Tap Water Filter: How Does It Provide Clean Drinking Water?

Water filtering is a process that gives us access to clean, safe and great-tasting water directly from the tap and there are a range of ways to filter our tap water…

From installing a tap water filter, under-sink chiller filtration system, a hot water dispenser or even a stand-alone filtered water dispenser, let’s break it down and explore how these filtration options provide great tasting clean water!

1. Mechanical Filtration: The First Line of Defence

Mechanical filtration is the most straightforward method of filtering water, by physically blocking contaminants through a barrier.

These filters use porous materials such as mesh or fibre to trap particles like dirt, sand and sediment and the size of the filters’ pores determines what kind of particles can pass through – finer pores trap smaller contaminants.

2. Activated Carbon Filtration: Absorbing Impurities

Activated carbon is a popular filtration material because of its incredible adsorption capabilities. This means it doesn’t just block contaminants. It attracts and binds them to its surface.

When water passes through an activated carbon filter, the carbon traps chemicals, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can affect taste and odour.

This type of filtration is especially effective at removing substances like:

• Chlorine (which can make tap water taste and smell bad)
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Certain industrial pollutants

Activated carbon tap water filters are often used in home filtration systems because of their effectiveness at improving the flavour and quality of water.

3. Ion Exchange: Removing Hardness and Heavy Metals

Water hardness, caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium, can lead to scaling in pipes and appliances and ion exchange filters address this by swapping out these “hard” ions for “soft” ones, such as sodium or potassium.

This process not only softens the water but can also remove heavy metals like lead.

Ion exchange filters work by passing water through a resin bed that holds the ions and as the water flows through, the resin exchanges the undesirable ions (like calcium or lead) with less problematic ones (like sodium).

4. Ceramic Filtration: Microporous Protection

Ceramic tap water filters are an age-old method of filtration that relies on a porous ceramic material to trap contaminants.

These filters are effective at removing bacteria and sediment from water and due to their microporous structure, provide an additional layer of safety, ensuring that even the smallest particles are removed from your drinking water.

Why Filtration Matters!

Water filtration isn’t just about improving taste; it’s about ensuring that your water is free from harmful substances like bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals.

Tap water, while generally treated and safe in many areas, can still contain impurities that affect health and taste. Using a tap water filter water can:

• Reduce exposure to chlorine, which has been linked to health issues over time.
• Remove lead and other heavy metals that can cause health problems
• Improve the taste and odour of your water, making it more enjoyable to drink.

What’s more, as concerns about tap water quality in Australia continue to be raised, investing in a good tap water filter system could be a great idea for your household. 

Let Us Help You Filter the Options!

At Pacific Springs we have a range of home and workplace options when it comes to having filtered water:

• A stand-alone filtered water dispenser which can be self-filled or mains connected*
• A discrete under-sink chiller filtration system, which can be a more cost-effective option
• A hot water dispenser  for instant, filtered hot water

* Although a mains connected option is only possible if you have a nearby water connection, the self-filled option can be considered if you’re unable to store spring water bottles or don’t have a nearby water tap. 

Get in touch and let us help you choose the tap water filter that’s best for you!