Purified Water vs Filtered Water: What’s the Difference?

Purified water and filtered water are often used interchangeably — but they’re not the same thing. Here’s a clear explanation of the difference and what it means for your drinking water.

See our related guides: Filtered Water vs Distilled Water and Reverse Osmosis Guide.

The Key Difference

Filtered water has passed through one or more filter media (carbon, ceramic, KDF, sediment) that remove specific contaminants while allowing water and dissolved minerals to pass through. The level of purity depends on the filter type — a basic carbon filter removes chlorine and improves taste; a reverse osmosis system removes up to 99% of contaminants.

Purified water meets a specific purity standard — typically less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS). To reach this level, water must go through advanced treatment such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionisation. All purified water is filtered, but not all filtered water is purified.

Common Purification Methods

Reverse Osmosis

Forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing up to 99% of dissolved contaminants including fluoride, heavy metals, bacteria, and nitrates. The most practical home purification method. Browse our RO range.

Distillation

Boils water into steam, then condenses it back into liquid — leaving virtually all contaminants behind. Produces very high purity water. Browse our water distiller range.

Deionisation

Uses ion exchange resins to remove all dissolved ions from water. Produces very high purity water but doesn’t remove bacteria or organic compounds. Primarily used in laboratory and industrial settings.

Common Filtration Methods

Activated Carbon

Removes chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, and taste/odour compounds. Doesn’t remove fluoride, heavy metals, or bacteria. The most widely used home filtration method. Browse our benchtop filter range.

Ceramic Filtration

Removes bacteria and protozoa through mechanical filtration. Often combined with carbon for broader contaminant removal.

KDF Media

Removes heavy metals (lead, mercury, copper) and reduces chlorine through a redox reaction. Used as a stage in multi-media filter systems.

Which Is Better for Drinking?

For most Australian households, high-quality filtered water — from a multi-stage benchtop filter or reverse osmosis system — is the best everyday drinking water option. It removes the main contaminants of concern (chlorine, heavy metals, sediment) while retaining beneficial minerals that improve taste.

Purified water (RO or distilled) is ideal when maximum purity is required — for infant formula, CPAP machines, or when water quality is particularly poor. For daily drinking, remineralise purified water with prill beads or mineral drops to restore beneficial minerals and improve taste.

Frequently Asked Questions