Tap Water.

Cavy Kung-Fu

Cavy Kung-Fu

Adult Guinea Pig
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So I've seen a horrifying story on a piggy Facebook site recently, regarding tap water and chlorine poisoning. This poor lady has lost 5 of her 7 piggies already.

Basically what happened was water companies occasionally flush pipes with extra chlorine if there's a blockage etc so there was high amounts in the water. From what I've read this happens all around the world and nobody is told when it happenes. It's quite scary to think I could lose all 5 of my babies due to water.

Does anyone use filtered water for their pigs or know of ways to get around this issue? I don't collect rain water of those kind of things so I'd probably need to treat tap water and I think it might be too expensive to buy bottled lol.
 
I use a Britta filter jug. I was advised to filter my own water as I suffer from kidney stones. The piggys share my filtered water.
When I lived in Dorset the chlorine always smelt very strong first thing in the morning and we used to run some water away before using it.
 
piggieminder said:
I use a Britta filter jug. I was advised to filter my own water as I suffer from kidney stones. The piggys share my filtered water.
When I lived in Dorset the chlorine always smelt very strong first thing in the morning and we used to run some water away before using it.
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What one do you use? I think it'd be an idea for me to get one but I'm a bit lost!
 
I also have a Brita filter jug which I use for all the pets (and humans!). I got mine for £10 from Lidl but Argos sell it for £12 I think.
 
I've got the Maxtra, it was a gift so I didn't get to choose. The cartridges are more expensive so I think I would have gone for the ordinary one, they seem to remove the same chemicals. I often buy own brand cartridges they fit the Brita jug (Boots or Wilco), when I get down to one or two cartridges in the drawer I start watching for them to go on offer which they do quite often.
 
That's awesome thanks guys. I didn't realise the importance of filtering water so I'm definitely going to get one.

Do you need to wait an amount of time for it to be filtered out?
 
Eileen's Mum said:
Mines also the Maxtra but I get the cartridges cheap on eBay. You just fill the jug and it takes about 5 mins for it to drain through the filter and is then ready to use. It only filters 1.4 litres at a time so can be a pain if you want a large amount but for piggy water bottles it's fine.

Buy Brita Aluna Water Filter Jug - Cool White at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for Water jugs and filters, Kitchenware, Cooking, dining and kitchen equipment, Home and garden.
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Fab thanks! Might be a pain for me as I have a lot of water bottles haha but 5 mins isn't too bad :)
 
is there any evidence for this story you saw on facebook? I've never heard of such a thing happening and all information available online suggests tap water is safe for people - but obviously there is less information available for its suitability for guinea pigs.
 
Kallasia said:
is there any evidence for this story you saw on facebook? I've never heard of such a thing happening and all information available online suggests tap water is safe for people - but obviously there is less information available for its suitability for guinea pigs.
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I don't know what you mean about evidence, but it was confirmed by her vet and the water board in her area. The vet suggested chlorine poisoning so she called the water board who confirmed they had flushed with concentrated chlorine.

Apparently those levels would be safe for humans after flushing with extra chemicals but not for small animals. Dogs and cats have also died from it.

I don't know the likelihood of that happening where I live but I'm not going to take that chance. I know someone who works for a water company so might pick his brains on the matter if I get a chance.
 
Tap water contains minerals including calcium which is not good for guinea pigs who are prone to kidney/bladder problems, particularly in hard water areas. I was advised by a renal specialist not to drink unfiltered tap water.
 
I'm using the filter because we have very hard tap water. Just thought that if I filter my water, might as well give all the pets filtered water as well :)
 
I live in a ridiculously hard water area. Even I would not drink water from the faucet, so neither do the pets. I've never even tried it but I can guess it tastes vile straight from the pipes.
 
I use filtered water for my piggies after advice on here as it doesn't go green with algae so quickly. As mine are outside piggies this is important to me. I do change and wash the bottles frequently and they get sterilised in Milton once a month. I drink filtered water too.
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
I don't know what you mean about evidence, but it was confirmed by her vet and the water board in her area. The vet suggested chlorine poisoning so she called the water board who confirmed they had flushed with concentrated chlorine.

Apparently those levels would be safe for humans after flushing with extra chemicals but not for small animals. Dogs and cats have also died from it.

I don't know the likelihood of that happening where I live but I'm not going to take that chance. I know someone who works for a water company so might pick his brains on the matter if I get a chance.
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That's interesting - with the waterboard and vet confirming suspicions. I think I shall begin filtering my boys' water since it does seem to pose a risk.
Thanks :)
 
Kallasia said:
That's interesting - with the waterboard and vet confirming suspicions. I think I shall begin filtering my boys' water since it does seem to pose a risk.
Thanks :)
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Yea I'd never thought about it until now, I guess I just assumed our tap water would be safe. I would hope anyway!

There's always that "what if" now so I'm picking up a water filter today if I can. I've never used one before so let's see if I break it first :))
 
So I bought a filter jug on my way home from work. After changing the water bottles and bowls, I've actually seen a big increase in water intake already! It must taste better to them or something :)
 
I saw the story too, it sounded like a horrific way for them to pass...ive swapped my lot over to bottled for now but i'll be getting a filter when I can. Ive always used tap, but I would never forgive myself if something happened after reading that!
 
Awesome @Kallasia , where did you pick yours up? I looked for a filter jug today but couldn't find one! :( Got bottled water for now but hopefully I can pick one up soon. Idk whether it would be better to just get it online tbh.

Me neither @Eriathwen that's why I thought I'd share on here too. I'd never seen much mention of chlorine etc on here. I don't want to drink tap water myself any more haha I might even get a filter for work :))
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
Awesome @Kallasia , where did you pick yours up? I looked for a filter jug today but couldn't find one! :( Got bottled water for now but hopefully I can pick one up soon. Idk whether it would be better to just get it online tbh.

Me neither @Eriathwen that's why I thought I'd share on here too. I'd never seen much mention of chlorine etc on here. I don't want to drink tap water myself any more haha I might even get a filter for work :))
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Waitrose actually. There's one near my and it was on clearance - it's a Britta one with an electric meter thingy that tells you when to change the filter :) it was £18.
Argos has some online, perhaps try there? :)
 
Kallasia said:
Waitrose actually. There's one near my and it was on clearance - it's a Britta one with an electric meter thingy that tells you when to change the filter :) it was £18.
Argos has some online, perhaps try there? :)
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Ooh I'll have a look tomorrow in Waitrose if I get a chance, thanks! If not Argos it is XD
 
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