How to choose the right Water Filtration System for your needs

Choosing a water filtration system can be daunting. Many different systems are available on the market, and their costs vary widely.

But what makes a filtration system effective, and what system is best suited for your needs?

It doesn’t matter whether you receive your water from a mains town water supplier or have tanks that collect rain from roofs; your water quality can always be improved.

Water stored in rainwater tanks can contain dirt, chemicals, and other contaminants, making it smell and taste bad. Some of these contaminants can threaten your health, especially if the water you are consuming contains microscopic organisms and bacteria that can cause serious illness.

Filtering water can help improve water quality. It removes impurities, makes water safe for consumption, and improves the taste.

But how do you choose the right water filtration for your needs?

There are many different types of water filters available for consumers. Determining which type depends on what functions you want a filter to provide.

The key factors you need to consider when choosing a water filtration system include:

💧 Your water source and the problems you have

Different filter systems remove different elements to improve the quality of your water. Knowing what is in your water to start with can help refine what system best suits your needs. Potential contaminants may include:

1. Sediment: such as dirt and organic matter, is predominant in water tanks. Although less apparent, mains water may still carry sediment.

2. Waterborne Diseases: Mains water is chlorinated to kill any bacteria that might come through. However, water tanks are the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses as well as Cryptosporidium, Giardia Cysts.

3. Chemicals. Chlorine, Chloramine and fluoride are few common chemicals that are added to mains water. However, spray drift and deteriorating roofs, pipework and tanks can cause water tank supplies to change the taste and colour of your water.

4. Heavy Metals. Potentially harmful metals can also be found in water supplies, such as:

• Lead (Pb) – Can leach from old pipes and plumbing, highly toxic, especially to children.
• Copper (Cu) – Can leach from household plumbing and pipework; excessive amounts may cause stomach issues, headaches and fatigue.
• Zinc (Zn) – Can leach from galvanised pipework; excessive amounts can cause unpleasant taste.
• Arsenic (As) – Naturally occurring in some groundwater sources; prolonged exposure can cause serious health issues.

5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Can be found in drinking water, rainwater tank water is particularly susceptible to:

• Chemicals from atmospheric pollution, Pesticides and Herbicides spray drift, Hydrocarbons such as vehicle fuel exhaust gases that can include benzene, ethylbenzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Natural VOCs: Some plants also produce VOCs, the most common is terpenes, which can seasonally alter the taste and smell of tank water¹.
• Possible leaching of building materials such as pipework, roof material, gutters from paints, sealants, cleaners, solvents and adhesives ².

6. PFAS or Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer products for their water-resistant, grease-resistant, and heat-resistant properties. PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or human body.

Common Sources of PFAS:

• Non-stick cookware (Teflon)
• Waterproof clothing & textiles (Gore-Tex, stain-resistant fabrics)
• Food packaging (grease-resistant wrappers, microwave popcorn bags)
• Firefighting foam (used at airports & military bases)
• Cosmetics & personal care products

Contamination in water usually comes from:

• Industrial discharges
• military bases and firefighting foam runoff
• Landfills and wastewater treatment plants

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure: Long term exposure to high levels of PFAS has been linked to various Chronic illnesses such as:.

• Liver and Kidney damage
• Hormone disruption and thyroid disease
• Weakened immune system
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Increase risk of certain cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer.

7. Microplastics: Tiny plastic fragments less than 5mm in size, have been detected in bottled water, tap water, and even groundwater sources. The full impact of microplastics on human health is still being studied, concerns include:

• Toxic Chemical Exposure – Microplastics can absorb harmful chemicals, which may enter the body when consumed.
• Inflammation and Cellular Damage – Some studies suggest that ingesting plastic particles could cause irritation at a cellular level.
• Bioaccumulation – There is concern that long-term exposure could lead to microplastics accumulating in the body.

💧 Maintenance and On-going Costs
Most filtration and ultraviolet sterilisation systems have a limited operational life. They will need replacement or servicing 6 to 12-month intervals. Even “washable” filters need maintenance and eventually need to be replaced. Dirty filters can harbour bacteria that can make you ill.

What type of water do you need to filter?

Different filters remove different elements to clean up your water. One filter does not fit all, so it is very important to define what type of water you want to filter in the first place and why.

Let’s first look at where your water is coming from.

Mains Water systems

Cities are supplied with water from a “Mains” water system. This water typically comes from a source where it is filtered and chlorinated before being pumped out to the populous. Depending on the infrastructure, your mains water may be sourced from:

• Dams
• Rivers
• Bore systems, or
• Desalination Plants

Depending on the quality of the water source, each of the above may require more filtering or chlorination. The distance the water needs to travel through the network of pipes can also impact how much chlorination is required.

Chlorine was introduced in the early 1900s as the most effective means of preventing bacteria and viruses from infecting the main water systems. Before introducing chlorine, people were susceptible to Cholera and other diseases transmitted through water.

While chlorine can change the taste of your water, the amount used will be within regulations for human consumption. Still, would you rather have fresh-tasting water or chemical-tasting water? The taste of chlorine can be removed with the correct filter system.

Water Tank Storage

Organic material builds up over time and this is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria

Organic material builds over time, becoming a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

For those who do not live on mains water, storing their water in tanks is the only option.

Water tanks collect water from rooftops when it rains. Water may also be collected from Dams, rivers, and bore systems. However, this water is generally not adequately filtered or decontaminated prior to storage.

Organic matter such as dust, dirt, leaves, and twigs can build up in water tanks. This is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and water viruses, hence the importance of having a water filtration system.

Other than sediment, people living in agricultural areas may also experience spray drift. When crops are sprayed, the wind can carry the chemicals and settle on/in your water collection areas. When it rains, this can be washed into your tank and ultimately consumed.

Different filters can help remove sediment, chemicals, poor taste, and bad smells. If your water contains bacteria or viruses, an Ultraviolet (UV) system is the best method to ensure it is safe to drink.

But UV’s are only effective with filtered water. That is water without sediment. Otherwise, the bacteria can hide behind the minute sediment grains, potentially rendering the UV system useless.

Choosing filters

When choosing a filter, there is a big difference in quality, and the price usually reflects this (we’ll discuss budgets shortly).

The materials the filter is made of directly affect what it can (or cannot) filter. Many quality systems have multiple-stage filters because no “one does all” filter exists. That’s why it is important to understand what you want to filter before choosing a system and filters.

It’s what you can’t see that can be dangerous!

A measurement helps define how much is ‘filtered’ out of your water. A Micron is a unit of length equal to one-millionth of a meter. The subsequent smallest measurement is a nanometre, so a micron is tiny.

Some of the most common water bacteria that make us sick, such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium, are as small as 10-20 microns or 4.2 to 5 microns, respectively. Some bacteria can be as small as 0.5 microns.

Red blood cells are approximately 7 microns. And to compare this, fine sand can be around 125 microns.

This is why choosing a filter that will remove particles down to 1 or even 0.5 microns is essential to ensure that you remove not just sediment but bacteria.

It’s a vast topic discussing the various types of filters on the market.

Finally, we’ve found a vast difference in quality between manufacturing countries. Cheaper filters produced in Asia may not last as long and have less ability to filter out what you need them to achieve. This means you will probably need to replace filters far more regularly.

US, UK, Canada, Australian, and Italian-produced filters have proven to be very effective and efficient. They can last up to 12 months before requiring replacement (this can depend on the quality of the water source).

Your Budget

Considering how a water filter system fits your home, family, lifestyle, and budget is significant. You can choose a budget-friendly under-sink filter system if your main goal is only to remove sediment and improve the quality and taste of your drinking water, but if you want the entire house to have pristine water, then you need to consider a whole-house filtration system. The cost will depend on the type of filter system you choose.

There are different types of filtration systems at every budget level, providing various levels of efficiency.

The simplest filter systems can start as low as $100, but these are unlikely to have quality filters. The typical Whole-of-House (WoH) filtration including a ultraviolet sterilisation system, which is commonly used for rainwater tanks, can start from $1,900.

Other considerations for your budget include:

• Do you need a licenced plumber to install? Or are you able to install the unit yourself?
• Most systems do not include shut-off valves to isolate the filtration system for when you need to replace cartridges
• Are the filters included? You would be surprised how often we have been told of customers purchasing filtration systems only to find no filters included.

What taps and volume do you need to filter?

Some people only need a single tap filtered, while others may require the entire house to be filtered. People use water filter systems for different reasons, not just for drinking water.

Different filters can provide different volumes of clean and purified water. Each has different functions, but all serve the same objective: to provide healthy, safe, consumable water for you and your family.

Filtration systems come in varying sizes:

• 10-inch x 2.5-inch – suitable for single tap under sink system
• 10-inch x 4.5-inch – suitable for whole-of-house limited use (low flow)
• 20-inch x 4.5-inch – suitable for whole-of-house multiple taps

The key elements are flow rate and contact time.

The faster the flow rate (high water usage), the less contact time water has with the filter. Therefore, it will reduce the potential for removing the elements for which you have installed the filter. Water needs adequate contact time with the filters to remove impurities while it passes through the chambers.

This is especially important when using Ultraviolet (disinfection) systems. If impurities such as sediment (dirt and organic material) are not removed before the UV light, it won’t effectively kill bacteria or viruses.

How much does it cost to maintain a Filter system?

Most filtration systems have 2 to 3 filters; generally the only maintenance involved is replacing the filter cartridges. Larger filtration cartridges cost more than smaller cartridges but will also operate more effectively and for longer.

Operating a reverse osmosis or ultraviolet sterilisation system will cost more because it requires more components, such as membranes, lamps, quartz, and O-rings.

Maintenance is a must for your water filtration systems, however. The primary objective is to sanitise or purify your water, so it has a limited life cycle based on time, water volume, contaminant level, and some other parameters.

Filter Replacement is typically required every 6-12 months, depending on the quality of the water. If the water is high in sediment or chlorine or if you regularly use large amounts of water, then the filters will need replacement more often, and the expenses will be a little higher.

You could typically expect the costs to replace single cartridges (of reasonable quality) to start from $50, with a full system service for a Twin Filter with Ultraviolet costing approx.. $550.