
Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for good health. While Australia has some of the safest drinking water in the world, impurities can still make their way into household water supplies. Whether due to old pipes, environmental contaminants, or residual chemicals from treatment processes, it’s always a good idea to take proactive steps at home to improve water quality. In this guide, we’ll explore simple, effective habits you can adopt to ensure your household’s water is as clean and healthy as possible.
For those who enjoy convenience, a water dispenser can be a helpful addition to the home. Many dispensers offer built-in filters that improve water quality, making it easy for the whole family to stay hydrated.
Start with Regular Water Testing
The first step to improving your water quality is understanding what’s in it. While municipal water supplies are treated and tested regularly, the water that comes out of your tap can still contain trace amounts of impurities like chlorine, fluoride, and potentially even lead from pipes. Home water testing kits are widely available and easy to use, allowing you to check for common contaminants such as pH, hardness, chlorine, nitrates, and heavy metals.
Testing can give you valuable insights into what might need to be filtered out and guide you on what type of filtration system would be most effective for your needs. It’s also a good habit to re-test water every six months, especially if your area’s water quality reports show seasonal changes.
Use a Suitable Water Filter
Installing a water filter is one of the most effective ways to improve drinking water quality at home. Filters come in various types, each designed to target specific contaminants. Here’s a quick look at some common filter options:
- Activated Carbon Filters: Ideal for removing chlorine, odours, and other organic contaminants, making your water taste and smell better.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: RO systems filter out a broader range of impurities, including heavy metals and some bacteria. They are usually installed under the sink and provide high-quality filtered water.
- UV Filters: These filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses, making them an excellent choice for those concerned about microbial contamination.
- Water Filter Pitchers: Affordable and convenient, filter pitchers are an excellent option for smaller households and are perfect for keeping chilled, filtered water in the fridge.
If your test results indicate specific contaminants, selecting the right filter to target those impurities can significantly improve your home’s water quality.
Keep Your Water Filter Clean
Simply installing a water filter isn’t enough; regular maintenance is essential to keep it functioning effectively. Filters can accumulate impurities over time, and if left uncleaned or unmaintained, they may eventually release trapped contaminants back into the water. Here’s how you can keep your filter in peak condition:
- Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Each filter type has specific maintenance requirements. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replace Cartridges on Time: Most filters require cartridge replacements every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage and water quality. Setting a reminder can help you stay on top of it.
- Inspect for Wear and Tear: Filters can sometimes develop cracks or other damage, particularly if they’re not cleaned regularly. Replace any damaged parts immediately.
Staying on top of filter maintenance ensures that your water remains consistently clean and safe.
Flush Taps and Pipes Regularly
If water sits in pipes for extended periods, it can pick up contaminants from the plumbing. For example, old or corroded pipes can leach metals like lead into the water. Flushing your taps, especially after a prolonged period of disuse (such as first thing in the morning or after a holiday), can help ensure fresher water. Simply running the tap for a few minutes can clear out stagnant water, reducing potential contaminants.
This habit is particularly beneficial in older homes with plumbing made from materials more likely to corrode over time.
Clean Your Faucet Aerators
Aerators, the small screens at the tip of your taps, are designed to mix air with water for a smoother flow. However, they can also trap sediment and other particles. Regularly cleaning your faucet aerators is an easy way to prevent this build-up from contaminating your water.
To clean the aerator, simply unscrew it from the tap, soak it in a vinegar solution to dissolve any mineral build-up, and rinse thoroughly before reattaching. Doing this every few months will keep your water flow clean and smooth.
Opt for Cold Water for Drinking and Cooking
Using cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing foods like pasta, rice, and soups is another simple habit to improve water quality. Hot water can dissolve contaminants more easily, especially metals that may be present in pipes or plumbing fixtures. By always using cold water from the tap and then heating it as necessary, you can reduce the risk of unwanted impurities entering your food or drink.
Maintain Water Appliances Properly
Household water appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, and fridges with built-in water dispensers can accumulate sediment and bacteria if not maintained regularly. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and descaling routines, especially for appliances like water heaters, where sediment can build up over time and affect water quality.
Descaling appliances with vinegar or a descaling solution every six months can help remove mineral deposits, ensuring that these devices don’t negatively impact your water’s taste or purity.
Consider a Whole-House Filtration System
For households interested in filtering water for more than just drinking, a whole-house filtration system may be worth considering. These systems treat water as it enters your home, providing filtered water for all taps, showers, and appliances. Whole-house systems are particularly beneficial for areas with hard water, as they can prevent mineral build-up in pipes and appliances, extending their lifespan.
Whole-house filtration systems are a larger investment but can offer comprehensive water quality improvements, giving you peace of mind that all water used in your home meets high safety standards.
Storing Drinking Water Properly
If you store drinking water in pitchers or dispensers, it’s important to keep them clean and covered to avoid contamination. Regularly wash any containers used to store water and avoid leaving water exposed to air, as this can attract dust, bacteria, or other contaminants.
If you use a jug or pitcher, store it in the fridge and replace the water daily. This habit ensures that the water remains fresh, cold, and safe for drinking.
Be Mindful of Your Plumbing
The condition of your home’s plumbing can directly impact your water quality. Older plumbing systems, particularly those that use lead pipes, can leach contaminants into the water. Consider having your pipes inspected by a professional if you live in an older home. Replacing ageing or corroded pipes is a worthwhile investment for long-term water quality and safety.
Stay Informed About Local Water Quality
Water quality can vary depending on location, weather conditions, and other factors. Staying informed about local water quality reports, which are often available through your water provider, can alert you to any issues that may require extra precautions or adjustments to your home filtration setup.
For example, after heavy rainfall, contaminants may be more likely to enter water supplies, so you may want to take extra filtration steps during such periods. Keeping up with local reports allows you to adjust your habits proactively based on current water quality conditions.
Final Thoughts: Building Healthy Water Habits
Improving your household’s water quality doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating these simple habits, you can help ensure your drinking water is safe, clean, and refreshing for everyone in your home. From installing an effective filter to regularly cleaning faucets and staying informed about local water quality, each small step contributes to better water health.
With the right practices, you’ll not only enjoy cleaner water but also encourage healthy hydration habits for your whole family.