If your home in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich or Moreton Bay is connected to town water, the water coming out of your tap has been treated and is safe to drink. So do you actually need a filter? For most households the honest answer is: not for safety, but possibly for taste, smell or peace of mind.

Why people filter town water anyway

Water suppliers disinfect drinking water, and that often leaves a noticeable chlorine taste or smell. Some people also notice a slightly earthy flavour at certain times of year. Others live in older homes where old pipes can release fine sediment or rust-coloured particles when the plumbing is disturbed. A filter can help with these everyday issues.

  • Taste and smell: carbon-based filters are commonly used to reduce chlorine taste and odour.
  • Sediment: a sediment stage catches fine grit and particles.
  • Preference: some people simply like the taste of filtered water, or want it chilled and on tap for drinking bottles.

Types of water filter

Under-sink filters

These connect to the cold water line under your kitchen sink and usually deliver water through a dedicated tap or the existing mixer. They keep the benchtop clear and filter the water you drink and cook with.

Benchtop filters

Benchtop units sit next to the sink and need little or no installation. They suit renters or anyone wanting a simple option, though they take up space and may need refilling or connecting to the tap.

Whole-of-house filters

A whole-of-house system is installed where water enters the property, so every tap, shower and appliance receives filtered water. These are more common where the source water carries sediment, and they take proper planning around flow rate and pressure.

Maintenance matters

A filter is only as good as its upkeep. Cartridges have a limited life and need replacing on the schedule the manufacturer recommends. A neglected cartridge can clog, slow the flow and stop doing its job. Keep a note of the install date, set a reminder, and keep spare cartridges on hand.

Whole-of-house systems and any units with extra stages should also be checked occasionally for leaks and pressure drops at the fittings.

Tank, bore and river water are different

Everything above applies to treated town water. If your property is on rainwater tanks, a bore or a river or dam supply, the water has not been treated by a supplier, and your needs are different. Sediment, discolouration, bacteria and dissolved minerals may all be concerns, and the right solution usually starts with getting the water tested. Our article on filtering tank, bore and river water covers this in more detail.

Choosing the right option

Before buying, think about what you want to fix. If it is just chlorine taste at the kitchen tap, an under-sink or benchtop filter is usually enough. If you have sediment or staining throughout the house, a whole-of-house system may make more sense. A licensed plumber can check your water pressure, advise on where a unit should go and install it properly so it meets the plumbing rules.

Be wary of any claim that town water is unsafe without evidence. If you are concerned about a particular issue, such as discoloured water or a change in taste, raise it with your water supplier and have the plumbing checked.

Not sure which water filter suits your home? Call The Plumbing Gang on 1300 671 525 or see our water quality services.