Melbourne is the second-most populous city in Australia and has the beautiful Yarra River flowing through its city. It has been designed and built along the river and expands north towards the ranges rather than along the shoreline.
Melbourne Water
One of the best things about Melbourne is the quality of its water.
It is one of the places in the world with protected water catchments.
Who Controls Our Drinking Water?
Much of the water supply in the city is controlled by the Government of Victoria via Melbourne Water.
Six water supply plants serve the city, and these water treatment plants have different ways of treating the water. The water treatment process depends on the nature of the existing water.
For example, in Greenvale, treatment is only done through chlorination, while in Cardinia and Silvan, water always has fluoride added.
Melbourne Water Quality
Water treatment by our Government successfully removes the most dangerous bacteria and viruses from our drinking water.
However, with such substantial treatment facilities and the environment impacting our water daily, our health may still be at risk.
While drinking water coming out of your taps may look clear, lab analysis proves the presence of the following contaminants in your water:
Chlorine - used to disinfect the water and remove harmful contaminants.
WARNING: In high levels, chlorine can cause stomach problems, irritation on the skin and even increase the risk of cancer if it’s consumed in high volumes.
More: Chlorination, Are You Sure Your Drinking Water is Safe?
Fluoride - is added as a health requirement to promote the prevention of tooth decay.
WARNING: Excess fluoride in water may cause dental fluorosis that may lead to brittle bones and teeth.
For more: Should You Be Worried About Fluoride In Your Drinking Water?
Arsenic - is a natural element that is found in the Earth’s soil.
WARNING: High levels of arsenic in tap water can be a severe health risk. Arsenic can cause bladder, lung, skin, kidney, and liver cancer.
For more: Arsenic in Water: Its Effects and How to Get Rid of It.
Copper - promotes good health in low levels.
WARNING: When high amounts of copper makes its way into your water, it can cause nausea, headaches and gastric discomfort.
For more: Health Risk of Copper In Drinking Water.
Lead - can naturally occur in water, or increased amounts make their way into our drinking water from household plumbing which contains lead.
WARNING: It can lead to many health risks and complications, especially in pregnant women and children.
For more: Did You Know Everyday You and Your Family are at Risk of Lead Poisoning?
And there are many more chemicals hiding in tap water.
WARNING
The greatest challenge is the problem with pesticides!
Pesticides used by farmers seep into the groundwater or are carried by runoff water to the streams that lead to reservoirs. Significant levels of these types of chemicals have been detected in the Yarra River, the primary source of Melbourne’s drinking water.
There have been a lot of questions asking, “Is Yarra water safe to drink?”
These are just some of the farm chemicals that get into streams and reservoirs.
There's A Solution For YOU
The Water Corp treatment process does their best to make our water sanitary, but some things are simply are out of their control.
Melbourne Water Treatment ultimately comes down to you.
The Water Corp treatment process does their best to make our water sanitary, but some things are simply are out of their control.
You have some options to take back control and to make your home water in Melbourne safe and clean:
- Buy filtered water
- Install water filters
Buying water in containers from your local supermarket is one option but it can be expensive and impractical in the long run.
Installing home water filters is an economical option.
The best water filters remove all impurities and kill microorganisms without adding anything to the water. They convert tap water into safe, clean, pure water.
Properly filtered water is entirely safe. It doesn’t leave scale on the inner surfaces of kettles. It doesn’t leave spots on glass and is an excellent rinsing agent.
Where To Get Your Water Filter
You can purchase water filters all over Australia. However, not all water filters are certified.
Always check with the retailer if their products have been tested and certified regarding the health guidelines. And the question is, can they back up their claims with lab test results?
These days you can purchase good quality water filters here online. My Water Filter’s products have all passed the health certifications, plus we deliver to your door for free.
If you’re looking for the best water filters in Melbourne, you have come to the right place!
Benchtop systems are great for renters and people who move around and Under Sink Systems are perfect for homeowners and people who are looking for more permanent solutions for the kitchen.
If you have any questions or require help choosing the best water filter solution for your home, please feel free to contact us.