Knock on wood! I've had mine for about 5 years and only used filtered tap water in it. Our water is very hard where we live so we have reverse osmosis for drinking and appliances.

First mistake buying a Rowenta. Had one for 18mnths-never dropped-It just leaked and finally died. Biggest waste of $120.

While in Fla for the winter months my new Rowenta irons all become incontinent within 6-8 mos! I use distilled water up in PA because we have a well and guess what, no incontinence! My current iron up here is about 4 years old. Go figure. I will now only use distilled water while down south...

I buy Spring water and haven't had any problems. My friend says the same thing you do about her iron so she started using tap water and gets less sputtering. I don't have a problem with sputtering on any of my irons as long as I wait until the light tells me they are sufficiently heated. Guess it's 6 of 1 and half dozen of the other. :)

I have only had my rowenta for about a year now. I only use it in the sewing room. I use reverse osmosis water in it because we have the set up. No leaks or spurting so far.

Mine said tap water, and that's what I've always used. No leaks, and I've had it about four years.

I have a R W that is about 15 years old never use anything other then tap water, have not had any problems. Until 6 years ago it was well water,now city water. :D

I have an Oliso, that I saved a long time for. I use only bottled "Spring Mountain" water. Not tap (too hard) and not distilled (too soft).... I personally like Arrowhead water, but that is a personal choice.....

I took a chemistry class this spring, and my instructor actually talked about this topic. He said that the impurities in tap water require a higher temperature to get the water to steam and that is why many manufacturers say to only use tap water. I quit buying Rowentas, I didn't feel they were worth the money. I have a black and decker now and love it. I steam and spray when I am quilting (not at the same time, lol).

I have my Rowenta for 5 years now,always use my bottled drinking water because I always carry water with me.Have never had a problem with my Iron.