This is one of the most frequently asked questions we answer for home owners around Australia every week. While this isn't an easy answer, we can give you a pretty good idea of what the main types of water filtration and treatment systems cost to purchase and maintain.
Types of home water filter systems
The first step in choosing a water filter for your home is to find out what's available on the market today, the pro's and con's of each and making an informed choice to suit your family and lifestyle needs.
The first important step is to confirm whether you are using mains water or rainwater as your primary water supply.
Mains Water generally conforms to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) and is generally safe for human consumption. That said, the primary method of disinfection in mains water is by chlorination which often contributes to taste issues, as well as being a known carcinogen.
Rainwater is widely used in regional and remote Australian communities as the primary source of drinking water. While residents growing up in these areas have adapted to rainwater, visitors can become sick from drinking untreated rainwater.
Whole House Water Filters
This type of water filter system provides filtered water to every tap in the home. While they are more expensive to set up intially, the ongoing benefits of providing safe water for drinking, bathing and showering are clear.
Mains Water - Dual Whole House Filter System Costs Approximately $450 - $700
Typically installed as a dual filtration system, the Aquastream whole house systems reduce chlorine taste and odour, chemicals and sediment, providing good general filtration.
Select from systems to suit small, medium and large homes. Expect to pay approximately $250 - $400 for plumbing installation.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs Approximately $150 - $220 per filter change
Water filters should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on when flow is reduced or taste and odour returns. Filters are easy to replace and DIY instructions are available.
Rain Water - Dual Whole House Filter with UV Costs Approximately $1,800 - $2,000
This type of treatment system includes powerful ultraviolet disinfection, ensuring 99.99% of bacteria commonly found in rainwater tanks. The three stage treatment reduces sadiments, improves taste and odour of the water as well as ensuring the water is bacteria free.
Select from systems to suit small/medium homes (WRX-45 HydroSafe) and medium/large homes (WRX-70 HydroSafe).
Expect to pay approximatelly $300 - $500 for plumbing installation.
A 240V power point is also required to power the UV disinfection system - Allow approximately $160 - $250 for installation of a new powerpoint.
Ongoing Maintenace Costs Approximately $350 - $470 per year
Water filter cartridges should be replaced every 6 - 12 Months while the Ultraviolet Lamp should be replaced every 12 Months.
Single Tap Undersink Filters
Single tap water filters are ideal for homeowners wanting to filter drinking water and cooking water in the kitchen or office, and are not concerned about filtering water for bathing and clothes washing.
Typically located under the sink, undersink water filters can be optioned for either mains water or rain water supplies, and are either plumbed directly to the cold side of a mixer-tap or to a stand alone chrome tap on the sink.
Quick-Change Single Undersink Filter System Cost Approximately $325
This popular type of filter offers advanced filtration into one compact cartridge. Ideal for mains water, the powerful carbon block technology filters water below 1 micron, and offers multisage filtration to remove sediments, chlorine and chemicals while improving taste and odour.
Expect to pay approximately $120 - $200 for plumbing installation
Ongoing Maintenace Costs Approximately $80 per filter service
Water filter cartridges should be replaced every 6 - 12 Months and is as simple as replacing a light bulb.
Twin Undersink Filter Systems Cost Approximately $320
The traditional twin undersink water filter system is all-rounder, providing good quality filtration for drinking and cooking use. Ideal for use with mains water or rainwater, this system is better suited for areas with known sediments in the water as the first stage sediment filter protects the more expensive filter from blocking.
Reducing sediment, rust particles, chemicals and improves taste and odour, options are available for cyst reduction, heavy metal reduction and flouride removal.
Expect to pay approximately $120 - $200 for plumbing installation
Ongoing Maintenace Costs Approximately $80 - $100 per filter service (Standard sediment & carbon cartridges)
Water filter cartridges should be replaced every 6 - 12 Months and can be done simply by the homeowner using online DIY guides.
Residential Reverse Osmosis Filter System Cost Approximately $500 - $900
Reverse Osmosis filtration technology produces high quality purified water for drinking and cooking use. More complex than standard undersink water filter systems, reverse osmosis purifiers require a higher level of maintenance to ensure water quality is maintained.
Water is generally stored in a pressurised container which supplies a single chrome tap located on the sink. Remember, these systems produce water slowly and need time to replenish the reservoir.
Expect to pay approximately $250 - $350 for plumbing installation
Ongoing Maintenace Costs Approximately $200 - $300 per year
Water filter cartridges should be replaced every 6 - 12 Months and the RO membrane should be replaced every 12 - 24 months.
