In some areas, particularly those with hard water, but even in areas without hard water and that have chlorinated water, using filtered water to make coffee is definitely preferable; even necessary. However, the shameful wastefulness of these filter pods and handles is NOT necessary. It's just a carbon filter pod, just like what is used in a Pur or Brita faucet filter. It's terrible that the replacements come with extra handles. The handles are reusable, and there is no reason to replace it. Sure, buying new filter cartridges for your faucet filter isn't the most environmentally sound, either (there should be a way to simply replace the carbon inside rather than an entire plastic cartridge), but at least you get more use out of that. Bottom line: Just use an on-tap water filter or a filter pitcher INSTEAD of these filter pods and you will get the exact same result with your coffee.