One of the most common questions people ask before installing a water filter is:
“What exactly does a filter remove?”
The answer is simple — but it varies depending on the type of filter you use.
This guide explains the role of each filter type in a clear, positive way so you can choose the system that best suits your taste and lifestyle.
Why Filters Remove Different Things
Every water filter is designed for a specific purpose.
Some focus on taste, others on clarity, and some on whole-home protection.
The most common categories are:
- Carbon filters (Zip, Billi, under-sink filters)
- Sediment filters
- Whole-home filtration systems
- Reverse osmosis (RO) (used less commonly in Melbourne homes)
Each filter plays a different role — and together, they can make water taste cleaner, fresher, and more enjoyable.
Carbon Filters — Great for Taste, Smell, and Everyday Drinking
Carbon filtration is the most popular choice for Melbourne homes, and for good reason:
It makes your water taste and smell cleaner without removing healthy minerals.
Carbon filters typically reduce:
- chlorine
- odours
- chemical tastes
- organic compounds
- some volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- small particles, depending on the micron rating
Yes — carbon filters remove chlorine, odours, and unpleasant tastes, making water smoother and fresher.
Carbon filters are used in:
✔ Zip systems
✔ Billi systems
✔ Under-sink filters
✔ Many whole-home systems
They are excellent for improving everyday drinking water.
Sediment Filters — Great for Clarity and Clean Flow
Sediment filters focus on the physical side of water quality.
They remove particles you can see — or sometimes feel.
Sediment filters remove:
- sand
- rust flakes
- pipe residue
- dirt
- silt
- cloudiness
They’re commonly used at the entry point of a home or paired with carbon filters.
Why this matters:
Removing sediment helps protect appliances, plumbing, and finer filters downstream.
Sediment filters remove visible particles like dirt, rust, and sand — they do not remove chlorine or chemicals.
Whole-Home Filtration — Clean Water for Every Tap
A whole-home system combines sediment + carbon filtering and improves water quality throughout your house — not just at the kitchen tap.
Whole-home systems typically improve:
- chlorine levels
- taste and odour
- clarity
- shower experience (less chlorine smell)
- laundry water quality
- appliance lifespan (reduced sediment buildup)
This option is great for families who want fresh-tasting water everywhere — showers, bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen.
Do Filters Remove Healthy Minerals?
Most household filters do not remove natural minerals.
Carbon and sediment filters keep:
- calcium
- magnesium
- potassium
- natural mineral balance
These minerals contribute to the pleasant, clean taste of filtered water.
Only reverse osmosis removes minerals — and these systems are used mainly for specialist needs (not everyday Melbourne homes).
Reverse Osmosis — For Specialised Filtration Needs
Reverse osmosis (RO) is a high-level filtration system that removes almost everything, including minerals.
RO removes:
- minerals
- salts
- fluoride
- heavy metals
- dissolved solids
A positive note:
RO is not necessary for most households — Melbourne’s water quality usually makes carbon + sediment filtration more than sufficient.
RO is typically installed only for specific medical, technical, or taste preferences.
Which Filter Is Right for You?
Here’s a simple way to choose:
If you want better taste and smell:
✔ Carbon filter
✔ Zip or Billi system
If you want clearer water with fewer particles:
✔ Sediment filter
✔ Whole-home system
If you want filtered water throughout your home:
✔ Whole-home system
If you need advanced purification:
✔ Reverse osmosis (only if required)
For most Melbourne homes, a quality carbon filter or Zip/Billi system is the perfect everyday solution.
The Benefits You’ll Notice Straight Away
After installing a filter, most people notice:
- smoother, cleaner-tasting water
- reduced chlorine smell
- better tea and coffee
- more enjoyable hydration
- clearer soups and cooking water
- less reliance on bottled water
It’s a simple, positive upgrade that makes a difference every single day.
Need Help Choosing a Filter? We’re Here to Make It Easy.
Melbourne Filtered Water provides:
- under-sink filtration
- Zip & Billi systems
- whole-home filters
- filter replacement
- CO₂ cylinders for sparkling water systems
- friendly advice based on your home and taste preferences
If you want clearer, fresher-tasting water at home, we’d love to help you find the right option.