The Essential Guard: Why Your Home Needs a High-Quality Water Filtration System.

The journey of the water drop

Many people do not think about the journey the water has been on to reach your tap. Generally, it is a complex process that involves multiple steps. This journey can vary depending on your geographical location and the source of your water, but generally, it follows a similar path.

Whatever the journey is, it does not matter if you know the final stage — our 3 stage Ultrafiltration system ensures safe, healthy water — continuously.

Throughout this path the water is treated with various chemicals for many reasons, such as flocculation to remove sediments, chlorination to kill bacteria and commonly treated with fluoride to help prevent tooth decay. It then travels through a network of pipes to reach your tap. Predominantly, these pipes are very old and corroded and, in some cases, even made of lead, which poses a threat in itself.

The contaminants in our water, and why an adequate filter system should remove them

Chlorine – When chlorine is added to water, it reacts with organic and inorganic matter in the water, such as decaying vegetation and other natural substances. This reaction leads to the formation of various disinfection by-products (DBPs), the most common groups being trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).

Health effects of DBPs:

• Cancer risk: Several studies have shown that certain DBPs are linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bladder cancer. The risk is associated with long-term exposure to high levels of these chemicals.
• Reproductive issues: Exposure to high levels of DBPs has also been linked to reproductive problems, including miscarriages and birth defects.
• Respiratory issues: Inhalation of vapours containing chlorine and DBPs during activities like showering can potentially lead to respiratory issues.

Fluoride – Fluoride is a mineral commonly added to public water supplies and dental products like toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. While fluoride is effective at promoting dental health, there is ongoing debate and research into the potential side effects of long-term fluoride consumption, particularly when it is ingested in large quantities.

• Dental fluorosis: The most common side effect of excessive fluoride intake, especially during the early years of tooth development. Teeth may exhibit mild discolouration with white specks or streaks, and in severe cases brown stains or pitting. Primarily a cosmetic issue that occurs during tooth development before the teeth break through the gums.
• Skeletal fluorosis: Much rarer, resulting from long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride, typically from contaminated water or severe environmental pollution. It leads to pain and damage to bones and joints, and in severe cases changes to bone structure, calcification of ligaments and reduced joint mobility.
• Thyroid problems: Some evidence suggests excessive fluoride intake could be linked to impaired thyroid function, potentially resulting in hypothyroidism — fatigue, weight gain and low mood.
• Neurological effects: Some studies, particularly in regions with endemic fluoride exposure from drinking water, suggest a potential link between high fluoride levels and developmental neurological issues, including an association with lowered IQ scores in children. These findings are subject to ongoing debate and require further investigation.
• Other effects: Gastrointestinal problems when fluoride supplements are taken on an empty stomach, and possibly an increased risk of bone fractures.

Nitrates – The primary source of high nitrate levels in New Zealand is intensive agricultural practice, particularly dairy farming. Synthetic fertilisers and the disposal of animal waste contribute to nitrate pollution, especially in regions with high dairy farm concentrations such as Canterbury and Southland.

• Methaemoglobinaemia: The most immediate and severe health risk from high nitrate levels in drinking water, commonly known as “blue baby syndrome”. It primarily affects infants under six months, when nitrates interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
• Cancer: Ongoing research into the potential link between nitrates in drinking water and an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, because nitrates can form nitrosamines in the digestive system.
• Other health issues: High nitrate levels might also contribute to thyroid disorders and chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, though these associations require further study. Our blog on nitrates dives into this issue.

PFAS – The forever chemicals — more here.

The solution

A high-quality filter system with the right specs can significantly reduce exposure to these contaminants and thousands of others.

Generally, systems with slower flow rates and a dedicated tap will always outperform higher-flow systems, because the water has longer exposure to the active stages. Most whole-house systems only filter to 5–10 micron with GAC filters — great at removing sediment and chlorine, not effective at removing fluoride, nitrates, parasites and bacteria.

Activated block carbon is the most effective method of adsorption for chemical contaminants.

Reverse osmosis is generally the most effective method for removing contaminants; its drawback is that it also removes healthy minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium), which is why our RO Mineral+ adds them back.

Our UFX3 system is specifically designed for the New Zealand water supply: two activated carbon block stages, a poly sediment stage and an ultrafiltration 0.01-micron membrane. It is highly efficient at reducing chlorine, chloramine, rust, VOCs, lead and other heavy metals, parasites and bacteria. Lab tested in New Zealand, this system has proven significant reductions in nitrate-N.

Take control of your water quality. Compare every type of water filter for NZ homes here.