In Australia, we’re lucky enough to have safe, clean drinking water coming straight from the taps, thanks to the filtering and disinfecting systems used in our water treatment plants. However, the downside of our water being disinfected with additives like fluoride or chlorine is that there can sometimes be a lingering taste and smell of the disinfectants used. Because of this, some people still prefer to either buy bottled water (which sucks for the planet) or use some kind of water filter system or jug in their homes to flush out the extra additives.

Using a water filtering system will help to remove the taste and smell almost instantly while also adding minerals to the water that help make it more alkaline — which is said to be better for the body. There are a range of different water filter systems on the market, from water filter jugs and travel bottles to large dispensers and taps, so you can find one that works for your household.

Plus, whichever one you choose, you know that you’ll be making a more health-conscious, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly choice than continuously buying bottled water from the supermarket.

Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some of the better options you can find on the internet to get you started on your water filtering journey.

The Brita On Tap System Advanced can be easily installed onto your existing kitchen tap (and removed), therefore making this a great solution for households wanting instant filtered water straight from the tap. The filtration system is made up of activated carbon pearls, which helps reduce taste and odour, impairing substances like chlorine and impurities such as pesticides, herbicides, and other residues. According to Brita, the ion exchange fibre also reduces metals such as lead and the hollow fibre membrane filters particles, reduce microplastics and 99.99% of bacteria.

You can buy the Brita Filter System On Tap ($114) from Amazon here.

Enjoy fresh and pure-tasting water with the Philips On Tap Filter. It comes with a one-click installation system so you can fit your tap quickly and easily. Once installed, the microfiltration system reduces up to 99% of chlorine and other taste-impairing substances.

You can buy the Philips On Tap Filter ($59.24) from Amazon here.

TAPP Filter System uses 5-stage Ultra-Advanced Microfiltration technology to remove more than 100 substances from tap water, making it cleaner and crisper to drink straight from the tap. The only piece you’ll need to replace every three months to prevent the build-up of nasty substances and blockages is the filter.

You can buy the TAPP Filter System ($99) from Amazon here.

The Brita filter jugs use the Maxtra+ filter and the unique MicroFlow technology to provide premium levels of filtration for different water conditions. Made of activated carbon from natural coconut shells, the activated carbon pearls absorb chlorine and other taste and odour impairing substances, resulting in fresher, cleaner water. It also comes with a built-in electronic indicator to remind you when to replace the filter. You can also get the Brita Flow XXL Fridge Filter for $76.99 right now.

You can buy the Brita Marella Filter ($49.09) from Amazon here.

Designed to remove up to 99.99% of all tap water contaminants, like lead and fluoride, the Epic Pure Filter Jug is a quick and easy way to ensure you’re drinking the purest water possible.

You can buy the Epic Pure Water ($129.95) from Amazon here.

The Waterdrop Lucid Filter system uses a 7-layer filtration system designed in Japan to provide fresh, pure water. This pitcher has a 10-cup capacity and a spout lid that helps to keep out other unwanted dust and particles. It also means that the jug is easy to refill without removing the cover.

You can buy the Waterdrop Lucid Filter ($165.19) from Amazon here.

It’s not realistic to expect there to be filtered water available everywhere you go, but thanks to this water bottle with an in-built filter, you can ensure the water you drink while travelling or on the road is 99.99% parasites and bacteria-free. It reduces the chlorine in tap water and improves water taste, too. Rest assured, the plastic bottle is also made from BPA free Titan, so there is no plastic taste or odour in that either. 

You can buy the AquaVik Filter Bottle ($59.90) from Amazon here. 

Just like the BRITA water jug, this baby will transform your tap water to ensure it’s pure and tastes great no matter where you are. It also comes with one replacement MicroDisc filter cartridge that’ll last you a good month or so. You can buy a bunch of replacements for cheap here, too.

You can buy the BRITA Filter Bottle ($111) from Amazon here. 

The LifeStraw Flex comes with a two-stage filter that exceeds the NSF 53 drinking water standard and keeps your water fresh. That way, you can avoid your need for plastic bottled water on the road.

This kit itself includes a soft-touch, and the filter can be used in five different ways: as a personal straw, with the included soft-touch bottle attached to a plastic water bottle, hydration bladder or as a gravity filter.

You can buy the LifeStraw Hiking Flex Multi-Function Filter System ($54.95) from eBay here.

Bree (aka @_breegrant) has been playing with beauty products since she was tall enough to reach her mothers makeup bag. She lives for testing out products before they hit shelves and has been known to put her body on the line for a sex toy review or two. (Someones gotta do it?!) When she’s not busy being the E-Commerce Editor at PEDESTRIAN.TV, and the Australian versions of VICE, Refinery29, Business Insider, Gizmodo, Lifehacker and Kotaku, she’s usually at the beach attempting to live out her Blue Crush dreams, shell necklace included.

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