Table Of Contents
Are you searching for a means to make your tap water safe for drinking or any other use? Although the water supplied in Australia is safe, you can still use different techniques to guarantee it is safe for consumption. The biochemical properties of your water, the types of pipes it moves through, the water pressure, and your water source affect your water quality.
One of the ways to increase the quality of your tap water is through filtration using water filters. A filtration system safeguards water from contaminants and chemicals harmful to your health. Some contaminants the water filtration system removes include pesticides, bacteria discolouration, odour, and sediments.
Benefits of Water Filtration
Here are some of the significant benefits of water filtration.
Less harmful chemicals
Most tap water in Australia contains over two thousand chemicals. Water filtration helps eliminate at least 99 per cent of these chemicals from your tap water.
Cost-effective
Water filtration is a more cost-effective water purification process. Installing a water filter system is expensive at first; however, these appliances offer long-lasting cost benefits because of their lifespan.
Make water safe for domestic use
Water filtration makes your water safe for various uses, including drinking, washing, cooking, and other domestic services. The filter cartridge removes all the contaminants, making the water harmless even for your pets.
Prolonged appliance lifespan
Filtered water is beneficial to the lifespan of your various home appliances. These include laundry washers, dishwashers, toilets, and showers. The water doesn't have calcium or lime build-up, which tends to damage your plumbing system, including pipes, drains or faucets, making them longer lasting.
Reduced risks of health problems
If you drink water that is filtered and purified, it poses less or no health risks because it doesn't lead to gastrointestinal or other health issues linked to unfiltered water.
Major Types of Water Filters in Australia
Below are the major types of house water filters in Australia.
Activated alumina
Activated alumina helps remove arsenic or fluoride from your water. This filter is made from aluminium oxide, a highly porous ceramic material with high absorption levels. Therefore when the filter draws in chemicals, they are held in the pores, and the material also binds them together.
The properties make activated alumina a less expensive option to remove metals and toxins from your contaminated water and ensure that the toxins don't leak back into the environment. The water filtering system is appropriate for purifying drinking water at home, or you can use it for other industrial applications.
Ceramic filters
Ceramic water filters feature a ceramic material designed to filter out impurities from the water. This material has tiny pores that allow water to pass through while trapping contaminants such as bacteria, parasites, and sediment.
Ceramic filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for many households in Australia. However, they are less effective at removing chemical contaminants than other filters.
Sediment and sand mesh
A mesh filter works similarly to a colander. This water filter helps filter large particles of clay, sand, dirt, and rust from your water. These filters can't cleanse or purify water, but they help ensure no accumulation of build-up in your plumbing system that can contaminate your house water.
Carbon filters
Carbon water filters are another popular type of water filter used in Australia. They make use of activated carbon to remove impurities from the water. The activated carbon attracts and absorbs contaminants such as chlorine, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the water passes through the filter. Carbon water filters help improve your water's colour, taste, and odour.
Carbon filters are effective at removing many different types of contaminants; however, they have some limitations. For instance, they might not be as effective at eliminating bacteria and viruses as other types of filters. Additionally, the activated carbon in the filter must be replaced regularly to ensure it filters the water effectively.
Ion exchange water filters
Ion exchange filters are designed to exchange ions in the water for ions in the filter medium. These filters are typically used to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water, which could cause hard water and other problems.
Ion exchange filters effectively remove minerals from the water but do not remove other contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses. Therefore, they are often combined with different filters to provide comprehensive water filtration.
KDF filters
KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) filters feature zinc and copper granules and uses the process of reduction/oxidation to remove contaminants from your water. They help remove impurities such as heavy metals, iron, free chlorine, algae, bacteria, and fungi from tap water.
However, KDF water filters don't remove organic chemicals or parasitic cysts from your water. Additionally, once the filter is clogged, contaminants could be released back into your water. In addition, you should periodically backwash them with hot water to eliminate insoluble pollutants.
UV sterilisers
Ultraviolet filters use UV light to disinfect water and kill bacteria and viruses. The water is exposed to UV light, which effectively destroys any bacteria or viruses present. This prevents them from reproducing and renders them harmless.
Ultraviolet filters are very effective at killing bacteria and viruses; however, they do not remove other contaminants, such as chemicals and sediment. Consequently, they are often combined with other filters to provide comprehensive water filtration.
Reverse osmosis water filters
Reverse osmosis water filters are one of Australia's most popular types of water filters. They feature a semi-permeable membrane that filters out impurities such as dissolved solids, chemicals, and bacteria from the water. The water is forced through the membrane, leaving behind contaminants that are then flushed away.
Reverse osmosis filters effectively remove a wide range of contaminants; however, they can be expensive to install and maintain. In addition, they tend to waste a lot of water, as the filtration process requires a significant amount of water to be flushed away.
Mechanical water filters
Mechanical filters effectively remove waste matter and physical particles from your water. They are used as a pre-filtration method in which water flows through an automatic filter where waste materials get stuck between synthetic foam, nylon floss, or pads.
Multi-stage filters
Multi-stage filters use a combination of different filtration methods to provide comprehensive water filtration. These filters typically include a combination of carbon filters, ceramic filters, and other filtration methods, depending on the user's specific needs.
Multi-stage filters are very effective at removing a wide range of contaminants and are often used in commercial and industrial applications. However, they can be pretty expensive to install and maintain and are not specifically designed for home use unless you have specific water quality concerns.
Whole house filters
Whole house filters are large, complex filtration systems designed to provide comprehensive water filtration for your entire home. These filters typically include multiple stages of filtration, including carbon, ceramic, and other methods, to remove a wide range of impurities from your water.
Whole-house filters are very effective at removing a wide range of contaminants and are often used in areas where the water supply is known to be contaminated. However, they are pretty expensive to install and maintain and might not be ideal if you reside in areas with a high-quality water supply.
Pitcher filters
Pitcher filters are another convenient and affordable option for those who want clean drinking water. These filters use carbon or other filtration methods to remove impurities from the water.
The filtered water is then stored in a pitcher for easy access.
Pitcher filters are an affordable option if you want clean drinking water without the expense of a more complex filtration system. However, they might not be as effective at removing a wide range of contaminants as other types of filters.
Selecting the Best Water Filter for Your Premises
Here are some pointers to help you select the best water filter for your premises or business in Australia.
Contaminants in your water
The water filter you buy should be determined by the contaminants you want to remove from your water. It's advisable to talk to an expert to test your water and determine the contaminants in your water. This way, you can easily decide on the best filter to buy.
If a municipal service runs your main line, you should use a filter to remove chlorine, chemicals, sediments, and minerals. On the other hand, if you use water from a private well, you should go for a water filter designed to remove sediment, iron, and hardness minerals.
Understand the flow rate of your appliances
The flow rate refers to the total amount of water that can run through your appliances, including water heaters, dishwashers, toilets, and showers. As you plan to invest in a water filter, ensure you understand the demand requirements according to the manufacturer of your appliances. You could also contact an expert to help you calculate your filter's correct flow rate based on your appliances.
Size of water filter
It's vital to choose the right size of water filter for your home to meet your needs. A large filter is the best option because it increases the water supply. It is also advisable for you to check the port size of your filter because of the house's water pressure. You need a large water filter for a large household and a small one if you have limited space.
Durability
The durability of your water filter is determined by the water you intend to filter. Therefore, you should consider the quantity of sediment in your tap water and the quality when buying a water filter. Additionally, look for a high-quality water filter that can withstand increased water filtration. You could also increase the durability of your water filter by maintaining it according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Certification
Regardless of the size of the water filter you want to purchase or the amount of water to filter, you should ensure it is certified by the relevant authorities. Confirm by checking the seal, which confirms that the system has been tested and approved.
Need Expert Help With Your Water Filter?
While you can undertake DIY installation and maintain many of the water filters available in the Australian market, it is vital to seek professional help if you need clarification on both processes. Improperly installed or maintained filters could make your water quality worse rather than better.
Additionally, suppose you have specific water quality concerns, such as lead contamination or high levels of bacteria or viruses. In this instance, it is crucial to seek the advice of a professional water quality expert or plumbing contractor. They could help you identify the specific contaminants in your water and recommend the best filtration solutions.
