Is Filtered Tap Water Better for Babies and Baby Formula?

For making up baby formula in Australia, the official advice is to use fresh tap water that’s been boiled and then cooled. Filtered tap water can make that water taste better and reduce chlorine, sediment and microplastics, but for young babies it still needs to be boiled — and standard carbon filters leave beneficial fluoride in place.

This is general information, not medical advice — always follow the instructions on your formula tin and your child health nurse’s guidance.

What water should you use for formula?

The Raising Children Network (funded by the Australian Government) advises:

• Boil fresh tap water and let it cool to lukewarm (about body temperature) before mixing — this takes at least 30 minutes.
• You can store cooled boiled water in sterilised, sealed bottles in the fridge and use within 24 hours.
• Always follow the measuring instructions on the formula tin.

Boiling matters for young babies because their immune systems are still developing, so the priority is killing any microbes — something filtering alone doesn’t guarantee.

Where does filtering fit in?

Filtered water isn’t a replacement for boiling, but it has real benefits for families:

• Better taste and less chlorine in the water you drink and cook with all day.
• Less sediment and microplastics reaching your glass.
• Helps reduce PFAS and trace metals.

For formula specifically: filter first if you like, then still boil and cool the water for babies under 12 months.

What about fluoride?

Most Australian mains water is fluoridated for dental health. Standard activated-carbon filters like PureFlow target taste, odour and contaminants and do not remove fluoride, so your family keeps that benefit. (Reverse-osmosis systems do remove fluoride — carbon tap filters don’t.)

Where a tap filter fits in

Filtering is optional rather than essential for safety on Australian mains water. If you do want to cut chlorine taste, sediment and microplastics, a point-of-use activated-carbon filter is one simple, low-cost option. PureFlow is one such tap-mounted filter, but the right choice depends on your water and your household — it is worth comparing the options and deciding what suits you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use filtered water for baby formula without boiling?
For babies under 12 months, Australian guidance is to boil and cool the water first, even if it’s filtered.

Does a tap filter remove fluoride?
No — activated-carbon tap filters leave fluoride in. Only reverse osmosis or special media remove it.

Is Australian tap water safe for babies?
Mains water meets strict guidelines; for infants it’s boiled as an extra precaution. See is Australian tap water safe.