What Water Filter Do I Need?
(Australian Guide)
Choosing the right water filter depends on what you want removed from your drinking water. In Australia, many people are concerned about contaminants such as chlorine, fluoride, PFAS, heavy metals and microplastics. Different filtration technologies remove different things. This guide explains how the main types of water filters work, what they remove, and which system is best for your home, helping you choose the right filtration solution with confidence.
Gravity-Fed Countertop Filters
Gravity-Fed Benchtop Water Filters
Simple, reliable and completely portable
Popular brands: Berkey • British Berkefeld • Filteroo • Zazen
Gravity-fed water filters use the natural force of gravity to filter drinking water—no electricity or plumbing required. Simply fill the upper chamber, and the water gradually passes through the filter elements into the lower chamber, ready for drinking.
Depending on the system and filters selected, they can reduce chlorine, sediment, unpleasant tastes and odours, heavy metals, bacteria and other common contaminants while retaining naturally occurring minerals.
Fluoride-reduction options are available with selected systems and filter combinations.
Best For
Renters • Families • Off-Grid Homes • Camping • Emergency Preparedness
Benefits
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No electricity or plumbing required
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Portable and easy to set up
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Simple to fill, clean and maintain
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Long-lasting, replaceable filter elements
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Suitable for tap water and appropriately treated rainwater
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Fine filtration available, depending on the filter elements used
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Available in several sizes to suit different households
Considerations
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Must be manually refilled
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Filtration is slower than a plumbed system
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Requires adequate kitchen bench space
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Contaminant reduction varies according to the filters installed
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems
Ultra-Pure Water with Maximum Filtration Power
Reverse osmosis systems use multiple filtration stages and a specialised USA made RO membrane to produce exceptionally pure, low-TDS drinking water.
Depending on the system and incoming water quality, reverse osmosis can reduce up to 99% of total dissolved solids and target contaminants such as fluoride, PFAS, heavy metals, salts and many other unwanted substances.
Best For
Homeowners • Maximum Water Purity • Fluoride Reduction • Poor-Quality Tap Water
Benefits
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Produces exceptionally pure, low-TDS drinking water
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Reduces fluoride, PFAS, heavy metals, salts and other dissolved contaminants
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Uses reliable multi-stage filtration
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Improves water used for drinking and cooking
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Optional remineralisation stage available
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Provides consistent performance when correctly installed and maintained
Considerations
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Requires more under-sink space than a standard filtration system
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Produces wastewater during the filtration process
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Removes naturally occurring minerals along with unwanted contaminants
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Requires regular filter changes and periodic membrane replacement
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Water pressure and quality can affect performance and efficiency
Contaminant-reduction rates vary according to incoming water quality, pressure, membrane performance, system configuration and maintenance. When preparing baby formula, always follow current health advice and the formula manufacturer’s instructions.
Complete Home Water Filters
Whole-House Water Filter Systems
Clean, Filtered Water Throughout Your Entire Home
Whole-house water filtration systems treat incoming water before it reaches your taps, showers and appliances. Depending on the filters selected, they can reduce sediment, rust, chlorine, unpleasant tastes and odours—providing cleaner water for bathing, washing, cooking and everyday household use.
By reducing sediment and other unwanted contaminants, a properly selected system can also help protect your plumbing fixtures, hot-water system and household appliances.
Best For
Homeowners • Families • Cleaner Water at Every Tap • Whole-Home Treatment • Mains, Tank or Bore Water
Benefits
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Filters water throughout the entire home
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Reduces sediment, rust, chlorine, tastes and odours
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Improves water used for showering, bathing and laundry
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Helps protect taps, pipes and water-using appliances
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High-flow systems designed for household water demand
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Options available for mains, rainwater and bore-water supplies
Considerations
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Installation by a licensed plumber is generally required
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Adequate installation space and suitable water pressure are needed
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Filter cartridges require scheduled replacement
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Tank and bore water should be tested before selecting a system
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UV sterilisation or specialised treatment may also be required for untreated water
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Standard whole-house filters do not usually remove fluoride, dissolved salts, hardness or all microorganisms
Clean, Filtered Water for the Entire Home
Under Counter Fluoride Filters
Under-Sink Water Filter Systems
Filtered Drinking Water, Hidden Beneath Your Sink
Under-sink water filter systems connect directly to your cold-water supply and deliver filtered drinking water through a dedicated filter tap or compatible kitchen mixer.
Depending on the filters selected, they can reduce fluoride, PFAS, chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, microplastics, unpleasant tastes and odours. Their compact design provides convenient filtered water for drinking and cooking without taking up valuable kitchen bench space.
Best For
Homeowners • Families • Filtered Water on Demand • Fluoride Reduction • Compact Kitchens • Low Running Costs
Benefits
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Provides filtered drinking water on demand
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Fine filtration down to one micron available, depending on the cartridges selected
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Reduces chlorine, sediment, tastes and odours
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Fluoride, PFAS and heavy-metal reduction options available
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Compact design remains hidden beneath the sink
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Maintains a good flow rate when correctly sized and installed
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Affordable replacement filter cartridges
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Produces no wastewater during normal filtration
Considerations
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Installation by a licensed plumber may be required
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Requires some available space beneath the sink
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Filter cartridges need scheduled replacement
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Fluoride reduction requires a suitable specialised cartridge
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Standard under-sink filters do not usually reduce dissolved salts or TDS like reverse osmosis
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Performance depends on the cartridges, water quality, flow rate and maintenance
Bench Top - Renters Water Fitlers
Benchtop Water Filter Systems
Easy Installation and Instant Filtration—Right on Your Benchtop
Benchtop water filter systems offer a convenient balance between effective filtration and simple installation. They connect directly to a compatible kitchen tap using a diverter, with no plumber or permanent installation required.
Depending on the cartridge selected, they can reduce chlorine, sediment, pesticides, heavy metals, unpleasant tastes and odours. They are a practical way to enjoy filtered drinking water in rental homes, apartments, offices and holiday properties.
Best For
Renters • Apartments • Offices • Holiday Homes • Easy, Plumbing-Free Installation
Benefits
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Connects directly to a compatible tap
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No plumber or permanent installation required
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Provides filtered drinking water on demand
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Compact and portable design
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Single and twin-filter systems available
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Different cartridge options for specific filtration needs
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Simple filter changes and low maintenance
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Easy to disconnect and take when moving home
Considerations
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Remains visible and occupies some kitchen bench space
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The diverter valve and connecting hose remain visible
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Standard diverters may not fit pull-out, spray-style or some designer mixer taps
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Filter cartridges require scheduled replacement
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Water flow may be slower while filtration is selected
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Fluoride reduction requires a suitable specialised cartridge
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Tank water may require testing and additional treatment before use