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Brita water filters are fine if you follow the instructions. They can "fine filter" the water that comes into your house (although there is really no need). The problem with them is twofold;-

1. If the filter is not changed as reccommended, the usually none- harmful bacteria that is not killed by chlorination in your water supply can breed. Under normal circumstances, this bacteria does you no harm. If allowed to breed, however, you can get clumps of them, and these can overwhelm your immune system, causing tummy upsets.

2. If you leave the filter in room temperature, this can accelerate the process.

Therefore, always follow the instructions. Some people like these filters, as they remove the chlorine taste. The same effect can be acheived by drawing off a jug of water, and leaving in the fridge for 1 hour. This allows the chlorine to evaporate. Do not drink at any time after the hour- the water will be unsafe.

You can contact your water company for your results- they are kept on a database for 6 years. Your water will have been within parameters, however. If there was a problem, you will have had a letter advising you, and possibly a visit from an inspector to determine the cause. Depending on your tap, the Water Quality officer would have either flamed it with a blowtorch, or swabbed it with a neat Chloros solution (very strong bleach)- the latter probably.

'The same effect can be acheived by drawing off a jug of water, and leaving in the fridge for 1 hour. This allows the chlorine to evaporate. Do not drink at any time after the hour- the water will be unsafe.'

By that I take it you mean that the water company can't guarantee it to be safe.  In hospitals patients have jugs of water by their bedside all day. 

Brian

Brian- once you have drawn it off from the tap, the Water companies have no more responsibilty for it's quality. That's why only one hour is the reccomendation. After that, there is no guarantee that airborne bacteria can't get into it when the fridge door is subsequently opened. It can't be compared with meat products, as they are invariably covered whilst in the fridge.

Norman