Best Whole House Filters for Removing Microplastics in Australia

Yes, certain whole house water filtration systems can help reduce microplastics and other particulate contaminants in household water. However, the most effective approach typically combines high-quality sediment filtration for the entire home with an advanced, 6-stage reverse osmosis system for the water you actually consume every day.

Microplastics have become one of the fastest-growing water quality concerns globally. Over recent years, researchers have detected these tiny particles in tap water, bottled water, rivers and lakes, rainwater, and our oceans. As awareness of this issue grows, many homeowners are looking for practical, reliable ways to reduce their family's exposure.

At My Water Filter, we are experts in water filtration. After years of research, testing, and refinement, we’ve engineered solutions that combine the best features and technologies into a single, high-performance system. 

In this guide, we will explore exactly what microplastics are, how they enter our water, and the best filtration strategies, including the power of our advanced RO membranes, to secure clean, healthy water for your entire home.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles generally measuring less than 5 millimetres in size. Because they do not break down easily, they persist in the environment for decades.

They typically originate from:

• Degraded plastic waste breaking down in the sun and surf

• Synthetic clothing fibres released during laundry cycles

• Tyre wear washed off roads by rain

• Industrial processes and manufacturing

• Plastic packaging and single-use plastics

As analytical testing methods have improved, researchers have begun detecting microplastics in places we previously thought were pristine, including drinking water, food, and even airborne dust.

It is important not to panic. The science regarding the long-term health impacts of microplastics on the human body is still emerging. However, growing consumer awareness has led many households to take a proactive approach. Rather than waiting decades for conclusive health studies, many families are choosing to reduce unnecessary exposure where practical today.

Yes, studies around the world have detected microplastics in various water sources, and treated municipal water supplies are not entirely immune.

While municipal treatment plants are highly effective at cleaning water, microscopic particles can still slip through or enter the water post-treatment. Potential sources of microplastics in tap water include:

• Environmental contamination in the catchment area (dams, rivers, or groundwater)

• The vast network of underground distribution pipes

• Household plumbing components (like degrading plastic pipes or fittings)

Australia boasts some of the highest water quality standards in the world. However, our municipal treatment plants were originally built to tackle bacteria, viruses, and large sediment, not microscopic plastic shedding. Increasing attention is now being paid to emerging contaminants such as microplastics, PFAS, and trace pharmaceuticals, prompting homeowners to take their water quality into their own hands to minimise exposure.

Many whole house filtration systems can help reduce larger microplastic particles and other particulate contaminants before they enter your home. However, to ensure you and your family have the cleanest and safest drinking water possible, the ultimate defense comes from combining whole-home protection with an advanced 6-stage Reverse Osmosis (RO) system at the kitchen sink.

When evaluating our premium ULTRAPURE bundles, the filtration breakdown reveals exactly how toxic contaminants, including PFOA, PFOS, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics, are captured:

• Whole House Filtration: Acts as the first line of defense, reducing the bulk load of sediment, dirt, and chemicals from entering your home’s plumbing.

• Cartridge Housing 1 (3-in-1 Cartridge): As water enters the dedicated undersink system, it hits a 3-in-1 cartridge. This features Sediment Protection (capturing larger particles like dirt, sand, and rust to prevent clogging), a Carbon Block (removing chlorine, VOCs, and harmful chemicals affecting taste and odour), and Anti-Scale Media (which protects the reverse osmosis membrane from scale buildup, extending the system's lifespan).

• Top Inline Membrane Filter: This is the most effective stage in removing toxins from your water supply. Certified by NSF International to Standard 58, this high-performance RO membrane meets strict public health and safety requirements. It reduces up to 99% of contaminants, eliminating microplastics, fluoride, dissolved salts, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), lead, heavy metals, nitrates, arsenic, and chlorine byproducts.

• Cartridge Housing 2 (Final Polishing): Because the membrane strips the water bare, this final stage adds essential minerals back in to balance the pH, creating mildly alkaline water (pH 7-8) that enhances hydration. A final pass through premium coconut carbon removes any lingering tastes or odours, giving you crystal-clear water.

No single filter on your mains water line is a magic bullet for microscopic particles. The absolute best strategy is a combined approach: a whole house filtration system to clean the bulk of the water used for bathing, combined with an undersink 6-stage RO system featuring a top inline membrane filter to capture up to 99% of sub-micron plastics and toxins for your drinking water. PLUS, these dedicated systems come complete with a leak stop anti-leak detector for your total peace of mind.

When microplastics are discussed, the conversation usually focuses solely on drinking water. However, a whole house filtration system treats all the water entering your property. This means you are also filtering the water used for:

• Showering and bathing

• Cooking and food preparation

• Laundry

• Brushing teeth and everyday household use

Additional Benefits of Whole House Filtration:

• Better Water Quality Throughout the Home: Every tap runs clear and clean.

• Reduced Sediment: Prevents dirt, rust, and larger plastics from clogging your showerheads.

• Improved Taste and Odour: Removes the harsh smell of municipal chlorine.

• Protection for Plumbing and Appliances: Stops grit and particles from wearing down your washing machine and hot water system.

From the moment the water enters the filter to the clean, healthy water that flows from your faucet, every aspect of the ULTRAPURE whole house system has been designed to deliver simplicity, reliability, and hassle-free maintenance.

Unlike other systems with complicated connections and numerous inline cartridges, the ULTRAPURE system eliminates these complexities. There are no messy push-in tubes to worry about; everything is securely contained in robust 10” housings. Replacing cartridges is a breeze: simply remove the housing, swap the old cartridge for the new one, and reinstall without complicated procedures or leaks.

ULTRAPURE ULTIMATE Home Filtration System with Super Seal Cartridges & Undersink Pure Drinking Water System

Best For:

• Families seeking comprehensive, no-compromise filtration.

• Homeowners wanting whole-home protection plus dedicated purified drinking water.

• Consumers highly concerned about emerging contaminants like microplastics, PFAS, and heavy metals.

Why It Works:

• Whole-Home Protection: Heavy-duty main line filtration captures the bulk of sediment and chemicals for the water used throughout the home.

• Advanced 6-Stage Drinking Water Purification: Bundled with our Toxic Contaminant Removal Reverse Osmosis system, your drinking water passes through the 3-in-1 cartridge and the NSF-58 certified top inline membrane filter, eliminating up to 99% of microplastics, fluoride, lead, and dissolved salts.

• Built to Last: Made with solid construction and premium components, this system is designed to withstand years of daily use, ensuring you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your water quality.

This is the best whole house water filter for families concerned about microplastics and overall drinking water quality.

ULTRAPURE Home Filtration System with Super Seal Cartridges & Undersink Pure Drinking Water System

Best For:

• Everyday family homes.

• Homeowners wanting comprehensive filtration at a lower investment level.

• Households looking for an exceptional balance of performance and value.

Why It Works:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Delivers strong whole-home filtration to catch physical particulate contaminants, sediment, and chlorine across all bathrooms and appliances.

• Dedicated Drinking Water Filtration: It comes equipped with the same user-friendly undersink RO system. Featuring the 3-in-1 housing and the top inline membrane filter, it provides up to 99% reduction of microplastics and toxins where you fill your glass, finishing with a mineralising pass for pH 7-8 alkaline water.

• Peace of Mind: Complete with the leak stop anti-leak detector and easy-to-change cartridges, it is a practical, reliable solution for reducing exposure to particulate contaminants without breaking the bank.

This is the best value whole house filtration system for homeowners looking to reduce microplastic exposure and improve overall water quality.

Important Note: For households deeply concerned about microplastics, relying on just one type of filter isn't enough. A combination of whole house filtration (for general use and appliance protection) and dedicated drinking water filtration equipped with a top inline membrane filter provides the most comprehensive approach to health and safety.

Filtration is highly effective, but reducing microplastics also involves making small lifestyle adjustments:

• Use Reusable Glass or Stainless Steel Containers: Swap out plastic water bottles and Tupperware for glass or stainless steel to prevent plastics from leaching into your food and water.

• Reduce Single-Use Plastic Use: Cutting down on plastic bags and wrappers helps reduce the overall environmental plastic load.

• Maintain Water Filters Properly: A filter is only as good as its cartridge. A clogged filter or an expired reverse osmosis membrane can lose its effectiveness. The ULTRAPURE's quick and easy cartridge replacement design makes this a breeze.

• Replace Cartridges on Schedule: Always follow the manufacturer's recommended timeline for replacing filter media to ensure microscopic pores don't become overwhelmed.

• Choose High-Quality Filtration Systems: Hardware store filters often have loose tolerances. Choose well-engineered systems designed to withstand years of daily use.

Key Takeaways:

• Microplastics have become an increasingly discussed water quality concern worldwide, detected in everything from bottled water to municipal tap water.

• Whole house filtration acts as an excellent frontline defense, helping to reduce larger particulate contaminants, sediment, and chemicals throughout the home.

• Dedicated drinking water filtration, specifically 6-stage systems utilising a top inline RO membrane, provides the most effective stage for toxin removal, reducing up to 99% of microplastics, heavy metals, and dissolved salts.

• A combined whole-home and drinking water filtration approach is the most comprehensive and hassle-free solution for households looking to reduce their exposure to microplastics and improve overall water quality.

Taking control of your water quality is one of the best investments you can make for your family's daily well-being. Assess your current water quality today, and explore whole house filtration solutions that support cleaner, healthier water throughout your entire home.