Generally, people living in major Australian cities and also in many parts of regional Australia, do not require a filter to meet health requirements because of the quality of water supplied.
Filters can change the aesthetic quality and taste of drinking water. Installing a filter for these reasons is a matter of choice.
Those people who choose to install a filter should make sure that it meets their specific needs and is properly maintained.
Maintenance of a water filter is very importance from a health perspective. If the filter is not changed frequently, a build up of microorganisms or chemicals may be released back into the water resulting in worse, not better quality, water.
The Australian Consumers' Association magazine “Choice” published an article on water filters in February 2003. According to the “Choice” article most Australians usually do not have to worry about the quality of their drinking water. The article can be viewed at www.choice.com.au (enter “water filters” in the ‘Search' field)
Where there is a concern about any aspect of the quality of the local water supply, it is advisable to contact the water supplier in the first instance.
Consumer's Guide to Drinking Water - May 2006