What’s in our tap water? A conversation with Ara Harutyunyan
On Lratvakan Radio, Filac director Ara Harutyunyan discusses how people judge tap water, where to start when choosing a filter and how the Filac team follows up after installation.
Where to start when choosing a filter
On 22 May 2025, Lratvakan Radio published this conversation with Filac director Ara Harutyunyan for its Armenian-language programme Radioaroghjaran. About ten minutes in, he explains what he would do first.
“I’d advise people to find out what’s in their tap water first.” (Translated from Armenian.)
When do the cartridges need replacing?
At 11:33 the host asks how long a filter lasts. Ara explains that a household can keep using the same system while replacing its cartridges periodically. He gives a one-year interval for the Filac filters he describes in the interview and suggests asking about installation and servicing when choosing a filter.
How does water get from a spring to your tap?
At 13:47 Ara takes the example of spring water. On its way to a kitchen tap, it passes through pipes whose condition can affect its quality. If you’re reading a water test report, check where the sample was taken.
When someone likes the water in their neighbourhood
At 16:16 the host asks how Ara responds to someone who already likes the local water and sees little reason to fit a filter. Ara talks about enjoying a cold glass of water. Taste tells you whether you like drinking it. Finding out what the water contains takes a different kind of check.
Why Filac follows up after installation
At 21:56 Ara explains that the Filac team asks customers for their first impressions and calls again later to check whether they have had any problems. The original recording is in Armenian.
What happens to lead when water boils?
At 23:14 Ara takes up the question of boiling water. If water contains lead, the lead stays in it when it boils. He also describes distillation, which involves collecting the steam and cooling it back into liquid water.
What does a year of bottled water cost?
At 26:40 Ara compares the cost of a home filter with what a household spends on bottles or water-cooler refills over a year. He also asks listeners to consider the time they spend going to the shop or waiting for a delivery when the water runs out.