What are Carcinogens?

Carcinogens are agents directly involved in causing cancer. They can be found in various forms, including chemicals, radiation, and even certain viruses. When it comes to water contamination, these carcinogens often stem from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and even byproducts of water treatment processes.

The Threat of PFAs

PFAs are a group of man-made chemicals used in a variety of industries around the globe. Known for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, these substances are found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foams. Unfortunately, PFAs are not easily broken down in the environment or the human body, hence the nickname, "forever chemicals." Prolonged exposure to PFAs has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and thyroid disease.

The Importance of Removing Contaminants

Consuming water laced with carcinogens and PFAs poses serious health risks. Over time, the accumulation of these harmful substances in the body can lead to chronic health conditions and increased cancer risk. Therefore, ensuring that your drinking water is free from such contaminants is paramount to maintaining good health.

Effective Water Filtration Solutions

At Filtered Water Solutions, we offer advanced filtration systems designed to remove these dangerous contaminants from your water supply. Our range includes both standard and reverse osmosis water filters, each capable of significantly reducing the presence of carcinogens and PFAs.

4 Stage PFAS Elite

Highly effective in removing PFAS, chloramine & VOC reduction. Also removes chlorine, taste, odour, led, cyst reduction.

Order your 4 Stage PFAS Elite Here

Reverse Osmosis Systems

For the highest level of contaminant removal, our reverse osmosis systems are our recommended option. They use a multi-stage filtration process that can effectively eliminate up to 99% of all contaminants, including the most stubborn PFAs.

View Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems Here

Why Choose Reverse Osmosis?

While both filtration methods are proficient, reverse osmosis systems provide an extra layer of assurance. The process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving contaminants behind and delivering cleaner, safer water. This method ensures a higher chance of removing even the smallest traces of harmful substances, giving you peace of mind about the quality of your drinking water.

Why Invest In A Good Water Filter?

Investing in a high-quality water filtration system is a proactive step towards protecting your health and well-being. By removing carcinogens and PFAs from your tap water, you are reducing your risk of developing serious health issues and ensuring that your family has access to safe, clean water.

To learn more about which water filter is best for you or to book in a time, get in touch with the team at Filtered Water Solutions.

• Lead in our drinking water is a major health concern

• Low lead products can help but can be an expensive exercise

• Water filter systems remove and reduce lead in your drinking water

“Flush Your Taps for 30 Seconds Before Drinking” is advice that has often been shared with growing concerns of lead in our drinking water.

Our Designer Taps Suit Any Modern or Classic Home

Lead is in the water that comes out from our taps. It’s not because the water being supplied is tainted but did you know that there is lead in our products? Traces of lead among other chemicals were commonly used in household goods in the past and you may have heard some warnings circulating about some vintage food storage containers recently. While we’re not experts in food storage, we are experts when it comes to filtered water.

Why Is There Lead In Our Tap Water?

When water is delivered from our water treatment plants, the water is good condition, however, when reaching our homes or offices, there are factors in between that can contribute to the problem. For example, old taps and other plumbing accessories may have contained lead during the manufacturing process. Our national construction code allows for certain amounts of lead to be found in fittings with older fittings generally containing more lead as awareness in more recent times have driven for products being manufactured with lower lead levels.

Lead & Our Health

Without going into technical figures, in simple, high levels of lead exposure can potentially cause a range of health issues effecting anything from kidney function, blood pressure to even brain function in more extreme circumstances.

How To Remove and Reduce Lead From Tap Water?

To reduce the lead from your drinking water, there are some actions that you can take to remove and minimize lead contamination in your drinking water.

Water Filtration

Water filter systems are the easiest way to reduce and even remove traces of lead in your drinking water. Depending on the type of water filter system you have installed in your home will determine how much contaminant filtration is achieved. We recommend talking to our helpful team about our reverse osmosis water filter systems or any home water filter systems so that you get a better understanding of what’s best for you based on your goals and budget.

Your Plumbing

While not required right now, you can identify and replace components and accessories in your plumbing to help reduce lead exposure.

Tip: If you’re collecting rainwater in your roof, old paints may also contain lead.

Your Drinkware & Kitchen Utensils

Have a look at your drinkware and even your cooking utensils that you use at home. If your water is clean and filtered but you store your water in jugs or use utensils with lead then you could still be exposing yourself to lead.

Filtered Water Solutions

At Filtered Water Solutions, we offer a range of solutions for your home or office for clean and healthy water.

Reverse Osmosis & Under Sink Water Filter Systems

Our range of Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems and under sink water filter systems are Watermark Certified meaning they meet all relevant Australian standards. Each filter system we have may suit different house hold goals and needs so we welcome any questions you may have about which is the best water filter system for you.

Full House Water Filter Systems

Our whole house water filter systems are designed with a high flow rate but efficient at filtering out a range of sediments and contaminants. We offer a selection of full house water filters specially designed to meet different flow rates so talk to us to see whether a whole house water filter system suits your needs.

Shower Head Filters

Contaminants can flow through your tap water exposing your head, hair, skin and eyes when showering. These contaminants could destroy your hair our leave your skin irritated so our easy to install shower filter is great for people who suffer from dandruff, dry, sensitive skin or allergies.

Useful Sources:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/controlguideline/Pages/lead.aspx

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/lead-exposure-children.aspx

Carbon Filters or Reverse Osmosis?

All water filters are designed to remove contaminants, but they do so in different ways and some are more efficient than others. As far as filtration goes, there are two main choices: reverse osmosis systems or carbon-based filters (which are used in water jugs and tap units). Whether a simple tap or refrigerator water filter is good enough for your needs or whether you should be looking at multi-stage reverse osmosis water filter systems will depend on what you are trying to achieve.

• Removing Unpleasant Tastes – If your sole concern is getting rid of the unpleasant tastes in your water that are spoiling your tea or coffee and putting you off drinking water straight from the tap, a water filter jug or an even more convenient under sink water filter system will be sufficient for your needs. Using a carbon-based filter system does a pretty good job of removing the handful of contaminants responsible for making tap water taste bad.
• Health Concerns – If the main reason you are looking at drinking water filter systems is your health, we recommend focusing on the high-quality reverse osmosis water filter systems that are widely available in Australia today. In addition to the volatile organic compounds and chlorine that water filter jugs and tap filters remove, a reverse osmosis system will remove dozens of other potentially harmful contaminants from your water. These include lead, copper, viral particles, bacteria, arsenic and various protozoa that are found in drinking water across the globe.

So, for health concerns, reverse osmosis water filter systems come highly recommended. The initial cost of an RO system will be significantly higher than a water jug or tap filter but over time, they are relatively inexpensive to maintain.

Under-Sink or Countertop Drinking Water Filter Systems?

Now you have decided on the type of filtration technology you would like, it’s time to consider whether an under-sink or countertop unit will be best suited to your particular requirements.

• Countertop Filters – These are generally cheaper and do not require any drilling or other installation work. However, some people don’t like having them in plain sight in their kitchen and countertop units can’t match an under-sink system when it comes to filtration quality. They also do not offer the convenience of continuous running water and require attention to keep filled.
• Under-Sink Filter Systems – A multi-stage under-sink system will cost a more than a countertop filter but will provide much better filtration and be out of sight.

In summary, if you are looking for a budget solution to remove unpleasant odours and tastes, a simple water jug or countertop filter will suffice. But for maximum efficiency and an aesthetically pleasing solution, under-sink reverse osmosis water filter systems are our recommendation.

What is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a process that reduces the impurity content in your water to a great extent, by making the contaminated water pass through its system’s layers of membranes. These membranes filter out all the harmful metals that carry the potential to cause some substantial health damage to your body. They even help eliminate all the harmful bacteria and viruses present in the water, which are unfit for human consumption as they are the cause of many underlying health complications. But the factor that sets the reverse osmosis apart is that it doesn’t cause harm to the useful bacteria, which instead promotes a healthy gut and boots our immunity, making it an ideal way of getting healthy water in the comfort of your home.

Most of the time, the tap water that supplied in every household contains a considerable amount of chlorine, which is detrimental to your body’s functioning and at the same time gives your food an unpleasant taste. Highly-rated restaurants are known to use RO to prepare their delicacies to prevent any possible food taste complaints to maintain their reliability.

Over the years, many studies have been conducted to measure the average amount of consumption of carbonated drinks. An indication of these studies has been that many people have become conscious of their health and have decreased consuming carbonated drinks and have consciously started consuming more water.

If you prefer buying bottled water from the shops, have you ever consciously realised the amount of unnecessary money you might be spending? And not only that but the amount of water wasted in making a plastic bottle is more than the amount of water it can hold. And plastic itself is one of the biggest deterrents towards nature's conservation.

RO Water Filter System Vs. Buying Bottled Water 

Purchasing an R.O system is very cost-effective in comparison to buying bottled water. The bottled water though convenient, is only worth spending money on the move and when you can't get your hands on your own filtered water.

Investing in an R.O system aids you become a responsible citizen towards nature as you conserve the energy resources that are exhausted in other ways of producing consumable water. Its comprehensive and eco-friendly way of filtering water will help you consume premium quality water at a cost efficient price.

In case you still hold apprehensions regarding the maintenance of these reverse osmosis water filter systems, there's not much for you to worry about, as the only maintenance that this system demand is the periodic replacement of filter, which is very easy and feasible. A provider like Filtered Water Solutions, our clients enjoy that we provide friendly reminders for the replacement of their water filters.

If you need help or are unsure about what reverse osmosis water filter system is best for your needs then get in touch and our knowledgeable team are happy to help!

Water Filter Cartridges

The water filter cartridges are the heart of the water filter systems and each serve an important role in the water filtration process from filtering out chemicals and contaminants to producing fresh tasting water.

Why it’s Important to Replace Water Filters

Replacing water filters regularly or as needed ensures that your filtered water system continues to work efficiently at removing the contaminants from drinking water.

Before and After Servicing:

Here are some examples of how much our water filters filter out contaminants and chemicals. These photos have been taken by our technicians during our annual maintenance/service and are common scenarios that we come across.

Before: This is what a brand new sediment filter looks like just before placing it into a water filtering system.

After: You can see how blackened this filter has become just from town water which would have otherwise gone straight through to the tap for your consumption without being filtered.

After: In this photo, you can see how muddy the filter has become. 

It's not a pleasant site to see a filter this muddy but imagine if you or your family had consumed this throughout the course of the year. 

The Lifespan of a Water Filter

Water filter cartridges generally have a lifespan of 6 to 12 months. When the filter becomes clogged or cartridges not replaced on time, they become less effective at filtering out the contaminants and chemicals present in the tap water making them ineffective.

Not changing the water filter means you may end up drinking water that contains contaminants and chemicals such as chlorine, cryptosporidium, giardia, dust, rust and sediments from the tap water.

There are different factors that affect the lifespan of a water filter with the main ones being:

Quality of Water - If the town water supplied to your home or office is lower in quality, the filter will accumulate contaminants at a faster rate. In some cases it’s not necessarily just the quality of the town water being supplied but the plumbing along the way could also contribute to contaminants in the water. Some areas also have more hard water which means that the water is heavy with minerals.

Water Usage – Naturally a family residence will generally consume more than a single household and an office may consume much more with staff generally spending more time in the office compared to home.

Signs that it’s Time to Replace a Water Filter

Sometimes it becomes obvious when a filter is no longer working because the taste or smell of the water changes. There may also be the occasion where a slimy residue on the rim of the filter cartridge builds up and is not easily noticeable. For our customers, if any of these signs appear, we recommend calling us.

There is a misconception that water will flow slower when it’s time for a filter to be replaced but this not always the case. Sometimes the water can even flow faster so please do not simply rely on the speed of water flow to judge whether a filter is still ok.

For our customers, we make contact every 12 months to change their filter cartridges and it’s a great service that they have become accustomed to. Some of our customers require more frequent water filter changes so we accommodate and contact based on the recommended timing.

When filters are changed regularly and water filter systems are serviced and maintained, they work more effectively at removing the contaminants from drinking water providing great tasting and clean water for you and your family.  

Rainwater is very popular in Australia and rainwater tanks are commonly found in suburban and rural homes. Collecting and storing rainwater has versatile uses outside and inside the home. Rainwater can be used for gardening, swimming pools, spas as well as being a water source for washing clothes, showers and toilets. Most importantly, rainwater is quite clean and most of us commonly associate it as a source of drinking water.

Hazards of Rainwater

While rainwater is generally clean, it is still not clean enough to drink straight out of the tank. The water may collect dirt and sediment as well as other bacteria along the way to the tank and may also grow bacteria while being stored.

If you already have a rainwater tank or are planning on installing one, consider regular maintenance of your water catchment areas to minimise contaminations. Also remember that your rainwater tank is not set and forget. A good regular clean will ensure both the tanks longevity as well as clean water for your home.

Filtering Rainwater For Drinking

The good news is rainwater can be efficiently filtered and can be safe for consumption. Our filtered water systems can be used with rainwater tanks but unlike the water that comes from the mains, the water filters used for rainwater are specially made. Using a silver carbon block specifically for rainwater, these water filters fit into our standard under sink water filter systems making them easy to install and maintain.

The silver carbon block is a key component to filtering rainwater. Where our regular carbon filters and reverse osmosis water filters are excellent for town water, the silver carbon filters are highly recommended and used for rainwater as it filters bacteria which occurs in rainwater.

Filtered Water Solutions Tips

To help increase the life of your water filters and overall best practice here’s a couple of important points.

Regular Cleaning & Maintenance – We mentioned this earlier but regular maintenance of your water filter system as well as your rainwater tank and rainwater catchment areas help to reduce bacteria and contaminants which can help prolong the life of your filters.

Paint & Plumbing – Lead and other contaminants have been a hot topic. Installing a water filter system helps to remove but why add to the cause? Be aware of what plumbing products you use from the plumbing to your paint selection. For example, if you are painting the roof and your roof is a source of harvesting rainwater, then check the paint labels to ensure that the paint is suitable for harvesting drinking water.

If you have a rainwater tank or are looking to install a new one for good clean drinking water, contact us to organise your under sink water filter system or ask us if you have any questions. Our water filter systems are Watermark and NSF certified and we have a great team of knowledgeable staff in the office and out on the field. 

With the world evolving and pushing towards reusing and recycling along with cost savings, people are also looking for alternatives to buying bottled water. Whether it’s a counter top spring water dispenser or a filtered water system, these options give the home or office a continuous supply of drinking water. We are also concerned about how much our water is processed and the chemicals that can be found in our everyday tap water. There are other contamination issues and impurities that are of concern. In the past year, there was a publication about lead in drinking water by the Department of Health as well as multiple news stories covering the issue.

Filtered Water Systems

The cheapest and most accessible option at home or in the office is to drink water straight from the tap. In most locations around the country, tap water is safe to drink but may have traces of lead and other chemicals and minerals. This could be from being treated to the pipes and plumbing products along the way. Many turn to water filters but are not necessarily sure of what the different options are.  Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a term commonly used but not necessarily understood by the consumer.

In our product range, we offer water filter systems and RO water filter systems but what’s the advantage of RO and why are there different options?

What is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse Osmosis is the process of purifying water that removes the presence of particles and chemicals from drinking water. There are different stages of the process which is why there are different RO products available depending on the needs and requirements of the customer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I drink water from 3 Stage RO?

Yes you can. However, given the PH levels in a 3 stage system, the water may taste slightly acidic.

What about 6, 7, 8+ stage RO water filter systems?

The reality is no matter how a product is labelled, the equivalent of our 5 stage water filter system is all that is really required for great tasting water. Adding unnecessary filtering stages or additional filters is unnecessary.

Why Choose Reverse Osmosis?

While all of our water filter systems are top quality and Watermark and NSF certified, drinking water that has been through the Reverse Osmosis process generally tastes better. 

Less Contaminants & Improved Taste with Reverse Osmosis

Normal water filters generally improve on taste while removing some contaminants where RO will remove rather than improve the bad taste and smell while removing contaminants, minerals and chemicals.

With lead and fluoride removal being a commonly asked question, RO is definitely the way to go.

Quality Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems

At Filtered Water Solutions, we have supplied and installed water filter systems for over 17 years and are Watermark and NSF certified meeting strict Australian standards. We not only have pride in our products, we also have a great team of knowledgeable staff from the office to our installers on the road. If you’re not sure or have any questions, ask us!

Reference:

https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/A12B57E41EC9F326CA257BF0001F9E7D/$File/Lead-plumbing-products-Guidance-Statement-July2018.pdf

Australians spend over $500 million on bottled water every year. So why has bottled water become so popular and is there really a difference between the different types of water available today?

Tap Water

Tap water comes from a central source, and has been certified safe for drinking. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines specify that water "should contain no harmful concentrations of chemicals or pathogenic micro-organisms, and ideally it should be aesthetically pleasing in regard to appearance, taste and odour".

Local water authorities use settling, coagulation, filtering and disinfecting to ensure the safety of drinking water, using sufficient disinfectant to stop the re-growth of microorganisms as the water travels through pipe systems to your home. Safe drinking water requires additives you can often smell or taste, such as chlorine, a disinfectant widely used by Australian water suppliers.

Tap water can contain many impurities, both natural and artificial. Some are harmless, or only affect what the water looks, tastes or smells like. Others can give you an immediate infection or slowly damage your health over a long period of time.

Some chemicals (such as chlorine and fluoride) are added to your water in the treatment plant. There are ongoing discussions over potential health risks as a result of this.

Bottled Spring Water

A lot of bottled water in Australia is labelled as spring water, but the source of that water is often a mystery.

Bottled water is generally spring water that is from an underground source and may or may not have been treated and purified. Studies have found that some bottled water that has been labelled spring water, has been found to contain contaminants such as coliform, arsenic and phthalates.

According to CHOICE Australia¹, bottled water is more expensive than milk, soft drink and even petrol, so there's no doubt bottled water has pitched itself as a premium product. In fact, you can buy more than 1,000L of Sydney tap water for the same cost as a 600ml bottle of Mount Franklin water. But does bottled water trump tap in terms of quality? Probably not. Both tap and bottled water have numerous organic and inorganic contaminants in them. Cumulative exposure to these contaminants over time can weaken your immune system and cause damage.

Some facts about Bottled Spring Water

• It takes up to seven litres of water and one litre of oil to produce one litre of bottled water
• Tap water has 1 per cent of the environmental impact of bottled water
• Bottled water production makes 600 times more CO2 than tap water
• One bottle of water has the same impact on our environment as driving a car 1km
• Most water bottles end up in landfill
• Australians drank 115 Olympic swimming pools worth of bottled water last year
• Discarded drink bottles account for 38 per cent of the total rubbish volume
• The average cost of a litre of tap water in Australia .001¢
• The average cost of a litre of bottled water in Australia is $2.83

Filtered Water

Tap water can be made safer by filtering out some of the contaminants that it may often contain. Filtered drinking water from your tap is the safest, healthiest, and least expensive option to ensure your family is drinking the purest water available.

The three stage under sink water filter system from Filtered Water Solutions is a heavy duty filtration unit that removes contaminants via three stages of purification to give you the best quality drinking water from your tap.

And for a limited time we are offering a free upgrade to a designer filter tap with every order. Talk to us today to see how we can supply contaminant free water to your home or office.

¹ https://www.choice.com.au/food-and-drink/drinks/water/articles/bottled-water