Water Tap Filters: How to Choose the Right Filter for Cleaner Drinking Water

Oct 9, 2024

A water tap filter can be a simple way to improve the taste, smell and everyday quality of water used for drinking, cooking, tea and coffee. For many Australian homes, the right kitchen or drinking water filter can help reduce chlorine taste, odour, sediment and selected contaminants, depending on the cartridge and system chosen.

The best water tap filter depends on your water source, tap setup, filtration goals, cartridge type, flow rate and whether you want filtered water from your existing tap, a separate filtered water tap or a broader whole-home system.

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas for water filters, including drinking water filtration systems, kitchen water filters, Puretec water filtration systems, whole-home water filtration systems and shower water filters.

Quick Answer

A water tap filter may suit you if you want better-tasting water at the kitchen sink without installing a full whole-home filtration system.

For most homes:

A kitchen water filter can improve everyday drinking and cooking water
A drinking water filter can provide filtered water at one point of use
An under-sink filter can keep the system hidden in the cupboard
A whole-home filter can treat water entering the property
A shower filter is for shower water, not drinking water
Water testing is important for PFAS, lead, heavy metals, bacteria, bore water, rainwater and health-related concerns
Cartridge replacement matters because filters lose performance if they are not maintained

A basic taste-and-odour filter is not automatically a PFAS, bacteria, virus or heavy metal filter. Always choose a filter based on your water source and the specific contaminants you want to reduce.

What Is a Water Tap Filter?

A water tap filter is a filtration system that provides filtered water at or near a tap, usually in the kitchen.

Depending on the product, a tap water filter may:

Attach to a tap
Connect under the sink
Feed a dedicated filtered water tap
Connect to a kitchen mixer setup
Use a cartridge hidden below the bench
Filter only drinking and cooking water

Many customers use the phrase “water tap filter” to describe any filter that gives them filtered water from the kitchen tap. Installed Today’s range is focused around kitchen, drinking water and Puretec filtration options rather than generic supermarket-style clip-on filters.

Customers can start by comparing kitchen water filters and drinking water filtration systems.

How Water Tap Filters Work

Water tap filters work by passing water through one or more filtration media before it reaches the glass, bottle, kettle or cooking pot.

Depending on the system and cartridge, filtration may include:

Carbon filtration
Sediment filtration
Fine particle reduction
Taste and odour reduction
Multi-stage filtration
Specialist cartridge filtration
Reverse osmosis in some dedicated systems
UV treatment in some broader water treatment setups

Not every filter uses the same technology. A cartridge designed to improve chlorine taste and odour is different from a system designed for bacteria, heavy metals, PFAS or rainwater treatment.

Carbon Filtration

Carbon filtration is commonly used in drinking water filters because it can help improve taste and smell.

Carbon filters may help reduce:

Chlorine taste
Chlorine odour
Some unpleasant tastes
Some organic compounds, depending on cartridge
General tap water smell

Carbon filtration is often a good fit for treated town water where the main complaint is taste or chlorine smell.

However, carbon filtration is not automatically suitable for PFAS, bacteria, viruses or heavy metals unless the product specifications clearly support those claims.

Sediment Filtration

Sediment filtration helps reduce visible particles such as dirt, rust, sand and suspended solids.

Sediment filters may be useful for:

Older pipework
Rainwater pre-filtration
Tank water pre-filtration
Whole-home systems
Protecting downstream cartridges
Reducing particles before carbon filtration

Sediment filters do not usually solve taste, chemical or bacteria concerns by themselves. They are often one part of a broader filtration setup.

Reverse Osmosis Filtration

Reverse osmosis, often called RO, is used for specific drinking water filtration needs. It uses a membrane to reduce a broad range of dissolved contaminants.

RO may be considered where water testing shows a specific need, but it is not automatically the best option for every home.

Reverse osmosis can involve:

Dedicated drinking water filtration
Lower flow than simple tap filters
Cartridge and membrane replacement
Wastewater considerations
More installation planning
Specific maintenance requirements

If you are concerned about PFAS, heavy metals or other health-related contaminants, water testing should guide the choice rather than relying on a generic filter description.

UV Filtration

UV filtration uses ultraviolet light to target microorganisms in water. It is more commonly considered for rainwater, tank water, bore water or rural water supplies where bacteria may be a concern.

UV filtration usually needs clear water to work properly, so sediment pre-filtration may be required.

UV is not the same as a basic kitchen tap filter. It is part of a broader water treatment approach and should be selected based on water testing and source water conditions.

What Can a Water Tap Filter Help With?

Depending on the system and cartridge, a water tap filter may help with:

Better-tasting drinking water
Reduced chlorine taste
Reduced chlorine odour
Reduced sediment
Clearer water
Better water for tea and coffee
Better water for cooking
Reduced reliance on bottled water
More convenient filtered water at home

A filter should not be chosen based on general claims alone. Always check the product specifications for what the cartridge is designed to reduce.

What a Water Tap Filter May Not Solve

A basic tap water filter may not be suitable for every water concern.

It may not solve:

PFAS concerns
Lead concerns
Heavy metal concerns
Bacteria or virus concerns
Bore water issues
Rainwater safety concerns
Hard water scaling
High sediment water
Salinity
Iron or manganese issues
Whole-home water quality problems

For these concerns, water testing is important before choosing a filter.

Best Water Tap Filter Options to Compare

There is no single best water tap filter for every kitchen. The right choice depends on your water source, space, tap setup, cartridge requirements and filtration goals.

Puretec PureMix Z7 Water Filter

The Puretec PureMix Z7 Water Filter may suit customers wanting a kitchen-focused drinking water filter for everyday use.

It may suit:

Drinking water
Cooking water
Tea and coffee
Kitchen tap filtration
Treated town water applications where suitable
Households wanting better-tasting tap water

Before ordering, check the product details, cartridge specifications, connection requirements and whether a licensed plumber is needed for installation.

Puretec PureMix Z2 Water Filter

The Puretec PureMix Z2 Water Filter may suit customers looking for a practical kitchen water filter for everyday drinking and cooking water.

It may suit:

Smaller households
Kitchen drinking water
Town water taste and odour concerns
Compact filtration needs
Customers comparing Puretec drinking water options

If the concern is health-related contaminants rather than taste or odour, check specifications carefully and consider water testing before ordering.

Puretec PureMix Z6 Water Filter

The Puretec PureMix Z6 Water Filter is another Puretec option for customers comparing kitchen and drinking water filtration.

It may suit:

Everyday filtered water
Kitchen sink use
Tea, coffee and cooking water
Customers wanting a cartridge-based system
Homes looking for a drinking water filter rather than whole-home filtration

Suitability depends on the cartridge, water source and contaminants you want to reduce.

Puretec X4 Water Filter

The Puretec X4 Water Filter may suit customers wanting a compact water filtration option for drinking water.

It may suit:

Smaller kitchens
Limited under-sink space
Drinking water filtration
Everyday tap water improvement
Customers comparing compact Puretec water filter products

Before ordering, confirm connection requirements, cartridge maintenance and installation suitability.

Water Tap Filter vs Under-Sink Water Filter

A water tap filter is often used as a general term. An under-sink water filter is a more specific setup where the cartridge is installed below the bench and connected to a tap or dedicated filtered water outlet.

An under-sink filter may suit:

Customers who want the filter hidden
Kitchens with cupboard space
Drinking and cooking water
Homes wanting a neat tap setup
Customers who want a longer-term filtration option than a simple benchtop unit

A basic tap-mounted filter may be easier to fit in some homes, but under-sink systems often provide a cleaner kitchen layout and better long-term product options.

Water Tap Filter vs Whole-Home Water Filter

A tap water filter treats water at one point, usually the kitchen.

A whole-home water filtration system treats water entering the property before it reaches taps, showers, laundries and appliances.

Choose a tap or kitchen filter if:

You mainly want drinking water
You want filtered water for cooking
You want a focused kitchen solution
You do not need filtered water across the whole house
You want a smaller filtration setup

Choose a whole-home filter if:

You want filtered water across multiple taps
You want to reduce sediment before fixtures
You want broader household filtration
You have multiple bathrooms
Your water source and flow rate have been checked

Some homes may use both: a whole-home filter for broader water quality and a kitchen filter for drinking water.

Water Tap Filter vs Shower Filter

A shower water filter is designed for shower water, not drinking water.

A shower filter may suit customers wanting to improve shower water smell or feel, depending on the cartridge and water source.

It should not be used as a drinking water filter. For water you plan to drink, use a drinking water or kitchen water filtration system.

Water Source Matters

Before choosing a tap water filter, identify your water source.

Common sources include:

Town water
Rainwater
Tank water
Bore water
Rural water supply
Mixed water sources

Town water is often treated before it reaches the home, so filtration is commonly focused on taste, odour and sediment. Rainwater, tank water and bore water can have different risks and should be tested before choosing a filter, especially if used for drinking.

Town Water

For town water, a kitchen or drinking water filter may help improve:

Chlorine taste
Chlorine smell
General taste
Sediment from old pipework
Everyday drinking water quality

A filter for town water should still be selected based on the specific cartridge claims.

Rainwater and Tank Water

Rainwater and tank water may contain sediment, organic matter or bacteria depending on roof catchment, tank condition and maintenance.

If rainwater or tank water is used for drinking, water testing is important.

Depending on results, the system may need:

Sediment filtration
Carbon filtration
UV treatment
Specialist cartridges
Ongoing maintenance
Regular water testing

A simple tap filter may not be enough for untreated rainwater used as drinking water.

Bore Water

Bore water can vary widely and may contain minerals, metals, sediment, odour, hardness or bacteria.

Water testing should come first. The correct filtration system depends on the actual water chemistry, not just taste or appearance.

PFAS, Lead, Heavy Metals and Bacteria

If your concern is PFAS, lead, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses or other health-related contaminants, do not choose a tap filter based only on broad marketing claims.

Check:

Water test results
Product specifications
Cartridge reduction claims
Testing standards
Flow rate
Cartridge life
Whether pre-filtration is needed
Whether reverse osmosis is more suitable
Whether UV treatment is needed

A water filter that improves taste is not automatically the right filter for health-related contaminants.

How to Choose the Right Water Tap Filter

1. Check Your Tap and Kitchen Setup

Before buying, check whether the product suits:

Existing tap style
Under-sink space
Cupboard layout
Water connection type
Dedicated tap requirements
Bench or sink hole availability
Cartridge access
Plumbing requirements

Some systems may require a licensed plumber, especially where a dedicated tap, under-sink connection or plumbing alteration is involved.

2. Know What You Want to Reduce

Common goals include:

Better taste
Less chlorine smell
Less sediment
Better drinking water
Better cooking water
Reducing bottled water use

Specific concerns such as PFAS, lead, heavy metals, bacteria or bore water should be tested first.

3. Check Cartridge Replacement Requirements

A filter is only effective when maintained.

Before ordering, check:

Cartridge replacement interval
Cartridge cost
Ease of access
Flow rate over time
Whether reduced flow indicates cartridge replacement
Whether cartridges are easy to source

Neglected cartridges can lose performance or restrict water flow.

4. Consider Flow Rate

A drinking water filter should provide enough flow for everyday use without being frustratingly slow.

Flow rate can be affected by:

Cartridge type
Water pressure
Filter age
Sediment levels
Installation setup
Pipework and tap type

If the home has low pressure or high sediment, choose carefully and confirm suitability before ordering.

5. Think About Long-Term Maintenance

A water tap filter is not a one-time purchase. Cartridges need replacing, and some systems may need periodic checks.

Consider:

Replacement cartridge availability
Maintenance frequency
Cost over time
Ease of cartridge changes
Whether a plumber is required
Whether the system is accessible under the sink

Installation Considerations

Some simple filters can be connected easily, while under-sink and dedicated tap systems may involve plumbing work.

Before ordering a water tap filter, check:

Whether a separate filtered tap is required
Whether the filter fits under the sink
Whether the current tap setup is compatible
Whether drilling is needed
Whether water pressure is suitable
Whether isolation valves are present
Whether a licensed plumber is required
Whether cartridge access is practical

Plumbing work should be completed by a licensed plumber where required.

Maintenance and Cartridge Replacement

Water tap filters need regular maintenance to keep performing properly.

Maintenance may include:

Replacing cartridges on schedule
Checking for leaks
Monitoring flow rate
Watching for taste or odour changes
Keeping the filter accessible
Following product-specific instructions
Replacing seals or parts where required

Signs a cartridge may need replacing include:

Slower flow
Changed taste
Changed smell
Cloudy water
Visible sediment
Cartridge used beyond recommended interval

Replacement timing depends on water quality, cartridge type and household usage.

Environmental Benefits of Tap Water Filters

A water tap filter can help reduce reliance on bottled water, which may reduce plastic waste and make filtered water more convenient at home.

Potential benefits include:

Less single-use plastic
Less bottled water storage
Lower ongoing bottled water purchases
Easier access to drinking water
More convenient refilling of bottles and jugs

Environmental benefits depend on household habits, filter maintenance and the type of cartridges used.

Common Water Tap Filter Mistakes

Assuming Every Filter Removes Every Contaminant

Different cartridges target different issues. Always check specifications.

Choosing Without Testing Problem Water

PFAS, lead, heavy metals, bacteria, bore water and rainwater should be tested before choosing filtration.

Forgetting Cartridge Replacement

A filter that is not maintained may lose performance or reduce flow.

Buying a Shower Filter for Drinking Water

Shower filters are not drinking water filters.

Ignoring Tap Compatibility

Not every filter suits every tap, sink or kitchen setup.

Choosing Only by Price

The cheapest filter may not suit the water source, flow rate, cartridge requirements or household needs.

Expecting a Tap Filter to Fix Whole-Home Water Issues

A kitchen tap filter only treats water at that point. For broader household filtration, compare whole-home systems.

Supply-Only Ordering with Installed Today

Installed Today offers supply-only ordering across major Australian metro areas. This can suit customers who already have a licensed installer organised and want to order the product online.

For water filters, the listed product price generally covers the product only.

It does not usually include:

Installation labour
Plumbing alterations
New pipework
Tap hole drilling
Electrical work
Drainage changes
Whole-home pipework modifications
Water testing
Cartridge replacement labour
Site assessment
Disposal of old equipment
Compliance upgrades

Before ordering a supply-only water filter, confirm the system, connection requirements and installation suitability with a licensed plumber where required.

Before Ordering Checklist

Before choosing a water tap filter, check:

Is the water source town water, rainwater, tank water or bore water?
What do you want to reduce?
Is water testing needed?
Is the filter for drinking water only or broader household use?
Does the filter suit your tap setup?
Is under-sink space available?
Is a dedicated tap needed?
Is tap hole drilling needed?
Is water pressure suitable?
Is flow rate suitable?
Are cartridges easy to replace?
How often do cartridges need replacing?
Are PFAS, lead, heavy metals or bacteria a concern?
Is reverse osmosis or UV filtration required?
Is plumbing work required?
Is the product supply-only?
Has a licensed plumber confirmed suitability where required?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best water tap filter?

The best water tap filter depends on your water source, tap setup, filtration goals and cartridge requirements. For many homes, a kitchen or drinking water filter is suitable for improving taste and reducing chlorine odour. For health-related concerns, water testing should guide the choice.

Do water tap filters remove chlorine?

Many carbon-based drinking water filters can help reduce chlorine taste and odour, depending on the cartridge. Check the product specifications for the exact reduction claims.

Do water tap filters remove lead?

Not all tap filters remove lead. If lead is a concern, arrange water testing and choose a filter specifically rated for lead reduction.

Do water tap filters remove bacteria?

Not all tap filters remove bacteria. Bacteria concerns may require water testing, UV treatment, specialist cartridges or other treatment depending on the water source.

Is a tap water filter better than bottled water?

A tap water filter can be more convenient and may reduce bottled water use. Water quality depends on the water source, filter type and cartridge maintenance.

Do I need a plumber to install a water tap filter?

Some simple filters may be easy to connect, but under-sink filters, dedicated taps and systems requiring plumbing changes may need a licensed plumber.

How often should water tap filter cartridges be replaced?

Replacement timing depends on the filter model, cartridge type, water quality and household usage. Follow the product guidance and replace cartridges on schedule.

Can I use a shower filter for drinking water?

No. Shower filters are designed for shower water only. Use a drinking water or kitchen water filter for water you plan to drink.

Is a whole-home filter better than a tap filter?

A whole-home filter treats water entering the property, while a tap filter treats water at one point. The better option depends on whether you want filtered drinking water only or broader filtration across the home.

Final Word

A water tap filter can be a practical way to improve everyday drinking and cooking water at home. The right system depends on your tap setup, water source, filtration goals, flow rate and cartridge maintenance requirements.

For simple drinking water improvement, compare drinking water filtration systems, kitchen water filters and Puretec water filtration systems.

For broader household filtration, compare whole-home water filtration systems. For shower-specific water quality goals, browse shower water filters.

If you are concerned about PFAS, lead, heavy metals, bacteria, bore water or rainwater safety, arrange water testing before choosing a filter.

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