Water filters are everywhere these days, from simple jugs to whole-of-house systems, and it can be hard to know whether you actually need one. The honest answer depends on your water source and what bothers you about your tap water. This guide explains the signs a filtration system is worth it, the different types and what each removes, how it protects your home, and how to get clean, great-tasting water at your tap.
Is your tap water actually unsafe?
It is worth being clear up front: Australian scheme (town) water is treated to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is generally safe to drink straight from the tap. For most homes on town water, a filter is about improving taste and odour, usually removing the chlorine taste left over from the disinfection that keeps the water safe on its way to you, rather than making unsafe water safe. The main exceptions are homes on rainwater tank or bore water, or in hard-water areas, where a filter, and sometimes additional treatment, genuinely improves quality and safety. If you are on tank or bore water, it is worth having it tested first so the right system is chosen for what is actually in it.
Signs you might want a water filter
A filtration system is worth considering if you notice any of these:
- A chlorine taste or smell in your drinking water, the most common complaint on town water
- Cloudy water or sediment settling in a glass, the kettle or the bottom of containers
- Scale build-up on taps, kettles, shower screens and inside appliances, a sign of hard water
- Tank or bore water that you want to make safer and better-tasting
- Staining of fixtures or laundry from minerals in the water
- You are buying a lot of bottled water and want a cheaper, greener alternative
If your only issue is taste on town water, a simple carbon filter is usually all you need. If you are on tank or bore water, test it and match the system to the results.
Types of water filter and what they remove
Different filters do different jobs, so choosing the right type matters:
- Carbon (activated carbon) filters are the most common for town water, trapping chlorine taste, odour and sediment for noticeably better-tasting water.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) systems push water through a fine membrane to remove a far wider range of dissolved chemicals and contaminants, ideal where water quality is a genuine concern.
- UV treatment uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, and is used mainly with tank or bore water, often alongside other filtration.
- Water softeners address hard water specifically, reducing the dissolved minerals that leave scale.
When comparing systems, look for independent certification: NSF 42 covers aesthetic effects such as chlorine, taste and odour, while NSF 53 covers health-related contaminants such as cysts and certain chemicals. Certification tells you a filter does what it claims.
Hard water, your appliances and long-term savings
Beyond taste, water treatment protects your home and your budget. Hard water, high in dissolved calcium and magnesium, leaves scale that furs up kettles, shower heads, dishwashers, washing machines and hot water systems, shortening their life and making them work harder and cost more to run. In hard-water areas, a softener reduces that build-up so your appliances last longer and perform better. There is a clear cost angle too: a filter tap delivers clean drinking water for a fraction of the ongoing cost of bottled water, with none of the plastic waste. When you are weighing up whether a filter is worth it, factor in the appliance protection and the money saved on bottled water over the years, not just the taste at the tap.
Installing a filter tap
The neatest solution for most kitchens is an under-sink filter connected to a dedicated filter tap, or a three-way mixer that delivers hot, cold and filtered water all from one tap. Our licensed plumbers install the under-sink system and the tap, connect it to your supply, and test it leak-free, so you have filtered water on demand without cluttering your bench with jugs or bottles. For whole-home concerns such as hard water or tank water, we can advise on and install larger systems that treat all the water coming into the house.
Keeping your filter working
Filters are not set-and-forget. The cartridges need replacing periodically, typically every six to twelve months depending on the system and how much water you use, to keep the water clean and flowing well. A clogged or exhausted cartridge stops filtering effectively and can slow the flow to a trickle, and an old cartridge can even become a breeding ground for bacteria. We can advise on the right replacement schedule for your system and change the cartridges when they are due, so your filtered water stays fresh and your system keeps performing for years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a water filter if I am on town water?
Not for safety, town water is treated to a safe standard. A filter is mainly about removing the chlorine taste and any sediment, so it comes down to whether you dislike the taste or smell of your tap water.
What is the best filter for a chlorine taste?
A carbon filter, either an under-sink unit with a filter tap or a carbon jug, is the usual choice for removing chlorine taste and odour from town water.
How often do filter cartridges need changing?
Typically every six to twelve months, depending on the system and your usage. We can advise on your specific system and replace the cartridges when due.
Can a water filter help with hard water?
A standard drinking filter improves taste but does not soften hard water. For scale problems, a water softener or appropriate whole-home treatment is the right solution.
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