Ever drank water that tasted a little funky? Water filters are a great way to improve the quality of tap water and reduce the chances of bacteria, microplastics chemicals and other contaminants from sneaking in their way to our glass.
While Australia’s water is treated and safe to drink, it doesn’t hurt to use a filter for a more crisp, clean and refreshing drink.
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Whether you’re on ‘team tap water’ or ‘team filtered’, here are several top-rated filtration systems to keep you hydrated. One of our favourites is this BRITA bottle – it’s cute, travel friendly and an easy to way to purify water on-the-go. Plus, over 14,400 people have awarded it five stars on Amazon Australia, with one happy shopper labelling it “perfect in every way.”
BEST WATER FILTERS BUYING GUIDE
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HOW DO WATER FILTERS WORK?
Water filters essentially block or capture bacteria, debris such as sand and dirt, and pollutants like parasites and metals. It’s why they’re recommended by authorities if you have a private water supply, such as a rainwater tank or bore, with sediment or is at risk of chemical contamination.
Water filters are also handy if you notice a chemical-like odour or taste.
Keep in mind there is no such thing as a one-size fits all filter. There‘s a wide selection of filtration systems on the market, each designed to eliminate certain contaminants and with varying levels of effectiveness. So, it’s a good idea to understand what exactly you want to filter out before buying something for your kitchen.
For example, propylene or ceramic filters are recommended for filtering discoloured water containing fine particles of sand, gravel and other grit or foreign material. But if your main concern is bacteria or chemicals, then a reverse osmosis or distiller system might be the way to go.
Otherwise, you can use an activated carbon filter to remove ‘chemical’ tastes or odours from disinfectants such as chlorine.
WHICH FILTER SHOULD YOU USE?
Some filtration systems need to be installed, while others can be easily plugged in or simply require you to add a filter every now and then. The easiest way to purify your H2O is by purchasing a filtered water bottle, filtered water jug or filtered water dispenser.
However, not all water filters treat water the same way. Here are several common types of water filters to check out.
• Polypropylene and ceramic filters: These contain tightly packed fibres that create a mesh screen that removes foreign particles from the water, such as dirt, rust and sand.
• Activated carbon and carbon block filters: Also commonly listed as activated charcoal or carbon filters, these are best for removing chemicals including iron, manganese, chlorine and hydrogen sulphide (a gas that smells like ‘rotten eggs’) as well as bad tastes and odours. Certain carbon filters can also soften hard water.
• Reverse osmosis: Unlike activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis cannot get rid of hydrogen sulphide in acidic water. Instead, reverse osmosis filter systems are great for removing harmful metals, chemicals, parasites and contaminants.
• Distillation: Distillers boil water until it becomes steam, before cooling it down back into its liquid state. This not only effectively kills bacteria, but it also improves the taste and smell.
• Ultraviolet light: Some water filters use UV light to eliminate viruses, bacteria and protozoa (namely cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite that can cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps).
BENEFITS OF A WATER FILTER
Here are a few reasons why it’s worth buying a water filter.
• Enjoying filtered can reduce the risk of ulcers, gastrointestinal infections and other health issues that result from unwanted chemicals and bacteria.
• Filters remove any excess calcium and minerals found in tap water, which can help prevent kidney stones.
• Buying a water filter jug or installing a filtration system is much cheaper than buying bottled water each week. Plus, it means using less plastic.
• It sounds strange, but filtered water tastes a little crisper and yummier than tap water since it gets rid of the metallic chlorine flavour.
BEST WATER FILTERS TO BUY IN AUSTRALIA
BEST WATER FILTER DISPENSERS
BRITA On Tap Advanced Water System, $109 at BRITA
BRITA On Tap Advanced Water System
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Installing a water filter should be as easy as turning on a tap. Thankfully, attaching BRITA’s On Tap Advanced System doesn’t require any tools and can simply be connected to your kitchen tap.
Whether you’re grabbing a drink of water or washing fruits and vegetables, this BRITA water filter promises to reduce the amount of contaminants found in tap water. This includes a variety of chemicals (e.g. chlorine and pesticides), metals like lead, microplastics and other potentially harmful particles, as well as 99 per cent of bacteria.
Devanti 22L Water Cooler Dispenser, $196.95 at Myer
Devanti 22L Water Cooler Dispenser
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Prefer to keep filtered water just for drinking or making a cuppa? This Devanti model packs a whopping 22 litre capacity, making it super convenient if you have a large family, work from home, or want to refill your water bottle without having to constantly fill up the cooler.
There’s also a storage compartment to minimise clutter, along with an adjustable tray height and removable drip tray for ease of use.
“Very stylish and lightweight water dispenser. [It’s] hassle free to put together and up and running in no time,” a customer commented.
Healthy Choice 5L Benchtop Water Filter and Cooler, $119.95 at Myer
Healthy Choice 5L Benchtop Water Filter and Cooler
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Healthy Choice water filter dispenser is an affordable alternative worth checking out, especially with its dual taps for chilled water or room temperature H2O.
Other features include an activated carbon and resin filtration system, replacement date indicator, fast cooling system and a removable cup rest with a spill guard to prevent splashes.
“Chills the water perfectly [and] doesn’t take up too much benchspace,” a happy shopper noted.
BEST WATER FILTER JUGS
BRITA Marella XL 3.5L Jug, $45 at BRITA
BRITA Marella XL Blue 3.5L Jug
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
“I love this water jug,” a shopper praised.
A leading brand when it comes to water filtration systems, BRITA continues to impress with the Marella XL jug. It uses activated carbon from coconut shells to absorb and keep away chlorine and other unwanted tastes and odours. The brand also claims the ion exchange pearls in the filter helps protect against limescale build-up and remove heavy metals such as lead and copper.
“Couldn’t be happier,” another customer wrote.
“The jug is large and filters the water quickly. The filtered water tastes amazing. I’ve been using it for 4 months now and its still in perfect condition. The shape of the jug is ergonomic and fashionable too.”
Philips 3L Micro X-Clean Instant Water Filtration Dispenser, $89 (down from $99.95) at The Good Guys
Philips 3L Instant Water Filtration Dispenser
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
‘Slow to pour’ is one of the most common criticisms around water filter dispensers, but Philips deals with this with its Instant Water Filtration Dispenser. Compared to the brand’s other models, the Micro X-Clean Instant Filter is claimed to increase flow by four times without sacrificing its ability to filter effectively.
“It’s the next best thing to having an under sink filter,” a customer recommended.
“Fresh water on tap available at the push of a button. This has honestly made me drink so much more water and it’s so small and convenient that it hardly takes up any room. How did I live without it before?” another reviewer wrote.
BEST FILTERED WATER BOTTLES
BRITA Insulated Filtered Water Bottle with Straw, $53.74 at Amazon Australia
BRITA Insulated Filtered Water Bottle with Straw
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Want to get rid of the taste and smell of chlorine wherever you go? With more than 14,400 five-star reviews on Amazon, the list wouldn’t be complete without this BPA-free BRITA filtered water bottle. Other handy features include an enclosed sip straw, push button lid, carrying loop and leak-proof design.
“Really love the design and seal on this bottle. We took it hiking, biking and just everywhere really,” a customer commented.
“Easy to drink from when you’re on the go and active... Dropped it roughly a few times and barely scratched. Sometimes I use it without the filter if I’m mixing with other drinks or trying to preserve the filter.”
Philips GoZero Daily Insulated Straw Filtration Bottle, $39.95 (down from $49.95) at The Good Guys
Philips GoZero Daily Insulated Straw Filtration Bottle
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Love to explore the outdoors? Keep water cool and crisp thanks to the double-wall vacuum insulation in this 550ml Philips water filter bottle. The filter also offers instant filtration, allowing you to easily remove traces of chlorine, lead and pesticide in tap water when you’re on-the-go.
And if you’re craving a tea instead, you can take out the filter and use the product as a regular bottle.
“Absolutely amazed by the taste of the water. I have been filtering my water and placing it in the refrigerator but this is so much better and easier. I would definitely recommend it,” a happy customer posted.
DO YOU NEED TO FILTER TAP WATER IN AUSTRALIA?
Tap water in Australia is already treated and safe to drink, but filters can be used to improve the taste and further lower the risk of consuming potentially harmful impurities. The same goes for drinking water fountains and publicly accessible taps, although the Victorian government recommends flush the water for 30 seconds before consuming because the water may no longer be ‘fresh’ if it has been sitting stagnant.
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It’s worth keeping in mind that it’s impossible to eliminate all impurities, according to NSW Health. Water suppliers add controlled amounts of approved chemicals, such as chlorine, to filter and disinfect water as part of the treatment process. Some additionally use fluoride to protect against tooth decay.
Plus, water naturally collects different substances as it flows through rivers, dams, soil and rock. These are generally harmless, but sometimes water may capture potentially harmful and bad tasting contaminants. Secondly, filters must be changed regularly ensure they’re effective.
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Originally published as Ultimate guide to the best water filters | Top reviewed water filters
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