The Ultimate Guide to
Understanding Water Filtration
Everything you need to know about water quality, filtration tech, and how to choose the right solution for your home. Back by science, simplified for everyone.
Understanding Hard Water vs Soft Water
The foundation of choosing the right water filter for your home
Hard Water
High mineral content (150+ mg/L)
High calcium & magnesium
Causes scale buildup
Dries skin and hair
Common in SA & WA
Soft Water
Low mineral content (0-60 mg/L)
Low calcium & magnesium
No scale buildup
Gentle on skin
Common in VIC & TAS
Moderately Hard
Medium mineral content (60-150 mg/L)
Balanced minerals
Mild scale issues
Manageable effects
Common in NSW & QLD
Tap Filtration vs Shower Filtration
Why They're Different
Understanding the unique requirements and benefits of each filtration type
Tap Water Filtration
Drinking Water Focus
- Removes contaminants for safe consumption
Slower Flow Rate
- Allows thorough filtration for drinking quality
Comprehensive Removal
- Targets dissolved solids, bacteria, and chemicals
Cold Water Optimised
- Designed for room temperature water
Show Water Filtration
Skin & Hair Health Focus
- Removes chlorine and minerals that damage skin
High Flow Rate
- Maintains water pressure for comfortable showers
Hot Water Compatible
- Works effectively with heated water
Chlorine & Scale Focus
- Targets skin-damaging chemicals and minerals
Independent Testing by AWQC
The Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC) conducted comprehensive testing of our QuadraFlow system using Adelaide tap water. Here are the verified results.
Contaminant Removal Efficiency
Verified reduction rates for key water quality parameters
Free Chlorine
1.2 mg/L → 0.1 mg/L
Total Hardness
156 mg/L → 89 mg/L CaCO₃
Total Dissolved Solids
285 mg/L → 198 mg/L
Heavy Metals
Lead, Copper & Iron
Essential Mineral Retention
Maintains beneficial minerals while removing harmful contaminants.
Calcium & Magnesium
Essential for bone health and enzyme function
Beneficial Trace Minerals
Zinc, selenium, and other essential elements
pH Balance
Optimised for skin and hair health
Water Filtration Processes Explained
Click each process to learn how it works and which Australian states benefit most
Reverse Osmosis
Forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks contaminants while allowing pure water molecules to pass through.
Pros
- Removes 99% of dissolved solids
- Eliminates bacteria and viruses
- Reduces heavy metals
- Very pure water output
Cons
- Removes beneficial minerals
- Slow filtration rate
- Wastes 3-4L per 1L filtered
- Expensive maintenance
Best for: SA, WA
Ideal for extremely hard water areas where comprehensive mineral removal is needed.
Sediment Filtration
Uses physical barriers (typically 1-50 micron) to trap visible particles, sediment, rust, and larger contaminants.
Pros
- Removes visible particles
- Protects other filters
- Improves water clarity
- Low maintenance
Cons
- No chemical removal
- No chlorine reduction
- Limited contaminant range
- Purely physical filtration
Best for: QLD, NSW
Essential in areas with older infrastructure where sediment and rust are common issues.
Vitamin C Filter
Uses ascorbic acid to neutralise chlorine and chloramines through a chemical reaction, converting them to harmless compounds.
Pros
Gentle on sensitive skin
Neutralizes chloramines
Natural process
Good for eczema sufferers
Cons
Limited to chlorine removal
Needs frequent replacement
More expensive per use
Temperature sensitive
Best for: All states
Beneficial everywhere, especially for sensitive skin conditions common across Australia.
Activated Carbon
Uses highly porous carbon with massive surface area to trap chlorine, chemicals, and organic compounds through adsorption.
Pros
- Excellent chlorine removal
- Improves taste and odor
- Retains beneficial minerals
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Limited heavy metal removal
- Needs regular replacement
- Less effective on dissolved solids
- Can harbor bacteria if not maintained
Best for: VIC, TAS
Perfect for softer water areas where chlorine removal is the primary concern.
KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion)
Uses copper-zinc alloy media that creates an electrochemical reaction to remove heavy metals, chlorine, and inhibit bacterial growth.
Pros
Removes heavy metals
Inhibits bacterial growth
Long-lasting media
Works in hot water
Cons
- More expensive initially
- Limited organic compound removal
- Requires specific water conditions
- Can affect water pH
Best for: SA, WA
Crucial for hard water states where heavy metal contamination and scale prevention are priorities.
Standard Carbon Filter
Standard granular activated carbon that provides basic chlorine removal and taste/odor improvement.
Pros
Affordable option
Easy to replace
Improves basic taste
Widely available
Cons
- Limited filtration capacity
- Short lifespan
- Inconsistent performance
- Basic protection only
Best for: VIC, TAS
Suitable for areas with already good water quality needing basic improvement.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Try our Piora Filtered Showerhead risk free today.
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Transforming shower experiences across South Australia and Western Australia with pure, filtered water.
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