get detailed maintenance and repair costs of your water filter from the company before buying them.

Water filters are not a one-time investment. They need regular maintenance depending on the quality of the cartridges. Many companies provide features like quality index and security alarms for cartridges replacement which are beneficial. If the filters are regularly maintained the quality of water deteriorates, hoses may choke and power consumption increases.

Beware of scams

Do water filters actually work? Are you going to be scammed with an overrated device with false promises? Is doorstep water test trustable?

In case of any health related product, you should be aware of the scams that go around to stay alert and prevent getting scammed yourself. It highly depends on the company that you buy the water filter from. There are many companies that provide water filters at very low costs. They are mostly fake or ineffective. Water filtration is not a cheap process and any person who sells them at unbelievably low price is probably scamming you.

In recent news, many water filter scams have come into lime light. The worst of all was the door step sales and service scam to test your water quality and provide fake water filters. While there are many reputed companies that provide door step sales and service feature, they do not approach you without your solicitation.

Do you think that your water filter throws out more water than it purifies?

Then, you may be a victim of another scam. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) does not allow more than 30% of water to seep out from waste hose. But due to this scam being neglected, almost 3 liters of water seeps out to provide 1 liter of pure water.

Buy only certified water filters

The reviews not only help in finding a water filter company that is legitimate, they also help you find the right one for your requirements. Customer feedback is one of the best ways to find a good water filter company both for the product quality and performance and the post sales services and warranty.

You can also compare the price of the water filters online. If the price of another product with the same features is low, it is anyway beneficial for your pockets.

Important Note – Always read the description and contaminant list that he water filter eliminates. Never install water filters on your own as that voids the warranty. Read the instructions of use carefully for optimum performance.

8 Common Types Of Water Filters And How They Work

Most of the water that we use for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing has been treated through one or more types of water filters before it reaches us. These water filters are the safeguards that clean water from chemicals and contaminants that are harmful to our health, such as bacteria and pesticides, as well as strip away sediment, odors, discoloration and unpleasant tastes.

The biochemical properties of the water in your area, the water pressure, the type of pipes it travels through and even your home’s water source all affect what’s in your water. The Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t regulate every contaminant that may be found in a public water supply, and even if your water is supplied by a private well, you’re still faced with the important decision on how to treat, filter, soften and purify your water.

Whether you’re trying to clean contaminated or discolored drinking water or are simply seeking to improve the softness and sediment levels of the water you use to bathe, there are a number of filtration systems that can improve the condition of your water. Our guide features an explanation of common water filters and how they work, as well as their benefits and shortcomings, to help you make informed choices about what’s in your water.

8 Types of Water Filters

1. Activated Alumina

If you need to remove fluoride or arsenic from your water, activated alumina (AA) is the best filter of choice. Made of aluminum oxide, this highly porous ceramic compound has a high capacity for adsorption—note, not absorption. This means that when AA draws in chemicals to its activated porous sphere, the chemicals aren’t just held inside the pores: the materials actually bond together.

This quality makes AA a cost-effective choice to draw out toxins and metals from contaminated water without the risk of these substances leaking back into the environment. The longer AA has contact with your water, the more harmful chemicals it can remove.

Activated alumina is excellent at purifying drinking water for home use, as well as in industrial applications, water treatment facilities or in the cleanup of toxic waste.

2. Alkaline and Water Ionizers

Alkaline or ionized water is touted as one of the healthiest water treatments and is said to offer benefits such as improvements in bone and digestive health, decreased risk of cancer and heart disease, better skin and even improved hydration and taste.

The electrically charged minerals in ionized water separate alkaline water from the acidic, which softens the water and improves its drinking quality. It is important to note that alkaline ionizers lack good filtration abilities, so you’ll want to use them in tandem with other water purifiers.

3. Carbon Block and Activated Carbon

Also known as carbon filters or activated charcoal, these are commonly deployed in home water filters, such as one you might place on your faucet, under your sink or in a water pitcher. Activated carbon filters are excellent at attracting and adsorbing pollutants, removing them from the water. This material requires no electricity to work and is cost-effective, but it falls short when it comes to removing minerals and dissolved organic matter.

4. Ceramic Filters

The tiny pores on a ceramic surface will trap any matter that is larger than the pores themselves, keeping it out of your water. These are simple to install, easy to use, inexpensive and electricity-free filters. If treated with silver, a ceramic water filter can also kill bacteria and prevent mold and algae in your water. However, they can’t move faster than they can filter, and they aren’t effective at sifting out viruses.

5. Distillation

Akin to the precipitation cycle, distillation is a highly effective purification process in which water is boiled into steam and then cooled down to return to liquid form in a clean container. The process kills bacteria and improves the taste and smell of treated water.

The good news is that you can complete the distillation process with a number of countertop equipment options, and once complete, you will have made water that is safe for drinking. However, the process does require electricity or a heat source to work, and it is incredibly slow, so it doesn’t win in efficiency.

6. Reverse Osmosis

In this method, water is forced through a semipermeable membrane that allows water to run through, but not the contaminants, chemicals, metals or parasites it may be carrying. RO filter systems are highly effective at eliminating harmful pollutants from your water.

However, they tend to be more expensive than other types of water filters, require high water pressure to operate and tend to waste a lot of water in their purification process, only cleansing a small portion of the total water used.

7. Sand and Sediment Mesh

A mesh filter works the same way a colander does: they help filter large particles of dirt, clay, sand and rust from water. They can’t purify or cleanse, but they can keep sediment from creating buildup in your plumbing system.

8. Ultraviolet Light

UV light is one of the safest and most effective ways to treat microorganisms in your water, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and parasites. Water is exposed to high frequency UV light radiation, which passes through a glass element. This filtration method requires energy to perform and tends to be on the pricier end.

UV lamps as water purifiers do their best work as the final stage in a water treatment system when the water is at its most filtered; this is because the light cannot pass through non-organic contaminants, which decreases its effectiveness.

How to Determine Which Water Filters Are Right for You

Not every water filtration method can remove all contaminants and completely purify your water. To choose the water filter that will best serve your needs, we first recommend using a water test kit to learn what water contaminants you’re dealing with. Once you identify your top areas of concern, you can choose a water filter that specifically addresses your needs and improves the water conditions where you need it most.

Home improvement stores should supply a wide inventory of water filters and their installation equipment so you can DIY. However, if you’re going for a complex filtration system or a total overhaul, such as whole-home water filters, you may want to hire a licensed and experienced professional plumber to help.

Yearly Archives: 2023