Do I need a water filter? This question is often asked as consumers consider their drinking water, its safety and quality. The simple answer is, if you are a customer of the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBCWUD), no.

PBCWUD takes great pride in providing safe drinking water to each of the 590,000 residents it serves. The department continuously monitors the water quality and, each year, performs more than 80,000 water sample tests to insure that the quality and safety of the water meets or exceeds all federal and state health guidelines. Tests are performed at each of PBCWUD's five water plants to guarantee that the water purification process is producing the highest quality water as well as at various points along the water distribution route, to assure no contaminates are introduced as the water travels through distribution lines.

PBCWUD also issues a yearly Water Quality Rep​ort​, which lists all elements that are detected in drinking water, as well as their levels and the allowable limits established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Should you decide to use a water filter, be aware that they come with their own set of guidelines, which can affect the quality of drinking water. Filters have a recommended lifecycle that, once passed, can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This is especially true among under-the-counter filters that are often placed in dark warm environments near dishwashers. Replacing filters can also be costly and time-consuming.

Deciding whether to purchase a water filter for your home is a personal choice, but rest assured that PBCWUD works diligently every day of the year to provide the safest and highest quality drinking water to each of its customers.