Water Filtration for Pet Owners: What Australian Pet Owners Need to Know

Most pet owners don’t think twice about giving their animals tap water — and for most Australian households on town water, that’s fine. But if you’re already filtering your own drinking water, it makes sense to give your pets the same quality. Here’s what to know.

Browse our water cooler range or our water filter range.

What’s in Tap Water That Affects Pets?

Australian town water is safe for pets as well as humans — it meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The same elements that affect human taste and health apply to animals:

• Chlorine: some animals are sensitive to chlorine taste and may drink less water as a result. Cats in particular can be fussy about water quality.
• Heavy metals: in homes with older plumbing, trace lead or copper can leach into water. A KDF filter removes these.
• Sediment: in areas with older infrastructure or bore water, sediment can affect taste and palatability for animals.

The Simplest Solution: Use Your Existing Filter

If you already have a filtered water cooler or benchtop filter, simply fill your pet’s bowl from the filtered tap. No additional equipment needed. Browse our water cooler range or see our Benchtop Water Filters Guide.

For Households on Bore or Tank Water

If your property uses bore or tank water, filtration is more important for pets as well as humans. Bore water can contain bacteria, heavy metals, and high mineral loads. A whole house filter or a dedicated drinking water filter is worthwhile. See our Whole House Water Filters Guide.

Practical Tips

• Change your pet’s water bowl daily — filtered water can still develop bacteria in a bowl left sitting
• Clean the bowl regularly — biofilm builds up quickly in pet water bowls
• If your cat or dog is drinking less than usual, try filtered water — some animals are sensitive to chlorine taste

Frequently Asked Questions