Frequently - Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I change my filters?

A1. It depends on many things, for example the quality of the
water source and the amount of water being used. We recommend that you service your water system at least every 3 months.

Q2. What are the signs that indicate I should change my filters?

A2. The occurrence of any of the signs listed below means it is time for you to change your filter. If you are following the manufacturers' directions, you should have changed the filter before any
of the following effects are noticed.

1. Water flow rate become slow (Filter system is clogged).
If pads are present you may be able the clean or replace them to increase the flow rate.
2. Filter/s looks rather dirty!
3. Water tasting like un-filtered water, i.e. normal source water
4. Water has a smell to it. Pure fresh water should be clear, tasteless and odourless.

Q3. What harm may be caused by using dirty or old filters?

A3. Bacteria and other unpleasant growths may develop within your filter system. These problems can be easily avoided if you regularly take care to ensure your water system is properly serviced and maintained.

Q4. What water purification system would suit me the best?

A4. There are many different types of water purification systems available on today’s market and we recommend that you choose the type which best suits your requirements and your budget.

Your requirements depend on the number of people in your household or business and how much general use the filter would get. The type or source water will also affect your choice in water purification system. If you plan to buy a system make sure parts and service are available should you ever need them. Many systems today are imported and spare parts may be limited.

Q5. Where should I buy or rent my water purification system from?

A5. We recommend that you ensure the company you decide to deal with is reputable with a good client relationship and service history. Avoid buying from large multi-chain stores as you may get a bargain at the time, but replacement parts, service and customer support could be a BIG problem later.

Q6. What are the advantages of filtered water over bottled water?

A6. We feel there are many advantages of using filtered water over bottled water:

1. Low Fixed Cost: Cost is unrelated to water consumption. It remains the same no matter how many people are using the system or how much they drink, winter or summer.
2. No Storage Problems: No extra space is required to store additional water bottles for future use.
3. No Handling Problems: Because filtered water systems use ordinary tap water big muscles are not required!
4. Reliable: While you have access to tap water, you will always have a continuous supply of fresh healthy filtered water.
5. Quality of water: Water purity deteriorates with age in bottles therefore, filtering your own water as you need it ensures that your drinking water always remains fresh and healthy.

Q7. What is the difference between filtered water and bottled water?

A7. As the source of bottled water may vary, all bottled water is filtered before sale, therefore the difference in quality is minimal. The main difference is the time of the filtering. Filtering just before consumption results in fresher, better tasting water.

Q8. What is removed from the water by filters?

A8. There are many different types of filters manufactured today. The quality and properties of the blend of filter media may vary, and this will affect the quality and taste of the water.
As a general guideline the majority of filters should reduce:
• Chlorine and its taste and odour
• Fluoride and Nitrates
• Chemicals and Pesticides
• Organic matter
• Heavy metals, eg. lead, mercury, zinc, copper, cadmium.
• Alkalinity
• Aluminium
• Sediment & turbidity

Filters also act to partially soften the water.

Q9. If I use rain water for drinking do I need to use a filter system?

A9. Yes! A recent study conducted in Adelaide by Monash University and Water Quality Research Australia claimed that pure rainwater is safe to drink. We agree with their findings.. BUT..obtaining pure rain water is a problem these days. Whilst it is very good water, it can easily become contaminated by pollutants in the air through which it passes as well as from the surface off which it is collected, resulting in unhealthy water. Contaminated water can be very dangerous and harmful to us, and there have been many warnings against drinking it for this reason.

A simple and inexpensive way to protect the quality of your drinking water is to install a filter system – preferably one containing Silver as this metal is very effective at removing the bacteria that tends to form in rainwater tanks. If your filter system is regularly cleaned and maintained you will have good quality drinking water.

Q10. Is boiling your water a safe practise?

A10. Boiling your water will kill any bacteria but not remove the heavy metals, sediments or any other chemicals that may be present. In fact, boiling water will increase any chemical concentrations as the process actually reduces the amount of water present because of the resulting evaporation.

Q11. Is Fluoride added to water good for us?

A11. The matter of fluoridated water has always been a contentious subject. Most of the current studies indicate there may be long term effects however there is still no definite evidence either way.

Q12. How good is the town water supply for drinking?

A12. The quality of the water supplied to our homes meets the required Australian Standards …. to improve the taste and quality further would be rather costly for the water authority, and would not be viable as only a small percentage is used for drinking. Therefore if you wish to improve the quality and taste of your drinking water you should be using a filtered water system.

Q13. Will my filter totally remove the Fluoride from the town water supply?

A13. No. The average filter will only reduce the amount of Fluoride in the water but special filters to totally remove it are available – however they are a little more expensive.