In the era of cutting edge technology, many consumers tend to believe claims related health and hygiene quickly without processing the information’s validity.

Filtration is a process where unwanted materials in any solution or mixture is removed. These materials are usually related to health problems or environmental pollution. The filtration process is mainly used in industries either to treat water or waste water. Being a health conscious society, every one of us wants the best technology to protect ourselves and our family.

But do filters safeguard our health? There are claims that drinking water after using a particular filter can give energy or even cure sickness. Some retailers or direct sellers may even claim this with pictures and recommendations.

How true are they? What are the actual certifications received by them?

There are filters that remove chlorine from the water supply. The consumers are not reminded that non-chlorinated water is not suitable for storage without boiling it first. The filtrate or ‘the dirt’ which is deposited onto the filter layers must also be cleaned periodically or the parts of filters must be changed periodically.

This is due to the fact that storage capacity for ‘the dirt’ in filters is limited. High storage will cause these chemicals to be released back into the filtered water.

In addition to that, Fomca recently conducted a survey of water-vending machines. These machines are situated in open and public spaces. Some are even next to drains and rubbish bins.

How clean are the nozzles from which water is discharged for consumers?

The source of water for these machines is from domestic water supply which undergoes a filtration process. When consumers purchase a sealed water bottle for drinking, it is understood that it is clean. This is mainly because of the certification from the health ministry.

Who certifies water-vending machines? In our investigation, one of the water vendors mentioned that the machine is given a temporary license which is renewable under the ‘temporary hawker’ category.

In both the water filter and water-vending machine categories, the integrity of the claims have not been certified by the government or certification agencies.

Fomca urges the relevant government agencies to carry out proper enforcement and certification to ensure consumers are not victimised by false claims. The final truth is water is neutral.

The writer is programme manager, Environment Desk, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca).