Can You Use Tap Water in a Pet Fountain? Everything You Should Know

Introduction

You may have a pet fountain and you have seen how much your cat or dog loves the running water. Most pets tend to like running water as it is fresher and makes them drink more. However, a question that many pet owners ask is, “Can I simply use tap water in the fountain?” The solution is not as simple as it appears. Although in most situations you can use tap water, the quality of this water, your cleaning habits, and the needs of your pet are also significant factors that may influence whether tap water is the most suitable one.

The Importance of Water Quality to Pets

Clean drinking water is as necessary to the health of your pets as it is to human beings. Water has excessive minerals, chlorine, or other impurities that not only change the flavor of the water that your pet is drinking but also affect the safety of the water. Poor quality water can lead to digestive diseases, urinary tract infections or other chronic health problems.

Even though pet fountains like the WOpet Pet Water Fountain have filters that are supposed to remove impurities, the best water will give your pet the taste and health benefits.

Can Tap Water be Used in a Pet Fountain?

The fact is that the majority of pet owners can utilize tap water in their pet fountain without any issues, especially when this water is drinkable. However, it is necessary to consider the specifics of the local water supply. In most cities, tap water is disinfected using chlorine. It is generally safe but some pets do not like the taste or smell, and they may end up drinking less.

When it comes to hard water, the calcium and magnesium content is very high and this may cause mineral deposits in your fountain. This does not only makes cleaning a problem but can even shorten the life of your fountain. Older communities may have old pipes through which water can flow, increasing the likelihood of contaminants. This is why some pet owners use filtered or bottled water to give their pets the cleanest drinking water possible.

Why Filtration is Important in Pet Fountains

The built-in filtration system is one of the primary benefits of a pet fountain as it keeps the water fresh by filtering out dirt, hair, and other debris. Most filters also eliminate chlorine and enhance flavor, making tap water a lot more palatable to your pet. In case you are interested in the various kinds of filters that exist and the way they operate, you can read this informative article: Types of Filters Used in Pet Fountains.

It is worth keeping in mind that even the most effective filter should be changed regularly to be effective. When a filter is not cleaned, bacteria and odors can be trapped, and this renders it useless.

When to Change the Water?

Whether it is tap water, filtered water or bottled water, it does not matter as long as you keep it fresh, it will be good to your pet. Stagnant water is a breeding ground of bacteria, particularly during warm weather.

It is best to replace the water in your fountain at least once every one to two days and rinse the fountain daily. Deep cleaning should be done once a week to avoid accumulation of molds, slimes or mineral deposits.

The How to Clean a Pet Water Fountain is a good place to start if you don’t know how to do it right.

Final Thoughts

Tap water is also acceptable in your pet fountain as long as your local water is safe. But with a good filtration system, frequent cleaning, and good equipment such as the WOpet Pet Water Fountain, your pet will have the freshest water possible.