We all know the importance of drinking enough water and keeping hydrated. So much so it makes up approximately 75% of our body.

It forms the basis of our blood, digestive material, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, body fat and our bones. We need water for almost every single bodily function, including maintaining the health and integrity of every cell in our body, transporting nutrients and oxygen into these cells.

To carry out these functions, we need to drink approximately 2-3 litres of water every day just to maintain hydration. So, what we drink needs to be as clean as possible and full of healthy minerals.

Source: Better Health

Tap water – is it the best option?

Australian tap water IS safe to drink. But is it the most natural, perfect source as Mother Nature provided?

Due to the effects of mining, construction, farming and airborne pollution, levels of contamination in our water is evident. Heavy metals such as lead and aluminium are exposed from the pipes our water travels through to reach our taps (after its cleaning process). In addition, fluoride and chlorine are added to our tap water. All these increases our low-level exposure to toxic compounds on a daily basis.

Australia’s “safe limit” of pesticides allowed in our tap water is approximately twenty times higher than limits set in parts of Europe. This means our tap water may contain chemicals and toxins such as heavy metals, bacteria, nitrate, lead, chlorine, ammonia and fluoride as well as other impurities and contaminants.

Source: The Green Post

What do the guidelines say?

The “Australian Drinking Water Guidelines” state our drinking water should be: “clear, colourless, and well aerated with no unpalatable taste or odours. There should not be any suspended matter, harmful chemical substances or pathogenic micro-organisms” found in our water.

Despite the guidelines, the below contaminants, through testing, have been found within our tap water:

Source: Waters Co Australia

What can you do to reduce your exposure to the contamination?

An efficient, cost-effective and safe way to clean tap water is simply using a filtering system to remove the chemicals effectively from your drinking water.

Water Filter Options:

There are 3 common types of filters you can use at home and at your workplace:

1. Filter Jugs
2. Over-the-counter Filters
3. Under-the-counter Filters & Reverse Osmosis Systems

Benefits of using a filtering jug:

Jugs are beneficial if your space and budget are limited, as well as being a good temporary solution, like renting. It’s portable, can be used at work or home on a desk or bench, and will fit in the refrigerator. Jugs these days are so advanced they can remove most impurities and remineralise the water. The downside is, you need to keep filling it up as the capacity isn’t big.

Benefits of using an over-the-counter filter:

A countertop filter system uses pressure to flow water through a filtration process. A higher level of contaminants than a jug will be removed and all you need to do is fill it up the same way you would a jug. There are also great over-the-counter options that do a very good job of remineralising the water. The convenience here is that clean water is ready on tap most of the time as the capacity is so much larger.

Benefits of using under-the-counter filters:

Under-counter filters are a convenient long-term system that doesn’t take up counter space. Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are common and are often the most expensive! They can remove up to 99.9% of all contaminants and bacteria. It also strips away minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the water, which is why with RO systems you should take up the option to add a remineraliser cartridge to the system.

Inside my Allergy Free Club membership we share plenty of resources on clean water, the harmful affects of fluoride and chlorine as well as an extensive range of water filters that have been highly vetted and researched.

For now, though, check out 3 filters from our guide. One each for jugs, over-the-counter, and reverse osmosis options.

1. Ecobud, Gentoo Glass Alkaline Water Filter Jugs
   Excellent Jug style filter for easy fridge storage!
   
   Price: $ – from $79.95
   Value: Great beginner’s option
   
   This water filter jug not only alkalises the water but also eliminates most chlorine, fluoride, contaminants (ie. heavy metals) and bacteria to minimal level from your water.
   
   Where to buy Ecobud. Our Allergy Free Club members get 10% off. More options inside our membership buying guide.
   
2. 7-10 stage water filter ceramic carbon mineral benchtop dispenser and purifier pot – 16L
   Great value for money for a countertop water filter system!
   
   Price: $ – from $99.99
   Value: Awesome beginner level
   
   This easy to set up user-friendly water filter system has up to 10 stages of filtration to remove and an advanced remineralisation system that adds minerals back into the water ready for drinking.
   
   Its larger capacity of 16: would be great for a family home (note there is a smaller option available on their website). The activated carbon absorbs the majority of Chlorine, THMs, and other organic chemicals from the water including herbicides and pesticides. The Low flow rate allows also for the removal of chloramines.
   
   Where to buy Filter Systems Australia. More options inside our membership buying guide.
   
3. AquaSana OptimH2O® Reverse Osmosis + Claryum®
   An amazing choice with a cheaper price tag!
   
   Price: $$ – $499.99
   Value: If budgets are tight this filter offers superb value.
   
   This system combines premium filtration technology and reverse osmosis for optimum health and hydration.
   
   With the combined power of reverse osmosis, selective Claryum® filtration, and remineralisation, you have immediate access to clean, healthy water for drinking, cooking, washing your vegetables, and more.
   
   Where to buy Aquasana. More options inside our membership buying guide.

To check out our full guide of budget, mid, and top of the range water filters, check out the Allergy Free Club.

Let me know, do you filter your water and if you do what filter fo you use?