Confused by Water Filter Systems? Here’s the Ultimate Guide for Aussie Homes

If you’ve ever stood in front of your tap wondering what exactly is coming out of it — you’re not alone. Whether it’s that faint chlorine smell, weird taste, or just wanting to cut down on plastic bottles, choosing the right water filter system can feel like a guessing game.

But it doesn’t have to be.

In this guide, we’re going to break down the different types of water filter systems available for Australian homes. We’ll look at what they do, how they work, how much they cost, and which one might be the best fit for you. Simple, clear, and no jargon. Just clean water talk. 

What Is a Water Filter System, Really?

Let’s start with the basics. A water filter system is any device that improves the quality of your tap water by removing nasties like chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, and bacteria.

Some systems are small and sit on your bench. Others hide under your sink. Some even go full James Bond with multi-stage filtration. The goal? Better taste, better health, and less reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

How Do Water Filter Systems Work?

It depends on the type — but here’s the general idea:

• Carbon Filters trap chemicals like chlorine and improve taste.

• Ceramic Filters block bacteria and sediment with microscopic pores.

• Multi-Stage Systems combine several filter types for deeper cleaning.

• Reverse Osmosis (RO) filters push water through a membrane to catch even teeny-tiny contaminants.

The best part? You don’t need to be a plumber to use them (well, most of them).

Which Type of Filter Is Right for You? Let’s Break It Down

Not all filter systems are made equal. What works for a busy family in Sydney might not be ideal for a couple in a rural Queensland property. So let’s explore your options.

1. Benchtop Water Filters – Easy, Breezy, No Tools Needed

Perfect for: Renters, apartment dwellers, minimalists.

Benchtop filters are compact, simple to install, and sit right on your kitchen counter. They’re great if you want filtered water without drilling holes or messing with pipes.

👉 Take a peek at the Single Countertop Benchtop Water Filter. It connects directly to your tap, has a solid carbon filter, and doesn’t eat up much bench space.

Why Aussies love it:

• No installation stress

• Great for rentals

• Quick access to cleaner water

2. Under Sink Filters – Powerful & Out of Sight

Perfect for: Larger households, home cooks, clean freaks.

Under sink water filters are installed out of sight, saving bench space and giving you instant access to filtered water straight from the tap.

Check out the H2O Undersink Water Filtration System Kit. It’s sleek, low-maintenance, and delivers consistently clean water for families.

Why it’s worth considering:

• Hidden from view

• High volume filtration

• Great long-term solution

3. Multi-Stage Water Filters – The Overachievers

Perfect for: Health-conscious families, wellness lovers, water snobs (we see you 👀).

These systems don’t just stop at one filter. They’ve got multiple stages to remove everything from chlorine to heavy metals to bacteria and more.

Our favourite? The 8-Stage Water Filter System. It purifies, alkalises, and even adds minerals back into your water.

Client story time! Sophie, a mum of two from Melbourne, emailed us saying, “I didn’t realise how metallic our tap water tasted until I got the 8-stage filter. Now my kids are actually drinking water without a fuss, and I’m refilling my bottle twice as much at work!”

4. Ceramic Filters – Old School, Still Cool

Perfect for: Off-grid homes, rural living, eco-minded households.

Ceramic dome filters are made of natural materials and work using gravity. No plumbing, no electricity. They’re slow, but they’re mighty.

The Ceramic Double Countertop Filter is an eco-friendly gem. It uses ceramic and carbon to trap bacteria, chlorine, and other impurities.

Why we’re fans:

• Reusable and long-lasting

• Doesn’t need electricity

• Low maintenance

5. Reverse Osmosis – Lab-Level Purity at Home

Perfect for: Serious filtration fans, immune-compromised individuals, tech enthusiasts.

RO systems are super thorough. They use pressure to push water through a membrane that catches nearly all impurities. Want next-level clean? This is it.

Check out the RO 3000 Benchtop Reverse Osmosis Unit.

Bonus: it also alkalises your water for added health perks.

Key benefits:

• Removes fluoride, lead, heavy metals

• Great for sensitive tummies

• Compact but powerful

6. Specialty Options – Showers, Bottles & More

You don’t just drink water—you bathe in it too. Chlorine in shower water can dry out your skin and hair, which is where shower filters come in handy.

The Universal Shower Hose Filter helps reduce exposure to chlorine, especially handy if you’ve got skin sensitivities or little ones in the bath.

How Much Do These Filter Systems Cost?

Prices can vary depending on the filter type and replacement frequency.

Remember: clean water is a long-term investment. Many Aussie families find that filter systems actually save them money compared to bottled water.

How to Choose the Right Filter for Your Home

Still scratching your head? Here’s a quick guide:

• Renting? → Go benchtop or ceramic.

• Own your home? → Under sink or multi-stage for convenience.

• On a tight budget? → Start with a benchtop or shower filter.

• Got health concerns? → Look at RO or 8-stage filters.

• Eco-conscious? → Ceramic filters are reusable and plastic-free.

Browse the full Water Filter System Collection to compare all options in one place.

Why It’s Worth Filtering Your Water

• Better taste = more hydration. You (and your kids!) will actually enjoy drinking water again.

• Cost savings. Skip the bottled water aisle for good.

• Peace of mind. Know what’s going into your body (and what isn’t).

• Sustainable living. Fewer plastic bottles, lower carbon footprint.

Don’t Overthink It! Just Start Somewhere

You don’t need to install a water treatment plant in your kitchen to start enjoying clean water. Even a small upgrade like a benchtop filter or shower hose filter can make a big difference.

No matter your home setup, there’s a water filter system out there that fits your lifestyle. If you’re unsure where to start, browse our most trusted options and read reviews from real Australian households just like yours.

Ready to make your tap water taste amazing?

Explore our full range of home water filter systems and take the guesswork out of choosing the right one.

Need a nudge in the right direction? Our friendly team is just a message away, no pressure, just good advice and cleaner water on the way.