What's in Brisbane tap water?
Brisbane and South East Queensland are supplied by SEQ Water. The treatment plants use chloramine as a residual disinfectant, add fluoride, and filter out most sediment. What arrives at your tap still contains a mix of chemicals and particulates that can affect taste, skin, health and appliance life.
Chloramine
Used in SEQ instead of chlorine. Longer-lasting disinfectant, but harder to filter and can irritate skin.
PFAS (forever chemicals)
Detected in multiple Queensland catchments. Doesn't break down in the body or environment.
Fluoride
Added at 0.6–1.1 mg/L. Removed reliably only by reverse osmosis at the residential level.
Microplastics
Found in ~93% of tap water samples in a WHO-referenced global study.
Sediment & rust
Old and shared pipework in older Brisbane suburbs releases fine sediment and iron oxide.
Heavy metals
Lead, copper and mercury can leach from ageing plumbing, especially in older homes.
Filtration vs Reverse Osmosis — what's the difference?
Standard filtration uses activated carbon and sediment media to remove chlorine, chloramine, sediment, taste and odour. It's excellent for whole-home protection where you want better water at every tap and shower.
Reverse osmosis (RO) pushes water through a semi-permeable 0.0001 micron membrane. It removes almost everything — including PFAS, fluoride, heavy metals, microplastics and dissolved solids. It's the gold standard for drinking water and installs neatly under your sink.
"If you drink it, cook with it or give it to your kids — reverse osmosis. If it enters your home — whole-home filtration. Most Brisbane families choose both."
— Alpine Home Filtration recommendation
Why bottled water isn't the answer
Bottled water feels like a solution, but it's expensive (~$1,800/year for a family of 4), creates staggering plastic waste, and independent studies have found microplastics in the majority of major bottled brands. It also has to be lugged home, stored, and remembered.
Health benefits of filtered and alkaline water
- • Better hydration — cleaner-tasting water means your family actually drinks more
- • Reduced chemical exposure over decades of daily use
- • Softer skin and hair, especially in whole-home systems
- • Improved digestion and gut comfort for many customers
- • Cleaner coffee, tea and cooking — chefs use filtered water for a reason
- • No more plastic bottles in the house
PFAS in Brisbane — what families should know
PFAS are a group of ~9,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick coatings, firefighting foam and waterproof fabrics. They've been detected in Queensland water supplies. Because they bioaccumulate — they don't break down in the body — many Brisbane families are choosing reverse osmosis specifically to remove them. The science on long-term health effects is still emerging, but the precautionary principle is why we exist.
Ready to know exactly what's in your water?
Get a Free Quote for Your Home →What Watermark certification means
Watermark is the mandatory Australian certification for plumbing products connected to drinking water. It confirms the product has been independently tested for materials, performance and safety. Every Alpine system carries it — anything without it shouldn't be in your home.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brisbane tap water safe to drink?＋
Brisbane tap water meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, but 'meets guidelines' isn't the same as pure. It still contains chloramine, fluoride, trace PFAS, sediment and disinfection by-products. Whether that's acceptable for your family is a personal decision — filtration gives you control.
What's the difference between filtration and reverse osmosis?＋
Standard filtration (carbon, KDF, sediment) removes chlorine, sediment, taste and odour. Reverse osmosis goes further — it pushes water through a 0.0001 micron membrane that removes dissolved solids like PFAS, fluoride, heavy metals and microplastics. RO is the gold standard for drinking water.
What is chloramine and why does it matter in Brisbane?＋
South East Queensland uses chloramine (chlorine + ammonia) instead of chlorine because it lasts longer in pipes. It's harder to remove with standard filters, can dry out skin and hair, and gives water a distinct taste. Our systems use catalytic carbon designed for chloramine.
Are PFAS in Queensland water?＋
PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected in multiple Queensland water sources at levels below regulatory limits. Because they accumulate in the body and don't break down, many families choose to remove them anyway. Reverse osmosis is one of the only residential methods proven to reduce PFAS.
Does bottled water solve this?＋
Not really. Bottled water is expensive (~$1,800/year for a family of 4), creates huge plastic waste, and studies show most bottled water contains microplastics. Many bottled brands are simply filtered tap water.
What is Watermark certification?＋
Watermark is Australia's plumbing product certification. It confirms a product is safe for connection to Australia's drinking water supply. Every Alpine system is Watermark certified — no exceptions.
How often do filters need replacing?＋
Sediment and carbon filters every 6–12 months. RO membranes every 2–3 years. Alpine handles the whole cycle for you.
Do I need a plumber to install one?＋
Yes, and QBCC licensing is required in Queensland. Every Alpine install is completed by our licensed team — included in the price.
Will filtered water taste different?＋
Yes — softer, cleaner, no chemical aftertaste. Alkaline systems add a subtle sweetness and higher pH.
Is filtered water better for cooking?＋
Definitely. Clean water changes the taste of tea, coffee, rice, pasta and soups. Chefs swear by it.
Can filtration help with skin conditions?＋
Many customers report improvements in eczema and dry skin after installing whole-home systems that remove chloramine. We're not doctors — but the feedback is consistent.