Purified Water vs Desalinated Water: What’s Best for Sydney?

As Sydney keeps growing, so do concerns about the water coming out of our taps. Many locals have noticed a change in taste and wanted to know what’s really in the water they’re drinking every day. With aging pipes and a system that doesn’t always deliver consistent quality, it’s no surprise people are looking for safer, more reliable options. So for this two names usually come up: purified water and desalinated water. But which one is actually better for your health, home, and peace of mind?

Here’s a closer look, with Sydney in focus.

What Actually Is Purified Water?

Purified water refers to water that has undergone advanced filtration methods to remove up to 99% of contaminants. This includes chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, chemicals, and microorganisms. Techniques like reverse osmosis, carbon block filtration, UV treatment, and multi-stage filter systems are commonly used in Sydney homes.

Most whole house water filtration systems and under sink water filters fall into this category. They’re designed to treat municipal tap water in Sydney  and make it safe, clean, and better in taste.

Benefits of Purified Water

  • Healthier drinking water: Removes harmful chemicals and toxins that may affect gut health, skin, and immunity.
  • Better taste and smell: Gets rid of chlorine taste and sulphur-like odours often found in tap water.
  • Appliance protection: Prevents scale build-up in kettles, coffee machines, and fridges.
  • Eco-friendly: Eliminates the need for bottled water at home.

What Is Desalinated Water?

Desalinated water comes from the ocean and is processed at facilities like the Sydney Desalination Plant in Kurnell. This water is treated using reverse osmosis at a massive scale, removing salt and other impurities before it’s blended back into the city’s water supply.

It plays a key role during droughts or low dam levels, acting as a safety net for Sydney’s growing demand. However, desalinated water is not necessarily the cleanest or most cost-effective option for your home tap.

Concerns with Desalinated Water

  • Energy-intensive: Desalination consumes large amounts of electricity, increasing carbon emissions.
  • Flat taste: Many people report that desalinated water tastes less “natural” than filtered rainwater or purified municipal water.
  • Not always available: The plant is used intermittently, depending on rainfall and dam levels, so the quality and source of water can vary.

What’s the Best Option for Sydney Residents?

For Sydney residents, purified water is generally the better choice over desalinated water when it comes to everyday health and safety. While desalinated water is treated at a municipal level, it can still carry traces of chlorine, fluoride, and other additives used in large-scale processing. 

Here is the comparison for better understanding:

FeaturePurified WaterDesalinated Water
Treatment LocationAt home (point of use)Centralized (municipal facility)
Control Over QualityFull control at homeNo direct control once supplied
Chlorine & AdditivesCan be removedOften still present
TasteClean, fresh tasteMay taste flat or chemically treated
Health SuitabilityBetter for infants, elderly, sensitive usersMay not suit those with sensitivities
Environmental ImpactLow (if using home filtration)High energy use, brine waste
ConsistencyVery consistent if maintained properlyCan vary depending on supply conditions
Peace of MindHigh — you know exactly what you’re drinkingLower — depends on municipal processes

Best Solutions for Purified Water at Home

To ensure your water is as clean and healthy as possible, consider the following systems from Filpure:

1. Whole House Water Filtration Systems

Protect your entire home, from kitchen to bathroom, with multi-stage filters that remove chlorine, sediment, and odours. It is ideal for Sydney suburbs with pipe-related contamination or hard water issues.

2. Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Systems

These under-sink filters remove up to 99.9% of total dissolved solids, fluoride, lead, and viruses. Great for drinking and cooking.

3. Alkaline Water Filters

These not only purify your water but also raise the pH for better hydration and potential health benefits like improved digestion and reduced acidity.

4. Benchtop Water Filters and Water Coolers

They are compact, convenient, and perfect for apartments or small offices, providing clean, chilled, or hot water on demand.

Final Thoughts

While desalinated water is a vital part of Sydney’s water supply strategy, it isn’t the most practical or health-focused solution for everyday drinking. For families who care about long-term health and water quality, installing a water filtration system offers far more benefits.At Filpure, we help Sydney homes achieve cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water every single day with free delivery across Sydney, expert advice, and products built for Australian water conditions.

Get Your Water Filter Today – Because Health Can’t Wait!

Prioritize your health — get your water filter today and start living a healthier life. Pure water in every sip, better living every day!

FROM THE AUTHOR

author

Hi, I’m Fred!

With over 50,000 customers across Australia, we know you will appreciate our quality products and customer service. Have a question about information or products featured in this post? Leave a comment or contact us today, we’d love to help!