Is Filtered Water the Same as Bottled Water? Not Quite
July 12, 20212 min read
Filtered water and bottled water are often treated as equivalent — but they’re not the same thing, and in most cases filtered tap water is the better choice. Here’s a clear comparison.
Most bottled water sold in Australia is either spring water (sourced from a natural spring) or purified municipal water (filtered tap water). The label matters — “spring water” has a natural mineral profile; “purified water” or “drinking water” is typically filtered tap water, often using reverse osmosis or carbon filtration.
Bottled water is regulated under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, but it’s not inherently purer or safer than well-maintained filtered tap water.
Filtered Water vs Bottled Water: A Comparison
Filtered Tap Water
Bottled Water
Quality
Excellent — removes chlorine, heavy metals, sediment
Variable — depends on source and brand
Cost
~$0.001–0.01 per litre
$1–3+ per litre
Environmental impact
Minimal — no plastic waste
High — plastic bottles take 300+ years to decompose
Freshness
Filtered on demand — always fresh
May have been bottled months ago
Convenience
Always available at home
Requires purchasing and storing
Microplastics
Not introduced by packaging
Plastic bottles can leach microplastics into water
The Verdict
For most Australian households, a quality home water filter produces water that is equal to or better than bottled water — at a fraction of the cost and with no plastic waste. The only scenario where bottled water has a clear advantage is when you’re away from home and don’t have access to filtered water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bottled water safer than tap water in Australia?
Not necessarily. Australian tap water meets national drinking water quality standards. Bottled water is not inherently safer — and may have been sitting in a plastic bottle for months. A quality home filter provides fresh, filtered water on demand.
How much does filtered water cost compared to bottled water?
Filtered tap water costs approximately $0.001–0.01 per litre (including filter cartridge costs). Bottled water costs $1–3+ per litre. For a household drinking 4 litres per day, switching from bottled to filtered water saves $1,400–4,000+ per year.
What’s the best home water filter to replace bottled water?
A benchtop 8-stage KDF filter is the most convenient replacement for bottled water — no plumbing required, excellent taste, and very low ongoing cost. Browse our full water filter range.
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