Summer Water Woes: Does My Tap Water Need A Filter?

As summer temperatures soar, we often find ourselves reaching for water to stay hydrated throughout the day. But as you sip from your tap, have you ever stopped to think if your tap water is of good enough quality to drink?

While tap water is generally safe to drink, it does contain additives that can have an impact on its taste and smell so let’s take a closer look at why summer is the ideal time to consider using a water filter, and how filtration systems can help address potential tap water issues and answer the question “Does my tap water need a filter?”

Does My Tap Water Need A Filter?

Australia’s water suppliers follow strict safety standards outlined in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Through filtration, disinfection, and monitoring, tap water is kept free from harmful microorganisms and chemicals, making it safe to drink.

But safety doesn’t always mean satisfaction. Chemicals are added to protect against contamination but can leave an unpleasant taste or smell behind. That’s where water filters come in, to give your water a cleaner, fresher appeal.

Signs You May Need a Filter

• You dislike the taste or smell of your tap water
• Your home uses water from a private source, like a rainwater tank
• You’re concerned about specific contaminants in your water supply

How Do Water Filters Work?

Water filters use various methods to remove impurities, improve taste, and ensure better drinking quality – here’s a breakdown of the two technologies we use here at Pacific Springs to provide you with clean, safe, great tasting and odour free drinking water…

Carbon Filters

• Carbon filters are used to remove impurities through adsorption
• They effectively reduce chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides and unpleasant tastes and odours

Sediment Filters

• Sediment filters remove physical particles and debris, such as sand, silt, dirt, and rust from water
• They act as a pre-filter, protecting other filtration components, like carbon filters, from clogging and help to ensure efficient filtration

Potential Risks in Tap Water

While Australia’s water is generally safe, understanding potential risks can help you decide if a filter is worth it.

Aesthetic Problems

• Discoloured water: Often caused by fine suspended particles.
• Unusual taste or odour: Can occur if the acid-alkaline balance is too low.

Microbiological Risks

• Bacteria: Often managed with chlorine, but some may persist in the distribution system
• Protozoa: These organisms are rare but resistant to some treatments

Chemical Risks

• Pesticides and Nitrates: Most common in rural areas, especially from agricultural runoff
• Chlorine Residues: Necessary for disinfection but may leave a slight aftertaste

Summer – The Perfect Time To Consider Filtered Tap Water!

Installing a water filtration system can help mitigate some of the concerns you may have about your tap water and at Pacific Springs we have a range of home and workplace options…

• 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!