Let’s get one thing straight. That filter isn’t a magical force field; it’s a sponge for grossness. Every time you pour tap water through it, you’re trapping chlorine, lead, and the ghost of your roommate’s unwashed dishes.
But here’s the kicker: after a few weeks, that sponge becomes a breeding ground. The very stuff it’s supposed to remove (bacteria, mold, sediment) starts throwing a party on the carbon surface. You aren’t filtering water anymore; you’re marinating it in yesterday’s swamp juice.
One study found that used filters can actually increase bacterial counts. Think about that the next time you take a big, refreshing gulp from a pitcher you forgot about since the Super Bowl.
