Tap vs Bottled vs Filter Jug vs Tap-Mounted Filter: Which Is Best?
For clean, great-tasting water at the lowest cost and least waste, a tap-mounted carbon filter wins. Bottled water tastes clean but is by far the most expensive and creates plastic waste; filter jugs are cheap to buy but slow and fiddly; plain tap water is cheapest but keeps the chlorine taste. Here’s the full comparison.
Cost per litre (the big difference)
- Unfiltered tap: ~0.3c per litre — cheapest, but chlorine taste remains.
- Tap-mounted filter: ~3–5c per litre — filtered on demand, minimal waste.
- Filter jug: ~10–15c per litre — slower, frequent cartridge changes.
- Bottled water: 40c–$1+ per litre — most expensive, lots of plastic.
Taste and contaminant reduction
Tap-mounted carbon filters and good bottled water both deliver clean taste. Filter jugs help with chlorine but vary in what else they reduce. Unfiltered tap leaves chlorine taste, sediment and microplastics in the glass.
Convenience and waste
- Tap filter: Always on, no fridge space, no plastic bottles, installs in minutes.
- Bottled: Heavy to carry, clutters the fridge, huge plastic footprint.
- Jug: Needs refilling and fridge space; you wait for it to drip through.
The verdict
If you want bottled-water taste at a fraction of the cost — with no plastic and nothing to refill — a tap-mounted carbon filter is the clear winner for most Australian households. Compare PureFlow →
Frequently asked questions
Is filtered tap water as good as bottled?
For taste and everyday drinking, a quality carbon filter gives comparable clean taste at a tiny fraction of the cost and without the plastic.
Are filter jugs worth it?
They’re a low-cost entry point, but slow, need frequent cartridge changes and take fridge space. A tap filter is more convenient long-term.
PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Australian Drinking Water: What You Need to Know
PFAS are a large family of synthetic “forever chemicals” that break down extremely slowly and can build up in water, the environment and the body over time. In June 2025 the NHMRC tightened the PFAS limits in Australia’s Drinking Water Guidelines. Activated-carbon filtration — like the carbon block in a tap filter — is one of the most accessible ways to help reduce common PFAS at the point you actually drink.
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals used for decades in non-stick, waterproof and stain-resistant products. They’re nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they barely degrade, so they linger in the environment and can accumulate over years.
Are PFAS in Australian tap water?
Australian mains water is treated and tested against national guidelines, and PFAS levels are regulated. But because these chemicals are so persistent and widespread, regulators are lowering the allowable limits — and many people choose to reduce their exposure further where they easily can.
What changed in 2025?
In June 2025 the NHMRC lowered the allowable PFAS levels for several common compounds (including PFOA and PFOS) in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines — a clear signal that long-term PFAS exposure is being taken seriously.
How do you reduce PFAS in drinking water?
Activated carbon is one of the most practical ways to help reduce common long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS at the tap. Reduction varies with water quality and PFAS type, so a point-of-use carbon filter isn’t a guarantee of complete removal — but it’s a sensible extra layer where it matters most: the water you drink. Read the full water guide →
Frequently asked questions
Does boiling remove PFAS?
No — boiling does not remove PFAS and can slightly concentrate them as water evaporates. Activated carbon is a better option for reducing them.
Does a carbon filter remove all PFAS?
Carbon helps reduce common long-chain PFAS, but reduction depends on water conditions and PFAS type, so it shouldn’t be considered complete removal.