The monsoon season is here. For my kids, that means endless excitement watching the rain from our HDB window. For me, it means a never-ending battle with laundry and that familiar, damp smell in the air.
Lately, I’ve noticed something else, too. When I pour myself a glass of water from the tap, it sometimes tastes a little… different. A bit more earthy, maybe? If you've noticed it too, you're not imagining things.
First things first, let's get one thing clear: our tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe to drink, year-round. PUB, our national water agency, does a phenomenal job ensuring our water quality is top-notch, rain or shine. If you want a deeper dive into the science behind it, we've covered that in our article, Is Singapore's Tap Water Safe During Monsoon Season? Here's the Lowdown.
This article isn't about safety. It’s about taste. Because let’s be real, if your water tastes great, you’re more likely to drink it. And staying hydrated is key, even when the weather isn't scorching hot. So, how can we improve drinking water taste in Singapore when the skies open up? Let's explore some simple, practical hacks.
So, Why Does My Water Taste Different Anyway?
It’s not your imagination. The heavy and prolonged rainfall during the monsoon season can wash more organic materials—like leaves and soil—from the surrounding land into our reservoirs.
While PUB's treatment plants are more than equipped to handle this, the process might involve slight adjustments. This can sometimes result in a subtle change in the water's taste and smell, which some people describe as 'earthy' or slightly more chlorinated.
Again, this is completely normal and not a cause for concern. The water is rigorously treated to meet strict standards. You can always check out the daily water quality reports on the PUB website for extra peace of mind. But if the taste is bothering you, there are easy ways to fix it at home.
Simple Fixes for Fresher-Tasting Water
You don’t need a complicated setup or a big budget to make your daily glass of water more refreshing. Here are a few things my family and I do.
1. Just Chill It
This is the easiest trick in the book. Cold temperatures dull our taste buds' sensitivity to certain flavours, including chlorine. Simply keeping a large glass jug or bottle of tap water in the fridge can make a huge difference. I find that a glass of chilled water almost always tastes crisper and more neutral than water straight from the tap.
2. Let It Breathe
Ever notice how a bottle of wine is sometimes left to 'breathe'? You can do the same for your water. The slightly stronger chlorine taste you might notice is from the chlorine doing its job of keeping the water safe. Letting the water sit in an open container (like that jug in your fridge) for a few hours allows the chlorine to dissipate naturally into the air, often improving the taste significantly. It's a zero-cost hack!
3. The Filter Fix
If you're looking for a more proactive solution to tackle monsoon water quality at home, a simple water filter is a great option. They work by using activated carbon to trap impurities and reduce substances like chlorine that affect taste and odour.
There are a few easy, installation-free options to consider:
- Water Filter Pitchers: These are the OG solution. You can find brands like Brita or Novita at most department stores or electronics shops. You just fill the pitcher, let the water drip through the filter, and pop it in the fridge. They're affordable and perfect if you're renting or have a small kitchen.
- Faucet Filters: A small step up, these filters attach directly to your kitchen tap. Brands like 3M offer easy-to-install models that give you filtered water on demand, which is great for both drinking and cooking.
- Countertop Dispensers: If you're ready for a lifestyle upgrade, a countertop water dispenser is a game-changer. Models from brands like Sterra Singapore not only filter your water but also provide it at the perfect temperature instantly—hot, warm, or cold. It's the ultimate convenience and one of the best ways to ensure your family is drinking pure, great-tasting water every day.
Finding the best home water filter for the Singapore rainy season really depends on your needs and budget, but these options are all fantastic starting points.
Get Creative: Natural Water Infusions
Why just neutralize the taste when you can enhance it? Making infused water is a simple and healthy way to make hydration more exciting.
All you need is a large pitcher or even just your personal water bottle. Add some of these ingredients to your chilled water and let them sit for a few hours (or overnight in the fridge) to let the flavours meld.
- The Spa Classic: Slices of cucumber and a few sprigs of fresh mint.
- Citrus Zing: Slices of lemon, lime, or orange.
- Berry Fresh: A handful of fresh or frozen strawberries and blueberries.
- Herbal Twist: A sprig of rosemary with a slice of grapefruit, or a few thin slices of ginger.
It’s a great way to use up leftover fruit and makes drinking water feel like a little treat.
Your Daily Sip, Perfected
While we can always count on our tap water to be safe, we don't have to settle for a taste that's less than refreshing. During this monsoon season, a few simple tweaks—chilling, aerating, filtering, or infusing—can transform your daily hydration experience.
Ultimately, the goal is to drink enough water to feel our best. If making it taste a little better helps you do that, it's a small effort with a big payoff. Stay hydrated, lah!