Guide To Buying A Water Filtration System
Is Your Water as Clean as You Think It Is?
The water straight from the tap looks clean. Crystal-clear, no suspicious floaties. It must be safe, right? Not necessarily.
While Australia's municipal water supplies generally meet high safety standards, based on your location, there are many issues that can affect water quality. From high mineral content to chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, or even microscopic troublemakers like bacteria and PFAS, many pollutants can get into your water, especially if you use a private water supply.
For this reason, more households are installing water filtration systems to take control of what they drink, cook with, and bathe in. Whether your concern is strange taste, unwanted chemicals, or just the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your glass, picking the right water purification system isn’t as simple as grabbing the first one you see on sale.
So, let’s break it down. Our expert guide can help you discover the types out there and provide tips on how to pick the right option for your home.
1. Types of Water Filtration Systems Based on Installation
Single Tap (Under-Sink or Countertop)
These compact devices filter water at one point, usually the kitchen tap. If you want cleaner, better-tasting drinking water but don’t care about filtering what comes out of your shower or washing machine, this is a solid choice.
- Countertop Models: These sit on the benchtop and are connected directly to the faucet. While they are easy to install and maintain, they can occupy valuable counter space.
- Under-Sink Models: Installed beneath the sink, these systems are hidden from view, preserving countertop aesthetics. They require more complex installation but offer a more permanent solution without cluttering the kitchen space.
Whole House Filtration
Do you want every single drop of water in your home, whether from the shower, kitchen tap, or washing machine outlet, to be filtered before it even gets to you? That’s what a whole house water filtration system does.
Sure sounds great, right? Just a heads up. Whole-house filters typically don’t provide the 100% filtration that some people would want for their drinking water...
Caravan and Portable Filters
For road-trippers, campers, and van-lifers, these are lifesavers. A good example? The Puretec CR20, which has antibacterial technology to prevent nasties from growing inside the filter itself.
2. Filtration Types: Single/Dual vs. Reverse Osmosis
Single/Dual Filters: Basic Filtration
These systems typically use carbon filters or additional filtration methods to remove chlorine and sediments, and improve taste and odour.
Reverse Osmosis: The All-Round Solution
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants. Reverse osmosis is what bottled water companies use.
3. Key Buying Considerations
Filtration Methods
- Sediment Filtration: Removes larger particles and debris.
- Carbon Filtration: Effective for chlorine removal, improving taste and odour.
- Reverse Osmosis: Removes a broad spectrum of contaminants.
- UV Treatment: Disinfects water by neutralising microorganisms.
- Water Softeners: Address water hardness by replacing calcium and magnesium ions.
- Iron Removal: Specifically targets iron, preventing rust stains and metallic-tasting water.
Filtration Level
Whole house filters: Usually 30–50 microns. Under-sink filters: As low as 0.2 microns.
Installation and Maintenance
Undersink systems snap onto your tap in minutes; others need a plumber. Filter replacements: every 6-12 months.
Cost Considerations
Whole house filters cost more initially. Reverse osmosis uses more water.
Water Quality Testing
Before deciding on a system, test your water to identify specific contaminants. The Environmental Health Standing Committee provides guidance on water quality testing.
4. Quick Checklist
- What’s wrong with your water?
- How much filtration do you need?
- Whole house vs. single tap?
- Do you need to remove fluoride, bacteria, or PFAS?
- Are you okay with frequent filter changes?
- How much space do you have?
Final Thoughts: Your Path to Clean Water
Choosing a water filtration system means taking control of what’s in your water. Once you invest in a quality system, you’ll never have to second-guess the water you drink again. And that is a game-changer.
