Carbon filtration and reverse osmosis both improve water quality but suit different needs. This guide compares the two to help you decide.
Carbon filtration and reverse osmosis both improve water quality but suit different needs. This guide compares the two to help you decide.
FAQ
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Australian tap water is treated to national safety standards but still contains chlorine (added for disinfection), sediment, trace heavy metals, microplastics, and in some areas, PFAS compounds. Treatment removes pathogens but does not eliminate every chemical residue or improve taste. A good filtration system handles what the treatment process leaves behind.
Australian tap water meets national safety standards and is generally safe to drink. That said, "safe" and "clean" are not the same thing - treated water still carries chlorine, trace contaminants, and whatever it picks up through older pipes on the way to your tap. Purest Solutions installs and services throughout Melbourne metro, with trusted partners covering the rest of Australia.
Chlorine is the most common cause - it is added to water supplies for disinfection and has a distinctive taste and smell many people find unpleasant. Older pipes can also introduce metallic notes, and some areas have naturally higher mineral content. Carbon filtration reduces chlorine and improves taste from the first pour - the Filtered Tap System is the simplest starting point.
Cloudiness is usually caused by tiny air bubbles releasing as water pressure changes - harmless, and clears within seconds. If cloudiness persists or has a colour to it, sediment or particulate matter in your supply line is the more likely cause. A filtration system with sediment filtration will address this.
Brown or yellow water is typically rust or sediment disturbed in older pipes, either in your home or the mains supply. It usually clears after running the tap for a minute or two. If it persists, have your plumbing assessed - and a filtration system will prevent sediment from reaching your glass regardless.
Yes. Carbon filtration reduces lead, and the Reverse Osmosis System achieves 99.9% reduction. Lead typically enters drinking water through older household plumbing rather than the mains supply, so point-of-use filtration at your tap is the most effective place to address it.
Standard carbon filtration does not significantly reduce fluoride. Reverse osmosis does - the Reverse Osmosis System removes fluoride as part of its multi-stage process, making it the right choice if fluoride reduction is a priority for your household.
Yes. All Purest Solutions carbon filtration systems reduce chlorine effectively. It is one of the most immediate improvements you will notice - filtered water tastes and smells noticeably cleaner from the first glass.
Carbon filtration at 1 micron physically reduces many common bacteria through its fine filtration membrane. Reverse osmosis provides more comprehensive biological reduction across a broader range of contaminants. For most Australian households on treated mains supply, chemical and particulate quality is the primary concern - biological contamination in municipal water is rarely an issue.
Yes. Microplastics have been found in tap water supplies globally, including Australia, and are a growing concern. Carbon filtration reduces them, and the Reverse Osmosis System achieves 99.9% reduction - one of the strongest cases for home filtration.
Carbon filtration does not remove minerals - it selectively reduces contaminants while leaving beneficial calcium and magnesium in place. Reverse osmosis removes a broader range of dissolved solids including some minerals, but the health impact is generally considered minimal given that most mineral intake comes from food rather than water.
Municipal treatment makes water safe - it does not make it taste good, or remove everything. Chlorine, trace metals, sediment, microplastics, and PFAS compounds all pass through standard treatment. Filtration addresses what the treatment process leaves behind.
No filter removes everything, and any claim to the contrary should be questioned. Carbon filtration handles chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, PFAS, and microplastics reliably. Reverse osmosis covers a significantly broader range including dissolved solids, fluoride, and bacteria. The right system depends on what you are trying to reduce.
For most Australians, the main concerns are chlorine (affects taste and smell), trace heavy metals from household plumbing, microplastics, and PFAS - particularly in regions with documented contamination. A carbon filtration system addresses most of these; reverse osmosis covers the full range including fluoride and dissolved solids.
Filtration removes physical and chemical contaminants to improve quality and safety. Purification goes further - targeting biological contaminants like bacteria and viruses more comprehensively. Reverse osmosis sits closest to purification in the home filtration space, addressing dissolved solids and biological matter that standard carbon filtration does not reach.
RO is the most comprehensive home filtration option available - addressing heavy metals, dissolved solids, fluoride, PFAS, microplastics, most bacteria, and chlorine in a single system. It is the right choice when you want thorough filtration rather than targeted improvement. The Reverse Osmosis System starts at $890.
It depends on your priorities. For everyday taste and quality improvement, the Filtered Tap System ($490) is the most straightforward starting point. For maximum filtration including fluoride and dissolved solids, the Reverse Osmosis System ($890) is the step up. If you want chilled filtered water on demand, the Under Sink Chiller + Filtered Tap ($1,490) delivers that with a discreet hidden footprint.
The right choice depends on how comprehensive you want the filtration to be. The Filtered Tap System ($490) uses carbon filtration to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS, and microplastics. The Reverse Osmosis System ($890) goes further, removing dissolved solids, fluoride, and a broader range of contaminants. Both install under the sink with minimal visible impact on your kitchen.
RO is the most comprehensive home filtration method available - it addresses a wider range of contaminants than carbon filtration alone, including dissolved solids, fluoride, and most bacteria. Whether it is the right choice depends on your water quality concerns and budget. For most households, a quality carbon system delivers excellent results; RO is the right answer when you want the most thorough option available.
Carbon filtration passes water through activated carbon media to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS, sediment, and microplastics - it is effective, affordable, and does not significantly alter water chemistry. Reverse osmosis forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing dissolved solids, fluoride, and a much broader contaminant range including most bacteria. The Filtered Tap System uses carbon filtration; the Reverse Osmosis System uses RO.
A water filter removes contaminants - chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, PFAS, microplastics - to improve safety, taste, and quality. A water softener addresses hardness by removing the calcium and magnesium ions that cause scale and soap buildup. They solve different problems; Purest Solutions specialises in water filtration.
A water filter and a water softener do different jobs - filtration improves water quality and removes contaminants, while softening specifically treats mineral hardness. Melbourne's water supply is relatively soft, so hardness is rarely a concern for metro residents. If scale buildup is a persistent issue in your home, that would need to be assessed separately.
Yes, for most households. A point-of-use filter installed at your tap or under your sink means you are filtering at the point of consumption - the most effective approach. The biggest health and taste benefit comes from the water you actually drink and cook with, which is exactly what these systems target.
Well water has a different contaminant profile to mains supply - typically higher sediment, iron, and naturally occurring minerals, and sometimes bacteria. A standard carbon filter will improve taste and reduce some contaminants, but a water test is strongly recommended first to identify what is actually present. Purest Solutions specialises in mains water filtration; contact us to discuss your specific setup.
Consider what you are trying to address - taste, specific contaminants, temperature options - and where the system will be installed. Under-sink systems are discreet but require professional installation; benchtop and refillable options need no plumbing. It is also worth factoring in ongoing servicing costs: a cheaper system with high filter replacement costs can outweigh the upfront saving over time.
At minimum, look for manufacturer coverage on components and workmanship. Purest Solutions purchased systems come with a 3-year warranty, and all rental systems include a lifetime warranty with 48-hour onsite response as standard.
Not always, but quality does matter. Cheaper systems often use lower-grade filter media, have shorter cartridge life, or lack proper servicing support - meaning the ongoing cost can outweigh the upfront saving. A quality system backed by a servicing plan typically delivers better long-term value and more consistent performance.
Plumbers generally favour systems that install cleanly and are backed by reliable servicing support. Under-sink carbon and RO systems are the most commonly recommended for residential use because they are unobtrusive, effective, and do not require changes to existing plumbing. The Filtered Tap System and Reverse Osmosis System both fit that profile.
Look at what the brand specifically claims to reduce - and whether those claims are detailed rather than vague. Check what servicing support is available after purchase, not just the upfront price. Purest Solutions backs every product with local installation and ongoing servicing, with a national partner network for customers outside Melbourne metro.
Purest Solutions' RO system is designed for under-sink installation - it keeps your benchtop clear and delivers filtered water through a dedicated tap with no visual clutter. If benchtop suits your space better, the Benchtop Plumbed and Benchtop Refillable Water Coolers use advanced carbon filtration and require no under-sink access.
For most households, a single under-sink unit is all that is needed. The Purest Reverse Osmosis System ($890) is sized for standard residential use, delivers filtered water on demand, and does not require a storage tank - keeping the under-sink footprint compact.
Most homes with a standard under-sink space and mains water connection are compatible. You will need access to a cold water supply line and a drain - both typically available under a kitchen sink. A Purest Solutions technician will assess your setup at installation and confirm compatibility before any work begins.
Yes. The Reverse Osmosis System connects to your existing cold water supply and delivers filtered water through a dedicated tap, leaving your main plumbing untouched. It is a clean addition to what you already have, not a replacement.
RO can handle well water, but well water often contains higher levels of iron, sediment, or biological contaminants that may require pre-treatment to protect the membrane. A water test is strongly recommended before installing any system on a well supply. Contact Purest Solutions to discuss whether pre-filtration is needed for your setup.
Purest Solutions systems start at $490 for the Filtered Tap System, ranging up to $3,990 for the Under Sink Hot and Cold with instant boiling and chilled water. Rental options start from $11 per week, which includes installation, servicing, and a lifetime warranty. The right option depends on how much filtration you need and whether you prefer to buy outright or spread the cost.
For a purchased system, the main ongoing cost is filter replacement every 6-12 months. Rental plans start from around $48 per month (plus GST), covering the unit, regular servicing, and a lifetime warranty with no surprise costs. Compare that against what you currently spend on bottled water or maintaining a system yourself.
Purest Solutions estimates home filtration costs around 80% less long-term than buying bottled water. A household spending $50-100 per month on bottled water would typically recover the cost of an entry-level system within the first year. The savings compound further once you factor in the time and effort of sourcing bottled water regularly.
Bottled water typically costs $2-4 per litre at retail. A home filtration system delivers filtered water for a fraction of a cent per litre once the upfront cost is amortised. The Filtered Tap System at $490 pays for itself quickly for any household that regularly buys bottled water.
For households that regularly buy bottled water or are concerned about contaminants in their tap supply, yes. Beyond cost savings, you get better-tasting water on demand without single-use plastic, and peace of mind about what you are actually drinking. The upfront cost of a quality system is typically recovered within 12 months for regular bottled water buyers.
Buying outright has a lower total cost over time and is a straightforward one-off purchase. Renting spreads the cost into a predictable weekly amount and includes installation, 9-monthly servicing, a lifetime warranty, and 48-hour support with no surprise maintenance bills. If upfront cost is a barrier or you want everything included, the rental range starts from $11 per week.
Filter cartridge and replacement costs vary depending on the system. Rental plans include all filter replacements as part of the 9-monthly service schedule at no additional cost. For purchased systems, contact Purest Solutions for current servicing and parts pricing.
RO installation involves connecting to your mains water supply and drain, fitting a dedicated tap, and testing the system - it requires a licensed technician and time to do properly. Quotes that seem high often reflect the cost of doing it right the first time. Purest Solutions charges $200 + GST for installation, which covers the full setup, leak check, and function test.
Yes. An incorrectly installed RO system can leak, affect water pressure, or void the product warranty. Professional installation from Purest Solutions ($200 + GST) includes the full setup, leak test, and function check - and means the system performs as it should from day one.
Purest Solutions charges $200 + GST for professional installation of any filtration system. This covers a certified technician visit, all connections to your water supply, fitting the tap, and a leak and function test before handover.
Purest Solutions' $200 + GST installation fee covers a certified technician visit, all connections to your water supply and drain, fitting of the dedicated filtered water tap, a leak check, and a final function test. There are no hidden call-out fees or additional labour charges.
Some simpler systems - like benchtop or refillable coolers - require no installation at all. Under-sink and plumbed systems involve connecting to your mains supply and are best handled by a licensed technician to ensure correct fitting and avoid voiding the warranty. Purest Solutions offers professional installation from $200 + GST.
Professional installation from Purest Solutions covers a technician visit, all connections to your water supply, fitting of any required tap or outlet, a full leak check, and a function test before handover. The goal is a clean, correct installation with no follow-up issues.
A standard under-sink RO installation typically takes 1-2 hours. Purest Solutions aims to complete installations within 48 hours of booking, with the technician handling everything from connection to final test.
No specialised plumbing is required for most homes. The RO system connects to your standard cold water supply line and drain under the sink - both typically already present. A Purest Solutions technician will confirm compatibility at installation.
Under the kitchen sink is the standard location - it is close to your main water use point, keeps the system out of sight, and already has the supply and drain connections needed. The technician will assess your specific cabinet and plumbing layout at installation.
A licensed plumber or certified water filtration technician is the right choice. Handyman installations can result in incorrect fittings, leaks, or voided warranties. Purest Solutions provides certified technician installation from $200 + GST, which includes a full leak and function check.
Under-sink filtration systems require tools for plumbing connections - typically a drill, adjustable wrench, tubing cutter, and Teflon tape at minimum. That said, self-installation on plumbed systems is not recommended and may void your warranty. Contact Purest Solutions to arrange professional installation.
A licensed technician or plumber is strongly recommended. Purest Solutions provides certified installation from $200 + GST - it is the simplest way to ensure the system is fitted correctly and the warranty remains intact.
In most cases, yes. Under-sink systems connect to existing plumbing without any permanent modifications to the property - the system can be removed cleanly at the end of a tenancy. It is worth checking your lease agreement first, and professional installation is recommended to ensure there are no issues.
Before installation, confirm you have under-sink access, a cold water supply line nearby, a drain connection, and a power point if your system requires one. Purest Solutions' technician will run through compatibility at booking - contact us to get the process started.
The most common mistakes are using incorrect fittings, not tightening connections fully, and bypassing the function test after installation. These lead to slow leaks that can cause cabinet damage over time. Professional installation from Purest Solutions removes all of these risks for $200 + GST.
Water flow should be clean and steady with no drop in pressure at neighbouring taps. There should be no moisture, drips, or slow leaks under the sink within 24 hours of installation. If anything seems off, contact Purest Solutions - all installations are backed by a post-install check.
The Purest Reverse Osmosis System uses an integrated pump to deliver filtered water on demand without a storage tank, which does require a power connection. Your technician will confirm power requirements and proximity to a power point during the installation assessment.
In most cases, no permit is required for a standard under-sink filtration installation in Australia. If the installation involves modifications to your mains water connection or drainage, your technician can advise whether a licensed plumber is required under local regulations.
A correctly installed filtration system should have minimal impact on your overall water pressure. Some flow reduction at the filtered tap is normal, particularly with RO systems, but it should not affect the rest of your household supply. If pressure seems significantly reduced after installation, contact Purest Solutions.
The Purest Reverse Osmosis System is designed without a storage tank, keeping the under-sink footprint compact. Most standard kitchen sink cabinets accommodate it comfortably - the technician will confirm fit during the pre-installation assessment.
Self-installation may void the product warranty. Professional installation through Purest Solutions ($200 + GST) ensures the warranty remains intact and the system is set up correctly from day one.
For most carbon filtration systems, filter cartridges should be replaced every 6-12 months depending on usage and water quality. Rental customers receive a scheduled service every 9 months as part of their plan. For purchased systems, contact Purest Solutions to arrange a servicing schedule.
The filter unit itself can last many years with proper maintenance. The filter cartridges inside need replacing every 6-12 months to maintain performance. Rental plans include all filter replacements as part of the service schedule, so there is nothing to track or organise separately.
The most reliable indicators are taste, smell, and flow rate. If your water starts tasting or smelling more like unfiltered tap water, or if flow at the filtered tap has slowed noticeably, it is likely time for a filter replacement. A scheduled servicing plan removes the guesswork entirely.
An expired filter loses effectiveness and stops reducing contaminants - in some cases a clogged filter can restrict flow or harbour bacteria over time. Regular replacement every 6-12 months keeps the system performing as it should.
RO systems require filter replacement every 6-12 months, with pre-filters and the post-filter typically on different cycles to the membrane. An annual technician service is recommended to check the membrane, connections, and overall performance. Purest Solutions offers servicing plans for purchased systems - contact us for details.
Carbon filtration does not specifically target limescale, which is caused by calcium and magnesium minerals in hard water. Reverse osmosis removes a broader range of dissolved minerals and will reduce scale build-up over time. If limescale is a persistent issue in your home, speak to Purest Solutions about the right system for your water supply.
The most common issues are reduced flow (usually a sign the filter needs replacing), unusual taste (expired cartridge or first-run flush needed), and slow leaks (a fitting that needs tightening or resealing). Most issues are straightforward to resolve - if you are on a Purest Solutions service plan, a technician can assess and fix these on the scheduled visit.
Pre-filters in an RO system are typically replaced every 6-12 months; the RO membrane itself may last 2-3 years depending on usage. Costs vary by system - contact Purest Solutions for current replacement and servicing pricing for your unit.
Purest Solutions rental water coolers are serviced every 9 months as part of the plan, covering filter replacement, sanitisation, and a full function check. For purchased coolers, annual servicing is recommended to maintain water quality and unit performance.
Common issues include slow dispensing (filter due for replacement), warm water from the cold tap (cooling unit may need attention), or unusual taste (filter overdue). Rental customers can contact the team directly for 48-hour onsite support. For purchased units, contact us to arrange a service visit.
Filtered water reduces daily exposure to chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS, and microplastics - compounds associated with a range of health concerns with long-term consumption. For households with young children, pregnant women, or anyone conscious of what they are consuming, quality filtration offers genuine peace of mind.
Yes. Filtered water is suitable for preparing formula, cooking, and everyday drinking for babies and children. Reducing chlorine, heavy metals, and microplastics is particularly worthwhile for young children, whose proportional exposure to these compounds is higher relative to body weight.
Yes. Filtered water reduces scale build-up in kettles, coffee machines, and steam appliances, which extends their working life and keeps performance consistent. The reduction in chlorine also means seals and internal components in appliances last longer.
The quality of your water is as important as the quality of your beans or leaves. Chlorine, sediment, and metallic notes all affect flavour. Filtered water - ideally through carbon filtration or RO - removes these and lets the actual taste of your coffee or tea come through. Any Purest Solutions carbon filtration system will make a noticeable difference.
Filtered water is suitable for both plants and pets - the reduction in chlorine is particularly beneficial for pets who can be sensitive to chlorinated water. For plants, removing chemicals that accumulate in potting mix over time is a benefit, particularly for sensitive indoor varieties.
Filtered water reduces daily exposure to chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS, microplastics, and other compounds found in treated tap water. While Australian tap water meets safety standards, reduced chronic exposure to these substances is a sensible health measure - particularly for households that drink large quantities of tap water each day.
In most cases, yes - and noticeably so. The main reason tap water tastes off is chlorine, which carbon filtration removes effectively. Once chlorine and sediment are gone, the water tastes cleaner and more neutral, which most people find much more pleasant to drink consistently.
Research consistently links hydration to productivity, focus, and energy levels. Employees are more likely to drink enough water when it tastes good and is easily accessible. A plumbed water cooler or filtered tap in the kitchen removes both barriers - the Plumbed Water Cooler is purpose-built for workplace use.
A filtered water cooler supports consistent hydration throughout the workday, which is linked to better concentration, fewer headaches, and reduced fatigue. Removing the need to buy bottled water also removes a daily friction point, making it easier for staff to stay on top of their intake.
Basic home test kits are available from hardware stores and can check for chlorine, pH, hardness, and some heavy metals. For a more thorough analysis, a professional water test through an accredited laboratory will give you a complete contaminant profile. Either approach will give you a clearer picture before choosing a filtration system.
A professional test involves collecting a water sample and sending it to an accredited laboratory, which analyses it for a defined range of contaminants. Results typically take a few days and come with a detailed breakdown. They are worth doing if you have specific concerns about your supply, particularly regarding PFAS or heavy metals.
A home test kit gives you a quick read on the basics. For a more complete picture, a lab test is the most reliable option. Once you have the results, contact Purest Solutions - the team can help match the right system to what is actually in your water.
Filtered tap water is produced at home on demand using your mains supply, at a fraction of the cost per litre and without single-use plastic. Bottled water is filtered and packaged in a factory, transported, refrigerated, and sold at significant environmental and financial cost. The water quality is broadly comparable - the difference is in convenience, cost, and environmental impact.
Not in any meaningful way. Bottled water is subject to less rigorous testing than Australian municipal tap water, and a quality home filtration system produces water to an equivalent or better standard. The main advantage bottled water has is portability - which a reusable bottle filled from your filter addresses entirely.
A single household switching from bottled water to a home filtration system can eliminate hundreds of single-use plastic bottles per year. Purest Solutions estimates home filtration costs around 80% less than bottled water long-term, so the environmental benefit comes alongside a financial one. Less plastic, less transport, less refrigeration.
Carbon filtration systems operate with minimal water waste - the water passes through the filter and is delivered directly to your tap. Reverse osmosis systems do produce some wastewater as part of the filtration process, though modern systems are designed to minimise this. Your technician can walk you through the specifics for the system you choose.
Buying outright costs more upfront but less over time if you manage servicing yourself. Renting spreads the cost, and with Purest Solutions rental plans starting from $11 per week, everything is included - one-time installation ($200 + GST), 9-monthly servicing, filter replacements, a lifetime warranty, and 48-hour onsite support. For most businesses, the all-inclusive nature of rental makes it the more practical choice.
Look for clarity on servicing frequency, what is included in each service, response time commitments, warranty coverage, and what happens at the end of the agreement. Purest Solutions rental plans include 9-monthly filter and service, a lifetime warranty on the unit, 48-hour onsite response, and transparent weekly pricing with no hidden costs.
Yes, for most workplace setups. Filtered mains-connected coolers eliminate the cost and logistics of bottle deliveries, produce water of equivalent or better quality, and have a much lower ongoing environmental footprint. The Plumbed Water Cooler and Bubbler are purpose-built for exactly this use case.
Yes, subject to available water and power connections on site. The Refillable Water Cooler is the most practical option for sites without fixed plumbing - it requires no mains connection and just needs a power point. Contact Purest Solutions to discuss your site setup.
A plumbed filtration cooler is the right choice for a medical environment - consistent water quality, no bottle handling, and a regular servicing schedule. The Plumbed Water Cooler with a 9-monthly service plan covers all of these requirements, and the rental option includes a lifetime warranty.
The Bubbler is built for high-volume use - commercial-grade, mains-connected, and capable of handling continuous demand from large teams. For offices that need a cooler rather than a drinking fountain, the Plumbed Water Cooler with hot and cold options is well suited to heavy daily use.
Add up your current monthly spend on bottled water deliveries, staff time managing orders, and any equipment hire. Compare that against the all-in cost of a Purest Solutions rental ($11-17 per week depending on unit), which includes servicing and support. Most offices see cost parity or savings within the first year.
Purchase prices for Purest Solutions water coolers start from $990. Rental plans start from $11 per week (plus GST), which includes one-time installation ($200 + GST), 9-monthly servicing, and a lifetime warranty. View the full rental range to compare options for your workplace.
The Benchtop Plumbed Water Cooler is ideal for smaller teams - compact footprint, mains-connected, and available in cool and cold or hot and cold configurations. If there is no nearby plumbing, the Benchtop Refillable needs only a power point.
Modern filtered water coolers are energy-efficient and designed for continuous operation without excessive power draw. Running costs vary by model - contact Purest Solutions for specific energy consumption figures for the unit you are considering.
Under Australian workplace health and safety legislation, employers are required to provide access to adequate drinking water for employees. A filtered water cooler is a practical and compliant way to meet this obligation - and one that employees will actually use.
Bottled coolers are easy to set up anywhere but require ongoing deliveries, storage space, and bottle management. Point-of-use (mains-connected) coolers eliminate all of that - continuous supply, no deliveries, no storage, and lower ongoing cost. For any permanent office location with a water supply, point-of-use is the more practical long-term choice.
Significantly. Switching from bottled water to a mains-connected filtered cooler eliminates hundreds of large plastic water jugs per year for a mid-sized office. It also removes the transport and refrigeration footprint associated with bottled water deliveries.
A well-maintained water cooler will typically last 8-10 years or more. Rental customers benefit from Purest Solutions' lifetime warranty on the unit, meaning any hardware issues are covered and the unit replaced if needed, at no additional cost.
The Benchtop Plumbed Water Cooler or Plumbed Water Cooler with hot and cold configuration suits a professional environment - clean design, continuous supply, and no bottles or deliveries to manage. The rental option includes servicing and a lifetime warranty, which suits firms that prefer predictable overheads.
