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 Countertop Filters
Simple, Reliable, and Completely Portable
Berkey, British Berkefeld, Filteroo, Zazen
Description:
Gravity-fed systems use the natural force of gravity to filter water — no electricity or plumbing required. They’re perfect for renters, travellers, or off-grid users who want safe, great-tasting water anywhere. These systems effectively remove bacteria, chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment while preserving beneficial minerals.
Best For:
Renters • Off-Grid Homes • Camping • Emergency Use
Benefits:
-
Filters to 1 micon
-
Works without electricity or plumbing
-
Easy to fill, clean, and maintain
-
Long-life filter elements
-
Ideal for both rainwater and tap water
Considerations: -
Need to be filled up regularly
-
Takes up bench space
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Ultra-Pure Water — Maximum Filtration Power
Description:
Reverse Osmosis systems use multiple filtration stages to remove up to 99 % of total dissolved solids (TDS), including fluoride, heavy metals, PFAS, micro-plastics, and chemicals. They’re the gold standard for households seeking the highest purity, ideal for infants, immune-sensitive individuals, or anyone who wants absolutely clean water.
Best For: Urban Homes • Fluoride Removal • High-Purity Needs
Benefits:
-
Filters to 0.0005 micons
-
Tested to reduce fluoride, PFAS, heavy metals and many other dissolved contaminants under suitable conditions.
-
When installed and maintained correctly, RO systems provide consistently low-TDS water that is suitable for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula, with appropriate remineralisation where desired.
-
Produces exceptionally pure water taste
-
Reliable multi-stage filtration
-
Safe for baby formula and cooking
Considerations:
-
Takes up quite a lot of under sick space.
-
Can waste up to 40% of water
-
Robs the water of minerals that need to be replenished
Whole-House Water Filter Systems
Whole-House Water Filter Systems
Clean, Filtered Water for the Entire Home
Description:
Whole-house systems filter all incoming water before it reaches your taps, showers, and appliances — giving your entire home protection from sediment, rust, chlorine, and odours. They extend the lifespan of plumbing and hot-water systems while delivering cleaner water for bathing, cooking, and laundry.
Best For:
-
Families
-
Tank or Bore Water
-
All-Home Filtration
Benefits:
-
Filters every tap in the house
-
Improves shower and laundry water quality
-
Protects pipes and hot-water systems
-
Ideal for both mains and rainwater supplies
Considerations:
-
Plummer Installation required
Under-Sink Water Filters
Under-Sink Water Filter
Hidden Design, Pure Water on Tap
Description:
Under-sink systems connect directly to your kitchen tap or a separate filter faucet, providing an endless supply of filtered water for drinking and cooking. They remove fluoride, chlorine, sediment, micro-plastics, and odours, improving both taste and smell while saving counter space. Installation is quick and low-maintenance.
Best For:
Families • Homeowners • Mains Water Users
Benefits:
-
Filters to 1 micron
-
Unlimited water on demand
-
Compact design hidden beneath your sink
-
Instant filtered water at the tap
-
Inexpensive cartridge replacements
-
Maintains natural water flow and pressure
Benchtop Water Filter Systems
Benchtop Water Filter Systems
Perfect for Renters
No plumbing needed — Connect and GO!
Easy Installation, Instant Filtration — Right on Your Benchtop
Description:
Benchtop water filter systems are the perfect balance between convenience and performance. Designed for renters, families, and busy households, these plug-and-play units simply connect to your existing tap — no plumber or permanent installation required.
They deliver fresh, great-tasting water instantly and are ideal for everyday use in homes, offices, or holiday properties.
Best For:
-
Renters • Apartments • Families • Holiday Homes
-
Benefits:
-
No Plumbing Required – Connect directly to your tap with a simple diverter.
-
Compact Design – Takes up minimal space while providing full-scale filtration performance.
-
High-Performance Filtration – Removes chlorine, pesticides, heavy metals, bad taste, and odour.
-
Flexible Options – Available in single or twin systems with cartridges suited to mains or tank water.
-
Low Maintenance – Easy filter changes with long-life cartridges.
-
Portable – Ideal for renters or anyone who may move house.
Considerations:
-
Not Hidden from view and can be a little ugly in new kitchens