Clean water is something we all rely on every single day. From staying hydrated to cooking meals and keeping our households running, water plays a central role in daily life.
But while tap water in Australia is generally well-regulated, that doesn’t mean it’s always perfect. Traces of chemicals, heavy metals, and other impurities can still leak through. And now, new studies show that a growing list of PFAS, (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) or “forever chemicals,” are being found in Australian tap water. That’s why many are asking: Are water filters worth it?
Our answer is yes, and this guide explains why.
Key Insights
- Water filters help remove PFAS and chemicals like chlorine, lead, pesticides and bacteria for cleaner, safer water.
- They make your water taste and smell better by removing chemical or metallic properties.
- PFAS, long-lasting synthetic chemicals, are a growing concern and have been found in some Australia’s tap water.
- Filtering reduces your long-term exposure to harmful toxins and PFAS linked to health issues.
- It’s a safer option for babies, kids, pets and anyone with skin or immune sensitivities.
- Using filtered water helps prevent scale build-up in appliances, extending their lifespan.
- Cleaner water can help improve dry skin or dull hair caused by harsh or chlorinated water.
- You’ll save money by cutting down on bottled water and reducing appliance maintenance.
- Choosing filtered water supports a lower-waste lifestyle by reducing single-use plastics.
The Common Tap Water Contaminants
Australian water authorities work hard to meet national standards, but with ageing infrastructure, agricultural runoff and local environmental factors, the presence of chemicals (even at low levels) is still a concern. Common examples include:
- PFAS, synthetic compounds found in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, waterproof materials, and other industrial products. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in nature or the human body, persisting for decades.
- Chlorine and chloramine, which are added to kill bacteria but can leave behind a strong odour and dry skin.
- Heavy metals like lead, copper and zinc can leach from old plumbing, especially in homes built before the 1980s.
- Pesticides and herbicides can seep into waterways after heavy rain.
- Microplastics and sediments, from modern pollution and older infrastructure.
- Bacteria and microbial properties, which are rare but still possible if treatment plants or pipes are compromised or during floods.
How Standards Vary by Region
Water quality can vary dramatically between cities, regional towns, and rural communities. Cities with newer infrastructure generally fare better with safe-to-drink tap water, while regional or farming areas may experience spikes in nitrates, pesticides, or sediment. Add in household factors, like older plumbing or roof-harvested rainwater, and the actual quality at your tap can look different from the overall report card.
Emerging contaminants like PFAS further complicate the picture. While some areas are testing for these persistent pollutants, coverage is patchy, and national monitoring is still catching up. That means even if your water is safe by standard guidelines, it may still contain trace amounts of chemicals not yet regulated or routinely screened.
That’s why more households are turning to trusted solutions like the Ecobud water filter or Alps water filters in Australia to ensure consistent safety, taste and peace of mind.
Benefits of Filtered Water
When you dig a little deeper into what's actually in our water, the benefits of filtered water become crystal clear.
1. Protection From PFAS
The biggest reason water filters are worth it is the reassurance gained against PFAS. Exposure builds over time, raising concerns about its long-term effects on thyroid, reproductive, and immune health.
Scientists are working on promising technologies that can remove or break down PFAS completely, but until they’re widely implemented, water filters remain one of the most effective ways for households to reduce exposure. Whether you’re cooking, making baby formula, or simply refilling a reusable bottle, you know your water is clean and safe with a water filter.
2. Reduces Other Harmful Contaminants
One of the most significant filtered water benefits is removing what you don’t want to drink. Certified filters can capture heavy metals, chlorine, bacteria, pesticides, and more, leaving your water safer and fresher.
3. Improves Water Taste and Odour
Many people install water filters to help with flavour and freshness. Filters can take away that chemical tang from chlorine, the metallic notes from pipes, and the musty smell sometimes found in unfiltered water.
4. Protects Your Health
Reducing long-term exposure to trace chemicals and toxins can help lower your risk of certain cancers, hormone disruption and other waterborne chronic health conditions.
5. Helps Safeguard Your Family
Kids, babies, pets and anyone with skin sensitivities are more vulnerable to chemical exposure. This simple yet impactful change lets you protect the people (and animals) you love most.
6. Support Kidney & Liver Health
Our kidneys and liver already work hard to process toxins. Giving your body cleaner, fresher water reduces the load on these essential organs, helping support your long-term wellbeing.
7. Prolongs Appliance Lifespan
Filtered water is better for your home, too. It reduces scale buildup and corrosion in kettles, coffee machines, dishwashers, hot water systems and pipes, so your appliances last longer.
8. Enhances Skin & Hair Quality
Hard or chlorinated water can strip your skin and hair of natural oils, leaving them dry or irritated. A filter reduces these effects, helping skin stay softer and hair shinier.
9. Saves You Money Over Time
Another benefit of filtered water at home is that it pays off. You’ll save in the long run by buying fewer plastic bottles, reducing appliance repairs and ensuring better protection for your plumbing.
10. Sustainable Living
Filtered water is one of the easiest eco-friendly swaps you can make. You’ll cut down dramatically on single-use plastic bottles and minimise chemical-heavy cleaners by reducing hard water stains. If you’re already making sustainable choices like shopping for natural food, using a home water filter is a smart next step.
Choosing the Right Water Filter for Your Home
There are plenty of filter options out there, so how do you choose one that works for you? Start by thinking about your household’s size, location, and needs. For example:
- A bench-top filter is ideal for renters or small households.
- A plumbed-in system might be right for families who want filtered water from every tap.
- A portable solution like a water filter jug is perfect for the office or on the go.
Cleaner Water for the Whole Home
So, are water filters worth it? When you look at the health, environmental, financial, and everyday benefits – absolutely. Clean water is one of life’s essentials. From removing harmful contaminants to saving money and supporting the environment, the benefits of filtered water extend far beyond what’s in your glass.
Investing in the right system means you and your family can enjoy safe, great-tasting water, every day, straight from the tap. Browse Organics on a Budget’s water filter range to find the ideal fit for your home.