Should you filter your tap water?  

I encourage all of my clients to filter their tap water, at the minimum you should filter drinking water, but if you are prone to skin irritations or respiratory disorders then adding a water filter to your shower or filtering the water for your entire house is a very good idea. Here’s why. 

Tap water in Sydney generally meets drinking water standards set by regulatory authorities but there may still be trace amounts of contaminants present. Common toxins and impurities found in tap water (usually at levels deemed safe for consumption by regulatory standards) include:

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and other pathogens in our water supply. While chlorine is essential for water treatment, exposure can have health implications for some people. 

Chlorine can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation. Some people may also develop chlorine rash, which presents as red, itchy bumps on the skin.  Chlorine has also been linked with respiratory conditions including asthma.  Furthermore, chlorine is a halogen and it has the ability to block other halogen being absorption including fluoride and iodine.    

Chloramine is another disinfectant commonly used in water treatment,  It is used to maintain water quality as it travels through the distribution systems. Like chlorine, chloramine can affect taste and odor.

Inhalation of chloramine vapors may irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, particularly in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma. Chloramine exposure can also cause irritation of the eyes and skin, resulting in redness, itching, and dryness. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to chloramine, including hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Prolonged or repeated exposure to chloramine-treated water may lead to dermal sensitization, increasing the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions upon subsequent contact.

Heavy Metals: Trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic may be present in tap water due to corrosion of plumbing materials, pollution or geological sources.  While these levels are generally low there is no safe amount of lead, so filtering is highly recommended.  

Aluminium is used in water treatment processes, such as coagulation and flocculation, to remove impurities and clarify the water.  Aluminium is drying on the sink and in large amounts it is a neurotoxin. 

Pesticides and Herbicides: Residues from agricultural runoff or urban activities find their way into water sources and can end up in tap water.

Industrial Chemicals: Depending on local industrial activities, trace amounts of chemicals from manufacturing processes may be present in tap water.

Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles may be present in tap water due to environmental contamination. Microplastics contain toxins which impact our gut health and microbiome and which may contribute to inflammation and tissue damage

Microorganisms: While water treatment processes effectively remove harmful bacteria and viruses, trace amounts of microorganisms may still be present in tap water, although typically at levels considered safe for consumption.

So if you are not filtering your water, I recommend you start.   See below for a list of my favorite systems.   If budget allows you should consider installing a whole-house water filter system.  Health benefits include:

1. Improved Water Quality: Whole-house water filters can remove a wide range of contaminants, including sediment, chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other potentially harmful substances. This ensures that every faucet in your home delivers cleaner, safer water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household uses.

2. Health Benefits: By removing contaminants from your water supply, a whole-house filter can help protect your family from potential health risks associated with consuming or coming into contact with contaminated water. This can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues, skin irritations, respiratory problems, and other health concerns linked to waterborne pollutants.

3. Protects Plumbing and Appliances: Filtering out sediment, minerals, and other impurities can help extend the lifespan and improve the performance of your plumbing fixtures, pipes, and household appliances (such as water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers). Reducing the buildup of scale and mineral deposits can also minimize the need for maintenance and repairs.

4. Better-Tasting Water: Many people find that filtered water tastes better and smells fresher compared to unfiltered tap water, which may have unpleasant odors or flavors due to chlorine, sulfur, or other contaminants. A whole-house filter can enhance the taste and odor of your water, making it more enjoyable to drink and use in cooking.

5. Convenience: With a whole-house water filter, you don’t need to rely on individual point-of-use filters (such as pitcher filters or faucet-mounted filters) at each water outlet in your home. Instead, the filtration system is installed at the main water line, providing filtered water to every faucet, shower, and appliance throughout your house. This eliminates the need for multiple filter cartridges and simplifies maintenance.

Recommended filters 

Ecobud Gentoo Glass water filter approx. $80 plus $15 for filters  Ecobud.com.au

Zazeen Bench top water filter – removes impurities and restores alkaline and mineral balance zazenalkalinewater.com.au

Tru water in Gordon install and maintain under sink water systems www.truwater.com.au

www.puretec.com.au  – must be installed by a registered plumber 

Bunnings have a large range of self-install systems ranging from ones that fit on your tap to the entire house.