Hawke’s Bay, with its beautiful landscapes and thriving community, is a fantastic place to call home. But when it comes to the water coming out of our taps, sometimes we have questions. Is it as pure as it could be? Could it taste better? And what kind of water filter should I even think about getting?
If you’ve ever pondered these questions; you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about water filtration in Hawke’s Bay, helping you find the perfect solution for your home and family.
What Kind of Water Filtration System is Right for Me and My Hawke’s Bay Home?
Choosing a water filter can feel overwhelming because there are so many options available. Let’s break down the most common types and what they’re best at:
- Jug Filters: These are the simplest and most affordable option. They’re great for improving taste and removing chlorine, but they don’t remove everything. Think of them as a good starting point for better-tasting water. Perfect for renters or those on a tight budget.
- Fridge Filters: Some fridges can be plumbed into your home, giving you chilled and filtered drinking water on demand. These fridges are a good solution for better tasting drinking water, but still need to be maintained including regular filter changes to keep your drinking water clean.
- Under-Sink Filters: These are installed under your kitchen sink and provide filtered water through a separate tap. They can remove a wide range of contaminants. A great option for those who want cleaner, healthier water for drinking and cooking.
- Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems: As the name suggests, these filter all the water entering your home. This means cleaner water for showering, laundry, and even washing dishes! While they’re the most comprehensive option, they’re also the most expensive. A good choice if you’re concerned about the overall quality of your water supply.
Consider your needs: Think about your budget, how much water you use, and what you’re hoping to remove from your water. If you’re mainly concerned about taste and odour, a jug or fridge water filter might be sufficient. If you’re worried about specific contaminants, an under-sink or whole-house system might be a better choice.
For Hawke’s Bay homeowners, considering the specific challenges of our local water supply is key. Read our blog How to Filter Your Water in Hawke’s Bay for more information.
Do I Need to Test My Water Quality, and How Do I Do It?
Testing your water is a crucial first step: you might be surprised by what you find. While Hawke’s Bay water is generally safe, it’s always best to be informed.
- Why test? A water test can identify any contaminants that might be present in your water, such as chemicals, bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals. This information will help you choose the right filtration system for your needs. Performing a water test could be particularly important if you rely on rainwater tanks or a bore or well for your water supply.
- How to test: Read our blog Is my tap water safe to drink? where we share all the information you need to know about your water quality in Hawke’s Bay. We’ve included links to the local council website where they share information on what’s currently being added to our Hawke’s Bay drinking water.
Looking for the right water filtration system for your home? Our experts can help you match the needs of your household to your budget, and make sure you’ve got a maintenance plan in place to look after your water filtration system for years to come. Find out more on our website.
How Does Household Water Filtration Work?
Different water filters use different methods to remove contaminants. Here are some of the most common:
- Mechanical Filtration: This involves using a physical barrier, like a filter, to trap particles and sediment. Think of it like a sieve for your water.
- Activated Carbon Filtration: Activated carbon is a material that removes many contaminants, including chlorine, pesticides, and herbicides. This is a common method for improving taste and odour.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO uses pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes a wide range of contaminants, including minerals, salts, and heavy metals. RO systems are very effective but can be more expensive.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection: UV light kills bacteria and viruses in water. This is a common method for disinfecting water from wells or other untreated sources.
Explore the different types of water filtration in more detail in our article: How does a water filter work?
Need help maintaining your water filter? Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your water filter is working effectively and to protect the investment you’ve made in your system. Contact East Coast Plumbing and Gas today and talk to us about our Water Filtration System Maintenance Service.
Choosing the right technology: The best filtration technology for you will depend on the specific contaminants you need to remove. A water test will help you determine which technology is most appropriate or contact our team for help testing your water supply.
Will adding a Water Filtration System really make a difference?
If you’ve been buying bottled water or battling with the taste of the water coming from your taps – you might be wondering if a Water Filtration System is a better choice.
We interviewed an East Coast Plumbing and Gas customer who has loved his water filtration system so much – he installed it twice. That’s right – he installed it once in his original Hawke’s Bay home and again when he moved to his new Napier home. That’s how much he valued the taste of his fresh clean-tasting water and the positive impact of getting his mains supply filtered.
Your local water filtration experts
For tailored advice and professional installation, contact East Coast Plumbing and Gas. We can assess your needs, recommend the right system, and ensure it’s installed correctly.
Find out more about our Water Filtration Systems and the maintenance service we offer. We recommend Puretec Water Filtration Systems for the highest quality and the best value for your water filtration needs.
Investing in a water filtration system is an investment in your family’s health and well-being. By understanding the different types of systems available, testing your water, and choosing the right technology, you can enjoy clean, healthy, and great-tasting water in your Hawke’s Bay home.