Healthy home · 3 min read · Updated 30 September 2026
Water filtration explained: jug, under-sink or whole-house?
Australian tap water is treated to strict guidelines. Filters are about taste, chlorine and peace of mind. Here's how the main types compare.
Why people filter
- Taste and smell: mostly the chlorine used to keep water safe on its way to you.
- Sediment from older pipes, or after works on the mains.
- Water in the shower that feels softer on skin and hair (a common reason for whole-house filters).
The main types
- Jug filters: cheap and simple, for drinking water only. Cartridges need changing often.
- Under-sink filters: a filter under the kitchen sink with its own tap or through your mixer. Filters drinking and cooking water with little fuss.
- Reverse osmosis: filters more finely, but wastes some water and needs more maintenance.
- Whole-house filters: fitted where water enters the home, so every tap and shower is filtered.
What to check
- What it's certified to remove. Look for independent certification, not just a brand claim.
- How often cartridges need changing, and what they cost.
- Whether a licensed plumber needs to fit it (under-sink and whole-house filters usually do).
A filter only works if it's maintained. An old cartridge can do more harm than good, so set a reminder to change it.
Revo's tipNot sure what's in your water? Your water retailer publishes a yearly water quality report for your area.